The Kiss That Launched 1000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt

The Kiss That Launched 1000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt

Dust Jacket:

Each weekday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Grace and Ashton cohost Battle of the Sexes, a radio program arguing the he-said/she-said issues of the day. Their fiery debates often have listeners wondering if there’s more to their relationship than just talk, even though Grace has been dating Phillip, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Perfect, since long before she ever met Ashton Miller.

Yet when news comes that Battle of the Sexes is on the bubble for cancellation, Grace and Ashton need to step up their efforts to engage their audience to keep the show alive. When a charity organization approaches them and proposes that the two of them kiss for a fund raiser, Grace and Ash agree to kiss for a good cause. A kiss is just a kiss, right?

Or can one kiss really change everything?

My Review: 4 Stars

This book was full of sassy and sexist banter. Tall handsome macho male co-host clashes with is petite spitfire feminist counterpart in daily battle of the sexes radio show. Sparks are flying all over that sound booth. Even the listeners think their getting together is inevitable. But she has a three year boyfriend and he knows he doesn't have a chance.

This book was fresh, fun, sassy, and kind of sexy. Lots of oogling each others hot bodies and denied attraction. The banter and show debates are really well done. The author switches points of view, keeps the characters and their positions clear all while smoothly delivering clean and quick moving story.

Content: Oogling body parts, talk of rape, talk of characters' sex lives, relationship mostly built on sexual tension and consistent history of interest

Meet Your Match (No Match For Love) by Lindzee Armstrong

Meet Your Match (No Match For Love) by Lindzee Armstrong

Dust Jacket:

Sixteen-year-old Brooke Pierce doesn’t need her mom to tell her all boys are trouble. After watching her dad break up the family for a woman half his age, dating is the last thing on her mind.

On the first day at a new high school Brooke meets Luke, the school flirt with a reputation for heartbreak. He’s interested. She’s not. That only makes him chase her more. After a shocking revelation from her dad, Brooke and Luke form an unexpected bond, complete with crazy rules to keep them safely in the friend zone. Problem is, that’s the worst place to be when you’re falling in love.

My Review: 4 Stars

This novella is a prequel to Miss Match. It is sweet and clean. In this story High School Brooke and Luke start building the solid foundation of their friendship, even though they are attracted to one another. They deal with life issues and learn to navigate the opposite sex. The story sets up the first book in the series, Miss Match.

Content: clean, friendship, maybe a few crude comments

My Pride, His Prejudice by Jenni James

My Pride, His Prejudice by Jenni James

Dust Jacket:

When Will Darcy proposes out of the blue, Eliza Bennet's world comes crashing down. Of course she tells him no, but why would he ask her in the first place? Haven’t they always been enemies? For the past year, Eliza has worked for Will's company, Revolutionary Innovations, as an efficiency expert. Her whole goal has been to raise profits, finish her contract, and then get out. She assumed Will wanted the same, but now she's not so sure. And more importantly, she has begun to wonder if she made a mistake in telling him no.

Jenni James, author of The Jane Austen Diaries series for teens, does it again! Now she's creating a whole new series just for adults, Austen in Love. Book #1 is a delightful adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that has all the components of Jane Austen's amazing love story, sticking true to the original theme, while taking modern liberties to give this a fresh, new twist for the clean romance genre.

My Review:

Fun, modern remake of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This story starts right in the middle at Darcy's wedding proposal. While kind of strange, it works. This is not an exact remake but rearranges and omits elements of the original book, while really becoming its own. The story still keeps the tension and banter and sweet discovery of Austen's story. The story was a little bit short, but the amount of plot the author covered it was a great length. It felt like someone remade a scene to your favorite play, but included elements of the other scenes to make a complete story.

It was clean and fun. I look forward to other books in this series.

Snowed Inn by Kate Palmer

Snowed Inn by Kate Palmer

Dust Jacket:

A woman rancher hitches the community’s dreams to her sleigh ride business and ropes in a heap of trouble for them and her heart.

Jayne Gardner turned her family’s ranch into the successful Snowed Inn Lodge and Restaurant. After she learns the community has one month to earn funds needed for a grant, she donates her company’s sleigh rides for a community fundraiser.

When Jayne’s new volunteer sleigh driver turns out to be Forrest Hunsaker, the man who left her three years ago, Jayne sets up three rules to maintain a professional distance and protect her heart.

When vandals strike Snowed Inn, Jayne must team up with Forrest to prevent a fundraiser fail. Now Jayne must decide if breaking all her rules will break her heart. Again.

My Review: 4 Stars

An All-in-one Cowboy Family Mystery for the Holidays.

This 'one that got away' novella is set on a snow covered ranch and is full of mystery, danger, love, horses, teens, family, capable entrepreneurs, and a fundraiser. Read how this family and community pull together in (hopefully) the craziest holiday season of their lives.

The emotional tone of the story feels real and believable. The flow is good. The romance is sweet and natural. The mystery and dangers are engaging. Great quick read that will keep you turning pages.

Content: clean

Ideal High by Valerie Ipson

Ideal High by Valerie Ipson

Dust Jacket:

There’s no way Taryn’s taking Blake’s place as president of the student body. As soon as the memorial for him and six of their friends is over, she’s resigning as VP. Really. Except people say the fire was no accident. (She says it’s way too easy to blame someone who’s dead.) When Taryn reads the writing on the wall, literally, the bathroom wall, she knows what it means. To get to the truth she has to come out from under her paisley comforter. But, seriously, what stage of grief says Taryn has to be the one to fix what’s wrong at Ideal High? Maybe she’s the one who’s broken.

My Review: 4 Stars

Teen grieves the passing of her best friends in high school after a tragic accident. While roughly moving through and on, she tries to make herself and the school into something better because of it.

Kind of sad. Kind of inspiring. Good message. Worth the read. A mystery without the intense feel of danger.

Clean.

Love At The Apple Blossom Inn by Kristy Tate

Love At The Apple Blossom Inn by Kristy Tate

Dust Jacket:

A small town girl.
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?


My Review: 4 Stars!

Cute Novella.

I should have looked at the page numbers (or read the little wording on the cover top) before I started reading this book. I figured it would be getting a fully developed relationship at the end. Just when I thought it was getting started, the book started winding down. I sort of felt like I was being short sheeted, but I guess I should have checked it out before I started. So, ATTENTION, this is a sweet novella, not an in depth full length book.

As a Novella, this book was really cute. From what we know the characters are lovable and believable. I love the setting. The side characters are a perfect support. The book is just sweet and wholesome with some fun and funny scenes. Despite the heavy background of our main characters the book is still light and fresh. Two people try to discover who they are and what they will do with their lives and they each influence the other.

A quick, cute, fun, clean read. I would recommend it to anyone.

The Professional Bride by Lucy McConnell

The Professional Bride by Lucy McConnell

Dust Jacket:

Amber Appleby is not the blushing bride. She makes a career out of being a wife—a business wife that is. After signing divorce papers with her third husband, Amber’s looking forward to a few months in a tropical location when Pamela, owner of a matchmaking service for the ultra wealthy, calls her into the office to ask a favor. Pamela explains that her life-long friend has passed away leaving a world-class ski resort and extensive financial holdings to his grandson, Rym, with the stipulation that he marry a BMB bride to coach him through his first year as a billionaire. Amber’s up for the assignment but Rym turns out to be a maverick—and a gorgeous one at that. Amber’s skills as a life coach are tested at every turn right along with her heart. Faced with a law suit that could wipe out the resort Rym’s grandpa built from scratch, Amber has to decide if she’ll protect her marriage or the thing Rym loves most. Marriage was much simpler when love wasn’t involved.

Early on, Pamela Jones realized she had an unusual talent for putting two people together. Over the years, she's turned it into a successful matchmaking service for the ultra wealthy: Billionaire Marriage Brokers. While she specializes in "business" marriages -- paring people off because of their skills, education, or training -- she can spot a potential love match a mile away. When Pamela has a "good feeling" about a bride and groom - a business marriage can become so much more.

My Review: 5 Stars

Another cute arranged marriage story by Lucy McConnell. It is a clean and fun read. It isn't all that different from the others in the series, but has new characters, new talents and new scenery.

Lucy McConnell has grabs your interest from the beginning and keeps it until the last page. When you read her stories you feel like you are in the cool club. You can always expect to be entertained and engaged when you read her books. I look forward to reading the next one.

California Dreamin' Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 11)

California Dreamin' Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 11)

Dust Jacket:

Six brand new contemporary romance novellas with bestselling and award winning authors.

In the sweet novella TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore, Gwen uses her wedding photography business to keep her life simple and focus on something other than her own broken heart. When Jack, a guy too handsome for his own good, helps her clean up after a photoshoot, then asks her out, she doesn’t know if she can handle dating again. But Jack’s charm wins her over, and she agrees to meet him for dinner. The more she gets to know Jack, the more she likes him, but everything about him seems too good to be true.

GONE FISHING, a charming novella by Kaylee Baldwin, follows Claire as she tries to convince her dad to leave his start-up company as a boat guide and come back home to Colorado. He’s the only one who can defend Claire against her domineering mother. But when she arrives at the San Diego harbor, she’s met with more than one surprise. First, that her dad is truly living his dream and has never been happier, and second, she’s unexpectedly attracted to his business partner, Miguel.

In THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING, an enchanting novella by Annette Lyon, Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.

In Jennifer Moore’s captivating novella A HERO’S SONG, AnneMarie’s career as a romance novelist is skyrocketing and her agent books her on a late night talk show. The host gets her to admit that she was in love once, with a guitar player. Moments after her segment, Lance Holden appears on the same stage, to perform his newest song. Is it a terrible coincidence? AnneMarie hasn’t seen Lance ever since he broke her heart ten years ago, and she has refused to think about him again. Their lives are worlds apart, but as Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance.

In STAY WITH ME, an endearing novella by Shannon Guymon, Jolie moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position for the summer, since apparently having a degree in art doesn’t translate to getting a job as a graphic designer. When Fitz, the family’s chauffeur, picks her up at the airport, she wonders if every man in LA is model-gorgeous. When Jolie meets her two charges, she finds them adorable and needy. But it’s harder to hold onto her job than she thought with a hostile Mrs. James and her spoiled brother. Fitz becomes both the silver lining of her job and the man who just might convince her to stay in L.A.

In the delightful novella, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, by Sarah M. Eden, Ada is the best realtor around. The best. She prides herself in matching each client with the house that will fit all of their needs. She hasn’t failed yet. So when Craig hires her to find him the perfect condo for him and his son, Ada is up for the challenge. What she may not be prepared for is her unforeseen attraction to Craig, her immediate attachment to his nine-year-old son, and her heart telling her that it’s okay to take another chance.


My Review: 4 Stars

Six novellas. Six excellent authors. Six California dreams come true! This is a great set of sweet and fun stories.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore = Artsy photographer meets normal billionaire on the beach.

GONE FISHING by Kaylee Baldwin = High strung daddy’s girl meets reformed homeless guy on a fishing boat tour business.

THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING by Annette Lyon = Former fat camp romance is rekindled as she spreads husband’s ashes and he avoids ex-fiance's wedding.

A HERO’S SONG by Jennifer Moore’s = Small town romance novelist and former bad boy rock star meet and try to rekindle love after betrayal, rehab and years apart.

STAY WITH ME by Shannon Guymon = Jobless artist turned nanny meet’s handsome chauffeur while wealthy Hollywood employer’s spoiled brother-in-law tries to get her fired.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME by Sarah M. Eden = Best real-estate agent around is set up with gun-shy single accountant dad while looking for a house.

Clean, cute and creative. I loved these novellas! Great light read. Would recommend them to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't You Marry the Mornon Boys by Janet Kay Jensen

Don't You Marry the Mornon Boys by Janet Kay Jensen

Dust Jacket:

As medical students at the University of Utah, Andy and Louisa fall in love - but can a mainstream Mormon and a Fundamental polygamist overcome the cultural barriers between them? Both realize that their choices will not only affect their own lives, but will also have an impact on their family, friends, and even their communities. Fearing that the sacrifices required of them would be too great, they go their separate ways.

Yet for Andy in Kentucky and Louisa in Utah, life does not go as they'd planned. While Andy is serving as a country doctor and trying to bury his pain, Louisa is coming to terms with the fact that all is not as perfect in her tight-knit community as she'd believed. As doctors, each will have to choose between keeping the peace in their communities or doing what they know is right. And someday, both will have to face their past and decide if they can make the sacrifice to be together.


My Review: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. What pulled me in most were the cultural insights. It touches on Utah polygamist culture as well as some Utah Mormon (LDS) culture both past and present. The story also gives an insiders look at small town rural Kentucky and another smaller look at Finland. That sounds kind of eclectic, but the author did a really good job at pulling it all together and showing the similarities we have as humans despite our differences. The story is also woven with folklore, backwoods remedies, and old time songs.

I want to read it over again for the folklore. I love how she weaves it, cultures and people together.

The Superstitious Romance by Anastasia Alexander

The Superstitious Romance by Anastasia Alexander

Dust Jacket:

Friday the 13th has always been unlucky for history professor Camille Britain, and this one doesn't seem any different. In an effort to escape her failed marriage, Camille is renting a cabin in beautiful Island Park, Idaho, where she meets wildlife photographer Jackson Armstrong, who scoffs at her superstitious ways and infuriates her with his offers of help.

Camille doesn't need another man—not even one as compelling and attractive as Jackson. Especially when he seems hung up on another woman. And yet Camille can’t deny the passion between them or the way Jackson makes her feel.

This Friday the 13th upsets both their worlds by forcing Camille and Jackson to see things about themselves, their families, and each other that might—with a little help—change them forever. Maybe this time superstition is on their side.

The Superstitious Romance is a "sweet romance" about a strong woman who feels weak, a man who doubts himself, and a powerful love that changes everything.


My Review: 3 Stars

This book is a mix of two middle age adults trying to reclaim themselves after their divorces and an academic paper on superstition.

All the historical superstitious traditions are interesting but sometimes take away from the plot line. Twisting them into the story does makes for some really funny scenes though. The divorcee baggage is a little griping (not my favorite) but feels quite genuine and at times heartbreaking. Their children are also funny and classic additions to the story.

I don't read many getting over divorce stories. They just aren't my thing. Other than that, for me, the story was a fun romance that teaches a lot about superstitions in a fun sort of way.

Content: mild language

Miss Match (No Match for Love Book 1) by Lindzee Armstrong

Miss Match (No Match for Love Book 1) by Lindzee Armstrong

Dust Jacket:

Billionaire CEO Luke Ryder doesn’t want to hire his best friend, Brooke, as his matchmaker. Not when he’s been in love with her for eight years. Too bad she doesn’t see him as relationship material and is engaged to another man. If the matchmaking company she works for closes, Brooke is out of a job, and Luke is out a best friend. There will be nothing stopping her from moving to Italy with her fiancé. And Luke isn’t about to let that happen.

Brooke’s dream career may be crumbling, and she will do anything to keep Toujour in the black. Even recruit Luke, America’s favorite bachelor, as her next client. Surely his perfect smile and swollen bank account will send clients swarming to their doors. But when matching up Luke works a little too well, Brooke wonders if she’s with the right man. Maybe she should finally forget Luke’s playboy image and admit he’s changed. All Brooke has to decide is if she’s willing to risk her heart.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

Friend Zone Rules, Penalties, and Obligations

Billionaire CEO throws himself at his engaged best friend and girl he loves while she attempts to set him up with other women to save her job.

Brooke is engaged. Luke is in love with her. They are best friends. He agrees that she can set him up to save her job. Can Brooke keep from falling for him and keep her fiance appeased with that friendship all while Luke is pursuing her and seeing the women she sets him up with all under the scrutiny of the paparazzi?

The story had a fun tone, lovable characters, and your heart is drawn into the complexities of their lives and hearts. It all makes an endearing book. The rules of their friendship are so classic! Don't we all have the same rules, just not written down. Such a cute concept.

Brooke and Luke are good friends who care about each other and have some attraction for one another. I don't think that these two are the perfect match at all.  The perfect match is something you should always work to become as you practice being a better person. I think the more the characters work on themselves the more matched they become. I love how this story embodies this concept.

I thought the book concept was really awesome, but I could have done without the premarital sexual relations and all the alcohol. It could have been done without them. Because of that, I would only recommend it to some. It is a personal preference.

Content: sexual innuendos, drinking, premarital sex implied

Science Fictioned by Lee Falin, PhD

Science Fictioned by Lee Falin, PhD

Dust Jacket:

What do goblins, zombie viruses, inept magicians, and alien-invasion survivors have in common? They all make wonderful story elements for teaching about real science.
Science Fictioned takes ideas from cutting-edge, scientific research papers and turns them into science fiction and fantasy stories. Learning science has never been this fun.


My Review: 4 Stars

This book is unlike any I've ever read. Reading it, I imagine myself in the basement of a library reading about some scientific concept. Then I fall asleep (with my face in the book) and have a random science fiction dream about the concept. Repeat several times.

The concept is creative and fun. The stories are original, and I'm learning a few random scientific theories. I guess I would put it on my bookshelf of REALLY short stories.

The Royal Spy by Cassie M. Shiels

The Royal Spy by Cassie M. Shiels

Dust Jacket:

I pushed myself up and nearly stopped breathing again. The man who I had just knocked to the ground was none other then Prince Jarin. Definitely not the shadow, I thought. "That's it, you-" the prince began as he pushed himself up and raised his fist. "Stop!" I guarded my face with both hands. "Katie?" "Ah...hello, fancy meeting you here," I stammered. Even though Katie is a royal princess, all she knows is how to be a spy. She constantly goes from mission to mission, never getting the chance to understand her birthright. This all changes when her father sends her on a mission to Floric with the cover of being a princess who is trying to win the prince's heart. This mission proves to be very different from the others with a shadowy figure to chase, secret passages to explore, secrets to keep and the problem of betrayal that she is about to discover.

My Review: 5 Stars

This story about a princess spy is aimed at middle grade/YA audiences, but is enjoyable to adults as well. The story is set in older times but does not feel historical. It is full of fun, humor, adventure, mystery, and quirky characters. I could easily see this book turned into a family movie. There is just something for everyone.

Content: sword fighting, murder, deception, and a platonic romance

The Perfect Fool by Bethany Z. Herbert

The Perfect Fool by Bethany Z. Herbert

Dust Jacket:

Plucked from the streets to become a court jester, Farragos' life couldn't be better, especially now that he's flirting with scullery maid Thea. But when Thea turns out to be a queen in disguise, Farrago may become as much a fool in love, as in his occupation. This medieval tale is filled with romance, humor, and twists that will keep you guessing to the last page.


My Review: 5 Stars!

Absolutely LOVED this book! When I read the dust jacket and saw the cover it looked a little quirky and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was awesomely quirky, witty, cleaver, and completely unexpected!

So the funny looking, out-of-the-box thinking, court jester is our hero. He goes from starving on the street to being the court jester to masquerading as a noble to compete for the queen's hand in a funny bachelorette-type competition. This book kept me sucked it. The plot is engaging but not predictable. Our hero is constantly put in in perilous situations and the way he gets out of them is unconventional.

This is a clean and funny read with some violence that I would recommend to the whole family and all ages.

After the Wind by Jaklyn M. Hawkes

After the Wind by Jaklyn M. Hawkes

Dust Jacket:

They say time heals all wounds.
Sometimes it doesn't.

After seeing her young family killed by a propane tanker explosion, the rest of Kristen's life seems more like a life sentence. Trying to escape the memories, she finds herself in a remote Idaho resort town where no one knows her story.

Her co-workers think she's intriguing.

Her neighbors think she's crazy.

She thinks she's hopeless.

Then she meets Joe.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Devastated ski instructor hermit with PTSD catches the hearts of the next door pack of teenage brothers and their protective, semi-retired, father. Danger, tragedy, fear and faith ensue.

This story has great endearing male characters. The teenage sons are classic in their activities and role in the romance. The lead male is just everything women want the him to think and do. He is sensitive and thoughtful, passionate and responsible, and keeps his distance when asked but then breaks that rule when he knows you need it. He is so attentive that he can read what the female mind wants. (This could possibly be a training manual for the ideal man on how to read women.) The female lead is independent and needy but not helpless, and slightly blinded by her fears. The story line is engaging and keeps moving. And as always it includes a trip to the hospital.

Annette Lyon Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 12) by Annette Lyon

Dust Jacket:

The ANNETTE LYON COLLECTION contains brand new contemporary romance novella OUR SONG, as well as five hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Annette’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of three contemporary and three historical romance novellas.

In OUR SONG, a charming romance novella, Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.

In the sweet novella GOLDEN SUNRISE, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

FIRSTS AND LASTS, an enchanting novella, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home.

In the compelling novella WAR OF HEARTS, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

The captivating novella BETWEEN THE LINES follows Jane Martin, who is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the charming novella A TASTE OF HOME, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of the past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday, with William.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

This is my first reading from Annette Lyon, and after the first story she became one of my favorite authors. Her stories are engaging and fun, but also real and thought provoking. This collection shares several views into history and culture as well as modern and fun. Most of all her stories make you feel wholesome. After reading them I want to appreciate what and who I have in my life and enjoy the simpler things for the blessings they are. I want to be a better person, be honest with myself and kinder to those around me. To me, an excellent author opens your mind and inspires you to act to better yourself or society. Annette Lyons stories are both inspiring and motivating.

These stories are fun, clean, insightful and inspiring. I would recommend them to anyone.

First Love Second Choice by Lindzee Armstrong

First Love Second Choice by Lindzee Armstrong

Dust Jacket:

When wedding planner Keslee gets asked on a date by her long-lost high school crush, Bryce, everything should be perfect. But Bryce mistakes Keslee for her deceased twin sister, Jadyn. And Keslee doesn’t correct him. Talk about awkward. To make matters worse, she learns they’ll be seeing a lot more of each other because Bryce is the marketing director at the venue where Keslee’s new client has chosen to get married. Keslee knows the charade can’t last much longer, and fears she’ll lose Bryce forever when she tells him the truth.

My Review: 4 Stars

I love it when authors capitalize on embarrassing moments. This story is perfectly awkward and awesome. Keslee accepts a date from her high school crush, Bryce, while pretending to be her dead twin sister. As a band playing, comic loving, wedding planner how is she going to pretend to be her fun loving, high adventure sister? And worse yet, how is she going to tell him that her sister died while she is pretending to be her? And the biggest question is, will she still have a shot with him when he finds out?

I love this fun novella. It is clean, sweet, and quick read. I would recommend it to anyone.

Water So Deep by Nichole Giles

Water So Deep by Nichole Giles

Dust Jacket:

Seventeen-year-old Emma Harris is drowning on dry land. No one knows what's happening to her, and she'd like to keep her evolution from human to mermaid a secret, but the truth is getting harder and harder to hide. From her adoptive family, from her friends, and especially from the irresistible James Phelps. Her time in the ocean is spent dodging a possessive merman, while her time on land is split between caring for her special-needs brother and squeezing in every last possible moment of human life. She soon realizes falling for James is unavoidable when he constantly comes to Emma's rescue and somehow manages to see through her carefully constructed icy facade to the vulnerability she lives with every day. Everything about James makes Emma yearn for a life on land she just can't have. When Emma's brother disappears on her watch, James is the only person she trusts to help her save him. But even if they can save her brother, nothing can prevent her return to the sea. Whether she likes it or not, Emma is changing-unable to breathe without yielding to the tide-and it's only a matter of time before she's forced to surrender forever.

My Review: 4 Stars

This was my first mermaid book and I really enjoyed it.

Loved  -
-Fish analogies (loved them, and I don't even like fish)
-Multiple overlapping story issues and problems that keep the book dynamics full, surprising and captivating
-Beautiful cover
-Realistic dynamics in the relationships and feelings

Meh -
-Teen angst (makes things engaging but tends to make characters flat)
-Cliff hanger. When is the next book coming out?

Content - language, locker room talk, attempted rape

Wishing On Baby Dust by Lydia Winters

Wishing On Baby Dust by Lydia Winters

Dust Jacket:

Infertility stinks. No one knows that better than Megan. After six years of insanity-inducing hormone drugs and desperate prayers, all she has to show for her efforts are enough negative pregnancy tests to fill a bassinet. All around her women are accidentally getting pregnant—like her star piano student—while Megan remains hopelessly barren. Megan’s never felt so alone. But she’s not the only one struggling. Christina has just entered the world of infertility, made worse by the fact her husband isn’t ready to be a father. Their marriage, already hanging in the balance, is being torn apart. Then there’s Kyra, the mother of a precocious three-year-old. She’s shocked to be struggling with secondary infertility. A baby is priceless, but sometimes Kyra feels like she’s being forced to choose which commandment to keep: stay out of debt, or multiply and replenish the earth. When Megan and Christina are assigned as Kyra’s visiting teachers, they all realize that what you see isn’t necessarily what’s beneath the surface. Some secrets aren’t worth the cost of keeping them.

My Review: 4 Stars

This is a story of three different couples struggling with their own stories of infertility. The couples range from being open, to closed about it. I loved being a fly on the wall in the lives of these couples. Not everyone's stories and struggles are the same but we can still draw support from one another.

I thought this was a pretty good book. It is very emotional. I felt like I was able to relate to the feelings of insecurity and the turmoil you feel when you trying to do something righteous and you cannot control the outcome. We have all been there in some way on some level. This book grows empathy for others.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand more or relate to infertility.

Mark of Royalty by Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams

Mark of Royalty by  Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams

Dust Jacket:

At a time when royal infants are marked at birth, a royal advisor makes a terrible misstep, and an infant princess must be secreted away to save her life. Named Sarah by Miranda, the woman who agrees to raise the child as her own, the girl is unaware of her royal heritage, even though Miranda has done all she can to pair Sarah with the king's nephew, Lord Chad. But unexpected events prevent the expected betrothal. Determined to fulfill her devoted mother's wishes, Sarah reserves her heart for Chad despite her growing affections for another man. But as plots against the crown unfold, someone accidentally discovers Sarah's mark of royalty, setting the stage for discoveries that will shake the kingdom to its core.


My Review: 5 Stars!

I loved this book! Sometimes there is a little bit of Cinderella in there, but the story is all its own. Great thought and discussion topics include: deception, loyalty, being a leader when no one will follow, choosing your leader.

Book Pros -
-Strong female lead. This is no simpering female storybook.
-The book is very positive.
-The characters actions are clearly good intentions or bad intentions.
-The book is clean!
-Story shows how people can change and that sometimes your perception of them is what needs to change.

Book Cons -
- I am a little nervous about reading the sequel because I just don't want the end of this story to change.
- Uh... OK just one con.


Clean, sweet, thoughtful. I would recommend it to anyone!

Grounded By Love by Rebecca Talley

Grounded for Love by Rebecca Talley

Dust Jacket:

 After being burned by her college boyfriend, Graham, book editor Serena Johnson believes the only dependable men are the ones found between the pages of a book. Her life in San Francisco is thrown into chaos when her father suffers a heart attack, and she books a flight to her small hometown in Colorado.

Graham McAllister, now a civil engineer in Phoenix, is dating a woman who has it all—except his heart. As the best man for his brother’s wedding, Graham must fly back to Grand Junction in time for all the festivities.

When a massive snowstorm grounds all the planes in Denver, both Serena and Graham are stranded overnight. Will this storm lead to love or will it simply prove that there are no second chances?

My Review: 5 Stars

Serena and Graham have never completely gotten over each other. After literally bumping into each other in an airport they start dancing around the past and if it weren't for all the obstacles maybe they can push for a future together again.

This sweet book is about the one that got away. It includes love, forgiveness and initiative.  It shows that when good opportunities fall in your lap, you still need to make it a reality. As always, Rebecca Talley's story is well written and paced. Her books are clean, sweet and light. I look forward to reading more.

The Sage After Rain by Jaclyn Hawkes

The Sage After Rain by Jaclyn Hawkes

Dust Jacket:

High Society or High Desert?
A Washington D.C. socialite would never walk away from the power and prestige of marrying a sitting U.S. Congressman—especially not to live in the high desert out west, would she?
At least that’s what Taya Kaye hopes the corrupt elected officials from inside the Washington beltway assume. Faced with the choice of disappearing into the witness protection program, or into the high desert, Taya opts for Colorado color country and a world far removed from the glamour and hype of high society.
It’s not so secret as secluded, and surprisingly, after what she’s been through at the hands of those in power, Taya is just fine with that. It’s peaceful and simple. Unpretentious. Safe.
After all, what could possibly happen to her in the desert, where the smell of the sagebrush after the desert rain is like a drug? And who knew she’d discover the most masculine and intriguing man she’d ever met out in the middle of nowhere?
Sometimes power has more to do with strength, than with politics.


My Review: 4 Stars

Beautiful society trust-fund sheep herder meets good looking computer nerd in the northwest Colorado desert. As you can imagine, in the natural and unnatural dangers of this rough and lonely land trust builds and a friendship blooms. But will there be love, and will they stay safe from those who want her dead?

As always, Jaclyn Hawkes gives us a smooth, tender, engaging, and a little bit dangerous story about two endearing people who's strong characters, fortitude and faith weather them through sometimes perilous and (hopefully unreal) situation despite also being incredibly good looking, very talented entrepreneurs. I always get the feel that its like a modern day western. I love it! And am always reading her books as soon as they come out.

This book was great. I loved the look into a modern day sheep herding lifestyle, all of the animals, the values the story portrayed through main and side characters and the element of danger. It is a fun read that warms your heart and makes you feel just as awesome as the characters.

Despite the Taya not being religiously aggressive in sharing her beliefs, I felt like at a time or two it was a little preachy.

Torn Canvas (Safe Harbors) (Volume 2) by Donna K .Weaver

Dust Jacket:

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Up-and-coming talk show host Olivia Howard wants an interview. She, like the rest of the press, expects a hero, but Jori knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast. In seclusion and evading the press, Jori struggles to make a new life as an artist. But he can’t hide from himself; more than his face is damaged. How can Jori possibly make amends for all that he’s broken? When Olivia finally tracks him down, he must decide if he can trust her. Could this unlikely woman be a key to freeing his heart and healing the beast?

My Review: 4 Stars

Perfect title for this book about Jori. Torn from his former life, his career, his family and even his physical image, now he must deal with the aftermath of a tragic, altering event and put the pieces of his life back together, but this time the right way.

From the violent events in the beginning to high emotions throughout, this book addresses beauty: what it does to us, what we do with it, and how we create it. It was engaging and heart wrenching. 

As the third book in a four book series, it can also be read as a stand alone. But, to get the full effect start at the beginning of the series. 

This book includes but is not focused on violence, drinking and implied sex.

Imperfect Love by Rebecca Talley

Imperfect Love by Rebecca Talley

Dust Jacket:

Lauren Wilson is well on her way to her happily-ever-after. She’s passionate about her career as a middle school English teacher, she adores her handsome, hard-working husband, and with a baby finally on the way, her perfect life is within her grasp.

But then a devastating test result changes everything.

Forced to choose between her baby and her husband, Lauren makes the only decision she can live with, and she returns to her small hometown in hopes of rebuilding her shattered life.

Ethan Campbell is a gifted photographer who travels the world and has no desire to settle down. When his mother dies, he must go home to settle her estate. Then it’s back to exciting adventures across the globe.

When Lauren crosses paths with Ethan, her teenage crush, old feelings resurface—feelings she’s not prepared to face. Will Lauren have the courage to trust again or will she spend her life alone?

Imperfect Love is a story about sacrifice, healing, second chances, and discovering that although love isn’t always perfect, sometimes it’s the imperfect love that’s the sweetest of all.


My Review: 4 Stars

This was a great book. The story was very realistic but still engaging. There are lots of emotions in this book as the characters deal with different feelings surrounding really hard life circumstances and choices. Despite this, the book isn't really heavy. It is a clean and thoughtful read. I would recommend it to anyone.

Best Kind of Love: A Reunion Romance Novella by Rebecca Talley

Best Kind of Love: A Reunion Romance Novella by Rebecca Talley

Dust Jacket:

Brynn Sawyer is a successful project manager in Houston. When her best friend from high school convinces Brynn to attend their ten-year reunion, Brynn hopes she’ll have the chance to reconnect with Troy Richards, the guy who stole her heart back in middle school.

Craig Dawson, an attorney in San Diego, is in a relationship that’s going nowhere and wonders why he can’t seem to commit. When he sees Brynn at their reunion, he thinks he might finally understand why. The only problem—she’s still infatuated with Troy what’s-his-name.

Will Brynn find the love she seeks with Troy, or will she realize the best kind of love has always been right in front of her?


My Review: 5 Stars

This novella is classic! Brynn goes to her high school reunion to see if the love-flame of her youth is still warm. Now not only is her her high school crush finally giving her notice but so is her her best friend.

Just the right length for the story. I loved this fun fast read. It is sweet and clean. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Loving Helen by Michele Paige Holmes

Loving Helen by Michele Paige Holmes

Dust Jacket:

Eighteen-year-old Helen Thatcher grew up under the protection of her older siblings, Grace and Christopher. Living in their shadows and keeping to herself suited Helen just fine—until she met widower Samuel Preston. Watching Mr. Preston care for his young daughter and seeing his concern extend to her own family, Helen felt her reserve slipping away, as she learned first to trust him and then realized she had fallen in love with him. But instead of returning—or even noticing her affection—Mr. Preston developed his own tender, and unrequited feelings, for Grace.

In the midst of each silently nursing their broken hearts, Helen and Samuel are faced with a daunting task—reuniting Grace with her fiancé, Nicholas Sutherland. Now it is Helen who must look out for her sister and sacrifice her own fragile heart, as she and Samuel pretend to be engaged. Helen finds the role surprisingly easy to play, allowing herself to imagine that Samuel’s loving remarks are sincere. As the time for their charade to end draws near Helen must summon her courage and tell Samuel the truth of her feelings, or risk losing him forever.


My Review: 5 Stars

I was absolutely inspired by the first book in this series, Saving Grace, so when I dove into this book with the same expectations I was a bit surprised. Different characters, different issues, different writing, different personalities. I found myself waiting for it to be like the first book and it never happened, just like Helen is nothing like her sister Grace.

Helen is young and quite unsure of herself. She loves a man and is clueless as to how to attract his attention. The first half of the book is mainly from her insecure perspective and the second is from his. And that is where we get a different look at Helen.

I love that this book isn't like the first! It totally exemplifies the two sisters. Helen lives under Grace's shadow in her mind, but she should see herself as the woman she is becoming. She has worth and her journey is her own. Again, I think Michele Paige Holmes is brilliant. I am inspired by her style.

Wildflowers and Kisses by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Wildflowers and Kisses by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Dust Jacket:

What do you give a woman who owns a flower shop?
Skye Alexander has a dog named Kitty, an adopted grandmother who thinks John Wayne is cute, a kind heart, and the sunniest attitude on the planet.
Even when she spritzes him with her florist water at their first meeting, Skye is the most refreshing thing that has ever happened to Dr. Gage Garrison. Confident, successful, and seriously disillusioned, when Gage meets Skye one evening at her shop she is like a shot of pure, sweet oxygen to his spirit. So he pesters her until she agrees to go out with him.
But later, when he realizes that her dog is a guard dog, that Skye has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is an expert with a handgun, he begins to wonder what scars she’s hiding behind that beautiful, sweet smile.
And what is she so afraid of?


My Review: 4 Stars

This was a fun story. The characters were believable and the storyline engaging. It had a 'waiting for something dangerously bad to happen tension' throughout (almost) the whole book, which is not usually the author's style. But, if you love reading books ripe with an edge of dangerous tension woven with the love story of two entrepreneurs, then you will love this one!

Clean. Tense. Sweet.

Like the Tendrils of a Vine: Brother In Arms: Part 1 (Stripling Warriors Series) by Misty Moncur

Like the Tendrils of a Vine: Brother In Arms: Part 1 (Stripling Warriors Series) by Misty Moncur

Dust Jacket:

All Sarai wants to do is be there when her brothers rescue Gideon from the Lamanite prison. She thought talking Zeke into letting her go would be the hardest part, but no one expects the dangerous lie they will have to tell to keep her safe.

Lamech is used to protecting himself in enemy lands, but protecting his captain's pretty sister from a suspicious Lamanite spy is a complication he has no training for.

Brothers In Arms: A Stripling Warrior Novel, is now two stand-alone eBooks. In Part 1: Like the Tendrils of a Vine, Sarai embarks on a journey to save her friend. As she and Lamech travel deeper into the ancient land of their fathers, a land where the right path is not always clear, she will find that Gideon was not the only man she was sent to save.


My Review: 5 Stars!

I love this book! Sarai is so relatable. She isn't flashy or outspoken like previous girls in the series. She is faithful, obedient, loving and trusting. Lamech has become one of my favorite people in this series. He is brooding, sensitive and conflicted but he is also loyal and brave. Their love story gets off to a rocky start, but what do you expect when all your family and friends are watching you! This book is full of sweet moments of discovering who you are and who you can become through obedience and God.

Clean. Sweet. Faithful. I recommend it to all.

When the Time is Right (Stripling Warrior Series) by Misty Moncur

When the Time is Right (Stripling Warriors Series) by Misty Moncur

Dust Jacket:

Salome watched Lamanite warriors capture her son, tie him to a chain of prisoners, and herd him south toward the Land of Nephi. She tracked them for days, but lost them in the jumble of prints at the Sidon River. Lost and alone in the wilderness, nearly out of food, and feeling hopeless, she wonders if she should continue on or go home in shame to tell her kinsmen what happened.

Bringing his brother's wife on a journey to rescue his brother was probably not Jashon's best idea. They could move so much faster without Keturah, and her beauty is more than a little distracting. But then Ket spots a woman hiding in the trees near the Sidon. She has information about Gid, so Jashon promises to save her son. While they wait for just the right moment to rescue the prisoners, Jashon discovers that his brother is not the only man that needs to be saved.


My Review: 5 Stars!!!

Salome is sharp, resourceful and is a woman of experience. She know how to hold her tongue and also how to use it. Used to having all the men in her clan do her bidding but not respect her, she must adjust to and rely on this new rescue band full of Ammonite men and some women. Embarking on a dangerous mission into Lamanite territory with them she will do anything to save her son from his abductors.

I love Salome's personality, especially as she interacts with Lemech. It is also a sort of reunion with the characters from the Daughter of Helaman series. We learn more about them and get updates on their lives now. It is like Helaman's Army High School Reunion with new friends and romance on a dangerous journey into enemy territory. I loved it!

Pierced By Love by Laura L. Walker

Pierced By Love by Laura L. Walker

Dust Jacket:

Noelle Jensen doesn't want to like Pierce Logan. After her boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister, Noelle is done with love. Plus Pierce Logan has commitment issues because of his parents divorce and a strained relationship with his dad. But as Pierce and Noelle inadvertently help each other to open up their hearts, they also rediscover the importance of family and love.


My Review: 5 Stars

This is a great book, especially when thinking about relationships. Noelle Jensen has to figure out what what went wrong with her last relationship and what she needs in a future one. Pierce on the other hand has his own relationship issues to work out, especially when he didn't grow up with a good example. This book inspires you to look at what a relationship needs to endure and what it means to be mature. Thought Noelle was a bit immature I think that emphasized that we all have some growing and overcoming to do. Great discussion questions in the back.

Clean, fun and thoughtful. I would recommend the book to anyone.

Lined With Silver by Roseanne Evans Wilkins

Lined With Silver by Roseanne Evans Wilkins

Dust Jacket:

Sondra is secure in her world as a successful attorney in civil law. Her sister, Nikki, is facing the death of her husband, Brad, through cancer and has tried to carry embryos created before Brad's chemo started. When her fertility doctor suggests a surrogate mother, she asks Sondra.

Not wanting to lose her LDS clients as a single mother, Sondra turns to someone she had met years before. Zack has his own reasons for a marriage of convenience. Despite their rocky beginning, can Zack and Sondra find the kind of love that will last forever?

My Review: 4 Stars

Wow. This book was not what I expected. Between dieing of cancer, surrogate mothering, an old crush, an inheritance, fake marriages, work pressures, falling in love, and a potential killer this book was not dull. I read it straight though until the roller coaster of emotions was over. And it was a great ride. The book is a bit unconventional but a touching and engaging read. I really enjoyed it!

Last Play by Taylor Hart

Last Play by Taylor Hart

Dust Jacket:

Roman Young, quarterback for the Dallas Destroyers, doesn’t expect to get a gun shoved in his face by the beautiful red head, Katie Winters, when he arrives to sell the Inn he inherited from his uncle in Wolfe Creek, Utah. But, he’s not surprised, either. It’s the way his life has been lately. Just ask the tabloids that have happily reported his shattered knee, his wife's affair, and the car accident.

Unfortunately, Katie is wearing a wedding ring. Not that he noticed. He doesn’t know why he doesn’t tell her about the fact he’s selling the Inn, even after she shoves a list of supply demands into his chest and rambles on and on about all the projects they have to do.

When he discovers her husband passed away a year ago, and her seven-year-old son asks him to come to dinner and movie night, things start to change. Or did they start to change when Katie took him sledding? Or when all he could think about was kissing her? Now he has to make a choice—keep ignoring the truth—or try one Last Play.

My Review: 5 Stars

Fun. Sporty. Sassy. Clean. The ridiculously rich, handsome and heartbroken professional football player Roman Young returns to his late uncle's inn to sell it. There he bumps heads with and is tongue tied by the sassy manager, Katie. Sparks fly but will plans change?

This was a fun, clean and light quick read with really fun characters. I'd recommend it to all who love that sort of thing.

The Captain's Guard (Stripling Warrior Series) by Misty Moncur

The Captain's Guard (Stripling Warrior Series) by Misty Moncur

Dust Jacket:

She had never been loved before. He thought he would never love again.

Zeke never imagined he wouldn’t marry the pretty girl from his village. It was as good as done—until she fell in love with someone else during the war. Captain Helaman’s estate in the city is the perfect refuge, far from pitying eyes and nosy village women. But though time has healed his battle wounds, it hasn’t bound up his broken heart.

Abandoned and alone in the world, Eliza asked Uncle Helaman to take her in. She has everything she could want at her new home on the grand estate—everything but the attention of Helaman’s handsome guard. When Helaman sends her on a journey with the brooding Ezekiel, she’s determined to find out what makes him so sad, but in her search for the girl who broke Zeke’s heart, Eliza has to find a way to guard her own.


My Review: 5 Stars!!!

Finally, Zeke Gets His Girl! Not hard to read again. I think I've read this book over 5 times and love it every time!

Another GREAT book in the Stripling Warrior Series! Finally Zeke gets a girl! My heart broke for him in the first 4 books. And Eliza is his perfect match, or at least she is determined to be. I love how the story develops as we learn more about Eliza and how she deals with Zeke’s pain. And of course we learn more about the other characters, whom I can’t wait to read more about! I love this book.

This book is probably the most emotionally mature of all the books in the series, but at the same time the characters in this book are in other ways late bloomers (i.e. still figuring it out). Of all my friends that read this series, the married friends tend to love this book the best. When they read, parts in the story turn a light bulb on in their heads and they think of new ways to deal with their husbands or families.

Some great book group topics could include: relationships, unconditional love and perspective.

This book is clean. I would recommend it to all ages. It can be read alone but it is best enjoyed as book 5 in the series, so you can understand the significance of all the characters.

Sense and Sensibility by Rebecca H. Jamison

Sense and Sensibility by Rebecca H. Jamison

Dust Jacket:

As if it wasn’t bad enough to be getting food from Church welfare, I had to meet one of the Ferreros—and a good-looking Ferrero, at that.

Elly Goodwin, a brilliant programmer, is so desperate for a job that she takes one from her ex-boyfriend—the same man who put her family out of business. Then she meets Ethan Ferrero, who seems too good to be true. But Elly is far too sensible to unexpectedly fall in love—especially with her ex’s brother-in-law.

But when Elly’s sister, Maren, dates the wrong guy, Elly must intercede before Maren’s passion clouds her common sense. Together, Elly and Maren must learn that a mixture of sense and sensibility is the perfect recipe for love.

Fans of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will love this modern retelling of the classic romance novel.


My Review: 4 Stars

I loved this version of Sense Sensibility! It's fun, clean, and Austen. Though this book is LDS fiction, it sort of isn't. This book has minimal references to LDS cultural. There are very few faith promoting/doctrinal elements in the story. So pick it up if you like LDS fiction, but don't dismiss it for the same reason. This book won't be converting you. It is just a great Austen remake.

In this story, Elly and Maren Goodwin switch points of view as they deal with the aftermath of losing their father, the family business and being left penniless. The story line is a bit different than Austen's. I found myself anticipating the same timing as Austen's, only to be surprised when it is different. Overall I enjoyed the read.

With No Regrets by Julie N. Ford

With No Regrets by Julie N. Ford

Dust Jacket:

Finley isn’t exactly sure when her life began to feel unfamiliar. She suspects the transformation started long before she caught her husband and fellow garden club member doing the white-trash-two-step on her new Bernhardt sofa. Now free from the shackles of a loveless marriage, and with her children off to college, she’s finally able to go searching for the missing pieces of her heart.

Finley’s best friend, Cathyanne, is already working hard to ensure that Finley finds true love this time around. But when Finley is unwittingly tossed into the arms of two men—their sexy trainer and her neighbor, a popular country star—Cathyanne fears finding the right guy will be more complicated than she ever could have imagined.

For Finley, building a new life feels as impossible as flying a paper airplane to the moon. But maybe, just maybe, with the right help, she will find her whole heart—even if it’s in the very last place she thinks to look.

My Review: 2 Stars

I love books by Julie N. Ford, so I was really excited to dive into this one. This book is full of her fun style and I found it even wittier than her other books. Ford did a great job developing the main character. She is very real and relatable as her world is turned upside down by her divorce and kids moving out, and she is forced to evaluate and change what she has always been willing to live with.

The two stars come from me because the book really wasn't my style. I took a few good bites of it (22%) before I decided to put it down. The themes just weren't for me. The feeling was, as Finley would say, "trashy" without being graphic. Between the caddy 40 year old back biting, to the gossiping, to the bar hopping, to the sleeping around and leering at men, to the swearing, it just wasn't for me. I do look forward to checking out future works by Julie N. Ford!

Gabriel's Daughters by Janet Kay Jensen

Gabriel's Daughters by Janet Kay Jensen

Dust Jacket:

Wrestling with issues of polygamy, homosexuality, and modernity, Gabriel’s Daughters examines them through the lives of the large, loving, and polygamous Martin family. The story is told primarily through the eyes of Zina Martin, a young girl who—upon discovering she is impregnated by her “sterile” teacher and will soon be married off to a man three times her age—escapes the enclosed polygamous town of Gabriel’s Landing, Utah. Zina then embarks on a journey of self-discovery, yet she can never fully escape the longing she has for her family and even the controversial and outdated lifestyle she once lived. Through both tears and triumph, Gabriel’s Daughters reveals a moving story that not only acts as insightful social commentary but also prompts readers to re-evaluate their lives.


My Review: 5 Stars

This book is a sequel to "Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" and contains spoilers, so if you plan to read both read this one second.

Zina is innocent, naive and sensitive, and after being impregnated by a High School teacher her shame and impending marriage to her father's friend drive her out of the sheltered polygamist community she grew up in. This book unfolds Zina's journey through her innocent eyes as she learns about the world and most importantly herself.

I enjoyed reading about this family, their reactions, interactions and choices they make to love those around them from many different backgrounds. A great book I would recommend to anyone interested in learning a bit about polygamy and leaving it from a somewhat fair perspective.

This is a great book worth reading again and again.

Sensible & Sensational (The Jane Austen Diaries) by Jenni James

Sensible & Sensational (The Jane Austen Diaries) by Jenni James

Dust Jacket:

Can a sensible girl learn to find her own kind of sensational?

When Ellyn Dashwood’s family moves to Bloomfield, New Mexico, she’s not sure if she’ll fit in as easily as her wildly popular twin sister, Maralyn, will. Though they’re identical, the two sisters are exact opposites. Maralyn attracts people to her like bees to a hive. However, because Ellyn has autism, she’s positive she’ll never be considered more than awkward. That is, until she meets the totally hot Zane Ferrars.

Zane is the tall, smart, hot, athletic, kind—and did we mention hot?—neighbor who has made it his mission to uncover Ellyn's secrets. She's a puzzle he's eager to solve. However, she soon finds out he’s got a few secrets of his own—secrets that will break her cautious heart if she’s not sensible enough to be careful.

This eagerly awaited new installment of the Jane Austen Diaries is a contemporary retelling of the classic novel Sense and Sensibility.


My Review: 4 Stars

ASD & Jane Austen Birth New Perspectives

This book, like the rest in the series, is a straight forward modern day telling of Austen's book. Jenni James is always fun and really gives the characters in this story their own voices. I love that the main character, Ellyn, has high functioning autism. The author takes us into her mind and shows us what makes sense and doesn't, what is a challenge to her and how she deals with it. Everyone that sees the world through autism is different, but I love how seeing this story though Ellyn's eyes sheds light on this corner of the spectrum. I love books that bring awareness to ASD.

I loved it and would recommend it to all ages.

Summer Book Trek July 2015

 It is that time of year. Join me in reading and reviewing LDS authors. Enter drawings everyday when you read, review and post. Each day winners will chose a book from the book prize list. FREE BOOKS! Follow this link: http://bit.ly/1GZuwPE

My book read/re-read list this month includes:

 

'Cause I'm addicted to books.