Review: Hawthorne Legacy

 

* Book 2 in the Hawthorne trilogy * 

The Inheritance Games ended with a bombshell, and now heiress Avery Grambs has to pick up the pieces and find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions - including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons.

Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows that she's not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had ever imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture - by any means necessary. (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: I can't say too much about this book without spoilers. So I'll just share things I loved:

* Best Friends

* Traveling

* More Puzzles

* Snark

* Family Drama

* Uncovering the Truth

* Discovering the Past

* The Danger

I can't wait to see how it all ends!

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing (Again)

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have trilogy for your library.

Review: Vineyard at Painted Moon

 

Mackenzie thought she had it all - the perfect job, a happy marriage, and a great family. But someone else's happiness makes her take a long look at her life. Before she know what's happening, she and her husband are getting a divorce.

Her perfect job comes from his family vineyard. She's fired from her job. Her family is his family, but her best friend is still on her side. 

Mackenzie always had plenty of ideas for the vineyard that the matriarch refused to allow. Now, she has a new business partner and they are purchasing a local winery. She'll be able to make all the decisions. Mackenzie's grieving the loss of her marriage, her job, and the family she always wanted. 

She's starting to do things she's never done before - live alone, cook dinner for herself, and not be consumed by work. Will she find a new place for herself?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It made me want to drink wine and tour wineries. I like learning about wineries and wine making. But I loved Mackenzie and my heart broke for her. But I admired how she landed on her feet with lots of luck and lots of hard work. I loved Four and Stephanie. I love how they stood by Mackenzie.  And how they were true to themselves - which wasn't easy. The family matriarch, Barbara, was the worst - mean, self absorbed, and cruel. Rhys wasn't too much better. Another great story from Susan Mallery.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic women's fiction story for your collection - highly recommended. Although I assume that Susan Mallery is an automatic purchase for most libraries. 

Review: When We Found Home

Malcolm grew up with the wealth and privilege of his father's family. But when his father died, he discovered that he has two half sisters. His grandfather wants to bring them into the family fold. His youngest sister is twelve. Malcolm has no idea how to communicate with her. Callie is closer to him in age. Both sisters have struggled in life - Callie's served a jail sentence for a crime in her youth.

Callie and Kiera both struggle with their new family. After being placed in so many homes, Kiera's doesn't believe her good fortune. She's sure that she will be asked to leave - it's only just a matter of time. Together they find common ground.

Malcolm tries to understand, but he struggles in learning how to be a brother. Can the three of them make their new family work?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about family drama, romance, and friendship. I loved how Callie and Kiera both adjusted to their new life and their new family. I loved their relationship with each other and how they both helped Malcolm understand how to be a brother. I loved Lizzie the kitten, Kiera's stubborn streak, Grandfather's love, and learning more about the family business. I love the Callie didn't sugarcoat her past and how she wanted to work towards bettering her future. I liked the romantic ties in the book. Another great read from Susan Mallery.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Hey Kiddo

Jarrett had a difficult childhood - his grandparents gained custody of him after his mom failed him too many times. As a heroic addict, she spent time in and out of jail. Jarrett's grandparents loved him, but they had their own issues too. He had no idea who is father was - until he sees his birth certificate in high school. But he does have a love for art and he's determined to prove himself.

My Thoughts: I started reading this in line at BEA and I couldn't put it down. It's sad, but powerful and thoughtful. I loved Jarret's fondness for art and how he didn't give up on his dreams. I liked learning about his family and how it functioned (or didn't function). I really loved the end notes. I loved learning about the coloring process of the book. The color scheme makes the book pop. In some ways, this was a hard book to read and know that it happened. I just wanted to give younger Jarrett a great big hug.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: BEA book

Release Date: September 25th