Holiday Review: The Holiday Cottage

Imogen's family life has always been hard. It's been just her and her mother, Tina. But Tina never wanted a child. 

Imogen never had a sense of family. Now she's a workaholic with no friends and no work life balance. Because of a strong desire to fit in, Imogen made up stories about her family to share with co-workers. But in reality, she spends Christmas alone, working. 

After a huge fight with her mother, Imogen messes up for the first time at work. Her boss, thinking that she's close to burn out, makes her take a month long vacation.

Imogen has no idea what she's going to do with her time. But at her last work event, lunch with a client, she's offered a place to stay outside of London.

Imogen's time at the Holiday Cottage change everything. 

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book - but I do wish the ending was a little longer. Everything tied up so quickly. I confess it took me a little bit to get into the book, especially after that moment with Tina. I wasn't sure where the book was going. I felt so bad for Imogen, especially the moment with Tina and the moments with her co-workers. I would have liked to see them have the tough conversation at the end of the book. I adored Ralph. I loved Sara's girls. There were some sweet moments, some funny moments, and some yikes moments. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your Hallmark movie watchers!

* This is not a romance, but it does have romance in the book

BookTok: The Christmas Book Hotel

There are so many things to love about this book. But I adored the relationships! Plus, Delphie was a hoot! And it's set in Vermont, which is never a bad thing! Isn't the cover stunning!  

@yabooknerdlibrarian Cozy book alert! Sarah Morgan’s new book is all about friendship, family, and family. It left me with a book hangover. Read it! #booktok #christmasromance #romancetok #winter #hotchocolate ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

BookTok: Favorite Adult Authors

Yesterday, I talked about my love for Ally Carter. Here are a few other adult authors I will always read

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian Adult authors I will always read - who are your favorites? #booktok #romancebooks #favoriteauthor #mustread #Inverted ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Christmas Book Review: The Christmas Escape

 

Christy planned the perfect Christmas vacation for her family and her best friend - but this time, things don't go according to plan. Christy's life is made up of schedules and organized moments. But when Christy notices something is off with her husband, she's determined to fix it.

She asks her best friend to take her daughter on the vacation. Christy and her husband will join Alix as soon as they can.

Alix isn't sure she's the best person for the job. She doesn't know how to parent a child, especially this close to Christmas. Plus she wants to heal the rift between her and Christy. Alix let her own fears about relationships bubble to the surface right before her best friend's wedding. There are some words you can't take back.

Can this Christmas vacation heal both a friendship and a marriage?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story - it made me want to travel to Lapland. Lots of winter moments, hot chocolate drinking, and sleigh rides. Lots of feelings in this one as friendships and relationships are examined. I love the idea of chosen family and how friends do make the best families. I enjoyed Christy learning to let go of schedules and Alix learn to let people in. This would make a great Hallmark Channel movie (or Nexflix - I'm not picky)

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Netgalley Review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library Christmas collection.

Review: Summer Seekers

 

One summer changes everything for three women.

One woman (Kathleen) has an intruder enter the house. Instead of scaring her, it emboldens her. She's always wanted to take a trip - cruising down Route 66. She decides to go for it. She's not getting any younger. She doesn't connect well with her daughter. But maybe the can kind some common ground. 

One woman (Martha) volunteers to be her driver. She needs to get out of her house for the summer. She understands how to drive but isn't comfortable with it...yet. Plus, she's never been to American before. She might be running away...or she might just find herself. 

One woman, Kathleen's daughter, is raising teenage daughters, but she has no balance in her life. There is no time carved out for herself. Everything revolves around her children and her husband and their needs. Until one day, her anniversary, when she snaps. She packs up her things and drives to her mother's empty house where she takes time to recharge and figure out what she wants out of life. 

My Thoughts: Three females - three different perspectives. I really got sucked into the lives of these women. I hated ending a chapter and moving on to the next woman - but then I hate leaving her story too. Even though the stories were so connected, I always wanted more. I loved the different perspectives and the different ages - each female had her own issues to sort through. And each of them helped each other and supported each other. I loved learning more about each other - and their problems. But also how they grew and solved those problems. There was So much about family and friendship and self-worth. And the ending was great. 

Also I loved the moments with the rock star - especially those moment with the fans. It added humor and lightheartedness to the story.

Cover Thoughts: I love it - especially the car

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic women's fiction story for your collection - highly recommended.

Holiday Book Review: One More For Christmas

 

Gayle Mitchell is on top of the world - she has a very successful career and her second book is just about to be released. Many women want to be her and she's happy to show them the way. While she says she as no regrets - her family life has taken a hit because of her career. She hasn't talked with her daughters in five years after a horrific fight.

After she takes a terrible fall, her daughters are called to the hospital. Both of them come, much to her surprise. Gayle is still saying all the wrong things, but she would like a second chance.

Luckily for her, her daughters agree to spend Christmas all together as a family...in Scotland. 

My Thoughts: I loved this women's fiction Christmas novel. I loved the family learn each other's secrets and understanding each other just a little bit more. I liked the different perspectives - from the mother and the daughters. Tab was very cute. I loved the relationship between the sisters. I loved the setting - it made me want to go spend Christmas in Scotland with the reindeer and all that snow! Another winner from Sarah Morgan!

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this Christmas story for your collection - you're patrons will gobble it up.

Holiday Book Review: Christmas Sisters

Suzanne can't wait to have her three daughters home for Christmas. Not everyone could make it home to Scotland last year and she wants everything to be perfect. But she doesn't realize that each of them is having their own personal crisis.

Hannah doesn't want to come home, but she knows she can't escape her family two years in a row. She has a secret she's not ready to share yet, but she knows it will change everything.

Beth's ready to go back to work and move beyond being a stay at home parent. A new opportunity came her way and she's ready to take it. Her husband's response causes a huge rift between the two of them.

Posy loves being in Scotland, but she isn't interested in taking over the café from Suzanne. She wants to travel the world and climb everything. She just doesn't know how to tell her mom.

When the three sisters find themselves together in one place, they start talking and start figuring things out.

My Thoughts: I'm a sucker for Sarah Morgan books, especially her Christmas stories. I loved the Scotland setting - with the cold and the snow and the small town charm. It made me want to travel there. I loved the story of the three sisters and how they started to talk again. I liked learning more about their past tragedy and how that shaped their present. I loved seeing what their future held for them. A delightful Christmas story with love, laughter, and lots of heart.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: BEA book 2018 (Signed - I was so happy to finally meet Sarah Morgan)
Library Recommendation: Sarah Morgan should be an auto-purchase for your romance collection.

Review: One Summer in Paris

For their 25th wedding anniversary, Grace made reservations for a trip to Paris. But her husband surprises her when he asks her for a divorce instead. Grace's devastated, but decides to take the time in Paris for herself.

While walking near Notre Dame, Grace has her bag stolen. Everything, including her passport, is in there. Luckily, a young girl chases down the thief and recovers her items.

Grace can't begin to thank Audrey enough. Audrey's a teen from London who needed a break from her family. She traveled to Paris with no money, unable to speak the language, and a job lined up.

Once they meet, everything changes for both of them. Their opposite ways rub off on each other as they become fast friends. They support each other and teach other. Together, they're having one wonderful summer in Paris.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I felt terrible for Grace and her husband betrayal. I loved that she went to Paris anyways. This book made me want to visit Paris myself and stroll down the streets, drink hot chocolate in cafes, wander through the museums, and eat chocolate croissants. I loved the friendship between Audrey and Grace and how they both needed someone. I loved that they taught each other new things. I loved Audrey's romance, the moments in the bookstore, and Grace's grandmother. I know the ending seems realistic, but I wasn't a huge fan. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Sarah Morgan's books always circulate at my library. Grab this one for your travel book readers, your romance readers, and your summer book readers.

Review: How to Keep a Secret

Secrets have a way of coming out - even if it's years later.

Lauren's life changed when her husband died. He left their finances in a terrible state. She has to start over with her teenage daughter who learns Lauren's secret. Mack's hurting and lashes out. When they move back to Lauren's childhood home on Martha's Vineyard, more family secrets get shared between Lauren's sister Jenna and their mother.

If only the three of them had talked sooner, life might have been very different for them. As it is, they must make peace with their newfound knowledge and each other if they're ever going to be happy

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I love how the three generations of strong women came together. I enjoyed watching them learn about each other. I really loved how they each found their footing. I adored Mac. I liked watching her find herself. This one has plenty of drama that kept me turning the pages. Another fantastic book from Sarah Morgan. I simply love her books. And I'm never disappointed in them. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your women's fiction section! 

Romance Authors

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you have a great day!

For me Valentine's Day is all about books and chocolate.

Of course the books are romance books. Here are my go-to Romance authors and my most read authors. They simply make my day better and I'm glad to read anything they write.

Thank you to:

Meg Cabot

Debbie Macomber

Sherryl Woods

Susan Mallery

Jill Shalvis

Julia Quinn

Kristan Higgins

Sarah Morgan

Sarah MacLean

Sophie Kinsella

Shana Galen

Romance Review: Moonlight Over Manhattan

* End of a trilogy *  

After a difficult childhood, Harriet came to rely on her twin and older brother. Now that her siblings have found true love, she’s ready to take back control of her life. So she's going to do something challenging every day, something that scares her. 

Harriet attempts online date, but it's an epic disaster.She twists her ankle jumping out of a bathroom window to escape a date. But she does meet a handsome doctor who looks at her ankle.

Dr. Ethan Black isn't having the best night in the E.R., in fact he's surprised when he meets Harriet. She's not the typical patient and that intrigues him. But knowing his relationship hang ups, nothing happens.

The two meet again when her dog walking business collides with his life. His sister leaves her dog with him for a few days. Ethan isn't used to having a dog in his life and the second meeting between the two doesn't go well. Ethan comes home to chaos after a horrific day and loses his temper causing Harriet and Madi discomfort.

Ethan has to convince Harriet to leave Madi with him. But she rearranges her schedule to give Madi more attention. Dog sitting is outside her comfort zone, but talking to Ethan isn't anymore. The more time she spends with him, the more she relaxes with him. Ethan knows there’s something about Harriet, but he also knows that he’s terrible at relationships. Is it worth the risk?

My Thoughts: I loved this trilogy about the three siblings finding love. I love how Harriet challenges herself and gain confidence. The challenges lead to some funny moments, but also some very serious reflection. I love her conversations with Ethan and how they both grow more comfortable with each other. I loved Ethan's friend from the ER. Of course I loved the bit in Vermont and seeing old friends from the Snow Crystal resort. It was wonderful to see old friends again. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Reviewed: Fresh Fiction (upcoming)
Library Recommendation: Grab this trilogy for your public library!

Blog Tour: Holiday in the Hamptons

About the Book:

Title: HOLIDAY IN THE HAMPTONS

Author: Sarah Morgan

Pub. Date: August 29, 2017

Publisher: Harlequin Books 

Pages: 384

Formats: Paperback, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Audible, Barnes&Noble, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

The perfect summer escape? 

Professional dog-walker Felicity Knight loves everything about New York...until her ex-husband starts working at her local vet clinic. She hasn't seen Seth Carlyle in ten years, but one glimpse of him--too gorgeous, and still too good for her--and Fliss's heart hurts like their whirlwind marriage ended yesterday. So when her grandmother in the Hamptons needs help for the summer, it seems the ideal way to escape her past.

Their relationship might have lasted only a few scorching months, but vet Seth knows Fliss--if she's run away to the Hamptons, it's because she still feels their connection and it terrifies her. He let her go once before, when he didn't know any better, but not this summer! With the help of his adorable dog, Lulu, and a sprinkling of beachside magic, Seth is determined to make Fliss see that he's never stopped loving her...

Sarah Morgan delights with more love and laughter in her acclaimed series From Manhattan with Love, which Publishers Weekly calls "engaging...a classic sweep-you-off-your-feet romantic experience."

My Thoughts: I adore this series and this book was amazing. I loved getting to know Fliss better and learning about her past (including Seth). I really enjoyed her interactions with her Grandmother - from their time together, especailly baking. And learning about their past summers. I loved her Grandmother's friends and their conversations. They added humor to the story.  I loved the dogs in this story, and I'm so glad there's at least one in every book. The setting made me want to take a vacation and relax on the beach somewhere. Another fantastic book in this charming series. 

About Sarah:

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. Described as ‘a magician with words’ by RT Book Reviews, she has sold over 15 million copies of her books. She has been nominated five times for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award three times; in 2012 for her book ‘Doukakis’s Apprentice’, 2013 for ‘A Night of No Return’, and 2017 for ‘Miracle on 5th Avenue’. She also won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their ‘Top Pick’ slot.

As a child Sarah dreamed of being a writer and although she took a few interesting detours along the way, she is now living that dream.

Sarah lives near London with her husband and children, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Follow the Tour:

8/7/2017- YA Book Nerd- Review

8/8/2017- Romantic Reviews- Excerpt

8/9/2017- Kati's Bookaholic Rambling Reviews- Review

8/10/2017- Becky on Books- Review

8/11/2017- Bookish in Texas- Review

Giveaway: 1 winner will receive a Kate Spade Beach Themed Prize Pack, US/Canada Only.

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Adult Review: New York Actually

* Book 4 in the From Manhattan with Love series * 

While walking in the park with her beloved dalmatian, Molly meets Daniel. He's walking his borrowed dog in hopes of chatting her up.

They couldn't be more different. She writes a relationship advice blog and he's a divorce attorney. They chat about life. He asks her for a date, but she turns him down.

Finally he brings coffee to the park and starts breaking down her walls. Could their differences bring them together?

My Thoughts: I adore this series! And this one starts with a new set of siblings with a troubled past. I loved learning more about the twins. I can't wait to read their stories. 

I love the dogs in this book - they steal the book at times. I love the slow burn of the romance between Molly and Daniel. And how their pasts color their present views and their jobs. Another charming read from Sarah Morgan! I didn't want to put this book down. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for public libraries! Highly recommended.

Top Ten Tuesday: Hallmark Movies

This week is another freebie. I'm a sucker for Hallmark channel movies, especially the Christmas ones. But also I love it when they turn a favorite book into a show or series. Would you watch these? Let's try to make this happen!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Bluff Point series or just for their wedding movies in June

Large family - lots of laughs. Could be one movie or a movie on each of the books

Lucky Harbor - a series

A series for sure!

A movie with series potential

A movie with series potential 

Could be a series or just a Christmas movie

Could be a series or just a Thanksgiving movie

Another good wedding ones

A fun movie with series potential 

Bonus:

It's YA but gymnastics and would appeal 

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Adult books for 2017 (So far)

This week is another freebie week, so I thought I'd continue with my lists of best books I've read so far this year. This week it's adult fiction. Enjoy!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Christmas Book Review: Miracle on 5th Avenue

* Book 3 in the From Manhattan with Love series *

Eva's having a hard time with Christmas this year after the loss of her grandmother. She struggling to find happiness. Since both of her friends are happy in new relationships, she doesn't want to burden them with her loneliness.

She's tasked to fill up a writer's freezer and decorate his apartment since he's at a writing retreat. Only he's not at a retreat, he's hiding from the world. Plus he's not happy about Eva descending on his apartment.

However since the snow is falling rapidly and since he doesn't want to tell his grandmother that he's actually at home, he allows her to stay. Which works well for him as she becomes his muse for his book. With her in the apartment, his words start flowing. His deadline now might be possible if only he can convince Eva to stay with him.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I felt terrible for Eva in the previous two books as she struggled with her inner self about how to handle her grandmother's death and her friend's new happily ever afters. I enjoyed her banter with Lucas. I love that she was his muse - especially how the muse turned out. I loved how they could help each other grief because they both lost someone close to them. I loved the memories with Eva and her grandmother. It made me miss my grandmother. I didn't want to put this book down! And I'm so glad more is coming in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended purchase for all public libraries.

Adult Review: Sunset in Central Park

 * Book 2 in the from Manhattan with Love series *

Ever since Frankie's parents' divorced and her mother became that woman, she's had trouble trusting men.  Thus she's never been in a real relationship. Still her best friend's brother makes her weak at the knees. When Matt confides that he wants to be more than friends, all bets are off.

At first they begin with no strings attached, but the more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. Is there any way Frankie can let happiness take over and trust in love?

My Thoughts: I adored this novel. I really liked seeing pieces of Frankie's former life and how that shape her adult life. I love it when she finally went back home after all those years away and discovered nothing was how she remembered it. I loved their moments on the island. I like how Matt was patient with her. I love seeing the three best friends together again. I'm so happy that Eva will have the Christmas story, I can't wait to read it!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all romance sections - along with previous Sarah Morgan novels. 

Books I'm Dying to Read: November Edition

By November, the weather starts getting colder. The pellet stove comes on and I just want to read in front of it all winter. It's so warm. Plus I'm waiting for the first flakes of the year.  

Kids:

I adore the Princess in Black books and the Whatever After series. Both great reads, especially for those looking for girl power books.

Middle Grade

 

I adore the Keeper of the Lost Cities book and can't wait for the next one!

I'm looking forward to the rest of these middle grade books, which have great covers and seem really fun.

YA:

I adore the Natural books; I need to read those in one sitting because they just suck you in. 

I'm excited to read more about performing arts schools, roller derby, stand up comedy, alliances, and a dangerous love.

Adult:

I love everything Janet Evanovich writes and Stephanie Plum books make me so happy. I'm interested in Lauren Graham's new book; I'm very curious about it. I adore Sarah Morgan, she's one of my favorite contemporary romance authors for adult. 

Jenn Mckinlay's books are always great and I love the library setting. I really enjoy Kate Carlisle's books on a contractor who solves murders. I've read Mary Higgins Clark since 7th grade and this series is fantastic.