As with any novella collection, I liked some more than others, but this collection trended in the way I like: I enjoyed the first novella, really likeAs with any novella collection, I liked some more than others, but this collection trended in the way I like: I enjoyed the first novella, really liked the second, and loved the third ... which left me with a very favorable impression of this book! Each story can be read in an hour or two - making for a great way to pass an evening! 4 stars.
The Wallflower's Dance
Friends falling in love is always fun to read about, so I liked the basic concept of this novella. But ... Denny was such an idiot that I struggled to root for him as a suitor for Lottie. I really didn't like how he didn't notice Lottie as a woman until other men did. Still, I liked the longstanding friendship between the two families, and the story came to a satisfying conclusion. 3 stars.
Letters to a Wallflower
Ellen & Aaron are perfect! This is such an enjoyable novella. I loved their scheme to pretend to court while actually falling in love. I haven't read too many fake relationship Regencies (marriage of convenience is far more common), and this one does the trope justice. 4 stars.
To Marry a Wallflower
Mistaken identity isn't often my favorite because I don't enjoy lying, but here? I loved it. Charlotte and Luke are both so inherently likeable, and their chemistry was fire. I loved every second I spent reading this story. 5 stars....more
I love a good wounded hero, and Brody McQuaid certainly fits the bill! Brody is so spiritually and emotionally crippled following his experiences in tI love a good wounded hero, and Brody McQuaid certainly fits the bill! Brody is so spiritually and emotionally crippled following his experiences in the Civil War, and, while his young niece helps pull him out of his fog, it's not until Savannah shows up on the scene that he truly begins to heal.
Savannah is fleeing an unwanted engagement when she encounters the McQuaids. While she helps Brody heal, he helps her to find her voice and overcome her people-pleasing tendencies. They truly are a perfect match.
So here's what I loved (as non-spoilery as possible): - Honesty is a Hallmark of Savannah and Brody's relationship - Sizzling chemistry and wonderful romantic scenes that never cross the line - A realistic villain (who you know will never win) - While Savannah helps Brody, it's very clear that the Lord is ultimately responsible for his healing - Check-ins with the other McQuaids, and a great setup for Ivy's story
I absolutely devoured this book! I'm glad I haven't read book two yet (I read A Cowboy for Keeps last year) because now I'll still be able to spend time with the McQuaids while I wait for Ivy's book! 5 stars.
Content note: Brody struggles with PTSD, which can be hard to read about. Also, a suicide attempt in the past is briefly discussed.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
I really like this devotional coloring book! There are 100 devotionals; you could work through them day by day or pick and choose depending on your chI really like this devotional coloring book! There are 100 devotionals; you could work through them day by day or pick and choose depending on your child's needs. (Or your needs; this is a devotional that I would enjoy as an adult, also!) Each devotional includes a Bible verse, devotional content, and a coloring page. While geared to kids 6-9, I think younger and older kids could enjoy this book - especially because the coloring pages vary from simple to intricate.
The book begins with a table of contents and helpful note to parents and also includes a couple crafts and other activities at the end. It looks like a very fun and very useful devotional for families!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
When I think about other time travel novels I've read, TV shows I've watched, etc., most are someone traveling from the present day to the past, someoWhen I think about other time travel novels I've read, TV shows I've watched, etc., most are someone traveling from the present day to the past, someone traveling from the past to the present, or someone traveling from the future to the present. When the Day Comes is different in that both timelines are set in the past. Libby is living in two timelines that are on the cusp of war: 1774 Williamsburg and 1914 New York. At first, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy two timelines in the past, but I loved every single thing about this novel!
The novel begins when Libby is 13 months shy of her 21st birthday, when she will decide which timeline to remain in for the rest of her life. Though she thinks she knows what she will choose, events in both timelines soon become complicated, throwing a wrench into her plans. Ultimately, she must learn to let God write her story, strange though it is.
I had such complicated feelings as I read - joy, sorrow, fear, revulsion. The first person point of view really serves Libby's story well. There are some big twists (some that I anticipated, others that I did not) and difficult topics, and everything comes together to create an incredibly satisfying novel. I'm thrilled that this is just the first book in the Timeless series, as I can't wait to revisit this world!
Content note: There are some difficult themes, including rape and abuse. Nothing is graphic.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Turn to Me has it all - sizzling romantic tension, an intriguing mystery (can we say treasure hunt???), a strong spiritual thread, check-ins with the Turn to Me has it all - sizzling romantic tension, an intriguing mystery (can we say treasure hunt???), a strong spiritual thread, check-ins with the couples from the previous books in the series, and, finally a B-plot love story for Ben (member of the "Miracle Five" who recently had his heart stomped on).
I've been really curious about bad-boy Luke from the beginning of this series, and I have to say his story didn't disappoint! I loved the romance between Luke and Finley, the humor with his foster puppy Agatha, the reunion with his family, and the reconciliation with the other members of the "Miracle Five."
Turn to Me is a wonderful conclusion to the Misty River series ... and now the wait commences for Wade's next novel.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Out of the Blue is a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, and moving on after tragedy. Four years after her husband's tragic death, Gwen isOut of the Blue is a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, and moving on after tragedy. Four years after her husband's tragic death, Gwen is still mired in grief and anger. When she learns that her grandfather has rented out their family campground - the camp she planned to sell - to a man who wants to run a camp for at-risk youth, she is livid. But Nate - and a special camper - slowly begin to tear down Gwen's walls.
Gwen is stubborn, prickly, and hurting. Nate sees the camp as his own redemption story. Both are imperfect and make mistakes. But they also learn and grow and make each other better. I love when characters grow throughout a novel, and that certainly happens here! Also, I appreciated how faith was woven into the story - it didn't feel shoehorned in, but it seemed like a natural progression.
And then there's the romance! Nate and Gwen have snapping chemistry, and watching them dance toward each other was a pleasure. Also, we'd better see more of these characters in the future, as I'm dying to know more about Nate's sister, as well as Gwen's friends!...more
Man, does Kelli Stuart write a good novel! I loved both Like a River from Its Course and A Silver Willow by the Shore, so when I heard she had a new nMan, does Kelli Stuart write a good novel! I loved both Like a River from Its Course and A Silver Willow by the Shore, so when I heard she had a new novel coming out, it made its way to the top of my TBR. What I didn't anticipate, though, was just how much fun I would have reading this book!
The Master Craftsman is a split time novel taking place in the early 1900's and the present. The present story centers around twenty-something Ava, who partners with her estranged, dying father, the famous treasure hunter Nick Laine, in his search for a secret Fabergé egg - one that has connections to their family. The story in the past is told from several perspectives, but mainly Karl Fabergé's, in the years leading up to and during the Russian Revolution.
I loved every second I spent reading this novel - even when it seemed a little too Mission Impossible/National Treasure/name your own adventure thriller and when I guessed two fairly big plot twists. Why wasn't I bothered? Because I loved the story, the history, the treasure hunt so much! This novel, while so much fun to read, isn't nearly as deep or difficult or affecting as the other Kelli Stuart novels I've read, which is just fine with me. It's a different type of story for a different type of day. But it's written just as well as her other novels, and the setting (in both time periods) feels completely authentic.
Also, I took way too many breaks while reading to look up various Fabergé eggs, and I also learned a little history along the way. I would call that a win - it's not often that a novel causes me to do more research on my own. 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana is a sweet second-chance romance set during the Christmas season. Paisley and Josh knew each other as teens but lost Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana is a sweet second-chance romance set during the Christmas season. Paisley and Josh knew each other as teens but lost touch after high school. When he turns up in Big Sky just before Christmas, he and Paisley reconnect. As Josh helps Paisley on her ranch in return for a temporary place to stay, they get closer, and their romance is both sweet and humorous.
While the novel is, of course, mainly a love story, the side characters really shine. I especially loved Dot and Annabel, two elderly best friends who run Big Sky's coffee shop. (If you've ever seen the wonderful Hallmark Christmas movie Matchmaker Santa, Dot and Annabel may seem familiar!) And then there's Sam, Josh's brother, who definitely deserves his own love story. (Apparently he got it in the next book in the series!)
I loved the romance. I loved the characters. But I did feel that the book went on maybe slightly too long - there are so. many. conflicts: disease, money trouble (for both main characters), domestic abuse, work conflicts. It's a lot for one book to hold, and I did find myself skimming/speed reading as I reached the last quarter of the book. Overall, though, I did enjoy the story, and I'm finding I'm a big fan of Angela Ruth Strong's writing style. I'm glad I read the book. Now bring on the movie!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Set in 1950, Bloomsbury Girls is the story of a bookshop in London - Bloomsbury Books - and the people who work there. While the novel focuses on the Set in 1950, Bloomsbury Girls is the story of a bookshop in London - Bloomsbury Books - and the people who work there. While the novel focuses on the shop's three female employees, Evie, Grace, and Vivien, from time to time the reader glimpses the story from a male employee's point of view.
Bloomsbury Books is managed by Mr. Dutton, an old-fashioned man (though not without his scandalous secrets) who set a list of rules to be followed at all times. Each of the short chapters in the novel is headed by one of those rules, and I loved seeing how the rules fit into the larger story.
Relationships, both good and bad, are the focus of the novel. Some long-standing and fraught with misunderstanding, others new and tentative - all have a profound impact on the characters. Each woman also gets a taste of romance, and I found Evie's and Grace's love stories to be so sweet.
Also, a quick mention of the audiobook - I went back and forth between the audio version and the ebook, and I found the narration to be delightful...and also too slow, even when I sped it up! Simply put, I can read a book much faster than I can listen to one, but if you are a fan of audio, you'll enjoy this.
Finally, I have to point out that there is a character list at the beginning, which always helps me immensely when I'm beginning a new book. (And the way Vivien is referenced made me chuckle.) 4 stars.
(Content note: Some sensitive themes, including sexual affairs, abuse, racism, and same-sex relationships, are included, though nothing is ever graphic in any way.)
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
This fictionalized account of Nellie Bly's undercover reporting about an insane asylum is so ... fun? It seems strange to talk about such a serious suThis fictionalized account of Nellie Bly's undercover reporting about an insane asylum is so ... fun? It seems strange to talk about such a serious subject in that way, but I really did enjoy every second I spent reading this novel!
The story starts with Nellie desperate to get a job with a New York newspaper. She soon comes up with the idea to get herself committed to Blackwell's, a women's insane asylum with a horrible reputation, and she convinces an editor that her story has merit.
Nellie's journey is fraught with danger - both physical and mental - as she seeks at first to gain information for her article but then quickly just fights to survive. The conditions she encounters are horrific, and the women she meets have stories that tear at her heart.
As this novel is based on a true story, I had no doubt that Nellie would make it out alive, but I still felt the tension and danger! I also finished the novel with a desire to learn more about the real Nellie. This is a fascinating story, and I'm so glad I read it. Also, just a heads up for anyone wondering, although the book description seems to tease a romance, this is not at all a romance novel. Nellie has a couple minor flirtations, but there's really no romantic storyline at all. 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
I finish this book with some seriously mixed feelings. It’s a quick, easy read, no doubt about it. I really enjoyed the story of three sisters escapinI finish this book with some seriously mixed feelings. It’s a quick, easy read, no doubt about it. I really enjoyed the story of three sisters escaping their evil stepfather and heading out into the world. Michelle, Jilly, and Laura are brilliant, and they have been specifically taught certain skills that will enable them to take over their father’s lumber business one day. Each girl will get 1/3 of the business upon her marriage or her 25th birthday, whichever comes first. But when their stepfather arranges marriages for them to evil men – men who will allow him to continue running the business – they hatch a plan to escape, find husbands they can control, and return to claim their inheritance.
The escape scene is frantic and fraught with danger, setting up what could be a thrilling adventure. Things slow down, though, as the sisters meet up with Parson Caleb Tillman and a group of missionaries heading for mining country to start a mission.
This book, while focusing on all three girls, is really youngest sister Laura’s story. While at first she sees Caleb as a means to an end – if she marries him, she can claim her 1/3 of the lumber business, thus wrenching control of at least a portion from her stepfather – she soon finds herself drawn to him and wanting to continue working with the people at the mission. Yet she also feels a sense of duty – she must help run the business, even if her heart desires something else. I really appreciated her journey as she tried to discern God’s will for her (after at first charging straight ahead!).
So why the mixed feelings about the book? I guess the stakes just didn’t seem high enough, even though, ostensibly, they were as high as they could be – the girls’ mother’s life was in jeopardy! Except it wasn’t really, which was made clear early on, and that lowered the suspense. Also, I guess I just expected the stepfather and his minions to be more of a threat; other than the girls’ fear of him, he didn’t factor much into the story.
Also, while I enjoyed Caleb and Laura as people, and I liked their conversations, I didn’t feel the connection between them. Same for Zane and Michelle, which is clearly where another book is headed. The pairing that intrigued me the most was Nick and Jilly, and they barely shared any space on the page in this novel!
All that said, I did enjoy The Element of Love, and I would be interested in continuing the series – especially when it comes time for Nick and Jilly’s story!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Her Country Gentleman features three novellas set in the English countryside. One of the things I tend to dislike about novellas is that the romances Her Country Gentleman features three novellas set in the English countryside. One of the things I tend to dislike about novellas is that the romances often seem rushed. That does happen with all three of these stories, but it didn't blunt my enjoyment too much. I really enjoyed each novella pretty equally; they were all 4 stars for me. I probably enjoyed Spring at Tribbley Hall the best, just because of the mistaken identity (always a favorite trope of mine!) and the slight mystery, but all were enjoyable. I also found the descriptions of fashion in Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire to be fascinating; the fashions were definitely different in the Georgian Era than what we've come to know as Regency fashion. I look forward to more entries in this new Timeless Georgian Romance collection!
I listened to the audio version of this book, and narrator Kim Bretton did a fine job. However, her voice was just a bit too soothing, and I dozed off multiple times and then had to go back and figure out where I was. I think that, had I been listening while doing other chores rather than while lounging during vacation, I wouldn't have had that problem!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
The Murder of Mr. Wickham finds characters from several Austen novels gathered at a house party at Knightley & Emma's house: Darcy & Elizabeth (Pride The Murder of Mr. Wickham finds characters from several Austen novels gathered at a house party at Knightley & Emma's house: Darcy & Elizabeth (Pride & Prejudice), Colonel Brandon & Marianne (Sense & Sensibility), Fanny & Edmund Bertram (Mansfield Park), and Captain Wentworth & Anne (Persuasion). Also in attendance are the Darcys' eldest son Jonathan and Henry & Catherine Tilney (Northanger Abbey)'s daughter Juliet. When the villainous Wickham shows up - and is shortly, thereafter, murdered - Jonathan and Juliet work together to uncover which member of the house party committed murder.
I loved this story so much! Not only is it fun to check back in with beloved - and not so beloved - Austen characters, but the mystery is well plotted and quite intriguing! I thought Claudia Gray did a wonderful job of staying true to the characters while bringing out their weaknesses that could, potentially, cause them to commit murder. Everyone, save Juliet, had a motive; Jonathan's alibi cleared him immediately, but all of the other guests could have done it. I can't say anything more without divulging some secrets best to be discovered by the reader, but just trust me when I say that the mystery unfolds in an intriguing manner and comes to a satisfactory resolution. I sincerely hope Gray has more Austen-esque novels in her, as I would dearly love to revisit Jonathan and Juliet again!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
What a story - a story of two brave Americans risking their lives to thwart the Nazis in Paris! When the novel begins, Paul is a grieving widower who What a story - a story of two brave Americans risking their lives to thwart the Nazis in Paris! When the novel begins, Paul is a grieving widower who longs to take his daughter and return to the United States, but he is convinced by the US military to remain at his automotive factory under the guise of an opportunistic businessman who sympathizes with the Germans. Lucie, a ballerina with the Paris Opera Ballet, buys her Jewish friends' bookstore and continue to run it in their honor, and then begins aiding the resistance.
Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other immediately, though their romance is hampered by Lucie's belief that Paul is a collaborator and Paul's need to keep his activities secret. The novel is filled with tension - both of the romantic variety and the suspense variety. In fact, I think I felt more tense while reading this than I've felt while reading any other Sundin novel. It's not that I doubted that Paul and Lucie would end up together, but the journey to their "happily ever after" was fraught with danger that felt so real.
One thing I really appreciated was the way Paul and Lucie were so different in the way they approached life, and they each became better people by knowing the other. I also especially loved Lucie's growth as she came to understand that not having a formal education didn't make her stupid; God gave her talents that she could use to make a lasting impact.
Also, while this is a stand-alone novel, Evelyn and Peter from When Twilight Breaks do make a fun appearance.
This is a wonderful story that kept me tearing through the pages, a story I'm still thinking about days after finishing it.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Sunrise is the second chance romance of Dodge Kingston and Echo Yazzie. High school sweethearts ripped apart by hurts and misunderstandings, the two rSunrise is the second chance romance of Dodge Kingston and Echo Yazzie. High school sweethearts ripped apart by hurts and misunderstandings, the two reunite ten years later when Dodge returns to Copper Mountain. The unraveling of what went wrong in the past is spread throughout most of the novel, and it was their relationship that kept me turning through the pages.
There's a bit of a suspense thread in the novel, though it's not as strong as in several of Warren's other books. I do think the suspense will be ratcheted up in the rest of the series, as the Jane Doe minor character looks to feature more prominently, and the preview (billed as "What Comes Next") sheds some light onto Dodge's brothers Ranger and Colt, and their lives seem to be exciting, to say the least!
Though I felt like the beginning of the book was a little slow, the book also became more and more enjoyable the farther I got into it, leaving me incredibly eager to get my hands on book two, which releases in June!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Never Leave Me continues the story begun in Come Back to Me, picking up about a year after those events. (I think. Maybe not. I'm a little sketchy on Never Leave Me continues the story begun in Come Back to Me, picking up about a year after those events. (I think. Maybe not. I'm a little sketchy on the present time timeline! Also, if you haven't read Come Back to Me yet, please stop reading here and go back to read that book, as this review contains spoilers for that one.) Ellen's VCL has continued to advance, bringing her close to death. Her friend Harrison, who assisted both her father and sister in their search for holy water prior to their deaths, is desperate to find some for her - not only because he's her friend, but because he has been secretly in love with her for years.
Of course, finding the holy water doesn't cure all their problems - in fact, it makes some things worse, as an evil man also in search of the holy water learns of Harrison's and Ellen's healings, and forces Ellen into the past to procure more holy water for him. While there, she meets a horrible lord, his wonderful brother (hopefully book 3 will be Sir Nicholas's story!), and both her sister and father! The action in the 1300s is thrilling as Ellen and company race to find the water while also trying to stay alive.
The story has elements of friends-to-more, fake relationship, and marriage of convenience, all tropes I love! The chemistry between Ellen and Harrison was palpable, and I loved the time they spent together on the page. They are apart a lot, though - and often in different time periods. I understand why it happened, but I wish there would've been more time for relationship building.
This book brings up some interesting ethical/moral dilemmas. Who should have access to the holy water? When should it be used? As much as I wanted both Ellen and Harrison to live, I also couldn't help feeling that they had used more than their fair share. I'm sure this will come up again, should there be a third book. (And there should be!)
Overall, I really enjoyed this second installment in the Waters of Time series, and I sincerely hope the story continues soon. (It has to, right? There are definitely some things that haven't been tied up yet.)
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
I really liked this story! It has romance, a strong faith arc, and even a little suspense. It's a modern day marriage of convenience (my favorite tropI really liked this story! It has romance, a strong faith arc, and even a little suspense. It's a modern day marriage of convenience (my favorite trope!) with a twist. Though the beginning was a little slow for me, I read the last 2/3 in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I especially enjoyed watching Bri get to know her new environment and find her own, unique footing. Bri is a woman who's breaking down barriers in a patriarchal society, and I love that she sought advice from others and viewed the Lord as the ultimate authority in her life as she prepared to step into her new role as leader of Ọlọrọ Ilé. I also really, really liked the romance, though I won't spoil anything here - several men are presented as potential husbands once Bri learns she must be married in order to ascend the throne.
Overall, In Search of a Prince is a fun read, and I'm eager to return to the world of Ọlọrọ Ilé again. 4 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
As I think back on The Unlikely Duchess, which I finished reading a couple weeks ago, what sticks with me isn't the romance but rather something that As I think back on The Unlikely Duchess, which I finished reading a couple weeks ago, what sticks with me isn't the romance but rather something that all of us who claim to follow Christ have either dealt with or will face in the future: seeing someone who profoundly and positively impacted our faith journey behave in a way that is the antithesis of everything they taught us. This is just a small portion of the novel - Sophia's struggle to reconcile a loved one's behavior with what this person taught her about Jesus - but it's what has stuck with me.
As for the rest of the book, it's a fairly standard marriage of convenience, with the couple slowly falling in love throughout the novel. I really, really loved Sophia, and I liked Edmund well enough. And while Edmund was a dummy about the "big conflict" that tore them apart, I loved their reunion. This is an enjoyable novel that is, frankly, better than what I expect of Love Inspired titles, and I look forward to reading more of Jessica Nelson's books in the future. 4 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
I swear, Mimi Matthews can do no wrong! I've enjoyed every single one of her books that I've read, and The Siren of Sussex is no exception. This is a I swear, Mimi Matthews can do no wrong! I've enjoyed every single one of her books that I've read, and The Siren of Sussex is no exception. This is a Victorian romance that both brings the romance (oh, my, does it bring the romance) and makes me more interested in learning about the time period.
I suppose I should begin by saying that I do not know or care about a) fashion or b) horses - two things that are integral to The Siren of Sussex's plot. But somehow, I found myself wishing I could see Ahmad's creations and really caring about whether Evelyn would be able to keep her horse! That's the mark of great writing. I also loved the "forbidden romance" aspect of the plot; Ahmad and Evelyn are of different classes and races, making a union between them unconventional and ill-advised. Evelyn's determination to make it work - just as she was determined to provide for her family and have a season on her own terms - made her a very endearing heroine. And the chemistry between Evelyn and Ahmad was palpable!
There is a spiritualist subplot here, and I tend to be very leery of anything supernatural. This, however, didn't make me uncomfortable as it wasn't something the main characters put much stock in, and it was a reflection of society at the time. It also led to what I thought was the most humorous moment of the novel.
This is the first book in Matthews' new Belles of London series, and I'm already eagerly awaiting book two! 5 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own....more
I maybe didn't enjoy this book *quite* as much as the first book in the series, but it was still wonderful. I loved Rafe and Sophie's connection, and I maybe didn't enjoy this book *quite* as much as the first book in the series, but it was still wonderful. I loved Rafe and Sophie's connection, and the mystery of Sophie's parentage and Rafe's father's distaste for her kept me flying through the pages. I'm eager to continue the series!...more
This book marks my introduction to Nichole Van's writing, and as I finished, I knew I needed to immediately get my hands on the second book in the serThis book marks my introduction to Nichole Van's writing, and as I finished, I knew I needed to immediately get my hands on the second book in the series! Suffering the Scot had me laughing out loud multiple times - which I definitely was not expecting! I also loved the romance - the connection between Andrew and Jane was palpable, and I ached for them to just kiss already :-) I loved every second I spent reading this book!...more
I was very excited about this book, knowing it was written by the screenwriter of Snow Bride, one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all time. But HallI was very excited about this book, knowing it was written by the screenwriter of Snow Bride, one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all time. But Hallmark this ain't...
As I think back on this book, I have some definite mixed feelings about it. First, the good. I really enjoyed Finley and Arthur's relationship, which progressed from classmates to friends to more. There's something sweet and innocent about the progression, and I really enjoyed watching them fall for each other. The physical aspect of their relationship is incredibly chaste - nothing beyond hand holding and some mild kissing. There's also a lot of humor in the book, largely because of the Christmas activities.
But...
I really have a problem with YA that includes a lot of swear words. My cousin's teenage daughter loves to read, and I've shared a lot of books with her. But I would certainly not pass this on to her - not only are there lots of "mild" swear words, but the f-bomb is dropped multiple times. The plot also includes teenage drinking, drug use, and the coming out of a family member - but I didn't find any of that to be particularly problematic, just something that could lead to good discussion. But the swearing, that's a deal breaker for me when it comes to recommending the book to its intended audience.
For adults, this is a fairly fun (though perhaps slightly too long) Christmas romance, and I would certainly enjoy seeing it as a film (which most likely would not include the swearing...). 3-1/2 stars....more
What a fun Christmas novella! The setup reminds me of the Hallmark movie "How to Fall in Love," which is one of my favorites. Shay and Connor are realWhat a fun Christmas novella! The setup reminds me of the Hallmark movie "How to Fall in Love," which is one of my favorites. Shay and Connor are really cute together, and I loved watching Shay fall for him. Also, Shay's "fan girl" reaction to the Miracle Five was hilarious and felt pretty authentic - I especially loved the scene with Luke in the hardware store. Overall, a really fun Christmas read!...more
Lights Out centers around CIA analyst Brynn, who finds herself working with the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) - and her ex-boyLights Out centers around CIA analyst Brynn, who finds herself working with the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) - and her ex-boyfriend Jack - when an Egyptian spy who had been attending a counter-terrorism seminar she put together disappears. The plot gets complicated quickly, with characters appearing in Egypt, Texas, and Georgia, in addition to the main setting of the Washington, DC area. But despite the plot's complexities, I had no trouble following the action or remembering who was who.
The book reminded me of a CBS procedural in the vein of one of the NCISs (probably LA or Hawai'i, as they feel less serious than the original), and as someone who loves shows like that, I was immediately drawn into this setup. To me, the terrorism plot felt secondary to the characters and the introduction into their world, and that was fine by me - the SNAP team was the best part of the novel. What a great group of characters! I would happily read a dozen novels featuring this team.
The novel has romance, suspense, comedy, and repeated references to some great movies (I'm always on board with an Independence Day shout-out). It's such a fun read, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series! 5 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own...more
The Debutante's Code is a captivating Regency mystery. The first thing to understand (and what I didn't grasp at the beginning) is that this novel is,The Debutante's Code is a captivating Regency mystery. The first thing to understand (and what I didn't grasp at the beginning) is that this novel is, at its core, a mystery, while the romance is ... practically non-existent. This isn't a problem, necessarily, but as someone who enjoyed Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series, which were very much romance novels, I was expecting this novel to follow suit. I imagine there will be much more romance in future novels, but this one was all about the mystery and establishing Juliette and Daniel in their new vocational roles. (Note: This is on me, not Vetsch. The cover clearly states this is part of the "Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries." I just made assumptions based on her previous work.)
As for the story itself, I really enjoyed it once I stopped looking for romance and started appreciating the story that was there. I especially enjoyed Juliette's adventures with her Uncle Bertie, a man who turned out to be not at all who she'd thought him to be. Mystery and suspense abound throughout the novel, and I found it to be a really fun reading experience.
Juliette and Daniel are both likeable protagonists, which made rooting for them easy. Several characters from Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series pop up, as well, and "The Gentleman Spy" himself, Marcus Haverly, appears poised to play a prominent role throughout this series.
The book ends with this particular mystery wrapped up, and it opens up the path for many more Thorndike and Swann adventures in the future - a prospect I'm eagerly anticipating! 4 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
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