Mini Review: Lilac Lane

* Book 14 in the Chesapeake Shores series *

When Moira's mother suffers a heartache, she convinces her to come to America for an extended visit. Keira can help out around the house especially with the baby and help out in the family pub. with any luck, she'll find happiness and move stateside for good.

The Good:
Seeing old favorite characters
Keira's feistiness
Kitchen Wars
Keira and Bryan becoming friends
Fathers and Daughter
All the plotting
That ending

The Bad:
Nitpicking, but I missed a few favorite characters.

Final Verdict:
Another fun book in this series, one to read for sure.

This series has been brought to live on the Hallmark channel. We're all opening for a season three next summer.

Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series in your romance section, purchase immediately. 

Adult Review: Dogwood Hill

* Book 11 in the Chesapeake Shores series *

Former NFL player Aidan Mitchell comes to town seeking a job as a high school football coach. He brings with him a secret from the past. His mother recently died and he just found out the name of his father. He's not sure what kind of relationship he wants with the man and until he knows, he's going to keep his identity quiet.

Liz March's husband betrayed her in the worst possible way leaving her with severe trust issues. She meets Aidan when he interviews for the job. Sparks fly and neither can stop thinking about the other, but both realize starting a relationship isn't for the best right now.  They keep bumping into each other and soon people take notice. Could they push aside their pasts for a chance at the future?

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the family that runs the town. While favorite characters appeared and I spent time with old friends, I really enjoyed looking at this town from an outsider's perspective.  I felt for both Liz and Aidan as they went through trying times. I really enjoyed the visit from Liz's family - at first it was a disaster, but by the end, everyone seemed in a much better place. Family can make you reassess everything with just one comment - which can be both good and bad. I do admit that Archie stole the book - he's funny, clever, and adorable.He added humorous moments to break the tension.  A sweet romance that deals with guilt, family, secrets, trust, and of course meddling O'Briens who want everyone to be as happy as they are.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous spring day
Source: My Library

Overall Thought: If you like contemporary romances, add this series to your list. It's fantastic!

Holiday Thursday Review: Christmas Bouquet

Last Christmas Caitlyn, caught a wedding bouquet. Getting married in the near future isn't in her plans, but plans often change. When Caitlyn realizes she's pregnant, she's not exactly thrilled.

Noah wants to marry her, but Caitlyn's dragging her feet. Marriage and a baby spell the end of her dream of going back to Africa and helping as a doctor there.

With hectic schedules and added pressure of trying to figure out her future, Caitlyn isn't ready to make major life choices.  Will she be able to have a family and make her dreams come true?

My Thoughts:  I love the O'Brien family but they're a bunch of meddlers when they don't get their own way. They add humor to the story. I love the family meals and seeing favorite characters again. I love seeing Caitlyn and her twin grown up. I hope her twin gets her own story next. I admired Caitlyn for wanting to help others and return to Africa, but the story didn't seem like it had enough conflict. While I enjoyed this book, it wasn't my favorite in the series. The cover and the title are a little deceiving as the book takes place during the entire year, although it starts and ends at Christmas. I wish there were more details of the season. Still, it was a fun fast entertaining read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Holiday Thursday Review: Seaside Christmas

* Chesapeake Shores Series #10* 

After two years of staying away from Chesapeake Shores after her mother remarried, it's the only place Jenny turns to after her recent heartbreak.

A country superstar broke her heart when the news of him cheating on her broke. Now the song writer's back home nursing her heartbreak and helping her friend Bree. Bree (once friend, now cousin) is putting on a play and Jenny's busy writing holidays songs for it.

Jenny's always longed to be part of the O'Brien clan - but since that dream came true, she's felt like an outsider in the family. When Caleb arrives in town to win her back, she wonders if she can trust him or her new family with her fragile heart.

My Thoughts: I love the O'Brien series - they're a family full of love, loyalty, and meddling. I loved the Nashville angle of this addition to the series. I loved watching Jenny learn to open her heart and to find herself again. I loved the O'Brien family work their magic on her and slowly become part of her life. A sweet heart-warming tale that's perfect for the holiday season.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: my Library