Category Archives: Harlequin

March 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new novel for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. RaeAnne Thayne tells the story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women.

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

Review:

The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne is a delightful novel of healing, new beginnings and love.

Olivia “Liv” Harper left her home town of Cape Sanctuary for college and never looked back. Now settled in Seattle, she is working long hours between her regular job and her start up media business.   But when Liv hears that her slightly estranged mother Juliet has been injured in a fall, she does not hesitate to rush to her side.  Will spending extra time with Juliet help mend the rift between them?

Liv is a bit annoying in the beginning as she lets her fears and shame control her. She is also in over her head at the family owned nursery but she works hard to keep the business going.  She is patient with her mother who does not like to accept help from others. Liv is also troubled by her fifteen year niece Caitlin’s sudden animosity towards her.  But she is somewhat overwhelmed with juggling her mother’s care, the family nursery and keeping up with her businesses so she does not have the energy to delve deeper into what is bothering her niece.

Juliet has been on her own ever since her beloved husband passed away years earlier. She had no choice but to dedicate long hours to saving the family business and deal with her oldest daughter Natalie’s drug addiction. Unfortunately her relationship with Liv suffered and they have never quite fixed their still lingering issues. Although grateful for Liv’s help, Juliet struggles with being the person on the receiving end of assistance.

Caitlin absolutely adores her grandmother but in recent months, she has actively been trying to find out more information about her father. With the help of her best friend, Jake Cragun, she has settled on a plan of action. In the course of trying to find out more details about her mom, Caitlin stumbled across distressing information that she has allowed to color her viewpoint of her aunt Liv. Seething with resentment, Caitlin shuts out everyone but Jake as she continues searching for her dad.

In between the family and personal dramas, both Liv and Juliet are surprised when the possibility of romance arises. Liv has been keeping a secret for quite some time and she uses it as an excuse to put the brakes on a budding  romance with Jake’s dad, Henry. Liv’s childhood crush Cooper Vance has returned to town and she is a bit embarrassed when by the realization she is still attracted to him. When he expresses an interest in her, will Liv allow her fears of getting hurt prevent her from taking a chance on love?

With a serene setting and appealing characters, The Sea Glass Cottage is a captivating novel of hope and forgiveness.  The characters are vibrantly developed and they grow and evolve over the course of the story.  This newest release by  RaeAnne Thayne is heartfelt a story with realistic issues that will resonate with readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Seaglass Cottage

February 9, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery

Title: Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery
Blackberry Island Series Book Four
Publisher:MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author of California Girls comes an all new original Blackberry Island novel told with Susan Mallery’s trademark humor and charm. Sisters by Choice is a heartfelt tale of love, family and the friendships that see us through.

Cousins by chance, sisters by choice…

After her cat toy empire goes up in flames, Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island, determined to rebuild. Until small-town life reveals a big problem: she can’t grow unless she learns to let go. If Sophie relaxes her grip even a little, she might lose everything. Or she might finally be free to reach for the happiness and love that have eluded her for so long.

Kristine has become defined by her relationship to others. She’s a wife, a mom. As much as she adores her husband and sons, she wants something for herself—a sweet little bakery just off the waterfront. She knew changing the rules wouldn’t be easy, but she never imagined she might have to choose between her marriage and her dreams.

Like the mainland on the horizon, Heather’s goals seem beyond her grasp. Every time she manages to save for college, her mother has another crisis. Can she break free, or will she be trapped in this tiny life forever?

Review:

Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery is an emotionally compelling novel of new beginnings.  This newest release is the forth installment in the Blackberry Island series but can be read as a standalone.

Thirty four year old Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island after a fire destroys her business. She is grateful to have the support of her cousin Kristine Fielding but Sophie is struggling with rebuilding her  business.  Overwhelmed by starting over, she impulsively hires her twenty year cousin Heather Sitterly along with Heather’s manipulative mother Amber.  Not long after, Kristine unexpectedly faces a crisis in her marriage when husband Jaxsen vehemently objects to her plans to open a bakery.  Sophie, Kristine and Heather are incredibly supportive as each of them confronts the issues that are standing in their way as they attempt to make needed changes in their lives.

Sophie is a strong-willed, controlling woman who micromanages everyone who works for her.  She has no personal life since she spends the majority of her days at work. Kristine convinces her cousin to join a Tai Chi class where gorgeous instructor Dugan catches Sophie’s eye.  As she resists giving up control at work, Dugan offers thought-provoking advice that often infuriates her. Sophie has serious trust issues that threaten to derail both her business plans and her budding romance with Dugan.  With her goal of expanding her lucrative business into new markets, will Sophie understand she is not the expert she believes herself to be?

Kristine is a stay at home mom to three sons. She also runs a successful baked goods business on the side.  Kristine has long dreamed of opening her own bakery and when the perfect store becomes available, she is finally ready to put her plans into action. However, she is completely stunned by Jaxsen’s reaction when she finally reveals her business plan. Forced to take a hard look at her marriage and her own behavior, Kristine must decide if she will put aside her own aspirations in the face of Jaxsen’s obstinate refusal to support her desire to be more than a wife and mother.

Heather is working several jobs to support herself and her lazy, entitled mother.  Caught in a vicious cycle of wanting to leave Blackberry Island and always giving in to Amber’s demands, Heather is absolutely miserable.  Grateful for the opportunity for valuable work experience, she throws herself into her new job at Sophie’s business. Out of her depth yet determined to succeed, Heather must soon decide whether she will do what is best for her instead of always acquiescing to Amber.  Will Heather find the courage and strength to extricate herself from her toxic relationship with her mother?

Sisters by Choice is a thought-provoking novel with realistic characters and true to life issues to overcome. Sophie is a little overbearing but her rougher edges begin to smooth as she becomes more self-aware of how unreasonable she can sometimes be. Kristine must break her pattern of always giving in during disagreements with her husband. Jaxsen loves his wife, but his intransigence over the bakery  endangers their marriage. Heather is a sympathetic young woman who is facing a tough choice that could have long lasting repercussions for her future.  Amber is a thoroughly unlikable woman who makes no effort to take responsibility for her increasingly despicable actions. With believable character growth and surprising solutions to the characters’ various situations,  Susan Mallery brings this charming novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans will enjoy this latest addition the Blackberry Island series.

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Filed under Blackberry Island Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B+, Review, Sisters by Choice, Susan Mallery, Women's Fiction

February 5, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Third to Die by Allison Brennan

Title: The Third to Die by Allison Brennan
Mobile Response Team Series Book One
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 464 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An edgy female police detective…An ambitious FBI special agent. Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation for a psychopathic serial killer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense.

Detective Kara Quinn, on leave from the LAPD, is on an early morning jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake when she comes upon the body of a young nurse. The manner of death shows a pattern of highly controlled rage. Meanwhile in DC, FBI special agent Mathias Costa is staffing his newly minted Mobile Response Team. Word reaches Matt that the Liberty Lake murder fits the profile of the compulsive Triple Killer. It will be the first case for the MRT. This time they have a chance to stop this zealous if elusive killer before he strikes again. But only if they can figure out who he is and where he is hiding before he disappears for another three years. The stakes are higher than ever before, because if they fail, one of their own will be next…

Review:

The first mystery in the Mobile Response Team series, The Third to Die by Allison Brennan is a clever law enforcement procedural.

Los Angeles Police Detective Kara Quinn is on administrative leave in her hometown when she stumbles across a dead body. The murder immediately attracts the attention of a newly formed FBI unit and Special Agent in Charge Mathias “Matt” Costa and his team are rapidly deployed from DC to investigate the case.  They are certain this recent death is the work of an elusive serial killer dubbed the Triple Killer. Working quickly to try to prevent the next murder, Kara, Matt, local police officer Andy Knolls and several police agencies are putting in long hours to try to identify the next victim and the killer.

Kara is an undercover detective whose last case resulted in her being put on administrative leave. Chafing at the bit to get back to work, she  does not hesitate to lend her expertise during the intense investigation into the  Triple Killer. Despite her sometimes brusque manner, Kara is a sharp detective with keen instincts. She proves to be invaluable to Matt and his squad as they narrow down their victim pool as they work quickly to protect suspected victims while trying to find find the killer.

While making progress with the victim list, a suspect proves to be elusive.  There are several elements of the killer’s murders that are a known quantity.  Despite the lack of leads, Matt is certain these latest killings and the murderer are connected to the area. He is also sure the victims are somehow linked, but finding the connection is frustratingly elusive.

The mystery element is intriguing and the cast of characters is appealing. However, the vast quantity of characters is confusing and difficult to keep up with.  Savvy readers will most likely pick up on clues long before Kara, Matt or other law enforcement officers. The plot is  interesting but the story gets bogged down with too many characters, lack of character development and  references to an event that took place prior to the current case.

The Third to Die is a tension-filled mystery with a fascinating crime to solve. Kara and Matt are likable and relatively well-developed. The investigation moves in fits and starts but it really picks up steam for the last quarter of the novel. Allison Brennan brings to the novel to explosive, action-packed conclusion. Despite a bit of a bumpy start, the Mobile Response Team series promises to be an adrenaline laced and unique crime fighting series.

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Filed under Allison Brennan, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Mobile Response Team Series, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Third to Die

January 6, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr

Title: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Five
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.

A summer rental, a new beginning…

Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

Review:

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance of friendship, healing and love. This fifth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series can be read as a standalone.

Thirty-five year old Hannah Russell has just broken her engagement when her best friend, Erin Waters, unexpectedly passes away.  Now the guardian of Erin’s five year old son Noah, Hannah decides to rent a lakeside house in Colorado so she and Noah can settle into their life. Unbeknownst to Hannah, the home’s owner, photographer Owen Abrams and his goofy but lovable dog Romeo, are about to become an integral part of both her and Noah’s healing process.

With two broken engagements behind her, Hannah is not looking for love as she figures out her and Noah’s future. But Owen soon becomes a fixture in their daily routine as she sorts out key aspects of Noah’s care.  She looks forward to spending time with Owen, but Noah remains her priority. Uncertain about how her career will fit in with motherhood, Hannah and Noah extend their time with Owen in order to decide her next steps.

Following a tragedy, Owen now leads a very solitary life both at home and during his travels.  He has not had a serious relationship since his divorce and he is content with the status quo. Owen is surprised by how quickly Noah and Hannah become an cherished part of his life.  Will Owen be able to convince Hannah and Noah to take a chance on a new life with him?

Hannah, Noah and Owen’s tranquility is disturbed when Erin’s estranged mother enters their lives. Hannah will do anything to protect Noah and she is grateful for the love and support of her new friends  in Sullivan’s Crossing.  With the full protection of Owen and her friends, Hannah is prepared to do whatever it takes to shield Noah from his grandmother.

The Country Guesthouse is a charming novel of new beginnings. Hannah, Noah and Owen are delightful characters who are vibrantly developed and easy to root for. The storyline is well-written and engaging.  The setting is idyllic and vividly springs to life. Robyn Carr brings this heartfelt novel to an uplifting conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Country Guesthouse

December 2, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Ten
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they’d moved on without her. That she’d missed too much. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning?

Review:

Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne is a charming second chance at love holiday romance. Although this newest release is the tenth installment in the Haven Point series, it can be read as a standalone.

For seven long, heartbreaking years, Luke Hamilton has feared the worst about his wife, Elizabeth. She disappeared without a trace and a cloud has been hanging over him due to some of the townspeople’s suspicions. A friend of his discovered her whereabouts several months earlier, but Luke decided to leave well enough alone. However, after learning a new DA is about to charge him for murder, Luke travels to Oregon to bring Elizabeth back to prove she is still alive. He remains extremely angry with her for abandoning him, their daughter Cassie and son Bridger but will he give her a chance to explain why she left?

Luke and his kids are relatively happy and they have a strong support system. He is a successful businessman despite the rumors that swirl around him about Elizabeth’s disappearance.  Luke’s childhood was very dysfunctional so he prefers to look forward and let the past remain in the past. Despite his anger towards Elizabeth, he is surprised by both an unwelcome attraction and lingering feelings for her.

Elizabeth has not had an easy life since leaving Luke and their children. She has never stopped regretting her decision but she feels it is best not to return. Despite her reluctance to return to Haven Point, Elizabeth knows she has to do the right thing for Luke. She would love to have a relationship with Cassie and Bridger but she acquiesces when Luke insists on maintaining the status quo. Elizabeth still harbors deep emotions for Luke but she also plans to go back to the life she has created for herself.

Since Luke refuses to listen to Elizabeth’s explanation for her disappearance, he is absolutely stunned when he learns the truth at the DA’s office. Will his feelings toward her begin to soften now he knows her reasons for staying away?  With Christmas fast approaching, will the magic of the season help reunite the estranged family?

Coming Home for Christmas is a heartwarming romance with a marvelous cast of characters. Luke’s anger and need to protect himself and their children from more pain is understandable. Elizabeth’s plight is very sympathetic although it is a little difficult to relate to some of her choices. RaeAnne Thayne brings this wonderful holiday romance to a heartfelt and uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this engaging addition to the Haven Point series.

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Filed under Coming Home for Christmas, Contemporary, Harlequin, Haven Point Series, HQN Books, Rated B, Review, Romance

November 25, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

Title: The Last Affair by Margot Hunt
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Love may be blind, but obsession’s a real killer.

Nora Holliday is not that kind of woman. Not the kind who has an illicit affair with a married man. But Josh Landon is everything Nora’s alcoholic husband isn’t. And now she and Josh are so infatuated, they can’t stay away from one another.

Abby Landon, Josh’s daughter, is home from college nursing a broken heart. She’s seeking solace, not more scandal, so when she catches her dad kissing Nora, she vows to take the homewrecker down.

And as for Abby’s mother and Josh’s wife, Gwen? To anyone on the outside looking in, the mother of two appears to be living the ideal suburban life.

Until she winds up dead.

The serene seaside town of Shoreham has always been the perfect place to raise a family—not somewhere housewives are brutally murdered. So who killed Gwen Landon, and how many twisted secrets will be exposed as the vindictive plot comes undone?

Review:

The Last Affair by Margot Hunt is a spellbinding domestic mystery.

Popular food blogger and cookbook author Nora  Holliday is unhappily married to husband Carter. But she is staying in the marriage for the sake of their children, Dylan, Matt and Katie.  Nora is devoted to her kids but when the opportunity arises to go to a convention for bloggers, she impetuously decides to attend.  This one decision sets in motion a chain of events that forever alter Nora’s life.

Orthodontist Josh Landon’s marriage to Gwen is also somewhat rocky. They have two children, Abby who is attending university and son Simon. In a surprising coincidence, Josh is attending a different convention at the same hotel as Nora. A chance meeting in the hotel bar leads to a shocking affair that neither Nora nor Josh can seem to end once they return to their small town of Shoreham.

Abby unexpectedly returns home in the middle of the semester and refuses to provide an explanation. She is very depressed and cannot get over a painful betrayal.  But after she sees her father kissing another woman, Abby becomes obsessed with uncovering the woman’s identity.

Gwen’s discontent with her marriage and motherhood is rising with each passing day. Blaming Josh for her misery over the choices she has made, she is biding her time before leaving her miserable life behind. Gwen is suspicious that Josh is having an affair but has she correctly identified the “other woman”?

Alternating mostly between Nora, Abby and Gwen’s perspectives,  The Last Affair is an absolutely riveting mystery.  Despite their affair, Nora and Josh are sympathetic  characters. However, Abby and Gwen are very easy to dislike (Gwen is a serious piece of work!). Margot Hunt does a brilliant job keeping readers guessing the killer’s identity right up until the shocking dénouement (but the ending is a little frustrating).  I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this outstanding mystery to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Margot Hunt, Mira, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Last Affair