Jen's Blog

I didn't realize when I read this one that it was a re-issue.  It was first published as  The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off .  It's also the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first when I found this one.  I enjoyed it enough I will go back and re-read the first two in the series. The only thing I would say about the book that I didn't like, was on occasion it got very wordy.  Overall it was a delightful and fun story. Carlene Lovell is recovering from her husband's shocking affair, with a women she sold some of her expensive lingerie too!  Waiting in the wings is sexy sheriff Jack Landry. This story offers a lot more than just romance though, its really about friendship.  Carlene and her friends and family decide to enter the chili cook-off to get back at Carlene's soon to be ex, and the rest of the men in town.  It's a story about survival and friendship, and these friends have a whole lot of fun!  I love stories like this that incorporate both f

I have been enjoying this Carsons of Mustang Creek series.  They are light, fun and entertaining reads - and really who doesn't love a cowboy story? Book two Always a Cowboy features Drake Carson, in charge of the family ranch. He is devoted to the animals and the land.  He is all cowboy, all the time.  His biggest challenge of late is managing the wild horses on his land, the stallion is running off with some of his other horses. Luce Hale is a graduate student intent on studying and saving the wild horse population.  Sparks fly between Luce and Drake right away and the attraction is instant.  They work together to come up with a plan that works for everyone and fall in love in the process. It's a solid story and a lot of fun.  If you are a fan of sexy cowboys and western romances this one is for you! Start with book one - Once a Rancher . 3/5 stars on Goodreads.

I had to give this one a few starts before I was able to finish it.  I didn't love this one...and I was disappointed because Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors.  To me the writing and the voice of the characters was stiff and formal.  I didn't feel like the characters were speaking, I felt like a narrator was speaking.  All of the characters had the same "voice" and I found myself not investing in the characters. The story line wasn't all that original, which doesn't usually matter to me if the characters have a personality.  I just wasn't feeling it for this one.  The main character Anna was orphaned at birth but it turns out she is actually a lady.  She has to adjust to her new life, with the help of the Duke of Netherby and they fall in love in the process.  There is a lot of potential here and I will give the second in the series a read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.  3/5 stars on Goodreads.

Duke of Pleasure is the newest addition to the Maiden Lane Series...and it didn't disappoint.  The new Ghost of St. Giles happens to be the favorite street urchin Alf.  Alf is a woman who dresses as a boy to hide her identity in a dangerous part of London.  While protecting the streets one evening she comes across the Duke of Kyle, who realizes right away that the ghost is a woman.  The Duke has been attacked and calls upon the services of Alf to find out who his enemy is. Alf stays in the Duke's house, and starts to become part of the family.  Hugh's two young sons are still recovering from the loss of their mother and Hugh's absence from the house.  They take to Alf right away, and it turns out that Hugh does as well.  There is a happily ever after in this story, as there always is. Hugh and Alf's story seems a little far-fetched (usually the heroine isn't so different from the hero) but it feels right almost from the first page.  It's a story that wa

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!  Miracle on 5 th Avenue by Sarah Morgan is a delightful conclusion of the From Manhattan with Love series.  The third installment of the series features Eva, who is recovering from the loss of her grandmother.  Her new client in this book is sexy crime writer Lucas Blade.  She is sent to decorate his empty apartment for Christmas by his grandmother.  Lucas hates the holidays, having lost his wife in an accident a few years ago.  He is also going through major writers block.  He is surprised by Eva’s appearance in his life and doesn’t want her in his life or his apartment.  Forced to spend a few days with her due to a snowstorm he quickly realizes that he cannot write without her!  The chemistry between Lucas and Eva is very strong, and their witty banter is entertaining.  Sarah Morgan tells a good story and I was sucked in on the first page.  Watching Eva try to convince Lucas that perhaps true love is real and good was so m

Michael Connelly does it again...you cannot go wrong with Harry Bosch! If you haven't read his series yet you should start today...especially if you are considering watching the TV show based on the books. (Pretty well done for the most part) These books are always entertaining and action packed. They capture your interest in the first chapter and they don't let it go. You will not be disappointed with  The Wrong Side of Goodbye , you will want to stay up all night and read this one from start to finish! Despite being "retired" from the LAPD Harry Bosch cannot let police work go. It's in his blood and he feels the need to continue it even during his retirement. Harry is working at a smaller police department on reserve, sans pay, in this book and he becomes instrumental in a rape case that has been upsetting life in the small town. He also has renewed his police license and is involved in finding an heir for a rich billionaire that dies under suspicious circum

Here is a list of books I am excited about for December! December 3rd Heap of Texas Trouble by Carolyn Brown Plaid and Plagiarism by Mollie MacRae Island of Glass by Nora Roberts December 20th The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrows December 27th Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel Lady Claire is All That by Maya Rodale Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London Decembers pickings are a little slim...I have a much longer list for January that I will post soon!

What a busy month!  I feel like I have hardly had time to read at all! However, I did finish The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries, the latest in her Sinful Suitors Series and I wasn't disappointed! Miss Delia Trevor is trying to solve the mystery of her brother's death in this book.  He was cheated at cards and lost everything, so Delia disguises herself as a young man gambling his way across London. In her investigating she meets Warren, the Marquess of Knightford. He instantly recognizes her as the young lady he had met earlier. She intrigues him and he decides to figure out her secrets while keeping his own. Ultimately the two discover each others secrets and there is a happily ever after but they have to learn to trust each other and themselves before they get there! Rated 4/5 on Goodreads, thanks Netgalley for the sneak peek of this one!  This one was a satisfying read (although it started out a bit slowly) and had everything I love in a regency romance!

I wasn't going to review this one on my blog because, frankly, I didn't like it.  But then I decided that my blog shouldn't just be about books I like, it should be honest reviews about all books good and bad. The premise of the book was promising, the main character Sukie is rebuilding her life after her husband leaves her for another women.  A common theme with women's fiction books.  Sukie learns to rely on her friends, and makes new friends while she discovers who she is when she is alone.  I love this type of story line and it was probably the best part of the book, but it was hard to read, rushed and all over the place. The characters, to me, just didn't seem real and I had trouble connecting to them.  To me this is the cornerstone of a women't fiction novel and without it I just couldn't get into the book.  This one had a lot of promise but didn't deliver. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for this honest review

This was a delightful book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It had everything I like in Women's Fiction, strong female friendship, women going through big changes in their lives and reflecting on their choices, clear resolutions to the story lines (mostly happy!) and a bit of romance.  It had humor as well, the neighborhoods email list was so funny and their was humor with the characters as well. This women's fiction book has a fun twist, it also contains a mystery!  Each of the women in the book have a secret, but we know most of the secrets as they unfold.  However the new neighbor Tess has a secret that even the readers don't know about, and it's a dark secret.  So there is intriguing in this story as well as the women't fictions themes.  This made the book so interesting and different than anything I have read in awhile!  It was fresh and fun!  Highly recommended. 4/5 Stars on Goodreads!

Lauren Layne is a new author for me and I loved this third installment in the series.  I am currently going back to read the first two books.   This installment focuses on the Wedding Belles owner Alexis.  Alexis has always thought her business was the most important part of her life and enough to make her happy.  However, after eight years her business partner Logan starts to make her wonder of that's true.  Although she loves the Wedding Belles it turns out it might be more than her business that she loves.   I loved watching this story unfold and can't wait to go back and read the other stories. This one was light and funny and very moving. So much fun and I recommend it!   5/5 stars on Goodreads  Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy!  

John Sandford is a personal favorite, but also one I recommend to a large number of library patrons. His stories are entertaining, fun to read and don't drag. Escape Clause is a great addition to the Virgil Flower's Series and will keep readers on their toes during the quick and entertaining read!  I love that Sandford is always coming up with new locations for his books, and the zoo was a great addition.  The storyline in this one kept me guessing and I love that.   The relationship between Frankie and Virgil in this one also kept the reader interested in what was to come!   If you haven't read Sandford yet start today.  The first one in this series is Dark of the Moon . 5/5 on Goodreads, thanks to NetGalley and Goodreads for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Nine Women, One Dress is Jane Rosen’s debut novel and it is a lot of fun!  The book is light, fun and interesting.  Rosen’s writing is quick and witty and keeps your attention from the first page.  You won’t want to put this one down.  The dress in question is being sold at Bloomingdale’s and is the last dress that a famous pattern maker designs.  It quickly becomes the dress of the season and everyone must have it.  There are nine women who wear the dress in question in this story and they all are in a different point in their lives.  After coming in contact with their dress something in their live changes in a big way, and Rosen does a great job of weaving the characters in the story together.  It’s really well done.  4/5 on Goodreads, put this on your to read list!  

I am always searching for new authors, and always super happy when I find one!  Diary of an Accidental Wallflower by Jennifer McQuiston is the first one in her Seduction Diaries series.  This book featured a fresh twist on an old idea, and that is always refreshing.  Miss Clare Westmore is searching for a titled husband suited to her station in life when she injures herself and meets Dr. Daniel Merial.  Although the spark between the pair flairs instantly there are many obstacles that the pair need to overcome, including the mystery behind Clare’s past.  Although we have all read the story of the poor governess who marries into money, this story is sort of the opposite and I feel, very well done.  Thankfully the characters figure out early in the story that they want to be together and they figure out a way to make it happen.  I will look forward to the second story in the series.     Rated 4/5 stars on Goodreads

I have enjoyed Tara Sue Me's Submissive Series for the most part, and The Exposure was a solid addition. This one features Megan and Luke who after a brief and intense meeting in the past have parted ways.  When they team up for a new project sparks between them fly.  However, Megan is hiding a big secret and Luke feels betrayed when he finds out.  The couple needs to decide if they can get over the past and work towards a future. Although they ultimately solve their problems and have their happily ever after their story feels forced and a little rushed.  So many stories have this same plot, a big secret and betrayal and then forgiveness.  Tara Sue Me's specialty is her spicy love scenes and this one is no exception.  I personally like having a little bit more of a story to go along with the sex.  I did get to catch up with other characters in the series and that was good.  Overall, a solid read and I look forward to the next book.   Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced R

The Promise Kitchen by Peggy Lampman wasn't my favorite book this month.  It was a solid story, and I enjoyed the colorful characters Shelby and Mallory.  I always enjoy books that feature food and chefs, so I was excited for this one.  To me the book got off to such a slow start it was hard to stick in there and get to the meat of the story. Ultimately this is a story about friendship, the friendship that Shelby and Mallory develop during the story.  The two are very different but they quickly find common group and a friendship forms. I have never read a story by Peggy Lampman before, but even though this wasn't my favorite I will give her another try.  I think fans of Dorthea Benton Frank will enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy. 2/5 on Goodreads for me.

RaeAnne is still a pretty new author for me, but I have read all of the books in this series now.  I love the town of Haven Point, and I love the characters who live in that town.  Who wouldn't want to live in a town where everyone is friendly, supportive and helpful. This story features Andrea Montgomery who moved to Haven Point after losing her husband and being abused by his former partner.  Haven Point becomes a place of healing for her and her two children.  The children are adorable and you want to hug them everytime you read about them! Also in this story is Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who is overcoming some hardships himself after losing both his brother and his father on the job.  Andi and Marshall start to heal together and ultimately let their hearts lead the way instead of their fears. Thanks to Edelweiss for the Advanced Readers Copy!  4/5 stars on Goodreads.

I have not been posting a lot!  The back to school season has been rough with updating schedules, sporting and school events, working full time and adding a dog to our family!  I have been reading and listening to books though!  Here are a few I loved the last few weeks! Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis: I finally got around to reading the first in the new Heartbreaker Bay series!  I read and reviewed the second one recently.  Click  HERE  for that post!  This one was just as fun as the first one.  I loved Pru and Finn's story.  I am really looking forward to the next ones in this series. Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbinson: I liked this one a lot more than the last one I read by her.  This story featured former best friends who have known each other since high school, Allie and Oliva.  Also, in the mix was their friend Noah who found himself in the middle of the two when they had a falling out.  Relationships needed to be renewed and the girls find out that friendships m

I discovered Robyn Carr just about four or five years ago and was delighted because she had a long series for me to catch up on!  The Virgin River series was wonderful as was her Thunder Bay series.  I was delighted when I learned that a new book was coming out and The Life She Wants didn't disappoint.  Although this one was a little closer to women's fiction than some of the others it had all the elements I love in a good story including friendships, a romance and a happy ending. The main character Emma has some major rebounding to do in life after her husband's devious past comes to life.  She moves home to pick up the pieces.  Along the way she makes her peace with not only her disastrous marriage but her high school best friend Riley and ex-boyfriend Jock.  She learns to live the life that makes her happy and to overcome the past while finding a new future as well. Thanks to the editors and Edelweiss for the Advanced Readers copy.  5/5 on Goodreads

I have been looking forward to Winter Storm s by Elin Hilderbrand since last winter when I read the Winter Strolls .  Winter Strolls had disappointed me a bit, but since it was the second in the trilogy I wasn’t surprised, there were just too many unsolved mysteries.  This third book satisfied my discontent and wrapped up the series nicely.  One thing I love the most was that Winter Strolls took place over the course of a year, instead of just one season.  This allowed the characters to find peace in their lives in a natural way, one that felt less rushed than the previous two books.  I also enjoyed hearing each story in the character’s voice.   Of course the other thing I loved, which I love in all Hilderbrand books, is the setting.  I love how she describes the island, the people and the way of life.  I loved that the other books in the series focused on what happens on the island in the winter, it gives the reader a new aspect on the island.  The Quinn family, while cert

Jill Shalvis is spot on with her new Heartbreaker Bay series...I haven't been disappointed yet! The Trouble with Mistletoe is the second in the series after Sweet Little Lie s.  This story features pet shop owner Willa Davis and the very sexy contractor/developer Keane Winters.  Willa knew Keane in high school, but it turns out he doesn't remember her.  Luckily for everyone Keane is now a very nice man, and the sparks between the two fly almost from the first page.  When you throw in an adorable kitchen, a cast of colorful characters and the magic Jill Shalvis creates with her writing and this one is a winner! Highly recommended! Rated 4/5 on Goodreads and recommended to Libraryreads. Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced reader's copy...I enjoyed this one!

The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay  by Kelly Harms was a delightful and fun book!  I really enjoyed the story and the characters.  I also loved that the book was set in Wisconsin, somewhere up north.  Being a Wisconsin girl born and raised it's so much fun to read about your home state.  I also enjoyed Lily and her portrayal of a cold Wisconsin winter. Lily, a struggling artist, comes to Minnow Bay to confront a husband she didn't know she had during a time of personal upheaval in her life.  Ben, the husband in question, didn't know about her and was not really receptive to her arrival.  Although I liked Ben at the end of the book I wasn't sure that I did in the beginning.  He was warm and then cold and a little bit wishy washy. This story was really about Lily and her quest to find her true path in life, and I highly recommend it! 4/5 stars on Goodread

After reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips new Chicago Stars book, First Star I See Tonight , and getting my review chosen for the LibraryReads list I wanted to go back and read the two books in the series that I had missed. Reading these two books, Heaven, Texas (1995) and Dream a Little Dream (1998) reminded me my I loved this series to start with and why I was so excited there was a new book in the series.  These books were great and included everything I want in a romance novel! They had a sexy hero and smart and sassy heroine and big time sparks between the two!  Both brought a little tear to my eye, especially Dream a Little Dream and both included a satisfying happily ever after ending. If you haven't read this series or missed a couple along the way I suggest going back and catching up. Here is a list of the whole series.  Start reading today if you missed them! 1 - It Had to Be You 2 - Heaven, Texas 3 - Nobody's Baby But Mine 4 - Dream a Little Dream 5 -

First, thanks to Edelweiss for the Advanced Readers Copy.  I always like to try new authors.  Susan Bishop Crispell qualifies as a new author. This one was just OK for me...it had a lot of good things going for it, and I didn't hate it.  But it wasn't my favorite and I had a hard time staying engaged with the story.  I usually don't mind a book with magic in the story line, but this one I had a hard time with.  Rachel was a good character, but I didn't always find her and the others around her believable.  It lacked a bit of it's magic for me. An OK read, I loved the baking sections. 3/5 stars on Goodreads

Reading Before the Fall was a little bit of a departure for me, as you may have noticed by now I gravitate heavily towards popular fiction, mysteries and romance novels of all kind.  However, as a librarian, I try to read books that have taken readers notice and have a large holds list.  Sometimes I like them and sometimes I don't. I waited patiently on the libraries hold list (currently at 98 holds) for this book. This time I am glad that I waited.   Before the Fall grabbed my attention right away, and I even enjoyed the format of the book, which switched from present times to flashbacks.  I usually do not like that at all, but it worked in this book.  The two main characters are the only survivors of a plane crash, a painter Scott Burroughs and a little boy named J.J., were likable from the first chapter. The premise of the book is explained in the title, what happened before the plane crashed that lead to the crash and the death of all but two passengers.  The people on t

So excited to share that I have now reviewed 10 books for NetGalley!   I have been loving reading books before anyone else, and being able to recommend new books and authors to readers at my library, and for my friends on Goodreads.   Thanks editors and NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copies!  

Sarah Morgan is still a relatively new author for me, but I loved the first book in this series (Sleepless in Manhattan) so much I had to give book two a try. Sunset in Central Park didn’t disappoint. It was fun to catch up with the trio and really get to know two characters more personally. Frankie is such a fun character, while being real and honest at the same time. Frankie doesn’t trust relationships or men, and that is totally understandable given her background. She is comfortable with her friend Matt, at least until he starts to look at her in a different way. Suddenly she starts to see him in a new way and quite frankly that terrifies her. Matt has been patient with Frankie for a long time, but he is tired of waiting for her and decides to do something more proactive. Matt and Frankie need to learn how to navigate new territory and to learn to listen to their hearts.  Morgan also has a way with her writing that makes you feel part of the story right and like you are right

I have anxiously been awaiting this third book of the Honeybee Sisters trilogy and it is maybe my favorite of the bunch!  I was charmed with both Lily and Poppy’s stories, but Rose’s story really touched me.   Like A Bee to Honey is really a story about forgiveness, learning not only to forgive others but also to forgive yourself. Rose is by far the sweetest and the most shy of the three sisters, and she has to work hard to overcome her fears with situations she finds herself in and with other people.  Despite her fears Rose is very caring and loving and tries to do her best for people around her. Josiah is so caring and gentle with her, and so earnest.  He just wants her to be happy and to love her.  My heart ached for him while he was being so patient and loving towards Rose.  I also love how Josiah is so unhandy and people know it, but don’t want to tell him because he tries so hard to be helpful.   Thanks to the editors and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy.  I

Anyone who knows what books I enjoy, knows by now that I love any book that features summer, the beach, an island or any combination of those things.   The Island House didn't disappoint.  I love Thayer's books that are set on the island of Nantucket, I love reading about the families who summer there and the families that stay there all year long. This book was exciting because it not only featured a family who lives on Nantucket year round, the Vickerey's, but also their "summer children".  The main focus of this novel is Courtney who was college roommates with Robin Vickerey.  Courtney has fallen in love with Robin's brother James, but has many unanswered questions about their relationship.  Also, someone from Courtney's past appears and makes her wonder if she knows her own heart. Although I enjoyed this book a lot, it wasn't quite as well written as some of Nancy Thayer's other books.  Rated 3/5 stars on Goodreads.

First, thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for the ARC of this book! Mad for the Plaid is the third book in the Oxenburg series by Karen Hawkins, this one featuring Nikolai Romanovin and Mairi MacKenzie.  Nikolai and Mairi make great characters, both strong, bold, fearless and very likable.  They are also great as a couple. Nikolai makes the journey to Scotland to help rescue his kidnapped grandmother, who had been staying at Mairi's house.  Together they travel through the Scottish countryside for the rescue, escaping danger along the way. I liked this one, as I do all of Karen Hawkins books.  However, this one fell just a little flat for me.  It felt a bit rushed and a little bit like other stories I have read before.  The highlight for me was the beginning of the book when Nikolai and Mairi are getting to know each other though letters.  Overall a good read, and a nice addition to the series.  Rated 3/5 on Goodreads.

Is anyone else having trouble getting their reading fix in during the Olympics?  I admit I adore the Olympics and have been pretty much watching them 24/7.  However, I am quite aware that summer is on its last legs and soon it will be fall.  I am looking forward to the routine that brings our household, with the boys back in school, but also am looking forward to curling up with my books on a cool fall night.  With that being said here is a short list of books that are due to be out in September that I am anticipating greatly!  September 6 th , 2016 Leave Me by Gayle Forman The Homeplace by Kevin Wolf Secret Ingredients of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell Loves Sweet Revenge by Rosanne Bittner Forks Over Knives Family: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Kids on a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet by Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman September 27 th , 2016 The Promise Kitchen by Peggy Lampman Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston Do Yo

Thanks to Edelweiss for the chance to review this book. I adored Family Tree , it's exactly the type of story I love reading.  Some books speak to you from the first page until the last. Some books make you feel like you are saying good bye to a dear friend when you turn the last page. Some books make you feel happy and sad and satisfied all in the space of a few hours. This was one of those books. Annie and Fletcher, along with their families,  show us that it's never too late for love. They teach us that family isn't perfect but it's very important and most importantly they show us how important it is to be true to yourself so that you can find true happiness.  This book was well done in all aspects. Highly recommend. Rated 5/5 on Goodreads

  Janet Evanovich is known for her quirky and eccentric characters who find themselves is sticky situations.  This new series lives up to that reputation.  Curious Minds is the first in the Knight and Moon series by Evanovich (cowritten by Phoef Sutton) and it promises to take readers on new adventures and zany situations.   Riley Moon is a Harvard trained lawyer and business executive. She is funny and brave and can think on her feet. She never dreams that her ideal job will lead to danger.  Her first client turns out to be Emerson Knight who takes eccentric billionaire to a whole new level.  Emerson uncovers a plot that could ruin the US economy and he talks Riley into helping him. There adventure makes for a fun quick read.  It's a perfect beach read (which is where I read it!) that will keep you entertained.  I enjoyed the story very much and will look forward to the next book but I did find the plot a little hard to believe at times.  Overall very good. Thanks to Netgalle

I have a handful of favorite authors, well really more like two giant handfuls.  I have a lot of favorite authors!  Anyhow, one of my many favorites has to include Julia Quinn.  It won’t be a surprise to some of you that historical romance novels are some of my favorite.  I love anything that includes a Lord or a Duke or a Countess.  Julia Quinn’s novels have all of that and more.  Start with the Bridgerton series, the first one is The Duke and I .  Quinn’s latest novel is called Because of Miss Bridgerton .  It sucked me in on the first page and didn’t let me go until I had finished it on my lunch break at work.   My Review: Julia Quinn does it again. I loved her Bridgerton series and the idea that it continues on in this new series featuring the Rokesby brothers was beyond exciting to me. The two families are dear friends and everyone has always expected that Billie would marry one of the brothers, probably Andrew or Edward who were close to her own age. However, it&

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy! A Bee in Her Bonnet is the second of the honeybee sisters trilogy by Jennifer Beckstrand (who is my favorite Amish romance writer!).  There are so many things I like about Beckstrand's novels including the wonderful characters, the glimpse into the Amish lifestyle, the settings in my home state of Wisconsin and most of all the sweetness of couples getting to know each other.   A Bee in Her Bonnet has all of those elements. This book features the second Christner sister, Poppy.  Poppy is tall and has always been told by her disapproving grandfather that she will end up an old maid.  She is sure that he must be right.  Luke Bontrager, the best friend of her sisters fiance, agrees.  He is confused by her desire to learn how to do everything herself and wonders why she thinks she can do things better than anyone else.  However, after several perilous outings, that leave both of them injured they both discover that there is

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty is a wonderfully written story, one that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.  The story features three couples, all who are linked by one main tragedy that affects their relationships.  Sam and Clementine are busy parents of two little girls.  Clementine’s oldest friend Erika is married to Oliver, they seem to have an easy fun life just the two of them.  Then there is Tiffany and Vid, a fun loving couple with a small daughter.  From page one readers are kept guessing about what may have happened at a barbecue that Tiffany and Vid host at their house.  Something terrible happens and it’s obviously affecting all of them, but what is it?  I made many, many guesses and I came close but the real story was very unexpected!  This is a great edge of your seat read full of twists and turns and just enough suspense.  The book has a little something for everyone!  Rated 4/5 stars on Goodreads. Thanks to NetGalley for t

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy. Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber is the last in the Rose Harbor series.  I was disappointed when I learned this because I have really enjoyed this series.  However, I was hopeful that this book would have a resolution that I had been missing at the end of the last few books.  I am happy to say that there was a resolution and it was a satisfying one. Jo Marie is back helping wounded people at her Rose Harbor Inn, and this time she needs to finish her own healing.  Her boarder Emily is a big part of this story too and she has some healing to do as well.  Both characters fight their own pasts and end up creating their happy endings.  The heroes in the story Nick and Mark also have pasts that they need to overcome on their way to happiness. The trouble I had with this story was it was written in a different style than the others in the series.  That threw me off right away, and although I got used to it and really appreciate

As many of you know I am a reference librarian at my local library.  One of my duties, shared with the reference department, is writing blog posts for our reference blog.  I am pleased to share some of my blog posts here.  Topics range from  the personal, my life with diabetes, dieting and taking better care of myself to new authors I am falling in love with and genres that I want to share with others. Please visit my libraries webpage and take a look! Planning you Perfect Summer Vacation Beach Reads Women's Fiction Eat, Run, Live Keep Moving, Body and Soul Running Playlist Chick Lit Amish Romance

First Star I See Tonight is a satisfying addition to the Chicago Stars series.  Cooper Graham has just retired as the quarterback when he meets private investigator Piper.  Their relationship starts off with a mutual dislike that quickly turns into one full of sparks. Watching Cooper and Piper navigate the waters is fascinating and entertaining.  In the end Cooper lays it all on the line in order to win his biggest game ever...a happily ever after. I highly recommend both the series and the book. Thanks to Edelweiss for the Advanced Reader's Copy! Also, thanks to LibraryReads for chosing my review for their August list!  Click here to see what else librarians recommend for August. Rated 5/5 on Goodreads...

Falling by Jane Green is a beautiful story that reminds us all that sometimes families can take place in the most unexpected ways. Emma has moved the the East Coast from England, where she meets Dominic.  Much to her surprise she and Dominic hit it off despite their very different backgrounds.  She has never met anyone quite like Dominic and it turns out that having someone different in her life is exactly what she needed.  Dominic is also a single father and Emma finds herself falling in love with both father and son.  Sadly, tragedy strikes and Emma finds herself having to create a new happiness, fight for what she loves and form a new idea of family. It's a beautiful, well written book.  The unexpected ending threw me for a little bit of a loop (and drew a few tears out of me), but ultimate Green redeemed herself and I enjoyed the book very much! Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy! Rated 4/5 pm Goodreads.

One of my favorite things in the whole world is discovering a new author! Amy Avanzino is my new author this week, I loved From the Sidelines ! One of the things I loved most about this book is how I could relate to many parts of the story even though the main character Autumn is completely different than me (I however am a mother to three boys, all who played football!). I always admire writers than can make me feel that personal connection to a character or a story.  Autumn is an overprotective, single mom to a 10 year old boy who one day decides he wants to play football. Autumn knows nothing about sports and is not sure that this is a good idea at all. She has never thought that he was a sports type at all. However, since the end of her disastrous marriage Zachary hasn't been very happy and she wants to change that. She jumps right into the world of football, meets new people, learns how to trust herself and others and most importantly watches her son gain his footing and gai

August 2 nd Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber Harmon y by Carolyn Parkhurst The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham The Right Kind of Trouble by Shiloh Walker  Santorini Sunset s by Anita Hughes August 9 th The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood Family Tree by Susan Wiggs The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay by Kelly Harms I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows August 16 th Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich, Phoef Sutton August 30 th Stealing Taffy by Susan Donovan  No Mistress of Mine by Laura Lee Guhrke

The Singles Game  by  Lauren Weisberger   portrayed the complicated life of a single, young and attractive tennis player at the top of her game.  Charlie suffers an injury in the beginning book at her biggest tennis match to date.  She decides that she isn't done playing tennis quite yet and sets out to make some big changes, including firing her long time tennis coach and hiring Todd, whose coaching style is famously tough. Although Todd helps Charlie improve her game in some ways and totally recreates Charlie's image there are some changes that she comes to realize are not good and starts to question some of her decisions.  As Charlie begins to win more and more she asks herself some hard questions. I loved this book, it was well written and Charlie was a great character.  The one downside was a cliff hanger that was too big! I like to know what happens... Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC!

It's no secret that Nora Roberts is my favorite author, and I always read her new releases before anything else in my to read pile!  This one was no exception and in the end I wasn't disappointed. However, this one didn't grab me right away as so many of her books usually do.  It took me a little bit to get into the story.  Fantasy books are not usually my cup of tea, so I think perhaps that was a little bit my issue.   This story focuses on Sawyer and Annika, along with their group that are ultimately trying to defeat evil and recover the magic stars created by the goddesses.  Sawyer has the ability to time travel with his compass that his grandfather gifted him and Annika is a mermaid, which is a new element to Roberts books.  Annika is the most delightful character that I have encountered in a long time.  Bay of Sighs is the second in the Guardians triology and it ended a bit abruptly.  Of course that just makes the reader want to read the third one right away!  The