Jen's Blog

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.

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!

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

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 Je...