Adult Review: What We Find

 * First in a new series *

Maggie's having a bad year. Her medical practice is in trouble - from her partners and her own drama. The parents of a dead teenager are suing her. On top of that, Maggie's just miscarried and her boyfriend doesn't want to deal with her drama. He dumps her flat out. All of this combined leaves Maggie crying in the stairwell.

Her friend finds her and suggests Maggie take a few weeks off. Maggie realizes that might be the best idea and flees to her father's home. There she hopes to straighten her life around and to figure out her next steps.

Sully lives off the the trail of the Continental Divide Trails where he owns a general store mixed with camping areas. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind - until he has a heart attack.

Maggie takes great care of him, but she can't do everything herself. A man who was just passing through steps in to help her. He's a little secretive, but Cal might be just want Maggie needs.

My Thoughts: Robyn Carr came through Connecticut on her book tour and she was entertaining. I was more excited than ever to start her new series, although I fully admit to be a newbie to her books. I have read one other book before, but I haven't started her series yet. 

I really liked this book. In the beginning of the book, I felt heartsick for Maggie. But I loved how strong she was, how she didn't back down from her future, and how she took control in situations. 

I love the layers of relationship in this novel. I really liked her conversations with her father - from the teasing moments to the sweet moments where they talked about the past and how it changed them both. I liked Maggie's relationship with Walter and how she started realizing the influence he's had on her life and how she starts to finally understand him. I really liked Cal - he's strong, a thinker, a reader, and knows how to handle himself. 

I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: Book sent for review

Adult Review: Friends We Keep

 * Book 2 in the Mischief Bay series * 

Nicole's coming to terms with her divorce. But what she can't swallow is the fact that her husband seems to cancel plans with his son more often than not. If Eric's not careful, he's going to damage his relationship with Tyler. When Tyler meets the author of his favorite books, he's more interested in hanging out with Jairus than his own father.

Hayley is desperate to have a baby of her own, but her body's rejecting that idea. Devastated, she's determined to do whatever she can, despite her doctor and her husband's wishes.

Gabby's anxious for her twin daughters to head off to school for the first time, so she can return to work. When her teenage stepdaughter becomes pregnant, it turns the whole household upside down.

These three friends deal with all the drama in their lives while supporting each other.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sequel. Nicole seems to be the center of this series. Each of the women had big changes in her life. I really liked how the relationship with Nicole and Jairus progressed. I loved learning more about Jairus and his past, including his relationship with his sister. Hayley annoyed me at first with her illogical behavior, but she grew on me towards the end. I think I liked Gabby's story the best - with her stepdaughter and the twins. I wasn't a fan of her husband through most of the book. But her twin daughters were entertaining and sweet, and of course a little wild. I'm interested to see where this series goes next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
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

Christmas Book Review: Winter Wedding

* Book 9 in the Whiskey Creek series *

Lourdes Bennett needs some time away from her life, after her last album tanked. She's going back to her country music roots, but needs a place to write. So she rents a cabin in Whiskey Creek, hoping to stay hidden. Lourdes hopes that her manager boyfriend will accompany her, but at the last moment, he backs out. When the heater dies at the cabin, Lourdes moves in her with landlord for the night.

Kyle hasn't loved anyone since his last girlfriend married his stepbrother. He certainly never loved his ex-wife. She's making trouble for him all the time and he's at the end of his rope. The more time he spends with Lourdes, the more he realizes he's attracted to her.

But Kyle's not looking to leave Whiskey Creek and Lourdes isn't looking to settle down in a small town. Is there something between them worth exploring anyways?

My Thoughts: I really loved this addition to the Whiskey Creek series.

I loved learning more about the musical business in Nashville. I loved watching the process of Lourdes writing songs.I like how she trusted Kyle right off the bat and how they became friends. I like the slow building romance and this was fantastic.

And not without road bumps. Lourdes needed to figure out her life in Nashville, including her relationship with her manager. Kyle had an ex-wife, Noelle who did her best to make his life horrible. I felt bad for him for having to deal with her and her insecurities and crazy plans. 

I liked the Christmas scenes of getting a Christmas tree and decorating houses, seeing the town decorations, and family dinners.

As always, I liked seeing characters from former books and checking in with them. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're a contemporary romance fan, you better be reading this series.

Series Love: Calamity Janes

Five best friends have their own lives, their own problems, and their own heartache. But they all come back for their ten year high school reunion. So much has changed, but what hasn't changed is the bond of friendship between them. 

Cassie's still heartbroken from the last time she gave away her heart. Now her son's asking questions she doesn't want to answer and more importantly she doesn't want to run into his father. How will she explain the last 10 years of her life to him?

Karen and her husband own a ranch that's struggling financially. When a tragedy changes everything = Karen must decide what to do next.

Gina and her business partner own an flourishing restaurant in NYC - until he leaves with all their combined money. People are looking to her for answers, but Gina has no idea what to tell them. She especially doesn't know what to tell the lawyer that won't let her out of his sight. 

Emma's busy being the best lawyer in Denver, but she's too busy to enjoy her life. Her daughter doesn't love the long days. In fact, she'd be happier in Emma would consider moving back home. With a huge court case at home, Emma starts thinking coming home might not be a bad idea.

Lauren never thought her Hollywood life would last. Now after two divorces and several hit movies, she realizes  that something's missing. After returning home for her reunion, she's thinking seriously about moving back. She stays at ranch, helping with a spooked horse. Is she really ready to give up the spotlight?

My Thoughts: Great friendships, fantastic romances, banter and meddling, strong women, small town charm - what's not to love about this series?

Covers: Picturesque - these are the newly repackaged covers

Source: My Library

Blog Tour: This Heart of Mine

Welcome to my tour stop for This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak.  The tour will consist of reviews and spotlights and runs March 16- April 7th. 
Check out the tour page for more information.

* Book 8 in the Whiskey Creek series *

Phoenix spent seventeen years in jail fro a crime she swears she didn't commit. Now that she's out, the only thing she cares about is creating a bond with her son Jake - which means dealing with his father Riley. She'll do almost anything to have a chance to get to know her son.

Riley's never trusted Phoenix's story and there's no way to prove her innocence. Still, he's not about to keep their son from his mother. After they meet and become reacquainted, Riley's opinion starts to change. Phoenix isn't bitter or full or hatred - in fact the simplest things make her happy. Now that his son has a mother in his life, Riley will protect her from the harden hearts in town.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this small town series full of favorite characters. I really liked Phoenix - she was smart, sweet, independent, proud, stubborn, and full of heart. She made lemonade out of lemons.

I loved the moments between her and Jacob; they were sweet and caring. Jacob is smart, strong, innocent, and good a meddling. The moments where he tries to get his parents together alternate between amusing and sweet.

I'm glad that Riley's now older and can acknowledge his feelings. I'm glad that he's standing up for the mother of his child and eventually the woman he grows to love. The moments aren't always easy but doing the right thing isn't always easy.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable and charming
Source: ARC sent for Review

Final Thoughts: A fantastic addition to this series full of romance, friendship, and real problems. If you've haven't read this series - get started!

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Sounds good right? Then enter the giveaway:

Giveaway:

5 paperback copies of This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak

US/CA only

Ends April 16, 2015

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Goodreads  |  Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak has penned over 45 novels. A two-time Rita nominee, she’s won The National Reader’s Choice, The Bookseller’s Best, The Bookbuyer’s Best and many other awards. She runs an annual online auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com. To date, she’s raised over $2 million. Brenda considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life.

Find Brenda Novak Online:

Website| Twitter (@Brenda_Novak) | Facebook | Goodreads 

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

Review: Swan Point

* Book 11 in the sweet Magnolia series *

Adelia's still a little shaken up from the break-up of her marriage. She's happy to be rid of her unfaithful husband Ernesto, but starting over is hard with four children.  Plus she feels guilt from her Catholic upbringing and her sisters aren't happy with her choice.  Still, she's moving forward. Adelia bought a new house on Swan Point, which needs a little fixing up.

Gabe has come home to Swan Point. He wants to change his life around and become something other than a trouble maker in the eyes of the town.  Yes, he had a rough time of it as a teen and left town vowing never to come back. His cousin gives him a job at his construction site.  

When Gabe and Adelia meet, neither of them is looking for love, but the sparks fly anyway. Could it be something or just a rush of chemistry?

My Thoughts: I love Sherryl Woods' books, especially this series. I love the strong women characters who band together and look out for each other. I felt bad for Adelia and how her family wasn't always supportive and behind her. I really liked Adelia's kids and how they tried to understand their new life. They were sweet, smart, and resilient.  I love their interactions with Gabe. I liked watching Gabe struggle to overcome his past and fight for his future and for himself. I really hope that the next book features Carolina because I'm worried about her. Sheryl Woods has a way of writing that gets under your skin.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Barefoot Season

Michelle owns an inn on Blackberry Island, but she hasn't been back home in ten years for personal reasons. Now after 2 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, an injury brings her home.

The inn she left looks very different today. Her mother, who recently died, just about ran it into the ground. Michelle's ex BFF has been working there ever since Michelle left, helping it run smoothly.

Now Michelle and Carly have to find a way to work together to save the inn - despite their past.  Michelle struggles with re-entering the real world. Will the fight to save the inn and working with Carly be too much for her?

My Thoughts: I've read novels about men finding their place after returning home from war, but this book is the first one I've read about from a woman's perspective. And it was powerful. I felt horrible for Michelle as she dealt with the pain of her injury and trying to come to terms with being back home.  My heart went out to Chance - I teared up at one point. I loved the banter between Carly and Michelle - even though it was hurtful at times, they were so honest with each other. Looking forward to reading more about this island.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
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

Adult Review: Come Home to Me

* Book 6 in the Whiskey Creek series *

Presley returns home after two years - sober and with a toddler. She's opening a yoga and massage retreat center. More than anything, she hopes to put her past behind her.

The one person from her past she can't seem to escape is Aaron. He's still in town, although he's supposed to be moving soon. Unfortunately for Presley, he's still interested in her. Luckily, he's also still in the dark about their son.

Can Presley really start over with him still in her life?

My Thoughts: I love this series. I really like how Presley turned her life around. I loved the moments between her and her son - they were so cute and full of love. I liked her relationship with Arron - even though they had some tense moments. I didn't really like Cheyenne's storyline - it was sad and I wasn't a fan of her choice. Because Presley wasn't part of the main group, there were snippets, but I missed hearing more about the others. So looking forward Eve's story.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC for review

Adult Review: Home to Seaview Key

* Seaview Key Series #2 - Read my review for the 1st book *

Abby Miller returns home, a little shaken from her divorce and hoping to do some good in Seaview. She has a new project in mind - one that will bring jobs into the area and showcase what the island has to offer. Not everyone's on board with her idea, including the mayor. 

The first few days back, Abby stays hidden. Then she goes swimming and needs rescuing. An attractive ex-solider rescues her. He sparks something in her that she believed to be hidden forever.  

He's staying at Seaview Inn. Abby knows that her seclusion time has ended. The locals will know she's back. Abby also wouldn't mind befriending Hannah again. Their friendship fell apart not long after they left for college. Can they find themselves back on track?

My Thoughts: The perfect book to read during the cold winter months. I love the moments on the beach, where I wish I was right now. I like the start of the friendship again between Abby and Hannah - how it took some time, some care, and some great food to make it work. I liked seeing old friends from the first book, especially Jenny. I love her matchmaking ways. I really liked Seth. I felt horrible about his past. I love how Sherryl Woods (and others) are writing about veterans returning home and trying to recover from the war while figuring out their lives. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect - don't you just want to curl up in that chair with a great book?
Source: My Library.

Review: Taste of Darkness

* Final book in the Healer trilogy *

Avery and her band of friends still need to defeat their enemies: King Tohon, Jael, and the Skeleton King. Prince Ryne's forces seem to be outnumbered but perhaps not outwitted.

Can Avery and her friends use their talents and magic to help turn the tide of the war in their favor?

My Thoughts: A great end to a powerful trilogy dealing with war, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and love. I love Avry for her strength, her loyalty, her determination, her sense of friendship, her confidence, and how she always speaks her mind. I love the banter between the monkeys - they add some tension relief with their antics. I love how they all have Avry's back. I love Avry's bond with Kerrick and their relationship. I loved this trilogy for the action, the danger, the humor, and the love. Maria V. Snyder is a must read author for me.

Cover Thoughts: I liked it - especially with the lilies
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Seaview Inn

Hannah's going back to one place she dreads - home. She wants to help her grandmother sell the family inn and move into an assisted living facility. Her grandmother has no intention of moving or of giving up the inn. Since her mother died, it's too much work for one person to run the inn.

Hannah takes two weeks off from work, but when she gets down there everything changes. Her daughter arrives - taking a break from college. An old crush and war veteran shows up ready to help make the inn presentable.

Being back on the island, Hannah's forced to move at a slower pace. She also has time to take a hard look at her life and see what's missing. Could the very place she ran from be the place she's meant to stay?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Sherryl Woods and saw a new book coming out Home to Seaview Key. I realized it was the second book in a series, so I tracked down the first one. I love how the generations of the Matthews family come together. I love their stubbornness, their quick wit, and their big hearts. I really liked Luke. I felt horrible for him and what he went through with his family, but I admired him for putting it back together. A feel good novel, perfect for escaping the cold weather of winter. I wish I was there on the beach and staying at the inn. So looking forward to reading more about this town. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - wish I was there now
Source: My Library

Holiday Review Thursday: Take Me Home for Christmas

* Whiskey Creek series #5 *

Sophia hasn't had an easy life. She's made some mistakes in her past - mistakes that people in town still hold against her. She wakes up on what's supposed to be a romantic weekend trip, getting her marriage back on track, to discover her husband's missing.

Then the news comes that he's dead. At first she simply feels relief. Skip was a terrible, abusive husband. She feels sad for her daughter. Then all the details come out - how he got most of the town to invest in one of his projects and they lost all their money.

Sophia thought the townspeople only tolerated her before because of her money, but now they openly despise her. She's trying desperately to hold on to her life for the sake of her daughter. She knows thinks will change drastically, but she has know idea how much. 

My Thoughts: Wow, Brenda Novak has an amazing ability to create horrible situations for her characters making you care deeply about their happiness. I wasn't a huge fan of Sophia's before this book, but my heart aches for all she went though. I thought some of the Whiskey Creek people were simply horrid, unfeeling, and greedy. I love how Sophia struggled and wanted to make it on her own. I loved her determination to make her life and her daughter's life better. I liked watching Ted struggle, even though he wanted to help, he was conflicted about becoming emotionally involved. I thought most of the moments with Alexa and Ted added humor. I loved their Christmas celebration; it was heartfelt and sweet. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Cover Thoughts: Love It!
Source: Sent for Review

Mini Adult Review: Sea Glass Island

The last book in a trilogy of three sisters, starting over in their lives. This book focuses on the oldest - Samantha. Samantha went to New York fresh out of high school to become an actress. Now roles are coming further and further apart and she's not sure she wants to continue acting.

The Good: I liked how Samantha realized her heart wasn't in finding acting jobs anymore. I like how she figured out her next step in life, regardless of the other things happening in her life. I thought her romance with Ethan was sweet. I liked and admired Ethan - for all that he overcame, but also how he helped kids with similar issues. I liked the interaction and romance building between them. I loved Samantha's meddling sisters and grandmother. A sweet end to a wonderful trilogy and perfect beach reads. 

The Bad: The trilogy is over. 

Mini Adult Review: Wind Chime Point

 Second book in a trilogy about three sisters who find love and a new direction from their busy lives. This one centers on Gabi - who's found herself pregnant and alone with no job. She heads back to the place she spent her summers to try to figure out her next move - with help from her grandmother and her two sisters.

The Good: I love the sisters' relationships - they throw snarky witty banter back and forth but are so loyal, it's sweet. I love how this family is growing in size and in love. The sisters are learning more about their past and getting to know their father in a new light. I like how Gabi's taken time from her former life and figuring out what she wants. I love the bit about glass blowing - it's something I've always wanted to try. I thought Gabi was strong, determined, and smart. All in all, a great read with small town charm, romance, and family.

The Bad: The only bad part was waiting for the next book to come out.

Adult Review: What She Wants

 * The 3rd book in the Life in Icicle Falls series*

Jonathan's always been a nerd in love with the girl from next door. When his fifteenth high school reunion is announced for the summer, it might be the right time to change his image. He signs up for a membership to the gym. When his sister learns of his plans, she convinces him to learn how to dance.  She's also threatened to take him clothes shopping. Jonathan's hoping that this will finally be chance to tell Lissa how he feels. He just wishes that he knew how women think.

His buddies are all having relationship trouble. Adam's wife kicked him out. Kyle wants to impress a woman at work, but he's not having any luck. When Jonathon attends a library booksale with his sister, he overhears women talking about romance books. It sparks an idea. Could he read romance books and uncover what women really want in a man?

My Thoughts: I love this charming town and the people in it! The small town charm where everyone knows your business makes for a sweet, fun read.  I love the concept behind this book, using romance novels to understand women and figure out what they want in a man. I love how Jonathan started reading them and his poker buddies found out. He wasn't embarrassed - he thought they might be able to use them in their relationships. I love how they shared the books and talked about them - what might work and what might not.  I can't wait to read  more about Life in Icicle Falls. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Adult Review: When Summer Comes

*Book 3 in the Whiskey Creek series*

Callie's spending the summer taking time off. She's hiding devastating news from her friends and family. She needs a liver transplant by the end of the summer or she might no be long for this world.

One night, she hears a commotion outside the farm house. A man's been seriously injured by two dogs. He's wary of the police but needs medical attention. Callie helps him out as best she can. He's too weak to travel and his bike needs repairs.

She makes him an offer he can't refuse. He will help her fix up the farm house in exchange for a place to stay.  As the summer goes on, Callie's health starts to slightly fade. She's still not willing to tell her friends and family and give up her freedom. Her bargain with Levi allows her to live life on her own terms, plus she just might fall in love for the first time.

My Thoughts: The Whiskey Creek novels revolve around a group of friends from high school. They meet each week for coffee - which is nice tradition. Each novel focuses on a different member of the group, but I love hearing about the whole group. Callie's summer plans were bitterweet - as she planned to hide out on the farm where she spent happy days until she could no longer take care of herself. Medically there was nothing she could do to improve her situation; she simply planned on enjoying the time she had left. I liked the interactions between Levi and Callie - they were sweet with each other and teased each other. I enjoyed their blossoming romance. I laughed, I smile, and I cried. I'm looking forward to reading more about this group of friends.

Cover Thoughts: Sweet
Source: My Library