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Showing posts from September, 2022

The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard

💖💖💖💖 The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard, book two in the Paradise Valley series, is a story of love, hope, and mistakes. Imogene Yoder, a widow and mother to ten-year old identical twins, was at her wits end. Her boys, Matthew and Mahlon, have become a major challenge and she is no longer able to find someone to     watch them while she works her job. Imogene is burdened and stressed by her responsibilities as a single parent and needs help; while her boys need a father and there were no prospects in her community. Imogene had heard about a matchmaker in the next community and finds herself at Astrid's door. Astrid Kauffman and her twin brother have shared a home since their parents passing. Astrid is not a matchmaker but an author of Amish romance. Astrid has had writers block and fears she will not meet her deadline. Seeing that Imogene needed her help and she needed help on her next story, Astrid agrees to match Imogene up with a local shop keeper that she knows as a good m

The Second Christmas by Marta Perry

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💖💖💖💖💔 4.5/5 - The Second Christmas by Marta Perry,book four in her Promise Glen series, is an inspiring and heartwarming tale of forgiveness and holiday celebrations in the Amish community. Leah Beiler left her family with her heart in pieces to begin a new life, thinking she was going to inherit her Aunt Miriam’s herb business. A painful misunderstanding caused her to return home where she began to set up her own business. She is happy to be back with her family, especially during the Christmas season. Being back, though, throws her together with her old boyfriend more than she wants. Miscommunications and jealousy caused the break between Leah and her childhood sweetheart, Josiah Burkhalter. Now that Leah is back, Josiah will do anything to convince her to give him another chance, including help finish the building for her business. Clearing up the misunderstanding with her aunt will take the support of her family and an inner strength for Leah in order to confront her aunt and

An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer

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  💖💖💖💖💖 An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer, a collection of three novellas focusing on faith, family, home, and love around Christmas. Each story is unique, the characters strong Amish facing challenges and the stresses of living in an English world. . Each story was different from the others and it is hard to see the stories end. These would all be great characters for their own novel. The first story is about two Amish people needing to get to certain destinations and their various rides give them definite problems along the way. As they travel together, despite many setbacks, they find their way home and to each other. The second story was about a young couple whose relationship is hindered by a Bishop whose own personal feelings cause problems for his congregation, including the couple. It takes a dream and a miracle to alter his outlook on life. The final story is about a newlywed couple whose life is disrupted by his job i

The Duke's Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore

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💖💖💖💖 The Duke's Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore, set in 1817 London, is a lovely historical romance with great messages and a wonderful love story. Jo and Matthew have a wonderful love story filled with great banter and chemistry. Joanna Porter , a matchmaker, believes in love, despite not finding it for herself. She works hard to provide for her family, often placing the needs of others ahead of her own. Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont, similarly regularly thinks of others and not himself. Reluctant to fall in love again, Matthew is bound by obligation and duty to marry and provide an heir. As he was hurt by love in the past, he doesn’t want to risk having his heart broken again. He isn’t looking for an ever after ending, just a "proper" duchess to wed and tolerate so he can have an heir and keep the title from passing to his uncle. As Jo helps Matthew find a duchess, she discovers she is falling for him. There are many fun and heartwarming moments,

Reckless Fortune by M.M.Crane

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  💖💖💖💖💖 I loved Autumn and Bowie’s amazing opposites attract romance, forced proximity reality TV, in Reckless Fortune by M.M. Crane , book two in her Fortunes of Lost Lake series.   This story had lost within their stories, and not able to put this book down, as I drank in each page. This quirky, funny, snarky, steamy, and totally enjoyable tale, takes the reader on a journey to an off-the-grid, small town in the middle of Alaska; a town that makes you feel as if you are family.   As an ex-marine and now bush pilot, Bowie Fortune is an adrenaline junkie. He has never turned down a dare, and when his sister, Piper, challenges Bowie to join a promotion for Alaskan Tourism where a fake mail-order-bride would come to their tiny hamlet of Lost Lake, he accepts against his better judgment. Bowie is a love them and leave them guy but one look at Autumn McCall, his “wife” for the next three months; he knows his life will never be the same. Autumn is determined to win the contest, as

Only a Secret by Delancey Stewart

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  💖💖💖💖💖 I loved Penny and Harrison’s story in Only a Secret by Delancey Stewart, book three in the Kasper Ridge series, an emotional, heartwarming, charming, and entertaining tale where they not only find love, but finally accept who they really are. Penny is a child star and after another embarrassing scandal arises, she escapes to Colorado to visit her high school best friend. While visiting the resort, she meets former fighter pilot Harrison, Brainiac, who is there helping out his Navy buddies. Aside from their instant attraction, in Penny’s mind the best thing about Harrison is that he has no idea who she is. She enjoys being able to date someone who likes her for herself, not because of her fame. However, these two are proof of the romance rule that if you are keeping a secret, it will be revealed at the worst possible moment. Harrison is a former Navy pilot who had recently been teaching mechanical engineering at a nearby college. After being turned down for tenure, he joi

Duke Most Wicked by Lenora Bell

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💖💖💖💖💔   4.5/5 - Duke Most Wicked by Lenora Bell by Lenora Bell, book three in her Wallflowers vs. Rogues series, is a “class” difference romance between a “wicked” Duke and the music teacher he hires as for his sisters.  Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, has lived a reckless life after being hurt and scarred by a dark secret. With 5 younger sisters to support and financial troubles, Brandan must marry for money. Viola Beaton is the music teacher to the Duke’s sisters and definitely not an heiress. When West announce that he that he will choose a bride for himself, as well as grooms for his sisters, Viola steps in. She has grown to adore these bright young ladies and doesn’t want their husbands chosen for them; and the sisters respect her. Unfortunately, she’s also developed a forbidden passion for her wildly attractive employer. She strikes a bargain with West: if he’ll allow his sisters to attend the Season and choose their own suitors, Viola will chaperone and keep them safe

The Highlander's Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly

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  💖💖💖💖💖 I loved reading Samantha and Braden ’s amazing story in The Highlander's Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly, book five in her Clan Kendrick series. This amazing story deals has a mystery, along with murder, intrigue, kidnapping, betrayal, loss, retribution, and a second chance at love. Lady Samantha Penwith’s secret mission is to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys. On a recent undercover excursion, she closes in on a pair of armed attackers and interrupts another assault, then disappears into the darkness, leaving the lone victim bewildered, while fortunate to be alive. Braden Kendrick might be the sensible brother, but the dedicated doctor usually ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city’s slums. When a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he’s determined to uncover the stranger’s identity. Once he does, Braden will find himself facing his own past loss for the first time, and more than w

The Duke Not Taken by Julia London

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💖💖💖💖💔 4.5/5 - The Duke Not Taken by Julia London, book two in her Royal Match series, is a wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous tale following Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria and Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley. Amelia needs to find a husband and Joshua has not gotten over the death of his wife in childbirth. Amelia has been forced to travel to England to find a husband, with the help of Lila, a matchmaker. This is an attempt by her sister Queen Justine to curb Amelia’s impetuous nature and help her find happiness. Staying with family friends, Amelia seems destined to keep bumping into their nearest neighbor, Joshua, often under very unpleasant circumstances. Amelia is spirited and engaging; says what she thinks while searching for her place in this world. Joshua is grumpy and lost in the depths of his grief; although it’s not a grief he can share with anyone. If only he could get the kids at that darn school to stop making such a racket so he could wallow in peace and st

An Ex to Remember by Jessica Lemmon

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  💖💖💖💖💖 I enjoyed Aubrey and Vic’s second chance in An Ex to Remember by Jessica Lemmon, a wonderful and heartfelt reunion of first loves with a temporary amnesia twist and book six in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals series. Vic Grandin and Aubrey Collins dated in high school and were even engaged. Unexpectedly meeting at the Silver Saddle, they reconnect over drinks, talk, and sharing a cannoli. Aubrey agrees to let Vic come home with her for only one night; then they would go their separate ways. Unfortunately Aubrey falls and suffers a head injury the next day, which results in partial amnesia she think she and Vic are still a couple. On doctor’s orders, they don’t correct Aubrey’s memory, giving Vic a second chance to show her that he has grown and regrets the actions that caused their break up. When Vic decides to finally tell her the truth about their past, she is not sure she can ever forgive him or her parents and friends for allowing her to believe in

At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason

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  💖💖💖💖💖 Bri and Cal’s love story in At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason, book five in the Highland Falls series, is a romantic, heartwarming, emotional tale of second chances and forgiveness. It has all the fall feels, a tight-knit circle of friends and family, and a loveable dog, Gus. Brianna Macleod was forced to stay at the family inn in Highland Falls after suffering a terrible accident in which she suffered an almost fatal TBI and leg injury. She had been in an abusive marriage so time with her family to heal was needed. Her sister, Ellie, kept postponing her honeymoon to Scotland to help take care of Bri. It became Bri's goal to convince her sister that she had improved enough so she can go on her honeymoon. When Ellie asks their mother to stay at the inn during her trip to ensure that Bri will be okay, Bri decides to rent a house on Marigold Lane instead; a house she will be sharing with another person . Dr. Caleb Scott the surgeon who saved her life from her

Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch

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  💖💖💖💖 Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch, is a rom-com written within a historic romance, a unique and delightful read. This is the story of Emmeline and William Pershing who have been friends for years and decided a marriage of convenience would best support their end goals; Emmie receiving Winnover, a family estate, and William having success in his career through her connections. The couple agreed to live separate and apart under one roof and remain that way. When the Duke of Welshire, Emmie’s reclusive grandfather, summons all of the family and their children to his estate to celebrate his birthday, she finds herself in a disastrous situation. Will is totally bewildered at the extent his wife went to in order to keep Winnover, her beloved estate. Her biggest lie above all the lies is the invisible children her grandfather believes they’ve had. Not only are there no children, but they must make haste to materialize a son of eight years and a daughter aged 5. What they did n

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

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💖💖💖💖 I really enjoyed Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory, a sexy, flirty and fun story taking place at a Napa winery. Margot Noble owns and runs an inherited winery along with her brother, Elliot, when she meets a charismatic younger guy while visiting her favorite bar in Napa. Luke Williams is looking for a fun temporary job after quitting his high-pressure tech position in Silicon Valley. The chemistry between them is undeniable as they spend a sizzling one-off night together. Unfortunately, neither knew they would meet again, the next morning, as Luke was the newest employee of Noble Winery and Margot was now his boss. This was an interesting story with two tropes, age-gap and workplace romance; but this time with a twist. The older adult and boss was a woman. Margot and Luke decide it was best not to engage in a romantic relationship since she’s his boss; adding an engaging dynamic. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was interesting and stressful watching their struggle

Take It From Me by Jamie Beck

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💖💖💖💖 Take It from Me , by Jamie Beck, deals with two women who are both struggling. Wendy Moore was a helicopter mother who is trying to keep her life together as she struggles with an empty nest and a mental illness issue; triggered by stress. Harper Ross is a struggling author, suffering writer's block and recovering from a professional and personal blow. She recently moved to town hoping to find inspiration for her next book. She befriends Wendy to gather information for the main character of her book. As Wendy and Harper's friendship grows they find it more and more difficult to hide their secrets. Friendships built on lies seldom last and when the women's secrets are revealed, they can only evaluate the broken pieces and try to appreciate what they learned as they try to move on. Ms Beck has created two fantastic characters in Wendy and Harper, and also, with it, she has touched upon mental health and work-related dilemmas in an extremely sensitive way. Thi

All is Bright by RaeAnn Thayne

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  💖💖💖💖💖 All is Bright by RaeAnn Thayne, part of the Hope’s Crossing series, is heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying and warm your heart. This heartwarming, emotional story takes us on a journey into the lives of family members dealing with loss, pain, distrust, regrets, healing and love. This book had everything: close family supporting one another, heartwarming characters, heartbreaking pasts, and adorable kids.   Sage McKnight is an architect in her father’s firm, with an expertise in building or remodeling spaces that are inclusive for all abilities. Her most recent design is a total rebuild of a home to make it totally accessible for a former baseball star, Mason Tucker, with mobility disabilities after surviving a deadly accident. Sage and Mason are both dealing with baggage from their pasts, but together are able to heal and move forward together. There are sparks and sizzling chemistry as they spend time together. A secondary relationship, Taryn and C

Vanessa Jared’s Got a Man by LaQuette

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💖💖💖💖 Vanessa Jared’s Got a Man by LaQuette is a cute, multicultural, diverse romance featuring 40-somethings who get an unexpected chance at love. Vanessa Jared devoted her life to a man who molded her into what he believed to be an acceptable wife. It took her twenty-some years to face that he was a cheating, controlling husband. Once divorced, she is recommended to attend a divorce group to try to work through all of the hurt and at the same time, find the person she was before she got married. While attending the group meeting, she meets two other divorcees and they start a Savvy, Sexy Singles Club, agreeing to meet monthly to help and support each other on their journeys forward. As Vanessa is leaving to meet the divas to celebrate their two years of friendship, she meets Michael Park, a sexy, Korean-American, small town sheriff who needs her help to prevent his sister from marrying Vanessa’s lying, cheat, good for nothing ex-husband. From the moment they meet, these two are c

Mine to Cherish by Natasha Madison,

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💖💖💖💖💖 I loved Clarabella and Luke’s story in Mine to Cherish by Natasha Madison, book three in her Southern Wedding series, a story of a runaway bride and friends getting a second chance at the passion and love when they least expect it. Once again, another sibling does not make it to the 'I do' portion of their wedding. Clarabella and Luke have a past that nobody knows about. She tried to move on, dating Edward, but when Luke comes back to town, she starts questioning all her feelings; wondering if she is making a mistake. Clarabella was struggling with her decision to get married and when her fiancé's secret comes knocking on her door and she learns Edward is not the man she thought he was. Clarabella is angrier about the whole thing with Edward than hurt. She needs time to process what has happened, and she doesn't want to deal with anyone, including her family; thereby becoming a runaway bride. In the course of running out of the venue, she finds her friend

Gotta Be Bayou, by Erin Nicholas

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  Gotta Be Bayou , by Erin Nicholas, is a wonderful story to start to her new series, Badges of the Bayou; plus it’s another “can’t put down,” “laugh out loud” tale, with wit, heat, heart, love, and the unexpected; everything I've come to love about her books and Autre, Louisiana. This is Max and Spencer's story; an opposites attract romance with a forced proximity, a touch of mystery, and unrealistic expectations. These two connected at a Landry wedding in Autre, after getting drunk on a bit of moonshine drinking. There was definitely a strong attraction between them despite wanting different things out of life. Spencer’s girlfriend list is a wonderful example of his unrealistic expectations. Spencer is a Landry and a FBI agent, who protects all, but especially those that matter to him. He is all grumpy and snarly on the outside but inside he is a soft, cinnamon roll. Max is an investigator report, out to expose the bad happening out there and righting the wrongs of the world.

A Christmas House Wedding

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  💖💖💖💖 A Christmas House Wedding by Victoria James, is an emotional and enjoyable story full of love, family, and wise advice.   The love between Grandma Ruby and her granddaughters, Olivia and Charlotte, was one of love, nurturing, and understanding; providing a safe haven from their dysfunctional parents. Eventually these girls lived with their Grandma Ruby at the Christmas House, a bed and breakfast. Olivia's marriage was over after she had finally gathered the courage to leave her abusive husband. Needing a place to live, Olivia, with her small daughter, Dawn, returned to the Christmas House and her Grandma Ruby just in time to help Grandma Ruby plan the wedding of her dreams to the love of her life. Olivia was determined to start over and make a life for her and her daughter Dawn. With her self-esteem at rock bottom, she was determined to start her own dance studio. Scott, a local contractor agreed to step in when the last contractor bailed on her just weeks before the sc

Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology

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💖💖💖💖💖  Dissent is a charity romance anthology with new, never before published content from over 150 authors of all romance genres. All proceeds from its sales will be donated to organizations benefiting reproductive rights in the United States, particularly in areas where people need them more than ever. This is a cause dear to my heart so I was more than happy to review a couple of the short stories . Dissent has stories from so many different authors, I’m sure there will be at least one author that will make you want to read it. Last Call by Megan Ryder, is a sequel to Her Last Shot, a story set in the small town of Swan's Creek, Maine. Last Call is a second chance, reunion romance between Lacey LeBeau and the man who broke her heart, Zach Channing. Lacey has managed the Salty Dog since Zach walked away ten years ago. Zach was a photojournalist, at least until he was injured in a freak accident.  Almost recovered, Zach returned to Swan’s Creek, Maine to take his elderly u

50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelli Siskind

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💖💖💖💖💔 4./5 - 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind, book one in her Bowers Boys series, is a second chance romance that will capture your heart, mind, and soul. E might stand for Edgar Eugene Bower, but it also exemplifies how emotional and emphatic he is; especially as he tried to complete, and succeed, in his mission to win back his beloved, Delilah Moon .Ten years ago after an amazing night with Delilah, Edgar and his brothers were forced to leave their small town and go into witness protection, because their father worked with the mafia and the family had death threats against them. No contact with anyone from their former was allowed. Edgar left his first and only love, Delilah, the one person he had been longing for her ever since. Imagine his surprise when he and one of his brothers find themselves on the same plane as Delilah, sitting behind her. This was the pinnacle, wanting a reunion with Delilah, pushing Edgar to return to their small town; hoping for a secon