REVIEW: Do you have an author that you read anything by them and you don’t even have to read the blurb on the book? I have several and Tammy L Grace is one of them! I love her writing. She always pulls me in and keeps my interest until the very end. As soon as I finish one book I’m waiting for the next new book.

One Unforgettable Christmas is her newest release and boy, oh boy, is it a good one! It takes place in a small town that is all in on Christmas traditions. She paints such a pretty picture and I want to live in Snow Valley. There is a coffee shop, a diner and best of all a cute little Bookshop. What more do you need? 

I particularly like the characters in this story. They’re so nice and they are all helpful and caring. Of course, just like any small town, they all know your business. That’s just the way it is. It’s not because they’re nosey, it is just they’ve known you your whole life. This book gives you all the Christmas feels. 

One Unforgettable Christmas is one of eight novellas in an anthology called A Keepsake Christmas. That is a dream come true for someone like me that loves Christmas tales. I love Novellas as they nicely fill an evening when you’re busy and they are richer and fuller than a short story. 

SYNOPSIS: 8 special ornaments, 8 special women, 8 memorable Christmases. Bring the spirit of Christmas into your heart with this collection of all new sweet holiday romances set in the popular series of eight bestselling authors.

No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. Where hidden treasures can hold the key to a heart and offer an unexpected path home…

A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell. The place where destiny is the ultimate matchmaker. All you have to do is believe.

The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone. Will performing during a Christmas fundraiser bring a former figure-skating star the healing and love that have eluded her? Or will being back under the glaring spotlight only lead to more heartache and regrets?

Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. A bubbly barista and a shy, single-father antique dealer must set aside their rivalry to find the best Christmas teacup ever when they are nominated to run the Holiday Beach food bank fundraiser. Will the spirit of Christmas overcome their competitive streaks?

Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing more than to skip Christmas this year. But her holiday-free hideout in the quaint, charming town of Blessings Bay comes with a mysterious and unexpected house guest. Can two heartbroken strangers find hope and healing in the most Christmassy town on the coast?

One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace. An exhausted ER doctor looking to escape the city. A beach-loving workaholic executive stuck in a snow-covered valley. Will the charm of the town and the magic of the holidays be enough to mend their broken hearts?

The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge. Sarah Murdoch knew bringing her daughter, Jamie, halfway across the country to Port Provident, Texas would cause more anxiety than feel-good Christmas memories. But when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of Beachcomber Stables, she begins to come out of her shell.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson. High school sweethearts Jennifer and Jack were supposed to be together forever. But Jack’s one night mistake tore them apart. Will they have the ultimate second chance at love more than 30 years later? Or is the secret she kept from him too much to forgive? Can the magical spirit of Christmas in Emerson Pass bring forgiveness and healing for these two star-crossed lovers

REVIEW: The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer was an utterly heartbreaking novel. It takes place during the German occupation of Poland. This is another WWII historical fiction must read. The strength of these people was incredible. 

The main characters were Elzbieta and Roman who met and developed a strong friendship. Elzbieta was helping to teach the Jewish children Catholic prayers so the ones that could pass as gentiles could be smuggled out of the ghetto to foster families. She saved the lives of many children. 

I was amazed at the strength of the Polish people and the lengths they would go to to not only save their lives but, the lives of their fellow citizens. It was heartwarming. It was also heartbreaking to see what they went through to survive. Traveling through sewers, living in abandon building and searching through trash for bits of food. 

This was such a good book but, hard to read. Kelly Rimmer did a wonderful job with such a hard subject. Her writing was superb and showed us some hope along the way. The hope these people lived with to allow them to fight for survival. 

If you love Historical Fiction, you definitely need this on your list of must reads. When I read WWII historical fiction, it seems the story is vastly different depending on what country the story takes place. That’s what keeps me coming back. 

SYNOPSIS: Instant New York Times bestseller!

Inspired by the real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, The Warsaw Orphan is Kelly Rimmer’s most anticipated novel since her bestselling sensation, The Things We Cannot Say.

“Gripping… This one easily stands on its own.” —Publishers Weekly
“Heart-stopping.” – Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“A surefire hit.” – Kristin Harmel, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home. She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors. She knows all too well about German brutality–and that it’s the reason she must conceal her true identity. But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism.

Using Sara’s credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls, and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve. For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress. But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara’s cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm’s way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever. 

From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, The Warsaw Orphan is the unforgettable story of Elzbieta and Roman’s perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew.

REVIEW: Five Stars? Only five stars?  When Wings Flutter by Liane Carmen deserves a lot more than just five stars! I don’t think there are words in the English language to describe the beauty of this book. 

If you don’t take me up on any of my recommendations, you need to take this one seriously. This is a must read! I was truly blessed to read an advanced reader’s copy. When Wings Flutter is a book that I will never forget. 

When you sit down to read this book, prepare to ugly cry. This will require a box of tissues. If you’ve lost a spouse or someone you love dearly, this book will hit you hard. Liane Carmen knows what it is like to lose someone you love with all of your heart. It brought me right back to those dark days. Those days of heartbreak, uncertainty, loneliness and fear. 

Her characters are well rounded and thought out. I learned to love even the one I didn’t ever think I would. 

The concept of this book is a little different. I don’t think a lot of people will object to it. I kept my mind open and was excited to read about it. You get a hint of what it is all about when the main character’s soul is preparing for the next life. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: On the other side, Kate’s soul prepares for her next life. She just won’t remember the lessons she needs to learn or their purpose after she’s born.

Now in her twenties, Kate Matthews meets the handsome, charismatic Will Kennedy. She falls hard and fast with no idea she’s loved him before—in other lifetimes. They marry, have a son, and Kate’s life finally feels perfect.

Then, in an instant, her world shatters. Kate must face life on her own as she attempts to move forward as a single mom. To support herself, she turns her baking hobby into a business, but her heart has no interest in finding love again.

Her soul, however, has other plans.

A seemingly inconsequential meeting brings Sam, a charming food critic, into Kate’s life. They’ve just met, yet he seems hauntingly familiar. Kate’s drawn to Sam, but her determination to hide her true feelings could cost her everything she’s worked toward.

What Kate doesn’t realize is the role her past was always meant to play in her future. It’s only when she’s forced to revisit her darkest hour that she makes a startling discovery about fate, enduring love, and the power of second chances.

REVIEW: Oh my! Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis was an anthology of three Christmas novellas. You can read one per evening or do what I did and read them in a day and a half. I’m not a speed reader and started it one afternoon and finished it the next day. 

I’m not a short story person but, I enjoyed these because they are a little longer and more involved than a short story. I loved every one of them. They were all different and fun. If you have a busy holiday season coming up, this anthology should fit right into your schedule. 

I would definitely recommend this book. If you don’t like any sex at all in your books, this one will not be for you. There are some scenes. I wouldn’t call them vulgar but, they are there. Just a word of caution for some of my peeps.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #AvonandHarperVoyager and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS: Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes

When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise

Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 

REVIEW: What a fun time visiting old friends! I totally enjoyed Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It kind of felt like going home for the holidays. It soothed my homesickness this time of year. 

Although, I never expect to go home during the holidays with a hurricane headed toward the hometown. In November? Right after Thanksgiving? It’s never happened before! That’s what Ansley says!

If you’ve read any of the Peachtree series, you definitely want to grab up a copy of this book. I heard there wasn’t going to be anymore in the series so, this is a bonus. I love these books and the southern voice that tells the story. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #GalleryBooks and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: In the newest installment of New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey’​s Peachtree Bluff series, three generations of the Murphy women must come together when a hurricane threatens to destroy their hometown—and the holiday season in the process.

When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.

REVIEW: I rather liked The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. I will say it was probably not one of my favorites but, I still really liked it. She writes about Scotland in this book and I’ve found myself reading several books based in Scotland in the last year. I seem to be drawn to that area.

This story is about Carmen, a young woman who always feels like an outcast in her own family. She doesn’t go on to college like her sister and then loses the only job she’s ever had during a bad economy. I think there are a lot of women that can sympathize with her. Her sister is pregnant with number four. She needs help and she has found a part-time job for Carmen. I felt really bad for her.

I became immersed in her surroundings in Edinburgh. I love the history and some of the characters. Some of her many characters were not very developed but, they didn’t need to be. I liked Carmen and her eccentric boss Mr. McCredie who owns a rare and antique bookshop. He is pretty interesting. We met a snobby author who was really kind of funny. At least the circumstances were. There are so many interesting happenings that keep this book interesting. 

I would recommend this book for any Jenny Colgan fan or anyone that enjoys something a little different once in a while. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #WilliamMorrow #CustomHouse and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Perfect for the holidays! A brand-new heartwarming Christmas novel from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas at the Island Hotel. 

Laid off from her department store job, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. The prospect of spending Christmas with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered yuppie life does not appeal.

Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want her prickly sister Carmen there either. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs help revitalizing his shabby old bookshop. So Carmen moves in and takes the job.

Thrown rather suddenly into the inner workings of Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the picturesque streets of historic Edinburgh, Carmen is intrigued despite herself. The store is dusty and disorganized but undeniably charming. Can she breathe some new life into it in time for Christmas shopping? What will happen when a famous and charismatic author takes a sudden interest in the bookshop—and Carmen? And will the Christmas spirit be enough to help heal her fractured family?

REVIEW: Hope! Christmas Hope. Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope by Janice Lynn was a book I read with Hope all the way through! A beautiful story about a woman with a 5 year old son who lost her husband in a climbing accident. 

This happens to be a Hallmark publication so, if you love Hallmark movies like a lot of us women, you’ll love this book! I have to tell you that Hallmark Christmas movies are the best. I usually make my list and check it twice! 

Janice Lynn has at least 7 books out but, she is a new author for me. I’m looking forward to reading more from her! Her writing and characters were so good. I fell in love with the town and a lot of the characters. It’s a place you would be happy to pack your bags and move to. By the way, there are two other books in this series. They are Wrapped Up in Christmas and Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy.

If you love Hallmark stories or you’ve read Janice Lynn, you probably want to add one more book to your Christmas reading list. Make sure you check your list twice! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: He’s willing to risk his life to save others.
Is she willing to risk her heart on him?

 Morgan’s late husband was a daredevil…and now she’s a widowed single mom. All she wants now is to set up a stable life for herself and her son in the small town of Pine Hill, Kentucky.

Andrew’s a firefighter who thrives on the rush of saving others. His secret dream is to become a smokejumper and fight raging wildfires across the country. But it’ll mean leaving his hometown and the people who rely on him.

Morgan and Andrew are drawn together as they both volunteer to make quilts for veterans at the local quilt shop. Morgan’s son looks up to Andrew, and Morgan can’t help but notice how good Andrew is with him. Meanwhile, Andrew’s torn between his ambition and his growing attraction to Morgan. They both have choices to make about their future…and about each other.

 

REVIEW: WOW! Ashley Farley can write anything she puts her mind to. Her new book On My Terms was a huge step outside of her comfort zone and she knocked it out of the park! This book is classified as Murder Mystery but, it is so much more than that. 

I have been a fan of Ashley Farley for a couple of years and won the jackpot when she accepted me on her review team. She never disappoints. This book has a little love, death, murder, police procedure… you name it. It grabbed from the very first sentence and totally had me hooked by the time I turned the first page. 

I haven’t read an Ashley Farley book yet that didn’t leave me wanting more. They are so delicious. Her characters are often complex. The story lines are deep. Her writing has an easy flow making even the longer books fly by. 

If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, go ahead and pre-order On My Terms. You won’t regret it. You’ll be hooked and looking at her long list of books for another great read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: “A gripping story of love, family, loss, and redemption. Fast-paced, edgy, and loaded with drama.”

Jolie Hogan likes coffee black, panties lacy, and tequila neat. She’s a cop, turned journalist, turned private investigator. People say she’s ballsy. Truth is, her courage is a recklessness that stems from her troubled past.

Jolie is currently in a mess of trouble. She’s been set up for murder by a powerful criminal attorney. The murder victims are the attorney’s wife and Jolie’s husband, Lucas. Jolie will do whatever it takes to clear her name. Including selling her soul to the devil. In Jolie’s case, the devil is a wickedly hot detective who brings the past back to haunt her.

REVIEW: Humbled, Heartwarming and Informed. Those words come to mind when I think of my feelings while reading Manic Monday, Inc. by Melissa Storm. I’ve totally enjoyed the three books that make up The Sunday Potluck Club Series. This book is #3 and Oh, I hope there are going to be more books to come. 

Nichole that we all love struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Caleb is Bridget’s brother. We learn about how they meet and her ability help him become organized. I loved learning about OCD and how it affects everyone differently. I just wanted to reach out and hug Nichole at times and shake her at others. 

The love these friends have for each other is heartwarming. They came together at a time of great sorrow and they continue to be there for each other even as they make good memories. We don’t often have many friends like that in this world. 

If you love sweet, clean stories about friendship and love, you’ll love this series. If you’ve read the first two books, you definitely want to read this third book. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #KensingtonBooks and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Live in the moment . . .

Nichole Peterson increasingly believes in rituals, routines, and checklists—especially after almost losing her father to cancer two years ago. Now she lives in constant fear of saying the wrong thing, knowing any conversation could be their last. She met her best friends—and their cherished canine companions—at the hospital right before each lost a parent. As the only member of the Sunday Potluck Club with a surviving loved one, she has a hard time opening up to her friends about the struggles that come with remission.

When a new doctor diagnoses Nicole with obsessive-compulsive disorder, she refuses to accept it. Then a series of unexpected events further throws her carefully scheduled life off-kilter and her anxieties into overdrive. It seems the only person she can confide in is her best friend’s older brother, Caleb—her polar opposite.

A free spirit, Caleb treasures spontaneity, avoiding structure as much as possible. Yet he’s the happiest person Nichole has ever met. As they grow closer, might their unlikely alliance help Nichole rediscover the more relaxed self she can scarcely remember—and even find something extra special along the way?
 
 

REVIEW: If you loved Crescent City Moon and Crescent City Sin by Nola Nash, you have a surprise coming. Traveler is a new book releasing on March 10, 2022! I was blessed to be an early reader and I’ve got to tell you I’ve never read another book like this one. It is totally awesome and my favorite so far. I rated her first two books 5 stars and so this one will have to be 5 stars plus.

There was so much history and research put in this book. It was almost like reading a history book but much more delicious. The book delves into several ancient time periods and you read about what was going on at the time and a little of some key leaders. 

Her characters were superb! Shelby was the main character and let me tell you, she had a supporting cast that was varied, interesting and totally fun. Shelby writes for a travel magazine. Benny is a friend/guide turned lover?  He catches up with her and helps her on her journey. I think you’ll find some of her guides in other countries a big part of the story. 

I don’t want to give the story away so you’ll have to pre-order the book and wait on pins and needles for it to be released. Just remember what I said… there is not another book like this one out there. It will stand out in my mind forever! 

SYNOPSIS: If history is trying to tell you something, you better pay attention before it’s too late.

Shelby Starling is a train-wreck with a dream job—traveling the world writing promo material for Pioneer Tours, all the while hiding cracks in her armor behind a solid wall of snark and Chianti. But there’s more to Shelby Starling than she wants to admit. History has a bone to pick with her, and isn’t afraid to pull Shelby into the memories of her past lives to make its point.

Thanks to a universal misfire and the ineptitude of the gods, she must find her way back to the time she was destined for so she can stop living life after life watching great things happen instead of making great things happen. That is, of course, if she can get her shit together.

Will finding her destiny mean sacrificing love?