Review: Falling for the Cowgirl

Welcome to my stop on the JustRead Publicity Tour's BLOG TOUR for Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe.


_________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Falling for the Cowgirl

Series: Big Heart Ranch, Book 2

Author: Tina Radcliffe

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: June 19, 2018 (Print) July 1, 2018 (Ebook)

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Western

Links: Goodreads | Book Bub

She won the job… Can he win her heart?

Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice—but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job. And AJ’s determined to prove she’s just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything…including his heart.

LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | iTunes | CBD | Book Depository | BAM! | Barnes & Noble

_______________________________________________________________

MY THOUGHTS

This book just solidifies my thoughts...Tina is a new favorite author! 
Her romances are swoon worthy and BOY does she know how to write a hero.

There has been a running theme in the books I've been reading lately, you can really SEE the characters changing and letting God take control of their lives. And I'm not mad about it! 

I loved seeing Travis' perspective and opinion of female farmhands change. His original stance was super realistic as was his change of heart. 

I had so much respect for AJ. She was a woman trying to make it to the top in a VERY male oriented occupation. I admired her strength and courage. She was quick-witted and kept a solid head on her shoulders in all sorts of situations!
She was a VERY stubborn character, BUT the pieces to "why?" all came together by the end of the story. And it just shaped her into the wonderful character she was.

Tina did amazing research and I appreciated the accuracy of the horse and rodeo scenes! (The rodeo scene was probably my favorite part of the whole book.) #CowgirlAtHeart 

The dialogue and banter throughout this book was WONDER.FUL. 😍  I loved the whole set-up of characters and cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series! 

I rated this book a 5/5 stars! 

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*

_______________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany and ended up in Tulsa Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. Her move to Colorado led to a career as a library cataloger. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, two-time Carol Award finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.



Stay up to date on all her releases by signing up for her newsletter HERE.



TO CONNECT WITH TINA: website, facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, Book Bub

_____________________________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY

Tina have graciously offered (1) winner an awesome Falling for the Cowgirl prize pack that includes:

• An autographed copy of Falling for the Cowgirl
• Corkcicle Canteen Classic Collection-Water Bottle & Thermos-Triple Insulated Shatterproof Stainless Steel, 9 oz, Gloss Pink
• ESVAN Original Floral Tote Bag Shoulder Bag for Gym Hiking Picnic Travel Beach
• 20.00 Amazon Gift Card

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below.  Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only. If international winner, winner will win the gift card only.

ENTER HERE or use the Entry Form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will begin at midnight June 25, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM on July 4, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!

_________________________________________________________________

TOUR SCHEDULE

For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.

Launch Page @JustReadTours

Launch Page @JustCommonly

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets the Eye

"Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?"

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Length: 352 pages

Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book

An unwanted orphan.

A man bent on vengeance.

Can joy and love heal old wounds?

Karen, oh Karen, oh Karen. 
I'm tellin' y'all, be prepared to cry! Whether it's from laughing or from being kicked in the feels. Karen BROUGHT IT with this book. 

The prologue was a perfect set-up to an amazing story. We meet Evangeline when she's just 4 years old and constantly being looked over because of her mismatched eyes. Tragedy forces 3 orphans to build a patchwork family and try to survive on their own. HOW SAD IS THAT?!

Evangeline was such a spunky, kind of chaotic character that instantly brought a smile to everyone's face. She always saw the best even people, even if it was buried WAAAYY down deep inside. I loved her attitude and how she took on life. She took her past traumas and past insecurities and harnessed them, using them to help other people! And she had a pet hog...she was AWESOME!

Logan's drive to seek vengeance quickly became an afterthought once he met and started spending time with Evangeline. Yes he might have set off to use her, but he quickly fell under the spell that was "Evie Hamilton" . I loved seeing the affect she had on him, how she challenged his reasons for vengeance and just made him a better man. 

There is always some sort of mystery tied into Karen's stories, and this one was great! AND TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. 

The puns and banter in this book brought me SO MUCH joy!! It felt like I was right there in the middle of this odd patchwork family and I loved every minute of it. I loved seeing Seth and Zach's protectiveness over Evangeline. It really just solidified that they were a family of the heart.

There was so much hope and encouragement in this story, you could see God moving in their lives. One of my favorite things is being to SEE the change in characters. Where they learned to FULLY trust God. 

So many memorable moments and laughs. I rated this a 5/5 stars. I adored this story and cannot wait for Zach's story. 😉 

Quotes:

"I heard your caterwauling all the way in the house." Seth grinned as he leaned against the doorframe.
"The potatoes don't seem to mind," she quipped.
Seth rolled his eyes. "The potatoes don't have ears."
"Well, the corn plants do, and they didn't complain, either," she sassed.
"Probably because their ears are still covered." He raised a brow waiting for her comeback.
"Shucks, Seth. You know those stalk are experts in hominy. They adore my singing."

"Let them see you, Eva. The real you. The brave, cheerful wood sprite who spreads joy wherever she goes. Once they do, the surface differences will fade from their notice."

"Vengeance doesn't heal pain, Logan. Love heals pain. That's why God tells us to leave the vengeance to him and instead focus on loving each other, including our enemies."

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Accidental Guardian

The Accidental Guardian

"When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever."

Author: Mary Connealy

Length: 304 pages

Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audiobook

One lone witness.

One lonely cowboy.

Can tragedy turn to triumph? 

When I found out this book was releasing this year I got so excited! I have enjoyed Mary's work for years and was anxiously waiting to get my hands on this. That being said this was not my favorite by her. 

I loved the idea for this book. Wagon train attacks, cowboys on noble steeds, and ruthless outlaws. What could be better?! 

Sadly the execution fell short for me. The story felt like it could've been a novella instead of full length. There was quite a bit of repetition and it all kind of felt unnecessary. The romance was not my favorite and it felt a touch strange to me. They ended up together out of pure loneliness than anything else.

Now don't get me wrong, Mary knows how to write diverse characters and they all have some unique trait that helps keep the back and forth easy.

Trace was not what one would consider book smart, but he was wilderness savvy. His reliance on God and the wilderness was what kept him strong through all the years of being alone. It helped him strive. I absolutely loved his connection with his horse Black and his dog Wolf, it was real and true! 

Deb had a good head on her shoulders and was able to take charge in situations that most would shrink at. She had past hurts that kept her from seeing there were good men in the world, but every interaction with Trace slowly healed those wounds and tore down the walls.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Trace's men were great and I hope we might see more of them in the rest of the series.
I think Gwen was my favorite out the whole book and I'm excited to read her story next.

No this might not have been my favorite book, but I am curious and intrigued to read the rest of the series. If this had been a novella introducing me to the series I think I might have enjoyed it a touch more.

I rated this book a 3.25/5 stars. I will continue with the series and I will continue to pick up Mary's work.


Quotes: 

"Pushing hard to get the new cabin and the bunkhouse up is the best thing about you coming. I built that old cabin alone and I've kept it standing more with prayer than with any building skills. And so far my prayers haven't stopped the cold wind from blowing through the cracks."

"Trace and I got married. We just told Gwen, and she's happy for us."
Utah arched a brow. "That big old knife doesn't say happy, not to me."

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Review: All for Love

All for Love

"Three of Christian historical fiction's beloved authors come together in this romantic and humorous collection of novellas featuring prequels to their latest series. New and loyal fans alike will enjoy these novellas previously released only as ebooks. Connealy's "The Boden Birthright" journeys to the Old West, where ranch hand Chance Boden's determination to be his own boss is challenged by his employer's pretty daughter. Hunter's "A Lady of Esteem" follows a Regency-era young lady whose chance at love and reputation in society are threatened by a nasty rumor. Turano's "At Your Request" tells of a young woman who is humbled at her newly lowered status in society when she is reunited with the very man whose proposal she rejected."


Author(s): Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, Jen Turano
Length: 288 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover

_______________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE NOVELLAS

'The Boden Birthright' by Mary Connealy 

"After the death of his wife, prosperous businessman Chance Boden heads west along the Santa Fe Trail with his son to escape the powerful control of his in-laws. He has plans to establish his own ranch, but instead he finds work with Frank Chastain, owner of a vast amount of land.

Chance doesn't want to work for anyone, but Frank's beautiful daughter, Veronica, gives him reason to delay buying his own holdings. With winter coming, no home in which to live, and Veronica's offer to care for young Cole while Chance learns the ways of ranching in the desert, Chance has little choice but to accept the Chastains' offer to stay on.

When Frank is attacked, his last wish is that Chance marry his daughter, but after dealing with his in-laws, Chance doesn't want anyone coming between him and his son. Then, before Frank dies, his precarious hold on the land he received as part of an old Spanish Land Grant forces him to make a desperate choice to save Veronica's inheritance--and also gives the men who attacked Frank a reason to come after his legacy."

'A Lady of Esteem' by Kristi Ann Hunter

"Miss Amelia Stalwood may live in London at her absent guardian's townhouse, but she's never actually met any nobility, and instead of aristocrats, her closest friends are servants. Quite by happenstance, she's introduced to the Hawthorne family and their close family friend, Anthony, the reformed marquis of Raeburn. They welcome her into their world, but just as she's beginning to gain some confidence and even suspect she may have caught Anthony's eye, she's blindsided by an unexpected twist in her situation accompanied by nasty rumors. Will she lose her reputation when the world that has only just accepted her turns its back on her, or will she rest in the support of the friends who've become like family and the man who's shared his faith and captured her heart?"

'At Your Request' by Jen Turano

"After her father lost the family's fortune, Wilhelmina was cast out of the fashionable set and banished to the wallflower section. Taking a position as a social secretary to help support her family, she's mostly come to terms with her new status. But when her old friend Edgar returns to New York society for the first time since she rejected his marriage proposal, she's newly ashamed at how far she's fallen--and how hastily she dismissed him years ago. Her strategy is to avoid a face-to-face encounter at all costs, but he seems to have other plans. Will Edgar take advantage of their now reversed positions and make her regret her refusal, or is there still hope for a friendship between them--or something more?"

_________________________________________________________________

MY THOUGHTS

What do you get when you cross three of Alysha's favorite authors and paper? This novella collection!
Technically these novellas have been out for years, but by the grace of God and a wonderful publishing house they met paper and made their way to the masses. 

I had already read Jen's story before it was printed, and had Mary's & Kristi's stories loaded and ready on my cellular device for my reading pleasure. I then got the news this was releasing and I put a pause on reading the electric version since I am a paperback advocate!

The fun thing about novellas is they are normally little appetizers to a series by the author. 


Mary's "The Boden Birthright" was the beginning of beginnings to 'The Cimarron Legacy' series.
We see the love story that shaped the rest of the series, which I CANNOT wait to read by the way.

I have loved everything I've read by Mary, but this one fell really short for me. Chance had recently lost his wife, and was still deep in grief. However as soon as he laid eyes on Veronica it seemed he forgot all about his wife he was "so" in love with. He was struck instantly by her beauty and the rest happened really quick. It was an instant love that wasn't my favorite. 

The characters didn't have a ton of character development, there were a lot of aspects that had potential to be great. I feel maybe in a full length novel it'd hit all the right marks. 

Mary is a favorite author of mine and will always be one. She can make me laugh and cry , but this one just didn't do anything for me. That being said it did excite me for the rest of the series and I can't wait to read about the Boden children.

I rated this a 3/5 stars. 

"A Lady of Esteem" gives us the first ever glimpse into the 'Hawthorne House' series and oh how I loved what I saw. This novella was actually Kristi's debut story and I'll forever be grateful her writing career took off. *insert ALL the heart eyes*

So I've read this series ALL out of whack and as much as that seriously bothers this particular reader I will say it hasn't really affected my enjoyment of these stories. I knew Amelia and Anthony ended up getting married, but I never knew how, well now I know and I love their love story! 

I adored Amelia's character, she loved everyone regardless of their station. She became friends with the upper class' servants and these amazing relationships helped her out in a few situations. 
Amelia was such a bright, fun character and she made everyone's life better by being her bubbly self.

Anthony was in dire need of some sunshine and bubbles in his life. What can you expect from a reformed rake who hated London society though? Insert a couple purposeful shoves from servants and sweet Lady Miranda and BAM romance! 
Anthony struggled with realizing he was a new creature and his past was forgotten when he turned to God in the years he was away. Finally a ray of sunshine broke through those doubts and they got their happily ever after. 

I rated this a 5/5 stars.

"At Your Request" is where the 'Apart from the Crowd' series got its start. This was the second time I've read this story, and I loved it just as much this time. I am currently caught up on this series (anxiously waiting for book three's release in July) and it was fun to spot the lead characters of the rest of series BEFORE we see their true selves in their own books. I love seeing the wallflowers burst forth from their shells a bit in this book and even more so in the series. 

As you know one of my favorite troupes is 'best friend to boyfriend/husband', this story check off all the boxes for me in that aspect, and in every other aspect honestly. I love Edgar and Wilhelmina's past and how they really just picked up right where they left off. There was banter and sass for days and that just makes me giddy!  I just loved it all! 

I rated this a 5/5 stars.

Overall I rated the collection a 4.5/5 stars. I'm so happy these stories are now in print, and I loved seeing these authors in one book. I cannot wait to start/finish the series that these novellas prefaced.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to write a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Girls Guide to Conquering Life

The Girls Guide to Conquering Life

"There's a lot a girl needs to know as she grows up and makes her way in the world. Having a reference guide of practical how-to life skills and character traits can empower her to become a confident and capable woman. Coauthors Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer this collection of step-by-step instructions on 100 things girls need to succeed.

In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident women. With great illustrations and sidebars of advice from world-class experts, this all-in-one reference tool for young women in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion."

Author(s): Erica & Jonathan Catherman

Length: 304 pages

Format: paperback, e-book, audiobook

Confession time: I just got my license earlier this year. I had my permit for 2 years and even had to renew it once. I wanted to drive, but hated being behind the wheel all at the same time.
I can confidently state that I am an adequate driver, I haven't hit a trashcan or curb in the last few weeks. 😉 I'm just kidding, really though once I drove more frequently most of the nerves eased off my shoulders. (That doesn't mean I still don't start each driving experience with prayer. You know, just in case...)

I say all this because it wasn't so much the colors that called me to this book (though they did help), but it was the words "Change a Tire" that grabbed me and held on for dear life. As a newer driver and a soon to be new car owner I thought it might be wise for me to know how to change a tire, God forbid anything ever happen.

I can't even explain how excited I was when I opened the package this little gem was in. I was telling everyone in my family about it, even my poor cousin was subjected to my gushing.

That excitement overflowed onto my reading since I read the entire book in less than a day, I probably could've read it faster had I not taken any breaks.

I loved the formatting of this book and the easy to understand instructions. They didn't go in depth, but it gave a great little summary of how to's with wonderful illustrations.
The book hit a wide range of things girls should know and implement in their lives in a fun way that was easy to understand.

This was the perfect fast, entertaining yet informative read girls need to conquer life. No I would never look at this as my map to life, but it is a great starting point! I would defiantly gift this to any preteen/new teen I know.

I rated this a 4/5 stars! I think every girl should read this guide.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to write a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Blitz & Excerpt: The Linen God

        Welcome to The Linen God blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

________________________________________________________________

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Linen God

Author: Jim O'Shea

Publisher: Ambassador International

Release Date: March 31, 2018

Genre: Inspirational Suspense/Thriller


The Shroud of Turin is the most studied and controversial religious relic in human history.

The ancient linen cloth bears the image of a man, alleged to be that of Jesus of Nazareth. What if it were real? What if it contained a secret powerful enough to alter the course of human history? And what if it fell into the wrong hands?

Manny Lusum is convinced the Shroud is the genuine article and obsessed with proving it scientifically. Grace Barden is not only Manny's best friend, but also secretly in love with the physics student and soon-to-be Catholic priest. Across the globe, three grisly murders and the theft of a secret manuscript thrust Grace and Manny into a generations-old conspiracy of biblical proportions. From New York to Rome to the inner sanctum of the Vatican, they struggle to untangle a bizarre mystery surrounding the controversial artifact.

In a dramatic confrontation between faith and the ultimate evil on the world stage, Grace and Manny are pushed to the edge of an abyss, balanced on the brink between heaven and hell.

This suspenseful and captivating thriller is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, and David Baldacci. Order your copy today and experience a unique blend of history, science, conscience, religion and a battle of good versus evil that will keep you reading into the early morning hours!

“ . . . a wonderfully engaging, page-turning thriller.”
—Doug Peterson, Award Winning Author
of The Vanishing Woman and The Puzzle People

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

_______________________________________________________________

EXPERT

The gaping wound in her side made every movement, every breath, more painful than the last. Crimson stained her bare feet, and the remnants of her screams echoed, but no lights beckoned from the shuttered buildings she passed. Not a single soul responded to her pleas for help. Rain beat a tattoo on rooftops and into puddles, drowning out all other sounds, so that only she and the feral-scented pursuer seemed to exist this night. Someplace behind her, his heavy boots slapped the cobblestones.

From a dark street, she slipped into an even darker alleyway and behind trash bins. The rain intensified, pounding the metal cans and pouring from the downspout by her feet. A red neon sign overhead made the discharge look like a river of blood.

She crouched down, wiped her face with her sleeve, and tried to still a shiver, but it wasn’t the bitter night that iced her bones. It was as if the cold were a living thing, seeping in through her thick, black tunic. “The Lord is my rock and salvation,” she whispered, her shallow breaths hanging in the rancid air. “In whom should I fear?”

Her whole body jerked at the sound of clinking glass and slurred voices rising above the rain’s steady drum. The silhouette of two young men swayed down the alleyway, no more than fifty meters away. Hoping to get their attention and beg for help, she slid out from behind the metal bins, stopped by something both sinister and familiar that passed through the darkness between them. She recoiled and then turned and ran, the wet fabric of her tunic clinging to her burning thighs.

Out of the night, church bells tolled, and the rain stopped. She spun toward the familiar sound. Storm clouds had scattered to reveal an open piazza at the end of the dark and narrow street. She gathered her tunic above swollen ankles and hurried toward it, pausing at the entrance to the open space. Across the piazza, a dim light filtered out through stained glass windows. Grazie, Dio! Thank you, God!

As she cowered in the darkness of the street, trying to control her ragged breathing, she looked left and right. She could sense him out there, lurking, somewhere. The bell tower’s shadow reached across the moonlit space, beckoning. She clenched her teeth, swallowed hard, and forced her body to move. “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” she said, as she ran toward the shadow and church steps. “In whom shall I fear?”

At the top of the stairs, she looked back and saw no movement, heard no sound. Her arthritic hands fumbled with the door’s iron latch. As it gave way, thunder rumbled. Startled, she peered over her shoulder to see plumes of warm breath that wafted from a still black form lurking in the shadows. O Dio, O God. She quickly leaned into the heavy wood door. The rusty hinges gave way, and she stepped through, slid the bolt in place behind her, and slumped against the door, her breath coming in halting gasps.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim is a long-time resident of Chesterfield, Missouri…“The City of Sculptures”. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia and now spends his time crafting novels of suspense that tackle the complex relationship between science and religion, stories designed to take the reader places he or she may not have previously considered.


CONNECT: website | Facebook

---

GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of The Linen God (US Only)

PLUS 4 more winners will receive an ebook copy of The Linen God (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

Giveaway will begin at midnight June 2, 2018 and last through 11:59pm June 9, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

Follow along with the blitz for more chances to win at JustRead!

Review: The Theory of Happily Ever After

The Theory of Happily Ever After

"According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious science, as serious as Maggie takes herself. But science can't always account for life's anomalies--for instance, why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.

Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart."

Author: Kristen Billerbeck

Length: 288 pages

Format: paperback, e-book, hardcover

He left her for Tinkerbell.

Can she find her Prince Charming?

Where I live we skip spring and go straight to to summer. The only upside to this in my opinion is its the perfect time to break out those summer reads.
I personally don't discriminate about what season I read a book in. If I'm in a mood...I'm in a mood. However, since I am a cover snob the bright covers grab my attention frequently in the spring/summer.

I am a rom-com kinda girl. I will sit and happily binge watch Hallmark movies, not even caring about how cheesy they are. So I was super excited to get this book hoping for a light cheesy romance, instead I got a kind of depressing book. Okay, so not depressing in the normal sense of the word, but this book put a weight on my shoulders.

Maggie was such a 'glass-half-empty' personality that it really started to get annoying. Her friends saw her downward spiral and took action to fix it. No it probably wasn't handled in the best way, but THEY TRIED! And the WHOLE time she was whinny about how she'd rather be home shoving gelato in her face and stealing the neighbor's cat. She just came off as super ungrateful.
I will say I've never been through a breakup like Maggie's so maybe I just couldn't connect with that.

While her friends had good intentions, they also had ulterior motives. It was a singles' cruise...you do the math. I truly think they cared for Maggie, but at the same time they had a "grow up and get over it" attitude as well. Trust me I agreed with that attitude sometimes, but other times it just felt cruel.

Sam and Brent were my favorite! They were on complete opposite sides of the character spectrum, but each was funny in his own way. Brent seemed like he cared more about Maggie than her friends did. Sam really was a sweet patient guy, though a little arrogant at times it added to his persona.

There was a great lesson taught in this book: "SELF WORTH AND HAPPINESS ARE NOT FOUND IN SOMEONE ELSE".  Everyone deserves a second chance and their own happily ever after.

In the end I rated this a 3/5 stars. I wasn't blown away by it and I didn't hate it with every fiber of my being. It was just kind of there...

Quotes:

"Social butterflies never understand the introvert."

"Data states that people are supposedly more afraid of public speaking than dying--which is stupid. But if you die, someone else has to speak at your funeral and you're off the hook."

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to write a positive review**All opinions are my own*