Holiday Review Thursday: Life in Icicle Falls

Now that's it's snowed, it's officially time to read and review holiday books! They will range from picture book to teen books to adult romances.

The Sterling family's owned Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company ever since Samantha's great grandmother Rose dreamed about the very first recipe. Now, it's struggling and it's just about to be foreclosed upon.

Samantha can't believe this is happening. The bank can't help them delay their payments any longer. They're calling in the entire loan. She can't help but think it's her stepfather Waldo's fault as he took over her inheritance when he married her mother. His decision making proved to be troublesome to say the least.

He just died, letting the company fall back into Samantha's hands, where she believes it should have been all along. As the older sister, Samantha's always swooped in to save the day. She's not sure she has it in her this time.

With the help of her mother and her two sisters, they come up with a brilliant plan. They're going to host a chocolate festival in Icicle Falls for Valentine's Day. Obstacles are in the way, but Samantha's confident they can overcome them. She's not about to let anyone, including the sexy bank manager Blake, deter her from saving her family business.

My Thoughts: Ok, technically this ISN'T a holiday story, but it reads like one. I love reading about the chocolate business combined with the charm of small town life. I wanted to move to Icicle Falls. The shops and restaurants sound amazing. Plus the people were charming. I loved getting to know the townspeople.  I loved reading from all perspectives and seeing everyone's take on the chocolate business and what it means to the town. A cozy romance, just perfect for sipping hot chocolate and reading under a blanket.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Signed ARC at BEA
Fun Fact: This recipe came with the book, so I thought I'd share it with you!

*Sequel to Better Than Chocolate*

Cass couldn't wait to host her daughter's wedding, until she realizes the role her ex-husband will play in it. As an absent father for most of her children's lives, she's shocked that her daughter wants her father to walk her down the aisle.  Cass couldn't be happier for her daughter, but Danille's turning into bridezilla. How can she deal with her ex-husband and his trophy wife during the wedding without ruining the special day?

Charlene thought she was done forever with her ex-husband. She's shocked when he turns up, ready to prove himself to her all over again. At first she resists him, but soon he's wearing down her defenses. Could he want to reconcile?

Ella and her husband just finalized their divorce. However, they're stuck living together until they sell the house. It's not an easy situation and Ella tries hard to keep from yelling all the time at Jake. Is there anything fueling that anger?

Between the three women, life in Icicle falls surely isn't dull this holiday season.

My Thoughts: After I finished Better Than Chocolate, I needed this one! I loved picking back up with characters from this town. I loved learning more about their lives,especially characters from the previous book. I like seeing things from multiple perspectives, especially with Jake and Ella. I would have liked learning more about Cass's Gingerbread Haus bakery. Again, a perfectly wonderful romance to devour before the holidays.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: my Library

Similar Read: If you like Debbie Macomber or Sherryl Woods books, check these out!

Up Next: The Next book in the series comes out in March and I can't WAIT!

Review: Starting Over on Blackberry Lane

 * Book 11 in Life in Icicle Falls series *

Icicle Falls changes for three women when a handy man arrives in town. They pool their money together to win a bid on his work at a fundraiser. Stefanie can't stand the fact that her husband starts projects and never finishes them. Griffin's decided to take a chance on her dreams and move to New York City, but her house needs some work before it will sell. Cass has a leaking roof, which desperately needs fixing.

As their home improvement needs get sorted out, their lives move forward in ways they couldn't imagine. Stefanie starts have marital issues when her husband's pride is hurt. Griffin isn't sure she should chase her dream because she doesn't want to leave Icicle Falls. But she also knows if she doesn't leave now, there's a chance she might always regret it. Cass's kids barely spend time at home anymore, only during the summers now that their in college. Could her house be too big for just her? Maybe it's time for her to move on too.

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love seeing old friends and meeting new people in town. I loved the age difference in these three friends - and how that changed where they were in their life. I enjoyed Grant Masters - he was wise about life. I liked this relationship with his sons. I felt for each of these women in their struggles - as they made potentially wrong turns, but I love how they stuck by each other. The characters make this series for me.  I can't wait for my next visit to this small town.

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: The perfect romance series for the public library.

Christmas Week Review: The Lodge on Holly Road

 

* Book 6 in the Icicle Falls series *

James used to play Santa Claus with a happy heart, but it's been a year since he lost his wife and his Christmas Spirit. His daughter planned a surprise for him. James and his two children will be spending Christmas in Icicle Falls.  At first, James can't bear the idea of it, but soon he warms up to the idea. It doesn't hurt that the woman who runs the inn knows what he's been going through. He enjoyed spending time with her and hopes that she likes him too. 

The inn brings out the Christmas spirit for all the families staying there, especially for the kids. Two adorable kids have big wishes this year.  One man's going to propose to his girlfriend and has everything planned perfectly - if only she would arrive. Could it be the best Christmas for everyone at the Inn?

 My Thoughts: I adore this small town series and love seeing characters from previous books. I loved learning more about the Lodge and seeing the guests: from the older librarian type ladies to the small adorable kids (who are a handful), to the families. Lots of love and laughter for the holidays, but also some tears and trials. I loved watching people play in the snow. I loved the two kids - who were no double a handful. Most of all, I loved watching everyone connect. A delightful read just perfect for the season.

Cover Thoughts: Perfection - I love the mountains in the background.
Source: My Library

Christmas Book Review: Christmas on Candy Cane Lane

* Book 8 in the Life in Icicle Falls series *

Tilda just bought herself a house and can't wait to move in and get situation. Then she realizes that her house is on Candy Cane Lane and she's expected to have numerous outdoor decorations to match the rest of the street.

Ivy wants to give her two kids the perfect Christmas, but she's having a hard time finding the joy. Her husband left her, leaving her alone with the kids. Everyone misses him, but he made his choice.

Maddy wants the decor to be perfect for the lane. She's in charge of making sure there's a Mrs. Claus handing out candy canes to little ones as they drive through with their parents. Maddy's daughter is getting to that age where she wants to hang out on her terms. Jordan isn't at all happy with the time her mother gives to her project.

Can these three women find happiness on their own terms...

My Thoughts: A fantastic Christmas story that centers on these three women and their friendships and romances.

I liked Tilda and how she had a no nonsense approach to life. She could handle anything. I loved her cooking attempts.

I loved Ivy and how she attempted to juggle everything - and how it never seemed to work out the way she imagined. Her kids were cute and a handful. 

I felt bad for Maddy - how she wanted the town to have a perfect time looking at their decorations and dealing with family drama.

I love reading more about Icicle Falls and seeing familiar places and people. I wouldn't mind visiting myself - especially for the holidays.

Cover Thoughts: Lovely
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Cottage on Juniper Ridge

 * Book 4 in the Life in Icicle Falls series *

Jen works two jobs to pay for her new condo. She loves it, but she doesn't have any time to enjoy it. Nor does she have time to hang out with her friends and family. When her sister gives her a good about simplifying her life, Jen takes the advice to heart.

She quits her jobs, finds someone to rent her condo, and moves to the quaint town of Icicle Falls.  Can she slow down and enjoy life again or will she miss the hustle of her old ways?

My Thoughts: I love this small town and seeing characters from the previous books. I love the idea of slowing down and enjoying life - sometimes everything seems to passing me by in a blur. This book made me want to start baking all the recipes on my Pinterest board and start creating more.  I loved the ladies of the bookclub and how they started to look at their lives and see pieces that need fixing. I really liked Garrett, especially the banter between him and Jen. Plus the moments between him and his son were precious. A wonderful book that made my reading day, but also got me thinking.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Books I'm Dying to Read: July Edition

July Books I can't wait to get my hands on:

What Pet Should I Get: How can you say no to a NEW Dr. Seuss?

Mission Hindenburg: More 39 Clues

Operation Pucker Up: Grace isn't sure she wants her first kiss to be on stage - in front of everyone

A Wedding on Primrose Street: I love Icicle Falls

Other Daughter: After her mother dies - Rachel finds out the truth about her past.

All We Have is Now: What would you do if you knew the world was ending tomorrow?

Road to You: Loved the first book - can't wait to read more about Bird's journey now that she's made it

Double Cross: New MG spy series with humor.

Ruthless: Thriller that sounds creepy and good!

Rebel Mechanics: Alternative history with spies and magic

Silver on the Blood: New series about society girls and shapeshifters

The Fixer: Perfect for fans of Scandal!

Our Song: Falling in love over music at summer camp

Million Miles Away: How do you get past your twin dying?

Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls: Suicide or murder?

Hollywood Witch Hunter: Hunting witches (or Charmed from the other side)

Grace Cries Uncle: Grace's sister turns up and could be in the middle of a deadly plot

Death of an English Muffin: Living in a castle can be deadly

Fatal Reservations: With Lorenzo in trouble, Hayley hopes to help clear him of murder

What books are you waiting for?

Books I'm Dying to Read: October Edition

I love October books because that's finally when I start reading Holiday books. It's also a great time for cozies. Plus it's a big month for publishing, so lots of fabulous books are coming out this month. Here are a few I can't wait to read.

Maybe this Christmas: I love this series set in Vermont and I'm excited about Tyler's story.

Heart of Christmas: Eve's story in the Whiskey Creek series

Lodge on Holly Road: Book 6 in the Life in Icicle Falls series - with a man playing Santa Claus for the town as the hero

In the After Light: The third book in this amazing dystopian trilogy - can't wait to see what happens. 

Talon: Secret Dragon Slayers - Dragons hiding as humans - what happens when they come together?

Famous in Love: I read this and really enjoyed it! 

My True Love Gave to Me: Teen short stories about Christmas romance

Snow Like Ashes: A broken kingdom with one hope at survival

Exquisite Captive: Really excited for this one - grabbed an ARC at BEA. Jinni - slavery- and hope (Inspired by Arabian Nights)

Double Vision: Alias Men: Love this spy MG trilogy, excited to see read the last one set in Hollywood.

Pennyroyal Academy: Looks super cute - have an ARC from BEA and I can't wait to read it - school for Princesses and Knights

One in a Million: Lucky Harbor series where a girl returns home and sees her high school crush again - after swearing off love.

Runaways: Also read this one, which surprised me. Really enjoyed it. Love story from the wrong side of the tracks - a murder - and people speculating about their relationship. 

Side Effects: Just read this one and I liked it - very similar to Party of Five TV show.

Princess Black: Read this from BEA - super cute! Love that the Princess has a huge secret and she's feisty. 

Rain Reign: A dog story that sounds sad, but also powerful. Plus Ann M Martin!

One Potion in the Grave: Really enjoyed the first book in the series - looking forward to reading more about Carly Bell and her love potions

Picked to Die: 8th book in this cozy series about a small town and an apple orchard owner.

 Stray: Love the cover of this mixed up fairy tale (It was also talked about on Epic Reads Tea Time)

Not in the Script: Another book in the IF ONLY series - set in Hollywood

Doughnuts: After a recent purchase of a doughnut pan, I'm excited about the possibilities of baking them.

Scissors, Paper, and Craft: I love paper crafting - excited to see some new craft ideas.

Shooting Stars: A WWI book on the Christmas Truce.