Review: Second Chance Christmas

 Second Chance Christmas

"Summer Marshall left L.A., disenchanted by the city that once held her dreams. When the promise of a head chef position comes with strings attached, fear pushes her to make the difficult but smart decision to head home. Now, despite the cheer of the season, the abrupt end to her carefully laid plans leaves Summer questioning everything. 

Troy Bradley finally has a purpose for his life. Unfortunately, it hinges on the outcome of a televised food truck competition. He’s given everything he has to make his truck successful but overcoming his aversion to responsibility means every choice matters if he wants to prove he’s not the man he once was. 

Summer never expected Troy—culinary school dropout and incurable flirt—to have changed, but seeing the commitment to his food truck and the people he feeds has her wondering if he really does have it all together. Is it possible the boy who humiliated her all those years ago is closer to achieving his dreams than she is? 

When Summer and Troy are thrown together in a snowy whirlwind of holiday activities and a televised competition, Summer has to decide what it means to head toward the future while facing your past, while Troy is left to wonder if second chances really are possible."

Author: Bell Renshaw

Genre: Contempoaray Romance 

Series: Winter Montana (book 3)

Share this Christmas in Winter, Montana 

where the spirit of the season brings loved ones together 

and second chances come with mistletoe kisses

I LOVE being in Winter! I get so excited when Bell announces that she’s releasing a book. I know I’ll be in for a real treat.

Her Christmas stories NEVER disappoint!
I LOVED the food truck angle, and the mission behind “Hungry No More” made it even sweeter.

I loved Troy & Summer! They’re open communication and how easily they worked as a team.
Nothing was blown out of the proportion and they always took a minute to think things through.

I loved seeing Troy really mature and change from his “little bro” self to TROY!
His heart & passion really came through.

Overall I loved the story! I can’t wait for the next book. It’s sure to be a spitfire!

I rated it a 4/5 stars

(My version of the paperback could’ve used a few more rounds of edits, but it didn’t take away from the sweetness of the story inside)

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Kissing Tree

 The Kissing Tree

"Bestselling novelist Karen Witemeyer joins award-winning authors Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese for this Texas-sized romance novella collection. Each of the authors' unique voices is on display in stories where courting couples leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak's bark.  

In Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences, a small-town teacher has her credentials questioned by a traveling salesman.

In Karen Witemeyer's Inn for a Surprise, two opinionated collaborators with conflicting visions must turn a doomed business venture into a successful romantic retreat.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes follows a young WWII naval airman who heads to Texas to meet the sister of a lost compatriot.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is a modern-day romance about the groundskeeper of a historic inn who's reunited with someone from her past while she fights to save a town landmark."

Author(s): Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, Nicole Deese

Genre: Historical Romance - Contemporary Romance (crosses times)

In this Texas-sized romance novella collection, courting couples, 

decades apart, 

leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak's bark. 

Y'all KNOW how I FEEL about novella collections...

If you don't let me tell you.

I ADORE THEM!!! SO MUCH. 

I was so HAPPY to review this collection! 

One: LOOK AT THIS LINEUP! LOOK AT IT! 

Two: UM, look at the synopsis.

Enough said.

Here are my thoughts on the stories inside this GORGEOUS cover!

***

“Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts”

I loved the “competition” theme!
I got a “Romeo - Juliet” vibe the story, without the death 😉, but I liked it!

The characters were sweet! I enjoyed their story!

As a novella it moved really fast. But we all know how much I love novellas so I wasn't mad about it.  

Overall it was a cute story to kick off this collection!!

(I really want Freda & Max to get their own story.)
4/5 stars


“Inn for a Surprise”

Awwwweeee!!! This one made my little heart so happy! 
I loved the “opposites attract” theme so much. 

Overly romantic meets “unromantic”. 

But his little touches of romance were so sweet and heartfelt. All of the swoon!! 😍😍 (Karen writes the best heroes!!!)

I loved this little novella!
5/5 stars


“From Roots to Sky”

Amanda. Amanda. Amanda.

She took 100 pages and made me feel so many things!!
This story was magical in its own right and I loved it so much!

We had another “opposites attract” thing going on and it made me HAPPY!

They were both a little awkward, but so perfect for each other.

SO GOOD!! 😍😍
5/5 stars


“Heartwood”

Awe! Once I got to the “heartwood” of this story, it grabbed me and held me tight.
Such a lovely story of forgiveness and healing.

I loved Abby & Griffin’s history and their connection. It was heartfelt!

It was the perfect ending to this perfect collection!
4/5 stars

***

This is probably one of my favorite “generational” novella collections ever. Such a great addition to my shelf. I LOVED IT!! 
I rated the collection overall a 4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Courting Misfortune

 Courting Misfortune

"Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm's way.

Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can't let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark. "

Author: Regina Jennings

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Joplin Chronicles (book 1)

Her trickiest case depends on keeping her motives

--and her heart--in disguise.

This was a SOLID story! It hit all the sweet spots and I had a hard time putting it down when my timer dinged telling me it was time to go back to work.

I really enjoyed the characters, and all the parts that were spinning meshed well.

I had a few problems. 🤏🏻
One. I didn’t feel like the “mission” was a big part of the book. It felt like the month she was given flew by, and she did very little work. (Now that I know how it ended it makes way more sense though)

Two. I had a hard time with how hard Matthew was pursuing her and romanticizing her before he knew she was a good, godly person. It felt a bit like a “flirt to convert” scheme a few times.
I as the reader knew she was good, but he didn’t. And he even fought himself over that. There was just something about that that kind of rubbed ME the wrong way. (Different for everyone)

But as the story progressed and we really got into the meat of it, it was a cute book that was a little deeper than it first appeared.
There were a lot of good messages woven into this story.

I loved the “missionary to our home fields” theme, and I loved seeing Matthew learn that life is HARD. It isn’t easy starting a church in a ROUGH place.

Calista was a dove of her own. Strong, but somewhat stubborn. I loved the growth that took place for her too.

I loved that the Kentwood family was involved, though I could appreciate Calista’s annoyance with them. Huggable, but sluggable. 😝

Overall, I did enjoy the book and I’m looking forward to the next one!
3.5/5 stars 

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Vying for the Viscount

 Vying for the Viscount

"For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?"

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hearts on the Heath (book 1)

Will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities 

keep them from pursuing their true desires?

Oh. I swwwwoooonnnn!!

As always Kristi delivered another beautiful story that made me fall in love with people who don’t exist. 🤣

I loved Hudson, and his uncertainty in his new role, but his ability to adapt to every circumstance he was in.
His easy going nature was so nice to see on the page. Though I wanted to shake him when he didn’t see how perfect Bianca was for him.

Bianca was another character I can add to my “see myself in” character list. I saw so many of my thoughts and pains in her inner dialogue I thought the pages had turned into a mirror.
I loved how strong she was, even when most people would’ve broke.

I loved both characters together and I LOOOOOVVVEEEDDD that they became best friends before anything else. They trusted each other. 😍💕😍

I loved getting to see Aaron more in this book, and I can’t wait for his own sappy, happy, love story!!
And the Hawthorne cameo was PERFECT!

Kristi hasn’t steered me wrong yet! I loved this one and I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Raising Honor

 Raising Honor

"Nothing will stop Ryker Hayes from giving his neglected five-year-old niece the stable home he never had. But to gain custody, he must move to Colorado…and prove to Honor’s wary foster mother, Charlie Brightwood, he’s more than just responsible. As his visits with Honor and Charlie begin to feel more like family time, might Charlie become another reason to stick around for good?"

Author: Jill Lynn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Grooms (book 5)

She’s their first priority… 

Could a shared love for little Honor unite their reluctant hearts?

It took a minute, but once I was in the story I really enjoyed Charlie & Ryker!
They were SWEET. An adorable couple who just wanted what was best for Honor, even if that meant sacrificing true love.

I loved little Honor. She was adorable! And the “taking a bit to warm up, but once they do they don’t stop” thing was SO on. 😄

I LOVED the fostering/adoption theme in the story!! 💖

There were a few communication hiccups. Things that could’ve been fixed by talking, but it ended with a GREAT happily ever after so I’m not too upset. 😉

Charlie & Ryker were such a perfect fit for each other. They complemented each other’s strengths & weaknesses and just were better people once they found each other.

Over all I really enjoyed the story!
4/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: Nothing Short of Wondrous

 Nothing Short of Wondrous

"It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control."

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series:  American Wonders Collection (book 2)

Two wounded hearts

 One powerful love 

When God is in control

It was the perfect weekend read! It was so easy to fall into the Yellowstone National park in the 1880s. Quick, easy, perfect when you don’t know what to pick up.

Regina did a great job painting a picture of the geysers and every bit of land between. It was scenic and beautiful!

I loved the “family atmosphere” that was built up between the Army crew & the crew at the hotel.
Each side character was just as vivid in the story as the main characters. There wasn’t a separation in my mind, which lent to the “family” feel.

There was a story line that was started for Smith that wasn’t completely explained, and it was very intriguing so I’m a bit sad we won’t see his story. (At least not that I’m aware of)

I really enjoyed Will and Kate! They were a cute couple and they meshed the minute they were introduced. I loved watching them let go of their pasts & let God take control of their lives.

I really enjoyed this historical jump into a the national parks. Can’t wait for the next one!
I rated it a 4/5 stars

*All opinions are my own**I purchased this book*

Review: Nicole

 Nicole

"Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex. Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. Let’s just say everyone has their weak spot, and donations to my favorite charities is mine. If I were to consider a romantic relationship, my dream guy certainly wouldn’t be immature, everything-is-a-game Dr. Drew Bauer. The man raises my body temperature faster than global warming does the Earth’s! But life seems determined to keep throwing us together, especially now that one of my SoCal sewing sisters is engaged to his best friend, in which case there can only be one of two outcomes:

1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.

2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him. 

Honestly, I'm not sure which would be worse."

Author: Sarah Monzon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Sewing in SoCal (book 3)

Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself 

AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants?!

Oh this might be my FAVORITE book so far!!! (But I mean, I love Sarah so I say that about pretty much every book she writes)

I’m talking ALL. OF. THE. SWWWWWOOOOONNNNIIIINNNGGGG!!!! 😍😍😍😍

I sighed. I giggled. I blushed. I hugged the book tight to my chest. I begged the Lord to send me a Drew.
Essentially, I went through ALLLLLLL the feelings!

Nicole wasn’t my favorite of the girls in the other books. But once I got in her head she grew on me. Like fungus on a sloth. 😜

Drew was just...well....I LOVED him. He was fun and flirty but had depth.

I’m SO anxious to read Amanda & Betsy’s stories. And maybe get a few more proposals. 😉

I loved the way Sarah wrote this book! Out of the three this one felt the deepest, most complete. She tackled a few tough subjects, and did them well. They weren’t screaming in your face, but they weren’t brushed over either.

Sarah is becoming my "airport author". Two of the three SoCal books I've read ON my way to California, and they were PERFECT for my wait time for my flights. 

Really. Truly. LOVED this book!
5/5 stars

*I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*