REVIEW: I’m in love all over again! Christmas Surprises by Tammy L Grace is actually Book 7 of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge Series. I read and reviewed all six books last year and only had a chance to read book 7 this year. I’ve got to tell you, I’m dying to read the other 4 books!

This book is the next installment of Jo’s and Luke’s life two years after they after they rekindled their friendship at the lodge during Christmas. Life has change a lot for these two. Jo moved back home to Granite Ridge, opened her law practice and married Luke. This past of the story also takes place during Christmas. 

I loved every second of this installment and I’m chomping at the bit to read the stories of Maddie and the other girls. If you read the first six books last year, you’re not going to want to miss this year’s books! I love these characters and it’s like returning home for a visit. You will be pleasantly surprised with Christmas Surprises! 

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

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SYNOPSIS: Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

Two years ago, Jo returned to Granite Ridge for her sister’s wedding and reconnected with Luke Turner, her childhood best friend. Now, she’s happier than she’s ever been, newly married and making a new life together in their small hometown. Her law practice is flourishing, the project of her heart—a nonprofit to help foster children—is coming together, and Luke’s new business venture as an outdoor excursion guide is thriving.

They spend their spare time with family, especially enjoying being an aunt and uncle to Alissa’s and Stevie’s toddlers. As their first Christmas as a married couple approaches, they’re beside themselves with excitement, determined to make it a magical and memorable holiday. Then, while Luke is taking an important client on an extended tour of the backcountry, a terrible accident leaves Jo with a life-changing decision to make. The stress of the tragedy threatens their new beginnings.

Will their relationship crumble under the pressure, or will the magic of the holidays help Jo and Luke shore up their love and find a way to make the most of the unexpected surprises?

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming family holiday stories, along with a few furry friends, you’ll fall in love with the latest book featuring Jo from the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge Series written by USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace.

✓ Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book – download them all today!

Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
Book 7: Christmas Surprises by Tammy L. Grace
Book 8: Christmas Yearnings by Ev Bishop
Book 9: Christmas Peace by Violet Howe
Book 10: Christmas Castles by Judy Keim
Book 11: Christmas Star by Tess Thompson

REVIEW: Whew! I need to slow down my heart. Memory Hunter by Liane Carmen is Book 3 of the Investigation Duo Series. Let me tell you, it is a good one. I enjoyed the other two books and this one makes a great addition to the series. If you read the first two, you’ll definitely want to read Memory Hunter. If you haven’t started the series, hurry up! You’re missing out on some great entertainment. 

I think the owners of the DNA Investigation company have gotten in over their heads with their current case. They mainly solve adoption cases using DNA. This time their client was mugged and can’t remember who she is. She has a driver’s license but doesn’t have a car and the police think the name on the license is incorrect. How does that happen? And why?

I like this series because their business uses DNA to solve the kind of cases they take. It is a different kind of twist. If you like to build your family tree or you’re interested in your family’s history, you might enjoy this series. I recommend this series for something different with some interesting characters. 

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

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: When Brittany Mullins shows up at the hospital after being attacked, she’s alone and in bad shape. Her injuries heal, but she’s locked away the memories of who she is and what’s happened to her. She has keys to an apartment and identification, but the name on her driver’s license appears to be for a person who doesn’t exist.

Brittany comes to detectives, Jules and Becky, in hopes they can use DNA testing to confirm her real identity. While they wait for her results, they dig into the few clues they have about her life before the attack. They can’t help but believe she’s in hiding–from someone or something dangerous.

When a mysterious man appears to be stalking Brittany, Jules and Becky know they need to protect her until they can figure out how he fits in. As they attempt to unravel his agenda, they discover there could be more at stake than they imagined. Then, as friends and family gather for a wedding, Brittany goes missing. Becky panics, especially when she realizes Jules is nowhere to be found either.

REVIEW: I’ve read a few novels by Bette Lee Crosby and The Fault Between Us is a wonderful book. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book for your own library and enjoyment.

Bette Lee Crosby has a writing style that is impeccable. She writes books that draw you in without thinking about it. They just have an easy flow. Of the books I’ve read of hers, I can’t pick a favorite. It always seems to be the one I just finished. Her books have it all. The covers are beautiful, great story lines, the characters are well developed and thorough research.

A large part of this book takes place in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities. I learned about the earthquake that destroyed the city back in 1906 and the fires after the quake that also did a lot of damage. There were 3,000 people killed and thousands were left homeless. The city rebuilt but, it was bigger and better, never again the city the inhabitants remembered and called home. 

Templeton, the main character from Philadelphia, meets John a financier from San Francisco on a trolley in Philly and falls madly in love. They are married within a few weeks and move to San Francisco much to her family’s chagrin. I loved the adventure. I admired her passion for fashion design and her drive. 

If you love Historical Fiction, love stories or family drama you will likely fall in love with this book and it’s characters. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much for the experience Bette Lee Crosby! 

SYNOPSIS: April 18, 1906 – A devastating earthquake rocks San Francisco and Templeton Morehouse fears her husband is lost forever. A powerful and compelling story from USA Today bestselling author Bette Lee Crosby

Chances were a million to one that a girl born and raised in Philadelphia would encounter a stranger from California on the trolley and fall madly in love, but that’s what happened. Templeton was not only taken with John Morehouse, but also with his tales of life in San Francisco. As an aspiring fashion designer, the dazzle of a city called the Paris of the West, with its towering department stores and European couture was too much to resist.

Despite her family’s objections, she and John are married and, on their way back to California, before the month is out. To ease the heartbreak of such a move, Templeton promises her family that they will return for a visit every summer. She fully intends to keep that promise, but as her fashions gain popularity, the business grows increasingly more demanding. The trips back to Philadelphia become less frequent and she makes foolish choices she will come to regret.

Now, when she is on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted, a devastating earthquake has torn across San Francisco and she awakes to discover the father of her baby is missing.

With the city in flames, Templeton’s daddy leaves Philadelphia and sets out in search of his son-in-law. He’s too old for such a trip and ill-equipped for the challenges he will encounter, but he’s the only hope of saving his daughter’s happiness.
Lines of communication are down and the city in shambles, so the only thing Templeton can do is pray she doesn’t lose both her daddy and her husband.

REVIEW: Looking for the warm fuzzies for Christmas? Try The Cranberry Inn by Barbara Josselsohn. This book will hook you from the start and hold your interest to the very end. It did me and I really enjoyed my visit at the inn.

This is my first book by this author. I have another book of hers sitting on my bookshelf I haven’t been able to read yet. Now I’m going to make an extra effort to get it read.

I loved the characters in this book. Even the ones that aren’t alive anymore. The main character Laurel lost her mom several years ago and still feels the empty void in her life. Joel just lost his mother recently. Her dad is mostly an absent character as he had to leave town and called Laurel to come run the inn for December. 

I felt like I could pack my bags and move to this town. It was small and inviting. My kind of place. The book wasn’t over the top Christmassy. There was still tradition and decorations. 

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

SYNOPSIS: An unputdownable, feel-good Christmas romance about fresh starts, the importance of family and learning how to follow your heart. Perfect for fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Rachel Hanna and Carolyn Brown.

As twinkling lights go up and snowflakes begin to fall, Laurel Hanover and her eight-year-old son are going home to the Cranberry Inn in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Laurel can’t wait to leave New York behind to help her father run the family business, and make snow angels with her son, even if it’s just for Christmas. But when she walks through the door, she’s shocked to find the inn in disrepair, and a letter saying her father will be gone until Christmas Eve…

No one in town knows where Laurel’s father is, and she doesn’t know whether to be worried or angry – but she won’t let the inn go under, and nothing will get in the way of the perfect Christmas for her son. Seeing the worn-out wooden bannisters, bare of festive lights, she immediately recruits her childhood friend, brooding local carpenter Joel Hutcherson. They might disagree on whether any walls actually need to come down, but each rip in the carpet makes Laurel more concerned for her father, and Joel is a welcome distraction. And when he admits that Laurel was his first crush, she realises she’s falling for him.

But then Laurel uncovers a card with beautiful, ornate writing amongst her father’s things and learns the real reason he disappeared. And it changes everything. Worse still, she thinks Joel knew the truth all along.

Laurel thought this was going to be the perfect Christmas – that maybe she had found her happy. But now there’s nothing to stop her from running back to New York the moment the baubles come down… is there?

REVIEW: Holy Cow! I don’t think my old heart can handle anymore Kiersten Modglin books. I just finished Missing Daughter and it is the best book I’ve read of hers to date. BTW…just kidding!! I’m a diehard fan and will read her books as long as I’m alive. Gosh, she is so good. I can never figure her books out nor can I see the twists before they hit me between the eyes. I don’t think you will either.

This book deals with every mother’s worst nightmare. Ginny wakes up one morning to find her three year old daughter not only missing from her bed but vanished into thin air. Cameron and Ginny tear the house apart and search their property to no avail. The police are called. I can’t tell you anymore. You have to read the book to get all your questions answered. 

If you love Psychological Suspense at its best, Missing Daughter by Kiersten Modglin is the book for you. I haven’t read another author quite a good as she is. Her books are compelling. I urge you to read this book and let me know what you think. 

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

SYNOPSIS: When I wake up with the sun in my eyes the morning after my daughter’s birthday party, I know something is very wrong. I go straight to her room but feel a surge of panic when I see an empty bed. Downstairs everything is totally quiet, and the front door is locked. Why didn’t I hear her scream? Who took our little girl?

My husband says I’ve been struggling since Skylar was born and that sometimes I forget things. But I remember every moment of my daughter’s party—including him locking the door after our family and friends left. Yes, we both had a drink and I slept heavily but I know I would have heard my child cry. A good mother always does.

My therapist says I need to stand up for myself. She wants me to confront my husband about the woman I heard him talking to the other night when he thought I was asleep. And about the child’s toy that I found that does not belong to Skylar. Is he hiding something?

But as the hours race by I soon realize I was totally wrong about everything that happened that night. I thought I’d put my past behind me long ago but I was wrong. All I know is this: I’ll do whatever it takes to save my child.

Will you believe me?

A heart-pounding, unbelievably twisty psychological thriller that will have you sleeping with the light on! Fans of Gone Girl, Behind Closed Doors and The Stepdaughter will be utterly gripped.

REVIEW: A Letter From Pearl Harbor by Anna Stuart was a well researched novel about the air strike over Pearl Harbor by the Japanese that pulled the United States into WWII. I enjoyed this book and the great research the author shares with us at the end of the book. 

The book takes place during two time periods. One during WWII and the other taking place in 2019. Two sisters Robin and Ashleigh are involved in a Treasure Hunt containing hints about their Granny Ginny’s early life as one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor and the secret she kept for years. The treasure hunt takes place after Ginny’s death. I loved her spunk and she was my favorite character. 

I liked both sides of the story but, for some reason I found it hard to switch back and forth. I think I got so involved and then the story flipped to the other time period and it took me a minute to get involved in the story again. 

If you’re like me and love Historical Fiction,  especially if it revolves around WWII, you will most likely love this book. 

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

SYNOPSIS: Ninety-eight-year-old Ginny McAllister’s last wish is for her granddaughter to complete a treasure hunt containing clues to her past. Clues that reveal her life as one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor, and a devastating World War Two secret.

1941, Pearl Harbor: On the morning of December 7th, Ginny is flying her little yellow plane above the sparkling seas when she spots an unknown aircraft closing in on her. She recognises the red symbol of the Japanese fighter planes almost too late. Somehow, she manages to land unscathed but the choices she is forced to make in the terrible hours that follow have tragic consequences…

2019, Pearl Harbor: Heartbroken Robyn Harris is reeling from the death of the strong, determined grandmother who raised her. Her only comfort is a letter written in Ginny’s distinctive hand which details a treasure hunt, just like the ones she used to set for her as a little girl. Except this time, the clues are scattered across the beautiful island of Hawaii. Despite her grief, Robyn finds herself intrigued as she follows the trail of letters, revealing the truth about Ginny’s service during the Second World War.

But Robyn’s whole world is turned upside down when she’s faced with a shocking secret which has the power to change the course of her own life…

Inspired by true events, this is a heartbreaking and unforgettable WW2 novel about love, loss and bravery. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network,The Nightingale and Kathryn Hughes.

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.