Review: Yours Truly

 

Briana's life is hard - with her brother desperately needing a transplant and still reeling from the betrayal of her husband. Work seems to be the only solace in her life. But even that changes when the promotion up for grabs seems slightly out of reach. A new doctor is hired, and her boss decides to hold off on retiring until the new doctor has time to acclimate to the job and decide if he wants the promotion.

Briana can't believe that the new doctor is taking her job. She's a little salty to him as a result. Jacob doesn't know anything about the promotion and he's not interested. Due to his social anxiety, it seems every time he opens his mouth, he says the wrong thing. Frustrated, he writes Briana a letter explaining the whole situation. And from that moment on everything changes.

My Thoughts: I really loved the second book in this trilogy. I enjoyed the fake dating plot. I loved how Briana and Jacob wrote letters back and forth. To be honest, I would have read the whole book that way. I love how Briana understood Jacob's feelings and social anxiety - and how she respected them.  I love Jacob's nosy sisters and how he had such a big loving family. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book and I'm eager to see where the next book will lead. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: If you don't have this trilogy in your romance section, order it.

Review: Until We Meet

 

Three unlikely friends form stronger bonds during WWII when they are left behind and assume positions in the naval yard. Margaret's brother enlisted and he's living in England with two men as they train. He's engaged to Dottie, Margaret's friend. John asks Margaret to write letters to William, one of the men, as he hasn't received any letters yet. Margaret agrees. She begins a correspondence with William that will last years. 

Gladys is the third friend; she's a whirlwind with big ideas. Together the three friends navigate life on the homefront: rations, work, and missing people they know. Life moves on - sometimes sad, sometimes happy, and usually always hard. They learn to celebrate the happy times and stick together through everything. 

Why I Read This: I found this on a list of epistolary novels

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - for the friendship and the letters between William and Margaret. This one did make me cry a few times, which is expected in a WWII novel. Gladys was a breath of fresh air - I loved how she pushed her friends out of their comfort zone and to enjoy life. I loved that the ladies worked in the Navy yard - that part of the book fascinated me. I know there are a lot of WWII stories, but this one will stick with me. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but there's only 3 women in the story.

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your fiction collection

Review: Writing Mr. Wrong

 

After her divorce, Gemma wrote a romance novel; no one wanted to publish it. She wrote another one featuring an asshole alpha. He's based off a guy she knew in high school who now plays professional hockey. 

On the day of the book's publication, Gemma's on the local morning TV show. The host is a woman she went to high school with, and she brings out Mason Moretti. Gemma is stunned to see him and also embarrassed. Mason hasn't read the book, so he's flattered that she based her hero after him. 

After their interview, people start talking about them. Mason's going through a rough patch in his career. He could use a boost of good publicity. He offers Gemma a deal where they fake date for good publicity for them both. After the moments in their past, Gemma's not sure she wants to open that door. But she can't help be tempted by it either.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love how Gemma and Mason had history from high school. Yes, Mason is kind of a jerk. But he has good intentions, he just needed to stop and think before he acted. I love that Mason was trying to become a better person, but really it was just become the right person for Gemma. I love how he influenced her writing. I loved how he talked about his troubles reading, but that didn't stop him from finding alternatives. 

Cover Thoughts: Funny

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library's romance collection.

* I loved the Easter Egg to this book:

Review: Finders Keepers Library

 

* Book 1 in the Love in Bloom series * 

For a gardener blessed with a green thumb, Savannah Collins’s life sure seems like it’s all thorns, zero roses. She has no job, no relationship, and no place to live. With nothing but a car full of plants and her new rescue kitten, Savannah heads to Bloom, North Carolina, to spend the summer with her beloved Aunt Eleanor, a retired librarian.

Her aunt shares her love of literature with the Finders Keepers Library, located in her beautiful garden, where anyone can stop by to pick a book or leave a book. When a sudden summer storm destroys the library and many of the roses, it will take a village to get everything ready for the garden wedding that is planned there in just three weeks.

As the entire town joins in to make the necessary repairs, Savannah bonds with their neighbor Evan Sanders over the books that Eleanor has handpicked for each of them, helping them both find healing and self-discovery. Savannah only intends to stay through the summer, but when an unexpected job offer, a sudden health crisis, and a wayward pre-teen push her future in new directions, she has to wonder whether this is the place that she is meant to be—and the family she’s meant to be with. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Aunt Eleanor and her garden library. I loved the bookish moments and the reading lists. I enjoyed the second chance romance with Savannah and Evan. June made for some entertaining moments - I felt badly for her. I wanted to wrap her up in a hug. The social media moments were funny. The secondary characters round out this novel, I can't wait to see who is featured in the next book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - love the stack of books

Source: My Library

 Why I read this: the author + the 2nd book is a Christmas story

Hand this to: Readers who love Hallmark movies and readers who love books about books

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance collection.

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Sweater Weather

Charlotte has loved her brother's best friend for as long as she can remember. But after they kissed one night, he pushed her away saying it was a mistake. They haven't been alone since. 

On the way to her brother's wedding party, she gets into an accident. Hayden is the only one not at the resort - therefore he's picking her up. They have plenty of time to talk. Due to her injuries, Charlotte isn't skiing. 

Hayden decides to keep her company. They're even paired together for the Christmas Games the resort is hosting. They more time they spend together, the more they catch up in each other's lives. Hayden knows it's only a matter of time before Charlotte realizes he has feelings for her. Will their chemistry ignite over this weekend?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. Most of it takes place during one weekend. The wedding party weekend was really fun: from the games to the secret between the bride to be and Charlotte's brother and to the friendship moments. The chemistry between Charlotte and Haydon heated up nicely during their alone time. The prepping for the job moments were the best. I loved when Hayden asked Charlotte to make a list of reasons why should she get the job. When she was blanking on her good qualities, he started making the list. That was such a powerful and sweet moment. It made my heart melt. I felt badly for Charlotte when she interviewed for a job, knowing that everyone else wanted the other person for the job. But I admired how she handled it. I enjoyed learning about Hayden's family - from his little girl to the woman who gave her up. I love how everything turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read it: I really enjoyed the author's previous book: Snowed In for Christmas 

Library Recommendation: A fantastic Christmas romance for your library's collection

Review: Falling for Alaska

 

* First in a new trilogy * 

Xavier doesn't know who he is without the NFL. After a career ending injury, his fiancé left him for his best friend. He's miserable and left floundering. Luckily, his grandmother, who has hasn't seen in years, has invited him and his two brothers back to Alaska.

They left Alaska when they were young. His parents went through a nasty divorce. Now he and his brothers could inherit the family business, but only if he moves to Alaska for the year, learns the business, works with his father (who always disappointed him), and makes a unanimous decision with his brothers for the future.

Xavier meets True on his first day back in Alaska. She tricks him into eating ghost pepper wings. For True, Xavier represents the ending of her dream. She manages the tavern but one day she wants to own it. But it's part of Xavier's family legacy.

Xavier and True have chemistry - but do they have a future.

My Thoughts: This was a fun start to a new trilogy. I'm not 100% sure the conflict was resolved. I didn't feel like it worked itself out. I'm curious to see where this trilogy goes - I really do enjoy the two brothers.  I can't wait to read their stories. I did love Hattie - she was a tough feisty woman. I loved True's brother Jaylen - he's a scene stealer. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fun romance for your collection. Give this one to readers who love Hallmark movies. 

Christmas in July: Home for the Holidays

Three sisters open a letter from their estranged aunt asking them to come visit her for Christmas. They used to spend magical moments at Juniper Inn. The letter came at time in their lives where they need each other and a distraction.

Dahlia will be alone for Christmas as her ex-husband and his girlfriend are taking the children to Paris. Magnolia and her husband are having trouble conceiving and fought about it. Magnolia's not sure they can come back from the hurtful things that were said. Rose is engaged, but her mother-in-law to be is a high society woman who bulldozes over her son and has many expectations. Rose is afraid that she will lose herself in the marriage. 

Could a Christmas together help the sisters move forward in their lives?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book; I didn't want it to end. I love how the sisters reconnected and remembered their childhood memories. There were sweet and funny moments. I couldn't help but root for the three sisters and their aunt. I love how everything worked out and I'm really happy there's another book (already out) to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Gifted

Sequel:

BookTok: Snowed In for Christmas

I loved this book - it was so fun to read and made me happy. I didn't want to put it down. 

@yabooknerdlibrarian For all you #swiftie and #football fans and #hallmarkchristmasmovies watchers - this is THE book for you!!!! #fridaythe13th #christmasromance #swifttok #booktok ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

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

Review: Sweet Pea Summer

 

* Book 2 in the Full Bloom Farm Series *

Eight years ago, May decided not to travel the world with Tom after graduation. She never told anyone the truth about that night and let everyone think he left her. Everyone in town turned against him, which wasn't a bad thing because he never came back.

Until his family needed him to come home and run the vineyard. But the vineyard is struggling. Tom needs the Northwest Food and Wine Festival to be a big hit in order to survive. He's willing to do anything to make that happen - including co-organize the event with May.

The more time May spends with Tom, the more she realizes that:

1. She was never brave

2. She should not have kept silent all those years ago

3. She's stuck in a rut

4. She might still have feelings for him.

Could there be room for a second chance?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed the second book in this four book series. Obviously, this is the Persuasion retelling. And I liked that May was the one in the wrong. The tight knit community might be a bit too tight in this one - I felt badly for Tom. He struggled with all the negative comments, but handled it well (much better than I would have.) I liked the moments between May and her father. Looking forward to book 3. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for Review

Library Recommendations: Perfect for your Jane Austen fans and your Hallmark movie fans. 

Review: The Inn at Tansy Falls

 

First in a new series

Nell is on her way to a small Vermont town - sent there by her best friend. Her best friend died, leaving her the responsibility of spreading her ashes in one of her favorite places. Nell isn't keen on leaving London. She's been stuck in her ways for the past few years.

However, once she gets to Tansy Falls, she's thrown into the small town with a list from Megan. Megan has created an itinerary for her - seeing the town and getting to know the people. It doesn't all go according to plan - it's mud season in Vermont. And she's not used to it. Before long, Nell comes to love the town and the people. 

She can't imagine leaving at the end of two weeks. 

My Thoughts: I grew up in Vermont, so I appreciated the setting, the mud season, and the jokes. Nell was a fish out of water a few times, adding to the humor of the story. I loved watching Nell fall in love with the town and with people in it. The town has a fun cast of characters - from the feuding ladies, Nell's new friends, the sweet boy with his cute single father... This book totally makes me want to visit home. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This book would make a lovely Hallmark movie. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your romance collection and hand it out to your Hallmark watchers. 

On Your Radar: (55) Behind the Scenes

 

Title: Behind the Scenes

Author: Karelia Stetz-Waters

Publisher: Forever

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Hollywood

* Pugs

* Female/Female Romance

* Workplace Romance

* Family

* Banter

* Friendships

* Dreams

** Netgalley ARC

Review: Magnolia Sisters

Harper loves working on the family flower farm, but there are updates she would like to create. But there's not much of a budget, so they will have to wait.

When an arrogant man asks to use the farm for his sister's wedding, Harper is in no mood to be polite. It would ruin the crop and cause significant issues for next year. She turns him down flat.

Luke Martin doesn't hear the word No very often. He doesn't want to let his sister down. Luke decides to work at the farm in hopes of changing their mind. But who will break first?

My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and I'm eager to read them all. This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a dash of White Christmas. I love the setting - the small town charm and the flower farm. I love the tight knit family from the parents to the sisters. And I loved all the talk about pie. I'm quite happy Annie will be her own book too. 

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous 

Source: Sent for Review

Library Recommendation: Grab this for your Hallmark channel loving readers

Bookstagram (6) In a New York Minute

 

This book had such a funny (but terrible if it happened to you) meet cute!

And of course, someone took pictures. Which obviously went viral. And now Franny and Hayes keep meeting - sometimes the moments are awkward and sometimes sweet. 

Did fate have a hand in their meeting?

* Book sent for review

Review: The Duke Heist

 

* First in a series *

The Wynchester family isn't welcome in most society functions - until Chloe makes a splash. She steals the carriage of her enemy the Duke of Faircliffe. It doesn't help that he's inside. When they understand each other, Faircliffe offers Chloe a favor. Which she accepts after she and her siblings have come up with a plan.

They're after a painting the duke's now deceased father stole from them. Faircliffe never responded to their letters or attempts to purchase the painting. So, they make a plan to steal it back. Chloe will distract the duke while they uncover the whereabouts of the painting.

But Chloe never imagines falling for the duke. Or that the duke would notice her out of all the respectable ladies. Everyone knows that Faircliffe's father ruined the estate and he needs to marry someone with a dowery. But can he help it if he wants Chloe?

My Thoughts: First off - I straight up love this chosen family of siblings. I can't wait to read more of their stories. I love their love for each other. I love their quirks and their strengths and their abilities. I loved Tommy's ability. Her characters reminded me of Julia Quinn's Lady Danbury. I did love how Chloe wormed her way into a reading circle - but stayed because she became friends with the ladies. And I adore their possible name: Ladies of Lusty Literature Book Coven. I enjoyed Phillippa and her mother. 

Up next:

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance collection

Christmas Book Review: No Ordinary Christmas

* First in a new series * 

The quaint New England town of Mistletoe is thrilled to welcome back one of their own, Dante West. Now a famous Hollywood action star, Dante is filming a movie in town to help the local economy, as well as make amends with the people he hurt when he abruptly left Mistletoe all those years ago.

Librarian Lucy Marshall isn't thrilled to see Dante. He was once her best friend and first love until he left her behind without a word of goodbye. When Dante makes her an offer she can't refuse -- use of the library as a filming venue in exchange for a lucrative donation, Lucy finds herself spending a lot of time in Dante's company. With the magic of Christmas in the air, Dante and Lucy begin to forge a new bond. But can two people leading such different lives find lasting love the second time around? - Summary from publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this small town - second chance romance. I loved getting to know the characters in town - from the children to the parents and everyone in between. I enjoyed watching Dante attempt to make up for this youthful mistake - with his brother and with Lucy. I loved Lucy - especially being a librarian. But the term Head Librarian confused me - was she the Library Director? was she the Adult/Reference Librarian? Besides that, it was delightful. I love the Hollywood stories. I'm looking forward to spending more time in Mistletoe Maine!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your Christmas Romance section!

Review: 12 Dogs of Christmas

When things in the city go sideways, Ally sees it as a sign to travel to Vermont to her grandparents for the holidays - and maybe even longer. But she's surprised to discover the kennel her grandparents have been running for years in losing it's town funding after the first of the year. And there are still 12 dogs left to find homes.

One of the council members, the town's Grinch, has a change of heart. While he can't help the town budget, he does volunteer to help find the dogs homes before the funding disappears. It doesn't help that his niece (whom he's legally responsible for) has been pestering him for a dog for ages. There just isn't enough time in the day for everything.

At first Ally isn't impressed with Ben, but he grows on her. Ben comes up with great ideas to showcase the dogs. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that it's not a bad thing, and the more the town gossips about them. But for Ben, his niece comes first, and he's not about to take a chance on someone who isn't sure they're staying in Vermont...

My Thoughts: This is the first book in a new series - lots of small town charm. And I love that it's set in Vermont. I loved the dogs in this book - they were all adorable and super cute. To be honest, they stole the book a little bit. I loved Ben's niece Astrid. I loved the banter between Ben and Ally. And how they worked together to find homes for all the dogs. I can't wait to read more books in the series. If you're a Hallmark movie watcher - this book is perfect for you!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Gifted

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance collection!

Review: Dating Playbook

 

* Book 2 in the Boyfriend Playbook trilogy *

Taylor's personal training business needs serious help. She's amazing at her job, but thanks to a few bad choices, the bills are piling up. Taylor needs a solution and fast.

Luck just might be on her side. Former NFL player Jamar Dixon left professional football due to an injury. He's interested in making a comeback. He hires Taylor to help him get back into shape - if Taylor will keep his plan a secret. Taylor agrees if Jamar will publicly support her business once he makes the team.

What starts off as a business deal quickly becomes complicated when a reporter asks Jamar a tough question. Taylor steps in and tells the world they are dating. Now, they have to fake date and keep their training private. 

It's not hard to fake date a former professional athlete - but it does require a certain amount of skill.

My Thoughts: I loved the Boyfriend Project, so I was really happy to read this one. I loved how the women met in the first book - well, mostly how they stayed friends and kept each other accountable for their goals. I love learning more about Taylor. I enjoyed her fitness tips and her energy. I liked her moments with Jamar - the banter and the getting to know each other. Fake dating is a favorite trope of mine. I'm so looking forward to London's story!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have trilogy for your library's romance collection.

Review: Paradise Cove

 * Book 2 in the Matchmaker Bay series * 

Dr. Nora Walsh is giving herself two years in this small town. Two years to mend her broken heart. Two years to save enough money to purchase a home with her sister. And two years to not date. 

But the town has other ideas. They are so happy to have a doctor, they will do anything to keep her in town. When Nora befriends the local loner, the town has opinions.

Jake doesn't talk much these days, not since the loss of his son. But there's something comforting about Nora that makes him spill his deepest darkest secrets.

Could there be something more than friendship between the two of them?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this second book and I'm so looking forward to the third one. I enjoyed catching up with old friends, especially the folks at the hardware store. I really liked Nora. I felt terrible for Jake and all that he had been through. But I enjoyed seeing him emerge from his shell. I love how they started sharing their thoughts with each other and how they gravitated towards each other. I quite enjoy this small town.

Cover Thoughts: Charming 

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fun romance that's perfect for your library's collection. Give this book to readers who enjoyed Virgin River

Holiday Book Review: Christmas on Mistletoe Lane

 

Kaitlyn needs a change of scenery after the situation at her job. Her grandmother died, leaving her the family inn - a place where Kaitlyn spent many happy summers. She packs up her entire life and moves - where she discovers a slight hiccup. 

She only owns half the inn. Mitch, a former military man, owns the other half. Kaitlyn remembers her grandmother talking about Mitch over the years. The will stipulates that they must work together for a month before they can sell it.

Kaitlyn's dumbfounded. She can't afford to lose the inn, but Mitch isn't interesting in staying in town. He's avoiding something from his past. But when his new job gets delayed, he has all the time in the world to help get the inn up and running.

Could this new adventure be the start of a new partnership?

My Thoughts: The start of a series (now with 6 books), is charming and sweet. News travels fast in this small town. I really enjoyed getting to know the town. I loved how Mitch and Kaitlyn worked together to make the inn beautiful again. I loved the rooms decorated for famous literary couples. I enjoyed getting to know the past troubles of Mitch and Kaitlyn - and how they came to move past the hurt and the trauma. I loved the couples that stayed at the inn and getting to know them. This book reminded me so much of a Hallmark movie - it was delightful. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

Cover Thoughts:  Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great Christmas romance for your public library's collection.