Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Mrs Miracle Christmas by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: A Mrs Miracle Christmas
CHARACTERS: Mrs Miracle, Laurel, Zach and Helen
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mrs. Miracle shows an ordinary family that they are blessed beyond belief in this uplifting holiday tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

As the holiday season begins, Laurel McCullough could use some good news. She and her husband, Zach, have been praying for a baby that seems more and more like an impossible dream, and they’ve had to move in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. But when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization for help, there are no caregivers available.

Then Mrs. Miracle appears at her door. No stranger to lending a helping hand to a family in need, Mrs. Miracle reveals herself to be nothing short of a godsend. Helen’s even convinced she’s an angel! Still, Laurel has to admit that Helen has become noticeably happier and more engaged, decorating the family Christmas tree and setting up the nativity with Mrs. Miracle’s companionship. In the meantime, Laurel and Zach begin to encounter curious signs, all pointing toward the arrival of a special baby.

With Christmas approaching, there appears to be even more to Mrs. Miracle than meets the eye. In a classic turn of Debbie Macomber’s signature seasonal magic, Laurel, Zach, and Helen experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.

REVIEW:
The perfect Christmas story!

I have not read all of the Mrs Miracle series. I have seen some of the movies and have read a story here or there but of course the stories can be stand alones. These stories are not only about romance but about the faith of Christmas, God and yourself.

When Laurel and Zach are coming to their wit’s end in walks Mrs Merkel/Miracle who is an angel, literally. And she makes no qualms about it where Helen (Laurel’s unhealthy mother) is concerned. Mrs Miracle is there whenever Laurel needs her.

Mrs Miracle reminds us of what Christmas is supposed to be about. It is about helping, loving and faith. This is a perfect book to remind ourselves who we should be and remind us there are always angels on our shoulders.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly reviews The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

TITLE: The Starless Sea
CHARACTERS: Zachary Ezra Rawlins
AUTHOR: Erin Morgenstern
NARRATOR: Dominic Hoffman, Dion Graham, Bahni Turpin, Fiona Hardingham, Allan Corduner, and Jorjeana Marie
RUN TIME: 18 Hours & 39 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N | Google Play | Penguin Random House

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Night Circus, a timeless love story set in a secret underground world–a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues–a bee, a key, and a sword–that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library, hidden far below the surface of the earth.
What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians–it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also those who are intent on its destruction.
Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly-soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose–in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

REVIEW:
After 8 long years after the release of The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern has done it again! She just hit the ball out of the park with bases loaded!!!! GRAND SLAM!!!!

I really don’t want to recap the whole story for you. So I will say that this was an absolute fabulous story and I loved every second of this book. Erin is such an amazing story teller. They way that she is able to build each character. How she creates a story that weaves a path for each character that you just never really know where it will end or how or why that character is important. But Erin is able to create characters and a story that you are so totally 100% invested in. All the highs and lows of the story will tug at your heart strings. Again I loved this story so much.

I was able to get an early copy of the audiobook from Random House Audio to listen too. Normally I don’t like multiple narrators of a story but they way they put this audiobook together was perfect.

If you are looking for a great book I would highly suggest this book to you. If you have already picked up this book and have not read Erin’s The Night Circus you need to pick that up too.

Side note to Erin: Please don’t make me wait another 8 years for your next great story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Kimberly reviews Meant To Be Yours by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Meant To Be Yours
SERIES #: Happily Inc #5
CHARACTERS: Renee & Jasper
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.

After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.

Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

REVIEW:
Simply said Susan Mallery is my go to. She is the first name I mention when people ask me my favorite author and I have never been disappointed in a book. And I wasn’t with this book either. Far from it.

Renee and Jasper are so different and yet the same. They do not know what they want and have no idea how to find out. At least that is how I read them. Renee thinks she wants a FWB relationship with Jasper and Jasper is looking to understand women for his new book.

They are a great couple who like all of Mallery’s couples have a moment of heartbreak before they come back together for the HEA.

I really enjoyed Jasper trying to figure out women by watching “chick flicks” and such. It was too funny. And Renee just seems like an every woman. We think we have been through it all until something more happens.

Another great story from Mallery… but I expect nothing less from her.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Lavender & Mistletoe by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lavender & Mistletoe
SERIES #: Blue Hollow Falls #3.5
CHARACTERS: Avery & Ben
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This Christmas, small-town Blue Hollow Falls will work big holiday magic for two people who have researched everything but love . . .

Avery Kent needs a project. The busy brain that earned her two PhDs before the age of eighteen is fascinated by the home she’s created with her three friends in Blue Hollow Falls, but the farm and the tearoom are running like clockwork now. As the holiday season approaches, it’s time for Avery to dive into one of her last uncharted research topics: love. Not for herself, of course; for her friend, Chey! But a closer look at the handsome young veterinarian Avery has chosen for this romantic equation has her wishing for gifts she never thought she wanted . . .

Another former child prodigy, Ben Chandler is more like Avery than she ever imagined. His intellect is a perfect match for hers—and everything else about him attracts her in ways that send delicious tingles down her spine. But a relationship? That’s something Avery will need to analyze—unless her friends can help Ben convince her that romance is more magic than science, and that a good old-fashioned kiss under the mistletoe is the perfect way to open her heart to the possibility of the greatest gift of all . . .

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts What a great novella. With only 140-ish pages this is a quick read that will easily put you in the Christmas spirit.

Avery and Ben are just adorable. And visiting Blue Hollow Falls is like coming home and perfectly in time for the holidays.

Grab a hot cocoa, start a fire and snug up under a comfy blanket…. That and this book is all you need to enjoy a night reading.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s New: Kelly gives Selkies Are A Girl’s Best Friend 5 Stars

TITLE: Selkies are a Girl’s Best Friend
SERIES #: Mystic Bayou #3
CHARACTERS: Sonja Fong & Will Camody
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi & Jonathan Davis
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 33 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 27, 2019
ORDER LINKS: On Audible | Amazon only

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
MOLLY HARPER IS BACK WITH THE NEXT WICKEDLY FUNNY, WILDLY ENCHANTING MYSTIC BAYOU NOVEL – AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FIRST!

Sonja Fong isn’t afraid of a little chaos. As director of the league’s research center in Mystic Bayou, a tiny town in Louisiana that’s home to supernatural creatures and humans alike, she’s responsible for making sure things run smoothly. It’s not an easy task when her daily memos include lines like, “new equipment is needed because the old equipment was destroyed by a temper tantrum involving dragonfire.”

The job puts her in the path of Dr. Will Camody, a mysterious shifter who’s returned to Mystic Bayou after a long absence only to find that he’s now considered an outsider. To make matters worse, the rift – a tear in the fabric of the universe that is leaking supernatural energy into the bayou – is unraveling at an alarming rate. Now Sonja and Will must team up to fix the rift and save Mystic Bayou from certain disaster, all while their own romance is heating up. Can they have a future together while the whole world is falling apart?

REVIEW:
Oh my sweet tea!! Sonja finally gets her story!! *Happy Dance*

I really enjoyed this story! It was great to see tough as nails Sonja find her weakness. Who just happens to be in the form of a Selkie. Will is great too! He is just the perfect amount of damaged for Sonja. It was great to watch (listen) them both overcome their insecurities about a relationship. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series!!! I really really hope that we will learn more about Mr. & Mrs. Fong!!

As always I listened to this book on audio. Thank you Audible.com for making this book free to members :). Amanda Ronconi is amazing as always!! And even though I am not a fan of the dual narrators in an audiobook Jonathon Davis is growing on me. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

 

What’s New: Kelly reviews Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

TITLE:  Wolf Rain

SERIES #: Psy-Changeling Trinity #3

CHARACTERS: Alexei & Memory

AUTHOR: Nalini Signh 

NARRATOR: Angela Dawe

RUN TIME: 13 hours & 26 minutes

PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2019 

ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

REVIEW:

Another wonderful, wonderful story from Nalini Singh. Wolf Rain is the third installment in the Trinity Series but the 18th book in the overall PsyChangeling series. I really loved this story from start to finish. Everything from the multiple story arcs to the love story of Alexei and Memory to all of the cameos by my favorite character Judd. Everything about this book was wonderful.

I can’t wait to see what Nalini has in story for this world next.

Angela Dawe does an amazing job narrating as always. I am totally in love with her talent to be able to do so many voices. It is so great that she has been the voice of the PsyChangeling series. I am already excited to the next book and to be able to listen to Angela.

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Happy Release Day to Nalini Singh!!!

TITLE:  Archangels War
SERIES #:  Guild Hunters #12
CHARACTERS: Elena & Rapheal
AUTHOR: Nalini Signh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | IndieBound

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wings of silver. Wings of blue. Mortal heart. Broken dreams. Shatter. Shatter. Shatter. A sundering. A grave. I see the end. I see. . .

The world is in chaos as the power surge of the Cascade rises to a devastating crescendo. In furiously resisting its attempts to turn Elena into a vessel for Raphael’s power, Elena and her archangel are irrevocably changed. . .far beyond the prophecy of a cursed Ancient.

At the same time, violent and eerie events around the world threaten to wipe out entire populations. And in the Archangel Lijuan’s former territory, an unnatural fog weaves through the land, leaving only a bone-chilling silence in its wake. Soon it becomes clear that even the archangels are not immune to this deadly evil. This time, even the combined power of the Cadre may not be enough. . .

This war could end them all.

Advance Excerpt From Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh

 “We watch,” the Primary said. “We protect.”

But things were altering in front of them, a faint glow emanating from where the aeclari had been before the filaments obscured both Raphael’s body and Elena’s chrysalis.

Beyond the balcony doors now partially covered with the snow silk of the filaments, the Bluebell turned. His eyes widened at seeing the ocean of filaments, the glow. But before he could open the closed doors, a familiar voice entered all their minds.

Leave now. It was an order from an archangel. Clear the skies above. Empty the land around. GO.

The Legion were moving even as the last word echoed in their minds. They were Raphael’s Legion, Elena’s Legion, and they had been given an order. The Bluebell wasn’t Legion. He was one of the Seven. Unique. With his own mind.

Torment wrenched his features, but he inclined his head, and the Primary saw him form the word, “Sire.”

All of them moved.

The Bluebell dropped to the grass, then ran inside the house.

The Legion broke into four parts and swept the area. Winged beings were already flying toward the river at high speed, their faces stark and their jaws determined. The Legion dropped down in front of cars moving on the nearest road. The cars were not so close to the aeclari’s home, but the archangel hadn’t said how far to clear.

When the first two cars halted with a screech that caused a burning scent to rise to their nostrils, the Legion wrenched the doors open and hauled the startled vampires out. A group of the Legion rose into the air, two to a vampire. Another group found four humans in a third car, a vampire’s cattle heading home. The scared cattle whimpered at being taken by the Legion but didn’t struggle. Neither did the vampires after they saw the angels racing from the Enclave to the water.

Golden light poured out from the windows of the aeclari’s home.

Many of the angels streaming over the water held vampires or humans in their arms, getting their households out of danger. The Bluebell was one of the last to fly out of the Enclave, and though the Legion did not speak to many outside of the aeclari, they spoke to him: Are the aeclari’s people safe? This was important. The Legion knew. The aeclari had bonds to those who lived in the house.

Yes, I got them out. The Bluebell, who could fly faster than the Primary and sometimes raced with the cars of the Blade and the Viper, fell off the cliff with his wings licked by a golden light so bright that it was difficult to face. In one hand, he held a large rectangular thing, in his other items they recognized.

Several of the Legion flew to him, and took the things. They did not understand things, but these were linked to the aeclari in their mind. We will fly them to the Tower.

Most of the angels kept on flying toward Manhattan, and those of the Legion that carried vampires or mortals kept on going, too. But the Primary turned once he was over the center of the river, as did those of his brethren who flew only their own bodies.

The Bluebell halted in front of them, the silvery blue of his wings spread and his face awash in the burning golden light that had turned the river to gold.

And the light, it grew, and grew, and grew.

Until at last, the light was so bright that it became fire and even the Primary couldn’t bear it and threw up his arm in front of his eyes. The last thing he saw was an intense white brightness.

© Copyright 2019 by Nalini Singh

Kelly reviews Death Of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

death of darknessTITLE: Death of Darkness
SERIES #: Immortal Guardians #9
CHARACTERS: Seth & Leah
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
NARRATOR: Kirsten Potter
RUN TIME: 17 Hours & 16 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 20, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

REVIEW:
SETH!!!!
SETH!!!!!
SETH!!!!!
Did I mention that this is SETH’S book?
We have been waiting for years for this book and boy does Ms. Duvall deliver!! There is a lot that happens in Death of Darkness. But prepare yourself there will be a lot of laughs, smiles, wtf and tears. Oh lordy I was not ready for the amount of tears I shed. I really should have known. Ms. Duvall does an excellent job of tugging at your heart strings.
I don’t want to give anything away with my review. So I will leave you with this.
Death of Darkness is an emotional ride through the Immortal Guardian’s world both past, present and possible futures. So buckle up, hold on and have a huge box of tissues because this book changes everything.
And once again I let the amazingly talented Kirsten Potter read this story to me. OMG this lady is talented. If you have not listened to her narrate before quickly go get this book (unless you have not started this series then get book 1) and find out why I am so in love with Ms. Potter. Kirsten, thank you so much for doing such an amazing job on Dianne’s characters and bring them to life for me. Until next time!!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Protect The Prince by Jennifer Estep

protect the princeTITLE: Protect the Prince
SERIES #: Crown of Shards #2
CHARACTERS: Everleigh Blair, Lucas Sullivan,
AUTHOR: Jennifer Estep
NARRATOR: Lauren Fortgang
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 40 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 2, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Magic, murder, adventure, and romance combine in this second novel in the exciting Crown of Shards saga from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Estep.
Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over.
First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.
Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre.
But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen.
But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her.
Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Protect the Prince picks up shortly after the end of Kill the Queen with Queen Everleigh Blair becoming the Queen Bellona. Becoming Queen has not been fun so far but it is what Evie had expected. The next step in Evie’s journey is to make amends with the Andvari people. Once in Andvari Evie must face off with a whole new set of problems from the Andvari Royals, a King that asks too much, an assassin who doesn’t know when to give up, and a trader who wants to take everything.

Protect the Prince is the second book in Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards series and this second book was just as good as the first. There were times while listening that I was not sure my heart would survive the journey. I truly love this series and can not wait for the third and final chapter in The Crown of Shards series.

Once again I let the talented Lauren Fortgang read this book to me. Lauren did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life for me. I look forward to listening to the next book in this series too.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and it is an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Year One by Nora Roberts

year oneTITLE: Year One
SERIES #: Chronicles of The One #1
CHARACTERS: Lana, Max, Arlys, Fred, Chuck, Rachel, Jonah and many more
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: Julia Whelan
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 20 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: December 5, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It began on New Year’s Eve.

The sickness came on suddenly, and spread quickly. The fear spread even faster. Within weeks, everything people counted on began to fail them. The electrical grid sputtered; law and government collapsed–and more than half of the world’s population was decimated.

Where there had been order, there was now chaos. And as the power of science and technology receded, magic rose up in its place. Some of it is good, like the witchcraft worked by Lana Bingham, practicing in the loft apartment she shares with her lover, Max. Some of it is unimaginably evil, and it can lurk anywhere, around a corner, in fetid tunnels beneath the river–or in the ones you know and love the most.

As word spreads that neither the immune nor the gifted are safe from the authorities who patrol the ravaged streets, and with nothing left to count on but each other, Lana and Max make their way out of a wrecked New York City. At the same time, other travelers are heading west too, into a new frontier. Chuck, a tech genius trying to hack his way through a world gone offline. Arlys, a journalist who has lost her audience but uses pen and paper to record the truth. Fred, her young colleague, possessed of burgeoning abilities and an optimism that seems out of place in this bleak landscape. And Rachel and Jonah, a resourceful doctor and a paramedic who fend off despair with their determination to keep a young mother and three infants in their care alive.

In a world of survivors where every stranger encountered could be either a savage or a savior, none of them knows exactly where they are heading, or why. But a purpose awaits them that will shape their lives and the lives of all those who remain.

The end has come. The beginning comes next.
 

 

REVIEW:
When the end of the world happens what will you do. Will you take it sitting down? Will you hide and hope it passes you by? Or will you fight with every fiber of your being?

Year One takes us on an amazing journey of the people of the world as they face the end of the world. We meet so many characters along the road, some will be allies and some will be enemies. The question will be can they figure out who is who before it is to late.

This is was a wonderful book. Nora Roberts is a great world and character building. I am very much looking forward to the next two installment in this series.

This was the first book I have listened to that was narrated by Julia Whelan. Julia did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life for me. I love when a narrator is able to narrate a book and it feels like I am in the story.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

 

Kimberly reviews The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

The Summer of Sunshine and MargotTITLE: The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot
CHARACTERS: Margot & Sunshine
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Margot and Sunshine are siblings but are as different as their names indicate. Margot is all business and Sunshine is all play.

But this is a story about sisters and love and life more than about the difference in them it is about the life of hard knocks they have endured together.

If you have never read a Susan Mallery story, well first…. WTH?… but if you haven’t read her start NOW! Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. She is the first name I think of when someone asked me for the name of my fav author. Sure there are others but she is #1!

This is a keeper! Pick it up for a great summer, or anytime, read!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

5hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper

gimme some sugarTITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #3
CHARACTERS: Duffy McCready & Lucy Brewer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2019
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 8 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past—and decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love—in the third sparkling Southern Eclectic novel that “goes down as easy as honey on a deep-fried Twinkie” (Library Journal, on Sweet Tea and Sympathy).

Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
Once again Molly Harper “writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews) in this charming and entertaining love story.

REVIEW:
Lucy has moves to her hometown to grieve the lost of her husband and to raise her son in a familiar place and to pursue her dream of opening a bakery. But like any good small town Lucy will have to learn to deal with the gossip and a nosey and bossy mother in law.
Duffy McCready has always loved Lucy. She was his best friend growing up. But time, distance and both of them marrying the wrong people put a kink in their friendship. But now that Lucy is back Duffy will not let anyone or anything wreck their friendship again. Well except maybe himself.

As always I had the talented Amanda Ronconi read this story to me. I truly love having Amanda narrator Molly’s books. She is able to bring these characters to life for me. So much so that when I read any of Molly’s books I can hear Amanda’s voices in my head. I

YAY!!!! Duffy McCready finally got his own book!! I am so glad that Duffy finally got his book. I adore his lady love, Lucy! Lucy is a spit fire that give Duffy a run for his money.
I really enjoyed this last book of the Southern Eclectic series. It has been a fun ride learning about the McCready family. I can’t wait for the next book written by Molly and narrated by Amanda.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audio book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77