5 Things: Thanks for Listening

My co-worker handed me this one and told me to read it.

So I did and I'm so glad I did.

It's a really good and here are 5 reasons why:

 

Bookstagram: Summer on Blackberry Beach

I just read this super cute romance (Book 2 in the Mistletoe Maine series).

Getting ready for summer with this cute fake dating romance between a former Navy SEAL and a teacher in a small New England town.

Each of the main characters had emotional baggage. I wanted to wrap them up in a big hug.

But of course, they worked through it...after a fashion.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Grab this series if you like Hallmark movies...

* Book sent for review

Adult Review: Waiting on You

 * Book 3 in the Blue Heron series *

Colleen's been helping people find the right person for years. Unfortunately for her, she has yet to find that person for her. Once upon a time, she thought she and Lucas would be forever, until everything changed.

Suddenly Lucas is back in town and Colleen can't stop thinking about them. They become friendly again, but she's cautious. She doesn't want him breaking her heart - again. But she still has questions about the past. In getting her answers, her heart might soften. Is she in for another heartbreak?

My Thoughts: I really love this series and the small town charm. I loved Colleen in the other books and am so glad she has her own book. I enjoyed her relationship with her brother - all the banter, but sweetness underneath. I enjoyed her mother trying to figure out her life. I really liked Paulie and her attempts to win over Bryce. Those scenes were priceless and made me laugh out loud - hard. I felt horrible for Lucas - for his childhood, for not belonging anywhere, and for trying desperately to figure things out. A fantastic book, one that's perfect for summer. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: Book 4! In Your Dreams is coming in Sept. and it's about Jack

Adult Review: Anything But Love

* Cupcake Lovers Series #3 *

Luke and Rachel had a moment - but that was all they had. She disappeared without a word. He had his almost-brother-in-law track her down. Right before Christmas, he found her again.

Again they had a moment.

Rachel returns to town days later - with a secret. She spent the last year in Sugar Creek incognito. Her real name is Rae and she's an heiress. Now she recognizes that the year she spent in Vermont, was the best year of her life. She made friends, developed feelings for Luke, and now she's in a position to do some good for the community.

Can she make it work or will life have a different plan for her?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - I love the small town charm. I love the chain of gossip and how everyone knows everything. I felt bad for Rae - how she had to make up a different persona to find herself, but I love that she's strong enough to come back and face the town afterwards. I love how Luke's responding to her and how he's finally found a love that could last. I love seeing favorite characters from other books in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library.

Review: Stealing Parker

Parker Shelton is lost after her family was torn apart. Her mom moved in with another woman. Her brother's losing himself in drugs and alcohol. Parker's friends have abandoned her, spreading nasty rumors about her being just like her mother.

Parker retaliates the rumors by making out with several guys, whom she cares nothing about. Everyone things that she sleeps with them all, but she's just happy that she's changed the rumors.

Parker decides to help out and manage the baseball team as a way of hanging out with her BFF Drew. She quit softball because of the hurt she felt when her mom left. She has no idea why God let her family be torn apart.

On the baseball team, she meets a new boy - the new assistant coach. He's fresh out of college and majorly cute. He seems to like her -could she find a lasting relationship with him, even if he's 6 years older?

My Thoughts: It took me a few chapters to get into, but then I was hooked. Parker kept talking to me. I didn't like her at first, but she grew on me. Usually I don't read books with religion or religious undertones, but I really liked how Miranda Kenneally worked religion into the story; how Parker questioned the goodness of religious people. Parker had so much thrown at her. She messes up more than once, but she's just struggling to keep her head above water. While I didn't enjoy watching her struggle (sometimes I want to shake her and say snap out of it), Parker kept me rooting for her. She had good intentions, but sometimes made really bad choices. I loved the combination of sports and romance - it's like a Sarah Dessen book crossed with Mike Lupica. I loved that Jordan and Sam showed up from Catching Jordan. It's an honest book about religion and kindness, a family dynamic that changes, a relationship with an older man, and finding and being happy with your true self. Miranda Kenneally is an author to watch!

Cover Thoughts: perfect
Source: my Library

Adult Review: Fool For Love

 *A Cupcake Lovers Novel*

Chloe Madison graduated with honors from the Culinary Arts Institute on the same day her boyfriend tells her he's leaving her. He's been cheating on her, but didn't want to tell her and stress her out before her exams. With two years of her life wasted on him, Chloe has no idea what to do.

Her best friend invites her for a visit to Vermont. Before long, Chloe packs up her things and heads for Sugar Creek. There she takes a job as a cook/chauffeur for an older woman who's family worries about her. Daisy and Chloe get on amazingly well, they both have a devilish outlook on life.

However, Devin, Daisy's grandson isn't too keen on Chloe. He also can't stop thinking about her. As they banter back and forth, everyone in town realizes what they don't; sparks fly when they look at each other.

My Thoughts: I ADORED this novel and from the tagline, I'm hoping there's more coming. First, it's set in Vermont - which is where I grew up. So I loved all the Vermont quirks - the muddy roads, the flannel, the maple syrup, and the small town charm. 
Second a group of women (with one male addition) come together to talk about cupcakes each week. Who doesn't like cupcakes? The club has a unique history. Now they want to put together a book with their history and cupcake recipes.  
I really liked Chloe - she's feisty, sweet, loyal, and witty. She fit into town perfectly, even though she's barely spent time there. 
I liked Devin - how he tried to control everything and how that backfired on him. I adored his family. They were loud, secretive, and charming. 
I loved Daisy for her sense of humor and her quest for freedom. She's be fun to hang out with. 
All in all a charming story and I hope there's more about this small town and about the Monroe family. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect - the cover sold me on this book
Source: My Library