Category Archives: Contemporary

May 2, 2023 · 12:01 am

Review: Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

Title: Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 380 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

Love is in the heir in this royally good rom com – perfect for anyone who likes relatable heroines (with great hair), hot and aloof book boyfriends (with great hats), near misses, almost kisses and a corgi or two.

Despite living in an actual castle, happily ever after is evading Margaret ‘Maggie’ Moore.

From her bedroom in the Tower of London, twenty-six-year-old Maggie has always dreamed of her own fairy-tale ending.

Yet this is twenty-first century London, so instead of knights on white horses, she has catfish on Tinder. And with her last relationship ending in spectacular fashion, she swears off men for good.

And then a chance encounter with Royal Guard Freddie forces Maggie to admit that she isn’t ready to give up on love just yet… But how do you catch the attention of someone who is trained to ignore all distractions?

Can she snare that true love’s first kiss… or is she royally screwed?

A right royal rom com, perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue and The Royal We.

Review:

Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson is a contemporary British romance with a delightfully unique setting.

Twenty-six-year-old Margaret “Maggie” Moore is stuck in a dead-end job and currently living with her dad after finally leaving her ex-boyfriend, Bran. She is easily distracted, anxious and completely lacking in self-worth. Instead of confronting people and issues, Maggie runs away and privately bemoans her fate to her beloved cat. Will an unexpected meeting with a Royal Guard lead to love?

Freddie is the Royal Guard in question and he runs so hot and cold, it is impossible to guess how he feels about Maggie. He does introduce her to his fellow Guards so that is a big plus since Maggie finally ends up with friends her own age (since she usually hangs out with her dad and his friends). They are also instrumental into convincing her to give on-line dating a chance (gah!).

Falling Hard for the Royal Guard and Maggie are a bit of a hot mess. Maggie is a frustrating character with questionable judgment and work ethics. Freddie has a lot of potential but he is dealing with the weight of parental expectations. Maggie and Freddie eventually get their respective lives together but it would have been much more enjoyable if their romance had been given more time on page.  What really saves the book is the characters’ personal growth, the excellent setting and Megan Clawson’s exceptional attention to historical details.

Comments Off on Review: Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

Filed under Avon, Contemporary, Falling Hard for the Royal Guard, Megan Clawson, Rated C, Review, Romance

April 25, 2023 · 12:02 am

Review: Amazing Gracie by Laura Drake

Title: Amazing Gracie by Laura Drake
Publisher: Gramarye Media/The Story Plant
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 273 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

CJ has returned from war. But she has not left the war behind. The one bright spot in her life is her nine-year-old sister, Amazing Gracie, or Mazey, as CJ knows her. Mazey is brilliant, curious, and innocent, but she’s carrying burdens of her own, including a deep desire to meet the father she’s never known.

When CJ heads off on a cross-country motorcycle trip to visit the homes of her fallen friends, Mazey somehow convinces CJ to let her tag along. It isn’t the journey CJ expected, but it is the journey she needs. Contending with her demons, confronting her past, and facing her future, CJ comes to terms with choices she couldn’t have anticipated. And when Mazey’s quest takes a surprising turn, both CJ and Mazey discover that this road trip has been headed to an undisclosed destination all along.

A story of family in all its incarnations, Amazing Gracie is a deeply felt excursion presented by a writer of rare warmth.

Review:

Laura Drake’s Amazing Gracie tugs on the heartstrings from the novel’s touching beginning to its emotional ending.

CJ Maxwell might be home from war, but it continues to loom largely as she tries to honor those close to her who did not make it home. Her first stateside stop is to see her beloved nine-year-old sister Amazing Gracie aka Mazey. CJ’s plans take an unexpected turn as she brings Mazey with her aafter discovering their mom Patsy refuses to put her sister’s needs about her own

Mazey and CJ may have been raised under the same conditions but they are as different as night and day. Mazey is very intelligent, a bit naïve and relentlessly positive. CJ’s outlook on life is somewhat grim as she wrestles with a heart-rending tragedy from war. Together, they set out on a cross-country journey that is life-alterin

Amazing Gracie is a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the aftermath of war.  CJ and Mazey are vibrant three-dimensional characters with realistic issues to resolve. The motorcycle trip’s various settings are well-drawn and easily capture the imagination.  Mazey’s story arc resolution and CJ’s character development and subsequent realizations will bring readers to tears as Laura Drake skillfully guides this heartfelt novel a triumphant conclusion.

Comments Off on Review: Amazing Gracie by Laura Drake

Filed under Amazing Gracie, Contemporary, Laura Drake, Rated B+, Review, The Story Plant, Women's Fiction

· 12:01 am

Review: Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas

Title: Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas
A Touching Texas Love Story
Someday Valley Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 284 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

Fans of Robyn Carr and Susan Mallery will adore this heartwarming new book from the beloved New York Times bestselling author. In a small Texas town where most families go back generations, four strangers meet and unite as they bury a father none of them has ever seen and begin slowly to piece together a bond that will not only change them, but the community for the better.

Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .

Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to
accept as love rushes into his life . . .

A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

Review:

Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas is a sweet contemporary romance featuring an eclectic yet interesting cast of characters.

Lawyer Jackson Landry is still mourning the loss of his parents while struggling to settle into taking over his father’s law practice. One of his first cases involves finding recently deceased Jamie Ray Morrell’s four children. Jamie Ray was not involved in their lives, but he leaves them all his worldly possessions. Jackson stumbles across the first heir, Rusty O’Sullivan, during a storm in which Rusty has been in a serious accident. Jackson is also enchanted by co-rescuer Starri Knight but their age difference could be a stumbling block.

Rusty has been in more than his share of accidents but his multiple injuries mean a long recovery period. He is charmed by Dr. Amber Adams but since he is used to everyone leaving him, Rusty does not believe he has a future with her. He also has an added complication when Jackson finds one of his younger brothers. Will Rusty convince Amber to take a chance on love?

An unrelated but no less enjoyable romance takes place at the local hospital. Emergency room nurse Emma Sumers visits her old friend Heath Allen Rogers’ hospital room every evening when her shift has ended. He is experiencing unexpected health issues and Emma takes every chance she gets to spend time with him while hoping Heath will soon fully recover.

Strawberry Lane is a delightful romance with (mostly) interwoven storylines. The various characters undergo tremendous growth as they find cherished friendships together and love. While some of the couples’ story arcs are not completely wrapped up, hopefully readers will get the opportunity to revisit them in future installments in Someday Valley series. This wonderful romance is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Jodi Thomas.

Comments Off on Review: Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas

Filed under Contemporary, Jodi Thomas, Rated B, Review, Romance, Someday Valley Series, Strawberry Lane, Zebra Books

January 6, 2023 · 12:01 am

#FridayFeature Review: A Rancher Worth Remembering by Anna Grace

Title: A Rancher Worth Remembering by Anna Grace
Love, Oregon Book One
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Could this unforgettable rancher…

Be her perfect match?

Matchmaker Clara Wallace keeps her anxiety in check by avoiding messy complications—including gorgeous and stubborn rancher Jet Broughman, her teenage crush. That’s not so easy in small-town Oregon, especially when Clara starts matchmaking for Jet’s best friend. Fully prepared to clash with a skeptical Jet, Clara is shocked at his kind, steady help with her work… Could Clara be ready for a second chance match of her own?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Love, Oregon

Book 1: A Rancher Worth Remembering
Book 2: The Firefighter’s Rescue

Review:

A Rancher Worth Remembering by Anna Grace is a sweet contemporary romance set in a small Oregon town.

Clara Wallace is a matchmaker with a big heart and determination to help her clients fall in love.  She is close to her brothers, twin sister and parents. Clara is upbeat and happy but her tightly controlled life is threatened when she runs into her high school crush, Jet Broughman.

Jet left town after high school for Seattle where he attended college and forged a successful career. But he always hoped to return to Outcrop and work on his family’s ranch. Jet is slowly building his business but after he and Clara cross paths again, he hopes their past does not wreck his professional relationship with her brother’s restaurant.

The specter of their failed high school romance looms over them as their lives in the present become entangled. Jet is plagued by his childhood insecurities and fears of being abandoned. Clara has the tools to cope with her own issues but is she prepared for the feelings she still has for Jet? And is Jet ready to put his heart on the line once he realizes how deeply he cares for Clara?

A Rancher Worth Remembering is a heartfelt romance with a delightful cast of characters. Jet and Clara are appealing characters with realistic issues that will resonate with readers. The small-town setting is charming and serves as a wonderful backdrop for Clara and Jet’s friendship to deepen into love. An uplifting and entertaining romance that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in Anna Grace’s Love, Oregon series.

2 Comments

Filed under A Rancher Worth Remembering, Anna Grace, Contemporary, Friday Feature, Harlequin Heartwarming, Love Oregon Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 8, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander

Title: The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 326 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A heartwarming literary-themed novel about a woman who turns an ordinary red phone box into the littlest library in England and brings together a struggling town.

A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life…

Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess’ life is turned upside down.

Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it’s time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother’s cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she’s now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community—using her grandmother’s collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.

It’s not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic—bringing the villagers together… and managing to draw Jess’ grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.

Maybe it’s finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?

Review:

Set in a darling English village, The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander is a charming novel of new beginnings.

Following upending life events, Jess Metcalf impulsively purchases a cute cottage in a rural village. She is nervous but determined to make the most of her move. Her closest neighbors are grouchy single dad, Aiden Foxworthy and his twelve-year-old daughter Maisie. Unlike her usually cautiousness, Jess begins to make friends and puts down roots in the community. But will an unexpected development threaten her newfound happiness?

Jess is still mourning the loss her grandmother Mimi. However, after the lending library in the phone booth is open, she finds signs of Mimi that comfort her and other community members. Jess is delighted by her new friendships with retired Diana and overwhelmed mum Becky. Her acquaintance with Aiden is off to a rocky beginning but sparks begin to fly when they spend time together. But Aidan’s life is somewhat complicated so is there any chance of a future together?

The Littlest Library is an uplifting novel with a wonderful sense of community. Jess is a wonderful lead character but she is emotionally guarded.  The secondary cast of characters are electic yet immensely appealing. The storyline is engaging with realistic issues for Jess to overcome. Jess and Aidan’s understated romance is sweet but strewn with seemingly impossible obstacles. The rural village springs vividly to life and adds another dimension to the unfolding story. Although Jess’s eventual quandary is predictable this does not lessen overall enjoyment of  this sparkling novel by Poppy Alexander.

Comments Off on Review: The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander

Filed under Avon, Contemporary, Poppy Alexander, Rated B, Review, The Littlest Library, Women's Fiction

July 16, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright

Title: Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright
Humble Blessings Book One
Publisher: Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 224 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

What she wants more than anything
Could also be the most dangerous…

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Review:

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright is an incredibly heartwarming Amish romance.

When Maddie Baum needs to relocate to keep her son Josh safe, she moves to a town with an Amish community. She is searching for a new beginning but she also hopes to recreate the sense of community she experienced as a child. Maddie’s previous decisions are weighing on her as Abram Mueller and his family and friends welcome her and Josh with open arms. Will her guilt prevent her from opening her heart to the opportunity to return to her Amish faith?

Abram is a kind-hearted man whose past leaves him weighted down with regrets for a tragic mistake. He is unfailingly generous with his time and assistance to anyone in need. Abram is charmed by Maddie and due to his own childhood experiences, knows exactly how to help Josh with the issues the young boy is experiencing. Josh is a steadying presence for Maddie and Josh but does she return his deepening emotions?

Finding Her Amish Home is a delightful romance with appealing characters. Maddie is very mature for her age due to the heartache she has experienced in her life. Abram is a wonderful man but he cannot let go of his past mistakes. The romance between Maddie and Abram is very sweet.  The storyline is engaging and deals with issues that are relatable and realistically portrayed. With a gentle undercurrent of faith, Pamela Desmond Wright brings this charming romance to a very touching conclusion.

2 Comments

Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Finding Her Amish Home, Love Inspired, Pamela Desmond Wright, Rated B+, Review, Romance