Watch That, Read This (1)

 

A new blog post series here on the blog.

This one features Hallmark movies and romance books - both favorites of mine.

Some of the movies are older, but I really enjoyed them.

 

 

 

 

Have you seen any of these movies or read any of these books?

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 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

On My Hold List (108)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

Since coming back from BEA, I've decided that I need to change my reading habits. I need to start reading the ARCs and worry less about the library books for right now, except of course for the hot books coming out that I need immediately. It's not really working...but I am trying.

Here are a few Christmas books I'm looking forward to reading when they come in at the library.

Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery
I love Fool's Gold. I'm always happy to read more of these books, especially set at Christmas.

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Sheila Roberts 
Three women have very different ideas of Christmas but this year, will be different in Icicle falls. I adore this series!

Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak
This book just came out yesterday - I love this series and I'm happy to see Kyle finding love.

And a picture book:

How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
What happens if you catch Santa?

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?

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Reads of the Year (so far)

This week's topic is hard - the best books I've read this year so far. I read so many books that it's always hard choosing my favorites. I'm going to split up the list into adult reads and teen reads and in no particular order.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Teen Favorites:

Adult Favorites: