Category Archives: Forever

Review: Photos of You by Tammy Robinson

Title: Photos of You by Tammy Robinson
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Fall in love with this heartwarming and heartbreaking novel perfect “for fans of Me Before You” (Next Magazine).

When Ava Green turns twenty-eight, she discovers this will be her last birthday. The cancer she thought she’d beaten three years ago is back, only now it’s terminal and she’s not going to waste any of the time she has left. All she truly wants is the one thing she’s been dreaming of since she was a little girl: a wedding. There’s only one problem. She doesn’t have a groom.

Ava’s friends and family rally around her to help throw the wedding of her dreams — without the husband-to-be. As word spreads on social media, the bridal planning goes viral, attracting the attention of a prominent women’s magazine. And when a photographer volunteers to help document the whole event, it becomes heartbreakingly clear that it’s never too late to discover the love of your life.

Includes a reading group guide!

Review:

Photos of You by Tammy Robinson is a poignant yet uplifting novel.

Ava Green thinks her battle with cancer is behind her. But, on her twenty-eightt birthday, she receives devastating news. The cancer has returned and it is terminal. Although she is not a relationship, Ava, her best friends Kate and Amanda and her parents Gabby and Ben, help plan the wedding she has always dreamed of. After her story goes viral, Ava reluctantly agrees to allow a magazine to follow the preparations for the upcoming wedding/celebration of life.

Ava is a charming young woman who tries to be pragmatic about her diagnosis. She wants to make the best of the time she has left but she struggles with the unfairness of her plight. Although mostly upbeat and cheerful, Ava does experience dark times when she thinks of all of life’s milestones she, her friends and family will miss out on after she is gone. She tries to not dwell on the negative and although a little uncomfortable with the public’s interest in her, Ava enjoys visiting different venues, trying on wedding dresses and participating in glamorous photo shoots.

But on a more serious note, Ava agrees to write columns for the magazine. She is quite thoughtful as she urges her readers to be their own health advocate and ensure their concerns are adequately investigated. Ava also offers insightful life lessons and advice on how to prioritize the things that matter most.

Photos of You is a heartfelt novel that is emotionally compelling and quite captivating. Ava is a wonderful young woman with courage, strength and grace. The secondary characters are multi-layered and engaging. The storyline is deeply affecting yet avoids becoming maudlin. Filled with joy, humor and sorrow, Tammy Robinson  brings this tender novel to a bittersweet conclusion. A riveting, contemplative novel that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after the last page is turned.

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Filed under Contemporary, Forever, Photos of You, Rated B+, Review, Tammy Robinson, Women's Fiction

Review: Forever Friends by Sarah Mackenzie

Title: Forever Friends by Sarah Mackenzie
Cranberry Cove Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 321 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Perfect for fans of Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis, two mothers — one pregnant, one sending her child to college — form an unlikely friendship, finding love, hope, and a new start at life in this charming, laugh-out-loud read.

Single mom Renee Rhodes seems like a woman who has it all together — perfect house, perfect kid, perfect yard. But now that her daughter is away at college, she doesn’t know what to do next. Without weekly PTA meetings and after-school chauffeur duty, Renee isn’t sure who she is anymore. What she is sure of is that she probably shouldn’t be crushing on her new boss, who couldn’t possibly be interested in a middle-aged mom….

Sadie Landry is drowning in the stay-at-home mom life. With a toddler running wild, a husband who is growing more distant by the day, and a mother-in-law who has a comment on every-little-thing, Sadie is one mommy-and-me class away from losing it. When she learns that she is pregnant again, Sadie knows that something has to change for the sake of her family — and her sanity.

After a birthday party bake-a-thon nearly turns into a three-alarm fire, Renee comes to her neighbor Sadie’s rescue with comfort, competence, and a killer pie recipe. With their unlikely friendship and a newly hatched plan to open a bakery, can Sadie and Renee finally have the lives they’ve always dreamed of?

Review:

Forever Friends by Sarah Mackenzie is a charming novel about friendship, love and new beginnings.

Sadie Landry is a stay at home mom to two year old Lincoln. Her husband, Ethan, commutes from Maine to Boston where he works long hours. Sadie is struggling to keep up with Lincoln and running their household when she learns she is pregnant again. As she comes to terms with this unexpected development, Sadie and her neighbor, Renee Rhodes, unexpectedly form a close friendship.  How will Ethan react when Sadie mentions going back to work when an unanticipated job opportunity comes her way?

Renee is feeling a bit unsettled now her daughter Tansy is at college in California. She is beginning to feel somewhat dissatisfied with her life, but she is also unsure if she is ready for more changes. Renee works in the town’s pediatric practice  and she is surprised by her unexpected attraction to Dr. Dan Hanlon.  When she is offered the chance to turn her love of baking into a new career, Renee is uncertain if she is ready to take a leap into the unknown. With her friendship with Sadie deepening, the two consider going into business together.  With some many changes happening at once, will she decide to take the plunge and open a baked goods shop? Will Renee’s fears of getting hurt again prevent her from taking a chance on a romance with Dan?

Sadie and Renee are absolutely delightful women. Although they are at drastically different places in their lives, they quickly form a tight bond when their casual acquaintance deepens into friendship. Sadie is very worried about her marriage when she admits to Ethan she would like to resume a career. Renee is unsure about giving up job security in exchange for pursuing a career as a baker.  She is quite concerned about Tansy as their once close relationship becomes distant. Renee is also uncertain about whether she is ready to risk her heart again.

Forever Friends is a truly captivating novel with a cast of extraordinary characters and a heartwarming storyline. Renee’s and Sadie’s issues are quite relatable and resolved in a realistic manner. The romance between Renee and Dan is incredibly sweet and just a touch steamy.  Sadie’s plight is certain to resonate with anyone who has struggled with their decision to return to work after having children.  Although Sadie and Renee’s storylines are completely wrapped up by the novel’s touching conclusion, readers will have to wait for the next installment in Sarah Mackenzie’s delightful Cranberry Cove series to learn the outcome of the dangling story arc. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this marvelous novel to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cranberry Cove Series Book One, Forever, Forever Friends, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sarah Mackenzie, Women's Fiction

Review: The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good

Title: The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good
Love and Promises Series Book Two
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 385 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An Amish midwife and an Englisch doctor must embrace their differences to rescue a baby in need in this uplifting romance that will “capture your heart and leave you smiling” (Amy Lillard).

Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her traditions with his modern medicine…

The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.

Review:

The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good is an incredibly heartwarming novel of forgiveness, new beginnings and love. This second installment in the Love and Promises series can be read as a standalone but I also recommend the previous book, The Amish Teacher’s Gift, as well.

Dr. Kyle Miller is surprised by an out of the blue phone call from a doctor who lives in his hometown of Lancaster, PA. He is also shocked by Dr. Hess’s proposal for Kyle to move back to Lancaster and take over his practice so he can retire.  Since Kyle has worked very hard to forget about his past, he has no intention of accepting Dr. Hess’s generous offer.  However, as he is trying to work up the courage to turn the doctor down, Kyle instead finds himself agreeing to spend a few days working with Dr. Hess in his practice. Will Kyle change his mind once he goes back to the place that still haunts him? Or will the trip convince him he is right to say no to Dr. Hess?

Leah Stoltzfus is in training to become a midwife despite the fact that she won’t be able to get her certification. She is also rather overwhelmed by her other responsibilities which include working fulltime in the family’s holistic store and caring for her Mamm. Leah is involved in a courtship with an Amish young man whose expectations about married life are a source on contention.

Leah is a caring and compassionate young woman who always puts other people’s needs ahead of her own.  She is also an obedient young women so it comes as shock when she finds herself at cross purposes with Kyle during their initial meeting. As a member of the medical community, Kyle is upset by some of the decisions she makes for her patients.

Despite their differences and much to their dismay, Kyle and Leah share a mutual attraction for one another. Leah is appalled at her interest in another  man since her courtship with Ben means they are expected to marry. Kyle carries plenty of guilt and heartache from his teenage romance with an Amish young woman. Not only  has he avoided any type of romantic entanglement since, he absolutely refuses to even contemplate becoming involved with another Amish woman.  As Leah and Kyle spend time together at Dr. Hess’s medical practice, will they be able to continue to ignore their deepening feelings?

The Amish Midwife’s Secret is a heartfelt journey of self-forgiveness, faith and love. Kyle is a wonderful man whose inability to move on from a heartrending incident in his past continues to guide his life choices in the present.  Leah treasures her faith but some of her dreams are at odds with the tenets of her religion. The romance between Kyle and Leah is endearing but can they overcome the seemingly insurmountable differences between them? 

Rachel J. Good’s newest addition to the her delightful Love and Promises series is heartwarming, thought-provoking and ultimately, uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this charming Amish romance to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Christian, Contemporary, Forever, Love and Promises Series, Rachel J Good, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Amish Midwife's Secret

Review: Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine

Title: Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine
Crossroads Ranch Series Book Two
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From this “fabulous storyteller” (Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author) comes a sweet western romance between a rodeo cowboy and his best friend’s ex-wife.

What’s the saying, bad luck comes in threes? If so, Lily Green is due for something good. First, her divorce is finalized—on her birthday, no less. Then the first job she lands for her catering company turns out to be for her ex-husband’s wedding. To top it off, she’s stuck working the event with Luke Everett, the sexy-as-hell best man who’s never been able to stand her. When can a girl catch a break?

For years, Luke has kept his feelings for Lily safely hidden. Hitting on his best friend’s ex-wife would definitely break the cowboy code of honor. But ever since an injury sidelined his rodeo riding, the two of them keep getting thrown together. It’s only a matter of time until his true feelings come to light. When that happens, it will either be the biggest mistake of his life, or a sign that his luck is about to change.

Review:

Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine is a nemesis to lovers romance that is quite heartwarming. This second installment in the Crossroads Ranch series can easily be read as a standalone.

Newly divorced, Lily Green is starting over career wise and she impetuously (and unknowingly) agrees to cater her ex-husband Tucker’s upcoming wedding. Although the situation is not ideal, Lily does not hate her ex and she is actually happy (and jealous) that he has found “the one”.  As she works with Luke Everett, Tucker’s best friend who has never had a positive thing to say about her, Lily is forced to admit she might have misjudged him. She also comes  to recognize that her detailed planning and lack of spontaneity might signal deeper issues than über organizational skills.

Luke’s animosity toward Lily is carefully calculated to hide his true feelings for his best friend’s ex-wife. After meeting her three years earlier, he stepped aside once he realized Tucker had much more to offer Lily that he could at the time. Unable to stop caring for her, Luke instead keeps her at emotional distance with his cutting remarks and disdainful attitude.  Even in the aftermath of her divorce, his kneejerk reaction is to continue pushing her away.  But as they are thrown together after he is injured during a bull ride, Luke finds it very difficult to continue hiding his love for her.

Despite their strained relationship, Luke and Lily are very much attracted to one another. After agreeing that a one night fling might “cure” them of their desire, they decide to keep seeing each other on a casual basis. However, the push/pull between them continues as they each bring their emotional baggage into their burgeoning romance. Luke wants to live life on his own terms even if that means putting himself in harm’s way. Lily remains skittish and at the first sign of trouble, she runs instead of discussing what is troubling her.  Will their insecurities and personal baggage prevent Lily and Luke from finding lasting happiness together?

Tough Luck Cowboy by A.J. Pine is an endearing romance that tugs on the heartstrings. Lily and Luke are charming characters whose emotional defenses are firmly in place. Their verbal sparring is delightful but their lack of communication is frustrating.   This newest addition to the Crossroads Ranch series is a heartfelt romance that is a joy to watch unfold.  Fans of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy this engaging love story.

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Filed under AJ Pine, Contemporary, Crossroads Ranch Series, Forever, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Tough Luck Cowboy

Review: True-Blue Cowboy by Sara Richardson

Title: True-Blue Cowboy by Sara Richardson
Rocky Mountain Riders Series Book Four
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

TWO STORIES IN ONE: AN ALL-NEW SARA RICHARDSON NOVEL PLUS SAVED BY THE COWBOY BY A.J. PINE…

Can this cowboy be tamed?

Everly Brooks is finally living her dream. Renting a farm in Topaz Falls, Colorado, is the perfect antidote to her high-stress life back in San Francisco. It’s the ideal place to raise chickens, grow veggies, and run her farm-to-table restaurant. There’s just one problem: her new landlord. Mateo Torres is a handsome-as-hell bronc rider who oozes charm, melts hearts-and plans to kick Everly off the farm . . .

Mateo has dreams, too. He’d bought that land as an investment, so he could take care of his mom and sisters, which means Everly has to go. Unfortunately for him, this former big-city girl is just as stubborn as the broncs he rides. When his trailer floods and forces him to move into Everly’s farmhouse, things between them really start to heat up. Sure, living under the same roof might not be the best way to settle their dispute over the land. But when two rivals share everything-from heated words to scorching kisses-it’s definitely the hottest.

Review:

True-Blue Cowboy by Sara Richardson is an incredibly heartwarming contemporary romance. Although this latest release is the fourth installment in the marvelous Rocky Mountain Riders series, it can be read as a standalone.

Everly Brooks is a high-powered lawyer turned farmer who loves the new life she has made for herself in Topaz Falls, CO. She is a kind-hearted, compassionate woman who gives back to the local community in a variety of quiet, thoughtful ways.  Although Everly’s parents are displeased with her decisions, she remains firm when they attempt to bend her to their will. Thankfully, she has a wonderful group of women with whom she finds the love and support she needs to make her dreams a reality.

Bronc rider Mateo Torres has a successful career on the rodeo circuit but he is realistic enough to realize he needs to plan for his future. He has been providing financial support to his mother and sisters for most of his adult life. In order to ensure his  fiscal future is secure, Mateo makes an investment purchase that he plans to develop into luxury condos.  The only problem? Everly is his tenant.

Circumstances quickly throw Mateo and Everly into close quarters. Both are strong attracted to each other but Everly is well aware of Mateo’s love ’em and leave ’em reputation. They genuinely like one another and they enter into a cycle of coming close to acting on their desire only to pull away for a variety of reasons.  Everly refuses to settle for less than a true commitment but will Mateo be willing to risk his heart?

True-Blue Cowboy by Sara Richardson is a delightfully charming and uplifting romance with a wonderful small town atmosphere.  Everly is a fantastic heroine who stands up for herself in all aspects of her life. Mateo’s philosophy of never looking back is becoming a hindrance to his life in present, but will he finally face the problems he has ignored for so long? Old and new fans of Sara Richardson’s  Rocky Mountain Riders series are going to love watching this endearing couple find their happily ever after.

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Filed under Contemporary, Forever, Rated B, Review, Rocky Mountain Riders Series, Romance, Sara Richardson, True-Blue Cowboy

Review: Sandpiper Shore by Debbie Mason

Title: Sandpiper Shore by Debbie Mason
Harmony Harbor Series Book Six
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Wedding Planner Rule #1: Never, ever fall for the groom

There’s nothing Jenna Bell loves more than a happily-ever-after. That’s why being a wedding planner is her dream job – until the groom is Logan Gallagher. She’s had a crush on him since . . . well, forever. And now she has to make his day magical as he walks down the aisle without her.

As a secret service agent, Logan’s already married – to his career. A wife was never in his plan, until he finds out he needs to marry the woman he’s been protecting. He takes his latest assignment in stride, but when he sees Jenna again, he can’t deny the attraction sparking between them. Can he really say “I do” if it means saying goodbye to the woman of his dreams?

Review:

Sandpiper Shore by Debbie Mason is a light-hearted contemporary romance. This latest release is the sixth installment in the Harmony Harbor series and should be read in order since there are many guest appearances by characters from previous books.

Jenna Bell is a matchmaker with an amazing track record so she is blindsided when her feckless fiancé Lorenzo Romano abruptly dumps her a week before their wedding. Compounding her humiliation is the discovery Lorenzo is romantically involved with her greedy stepmother. Even more embarrassing is the public brawl that ensues after Secret Service Agent Logan Gallagher saves her from getting hit by a car. With her stepsisters, Arianna and Serena, furious at the spectacle and the monetary loss from the cancelled nuptials, Jenna drowns her sorrows at a local bar. After Logan once again rescues her, they end up in a compromising position on the beach. Recovering from her broken heart at breakneck speed, Jenna is quite smitten with Logan but he swears he is not the marrying type. Will this wistful matchmaker who dreams of a happily ever after find the prince who will make her dreams come true?

Jenna’s heart is in the right place as she tries to salvage her stressed relationship with Serena and Arianna. Unfortunately, her efforts to placate them give the impression she is a pushover who will do anything to please them.  Jenna quickly recovers from her broken engagement and immediately jumps into a long distance flirtation with Logan.

Logan is quite charming and loves his zany family but he has no desire to settle down. His chivalrous rescue lands him in a heap of trouble due to the machinations of a local cop who has it in for his family.  Logan is intrigued by Jenna but when duty calls, he does not hesitate to leave. Before he leaves for his assignment, Logan secures a position for Jenna that will hopefully salvage her tarnished reputation.

At this point, the storyline becomes a tangled mess of several story arcs and a dizzying array of characters.  Jenna’s broken engagement becomes a complicated storyline featuring the dastardly deeds of Lorenzo and her stepmother’s attempt to swindle Jenna, Arianna and Serena out of their inheritance.  The Gallagher family has plenty of trouble since Logan’s mother is facing a health crisis and she has recently left his father. The ghost of Colleen Gallagher is still trying to right the wrongs she made during her long and illustrious life. Logan and the princess he is guarding unexpectedly turn up in Harmony Harbor which puts Jenna in an uncomfortable situation that she cannot wriggle out of. The smarmy cop with a grudge continues to bedevil everyone who crosses his path.

Sandpiper Shore is a madcap adventure featuring an insta-love romance and numerous storylines. Jenna and Logan are likable characters but their relationship is sorely underdeveloped due to the convoluted plot.  Longtime fans of Debbie Mason’s Harmony Harbor series will enjoy this latest outing but newcomers will most feel lost amongst the various characters and their complicated connections to one another.

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Filed under Contemporary, Debbie Mason, Forever, Harmony Harbor Series, Rated C, Review, Romance, Sandpiper Shore