REVIEW: I’m in Tears and Love!  Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop is number five in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series. I’m still loving this series and I’m in tears because I’m dreading the end of the series. Just one more to go! 

Again, I’m amazed at how seamless these women are that have written all of these books. I can’t tell one from another except for their name on the front of the book. That is such a good thing because you don’t have to keep switching gears between books. They write as one! 

This book is about Stevie. She is the second oldest and the chef that lives in an RV. I didn’t think I would enjoy this one as well as the others but I did. It was every bit as good. I never re-read books but, I might be tempted to read this series again next year! The whole series is just wonderful. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! I feel very blessed.

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

Chef Stevie Fox isn’t just looking forward to a luxurious holiday celebrating her sister’s Christmas wedding, she needs it. The difficult year has her brain bursting and her heart starving. A menu of late-night chats, lots of laughter, and tons of pampering with her beloved foster sisters and Maddie, the woman who made them a family fifteen years ago, promises the nourishment she craves.

But then her sister’s fiancé calls off the wedding, and Stevie’s dreams of a restorative vacation and a love story that actually works out go up in smoke. Heartbroken and simmering with anger on her sister’s behalf, Stevie agrees with her family to stick to their holiday plans to show support.

Throwing oil on her fiery emotions, Stevie runs into her old high school flame and long-cooled feelings boil over. She’s determined to put a lid on them, however. Jackson Bassett may be full of zest and passion, but she’s been scalded too many times.

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming holiday romance stories, second chances, and furry dog friends, you’ll fall in love with Stevie and her soul sisters in CHRISTMAS DREAMS, Book 5 of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop.

✓ 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

REVIEW: Heartbreaking. Bells For Eli by Susan Beckham Zurenda was such a wonderful book but, it was heartbreaking. We always think of our youth as carefree and fun. This book brings to the foreground that times as a kid are not always fun. 

The characters in this story brought me back to my childhood. This book covers the late 50’s to the late 70’s and is about the love shared between two cousins who grow up across the street from each other. It is told through the eyes of Delia, short for Adeline. Her cousin is Eli, short for Elliston. Eli had such a beautiful, caring and troubled soul. I truly loved these characters. They were flawed but, they had big hearts. 

The book takes place in the south where life is slower. People have time for each other. I think feel during that time period more time was given to living and not being so busy all the time like we are now. I wish we could go back to that time. 

I couldn’t put this book down. I was so interested in the relationships, what was going on behind closed doors and the history of the families. If you love books from other time periods or coming of age stories, you’ll love this book. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! 

SYNOPSIS: First cousins Ellison (Eli) Winfield and Adeline (Delia) Green are meant to grow up happily and innocently across the street from one another amid the supposed wholesome values of small-town Green Branch, South Carolina, in the 1960s and 70s. But Eli’s tragic accident changes the trajectory of their lives and of those connected to them. Shunned and even tortured by his peers for his disfigurement and frailty, Eli struggles for acceptance in childhood as Delia passionately devotes herself to defending him. Delia’s vivid and compassionate narrative voice presents Eli as a confident young man in adolescence–the visible damage to his body gone–but underneath hides indelible wounds harboring pain and insecurity, scars that rule his impulses. And while Eli cherishes Delia more than anyone and attempts to protect her from her own troubles, he cares not for protecting himself. It is Delia who has that responsibility, growing more challenging each year. BELLS FOR ELI is a lyrical and tender exploration of the relationship between cousins drawn together through tragedy in a love forbidden by social constraints and a family whose secrets must stay hidden. Susan Beckham Zurenda masterfully transports readers into a small Southern town where quiet, ordinary life becomes extraordinary. In this compelling coming of age story, culture, family, friends, bullies, and lovers propel two young people to unite to guard each other in a world where love, hope, and connectedness ultimately triumph.

REVIEW: Sweet! Christmas in Snow Valley by Tammy L Grace is a really sweet read. I read it yesterday and totally enjoyed it. It’s a short book so if you have just a few hours you want to devote to reading, this book is for you. You can easily read it in a day and feel satisfied. 

I think almost all of her books have dogs in them. I don’t think I have read one yet that didn’t. I love dogs and that is one thing that always draws me to Tammy’s books. This one is about lost love found again and my sense of romance was happy. 

If you love Tammy L Grace books, you will love this one too. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, this is perfect!  Go ahead and pick this up because I know you’ll enjoy it. 

SYNOPSIS: Fifteen years ago, he broke her heart. She never moved on. Will a little Christmas magic bring them back together?

After leaving Snow Valley behind for college and a life in New York City, Emily returns to her small hometown to spend Thanksgiving with her sister. Her sister has to leave town, forcing Emily to extend her stay and coordinate the mayor’s annual Christmas Tree Party at the Mistletoe Lodge.

Emily hasn’t heard from the boy she thought was “the one” since the day he walked out of her life.  When he walks back into it, while she’s in the midst of prepping for the holiday party, she’s shocked. She’s prepared to give him a piece of her mind, but when she sees the man before her, more handsome than ever, her resolve evaporates.

A beautiful lodge, a massive snowstorm, and two lovable dogs might be the perfect catalyst for the two of them to confront the past and rekindle what they thought was lost.

Tammy L. Grace, a USA Today Bestselling Author of women’s fiction and sweet Christmas romances, delivers a touching small-town holiday novella perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming characters, dogs, and second chances. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, curl up in front of a warm fire, and escape to Snow Valley this Christmas. Originally released as part of a mulit-author set, Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge, but now available as a single novella.    

REVIEW: Here we go again! Christmas Hope by Violet Howe is book 4 of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. I get giddy every time the next book hits my inbox. There are two more to go. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to read them all. 

This book is about Maddy the mom of the four girls in the series. I enjoyed reading more of her story. The conflict and worry in her heart as her girls are grown and moving on with their own lives. Maddie meets a handsome man and the butterflies begin. It is so much fun.

There is a seamless quality in the writing of these books. I can’t tell one author from another. Their voices are the same. Some of the authors are new to me and I thought I would be able to tell one from another. Not true! They have all done a great job and these books just flow like honey. 

The first book of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge is Christmas Sisters and is a FREE prequel to the series. If you love Christmas, romance and heartwarming stories, I highly recommend you pick up the prequel and see what the buzz is all about. Then order the rest of the books. Believe me when I tell you… you’ll want everyone of them! 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you Violet Howe! This has been an awesome opportunity. 

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

It’s been fifteen years since Madeline Kirby adopted four girls and welcomed them into her home for Christmas. The holiday season has always been a special time for the family, and when one of her daughters plans a Christmas Eve wedding at the Cedar Mountain Lodge, Maddie looks forward to spending the week together in joyous celebration.

With the cancellation of the ceremony mere days before the family’s arrival, Maddie insists they must all forge ahead to the lodge to pull together and support the jilted bride. Luckily, love is swirling with the snow in the mountain air, and it seems no one is immune, not even Maddie.

She’d given up on romance when a tragic auto accident took her beloved husband along with her only child the year she adopted the girls, but a chance encounter with a handsome stranger ignites a spark that Maddie can’t ignore. As she tries to convince her daughters that love is a risk worth taking in their own lives, can Maddie be convinced she’s not too old for another chance?

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming holiday stories, and second chances, you’ll fall in love with Maddie and the soul sisters she brought together in CHRISTMAS HOPE, Book 4 of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from author Violet Howe.

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

REVIEW: Warm Fuzzies! That is what Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter brought out in me… the warm fuzzies. Oh my goodness this was such a fulfilling book. It had a several great love stories, a twist that could have only been brought about by the good Lord and just that small hometown feel. I could go on and on. 

Grace is one of the inn keepers at Bluebell Inn along with her brother and sister. Wyatt is an extended stay guest. Maybe you can guess the general direction of this story. I’m not telling you much more than that. You’ll have to find out for yourself. I loved the characters. They were people you would want to know and spend some time with. They were easy to relate to. 

The good news? This is the last part of a three part series and it did really well as a stand alone book. The first two books were picked up by Hallmark and are now movies. We can only assume this one will also be a movie. You know what they say. Read the book first! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the third and final novel in the Bluebell Inn series!

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

REVIEW: Heart-wrenching and Gut Twisting. I just finished Howard Be Thy Name by JoAnn Stevelos last night and I can’t get it out of my head. It is a book based on a true story  about the abuse of human beings in the Catholic church. It is not an easy book to read but it is one that screams to be read. 

I loved the history of the families and and their arrival and settling in Albany, New York. I loved the simple times which may have been harsher times to live without all of our modern conveniences. I was brought up in the Catholic church and was taught to look up to and honor the priests and other hierarchy of the church. It tears me up that they used their position to abuse women and young people. It makes me wonder why there wasn’t a man who would stand up and blow the whistle? It was covered up for years. 

I wasn’t going to give this book 5 stars but, I had to! JoAnn Stevelos did her job. She brought this very poignant story to light. This is a must read and is the first book of a trilogy. I know I will be compelled to read the rest of the story. 

SYNOPSIS: Alek and Evie Korli are getting divorced, as first generation Americans with four children their family life is difficult. However, the situation becomes more complicated when a newly ordained handsome priest, Howard Russo, moves into the neighborhood parish. Howard surprised by his feelings for Evie begins to lure her into an affair. Soon the unusual love triangle begins to unravel. Howard and Evie secretly move into together and her four children see up close Howard’s worst traits that drive him to unspeakable acts. Evie has a heartbreaking revelation about Howard that forces her to decide between him and her husband and children. When Evie’s secret is finally out none of their lives will ever be the same.

Howard Be Thy Name is a story rooted in finding reasons for the complicated ways we fail our children in spite of our best intentions and the desire to give them a better life. The story will leave reader utterly changed. It is an immigrant family saga filled with suspense, drama, and compassion.

REVIEW: FUN! FUN! FUN! Mom Boss by Hilary Grossman was just that. I was totally entertained. This book is the third in the series. The first was Go On, Girl followed by Mom Genes and now Mom Boss. Mom Rules is slated to be released August 13, 2020. If your looking for something to take you out of your world, pick up these books and pre- order Mom Rules. You won’t be disappointed. 

I learned what can possibly happen at the PTA. Since I didn’t have children, I was never a member. I already know some women can be hard to work with and just plain disagreeable. These women are over the top. Maybe not!! This book explores women’s relationships in an enjoyable way. The good, the bad and the ugly. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: Welcome to Forest River, New York, where perfection is a requirement. The Lululemon-clad moms are perfectly toned, expertly highlighted, and magnificently manicured. The women spend their days practicing Pilates, shopping for shoes, and doing everything in their power to ensure their children never experience a difficult day.

PTA president, Jackie Martin, is the envy off the mothers. She has a loyal and handsome husband, she hosts elaborate parties, and her eldest daughter, Hayley, is the most popular child in the fifth grade. Her life appears flawless, but is life ever what it seems to be?

After receiving a painful blow when Hayley was in kindergarten, Jackie clawed her way into PTA power. She lived her life by the adage, “Proper planning prevents poor performance.” Her attention to detail (okay fine – her control freak nature) served her well until she experiences the ultimate betrayal.

Angry and hurt, old emotional wounds are ripped open as Jackie realizes she doesn’t know who she can trust. Jackie must reevaluate her life, her friendships, and the choices she has made. Will she finally let her guard down and show the world the real Jackie Martin?

A hilarious and heartwarming novel that’s perfect for fans of Class Mom! Mom Boss is the standalone prequel to Go On, Girl and Mom Genes.

REVIEW: Pleasantly surprised! I answered a request for reviewers for an author I haven’t had the pleasure of reading before. That can always be a toss up! This time turned out to be in my favor. I really liked the book and already plan to read more of her work. The book was Stage Fright by Kate Lloyd.

The story is about a church choir that goes to England for a singing tour. They put on concerts in various churches in the evenings. The trip is a week long and believe me there is a lot going on. The author brings the trip to life with her descriptions of the places they visit. You feel like you are on tour with them. 

The trip is seen through the eyes of Jessica. She is beautiful with a voice to match. She has a terrible case of stage fright and lets the talents of others outshine her. You get to know Jessica the most. There are other characters in the choir and on the tour that we get to know but not as deeply as her. 

The ending is a bit abrupt. I can understand it since they were headed home. I can also see a sequel and this story turned into a series. I recommend this book to anyone who loves music, traveling and a little romance thrown in. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! 

SYNOPSIS: Jessica Nash loves to sing but is paralyzed every time she gets on stage. After blowing an excruciating audition, she wonders if she should give up on her dream. She’s already committed to a week-long choral tour of England with her church choir, though, and as a single mom with a limited income, this might be her only chance to travel.

The trip gets off to a rocky start when Jessica has to sit next to Martin, a once-famous British tenor whose career plummeted in a scandal, on the flight to London. Is it her imagination, or does he seem to aim his bitterness toward womankind specifically at her? And to make things worse, once they arrive Jessica discovers she has to room with the choir’s thorny lead soprano.

When Nick, their handsome tour guide, takes a special interest in showing Jessica the sights, things finally seem to be falling into place. She starts to relax and let herself be wooed against the backdrop of the charming English countryside. But is she ready to give him as much as he’s asking for?

Things aren’t as simple as they seem. Almost every person on the tour, it seems, is hiding a secret, and before her English holiday is over Jessica will find herself stretched and tested in every direction—including the soloist’s place center stage.

REVIEW: FABULOUS! Show Me the Way by Ashley Farley is book two in her new series Hope Springs. Dream Big, Stella was book one. I love book two as much as book one. Can I tell you I CAN’T WAIT for book three? I can’t imagine this series only being three books. 

I love the characters and I want to live with them in Hope Springs and work at the Inn. The employees at the inn have all become family. I’ve worked in a situation like that and I loved it. You can’t wait to go to work. 

If you didn’t read Think Big, Stella, you may want to. I think Show Me the Way would do well as a stand alone. The series is so good, I can’t imagine missing out on one word. So, you have some time to read both of these books before Mistletoe and Wedding Bells comes along. We don’t want to miss a Christmas wedding! Now, you know why I CAN’T WAIT for the last book. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! I’ve been so blessed to read this series. 

SYNOPSIS: When two lost souls meet by chance, their worlds collide in an explosive tale of romance and suspense.

Presley Ingram has often wondered about her birth parents. Yet her 23andMe test kit remains unopened in her bedside table drawer. When she finds an address on a torn envelope in her adoption file upon her adoptive mother’s death, she makes an impulsive decision to travel to the mountains of Virginia in search of answers. In the charming town of Hope Springs, she discovers her dream job as event planner at the prestigious Inn at Hope Springs Farms and the potential for romance with a ruggedly handsome bartender. Presley has an uncanny knack for reading people. While she suspects Everett has a genuine heart, she’s convinced he’s hiding something from his previous life.

Everett Baldwin is on the run from his past. He’s hiding out under an assumed name and working as a bartender while his dreams of becoming a country music star slip away. When opportunity knocks, Everett is forced to face his demons in order to move on with his life. Secrets are revealed and chaos ensues. Will Everett be able to salvage his relationship with the woman of his dreams?

Don’t miss this intriguing second installment of the Hope Springs Series.

REVIEW: TRIUMPHANT! A Borrowed Life by Kerry Anne King was engaging, emotional and triumphant. I totally loved this book. It’s about time I finally read a book by this author because checking my library, I have five books by her! This one was my first book by her that I’ve read and I don’t know what took me so long! 

Her characters were so well developed. Liz had to be the most difficult to write. She was a suffocated wife to a pastor and suddenly widowed. I could identify with her because I left home when I married and was suddenly widowed myself. I experienced the same feelings she did of having a life with endless possibilities and being a little paralyzed by it. I loved how the author developed her character along the way. Lance was another character that changed a lot during the story along with her daughter Abigail. Just like real life, it changes you.

If you love stories with a little religion, great characters with a love story to tell, you will want to pick up a copy of A Borrowed Life. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.

For thirty years Liz has perfectly played the part of Mrs. Thomas Lightsey, exemplary pastor’s wife and mother. But maintaining appearances for the congregation and catering to her demanding husband takes a toll, and she’s lost herself in meeting the expectations of others. When Thomas suddenly dies, Liz feels shock, grief, and, to her surprise, the siren song of freedom. Dare she dream of a life to call her own?

Despite the resistance of her daughter, Abigail, to even the smallest changes, Liz lands a role at the community theater. Inspired by new friends and the character she plays, she explores life’s possibilities, including an unexpected—and steamy—relationship with her leading man.

Just when Liz thinks she might be winning, life hits her with an unthinkable shock. She’s pregnant at forty-nine. Torn between conflicting loyalties to her daughter, her lover, her unborn baby, and herself, can Liz find a way to rebuild her dream life one more time?