Category Archives: Kensington

November 24, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri DuLong

farewellTitle: Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri DuLong
Cedar Key Series Book Six
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 321 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Terri DuLong welcomes you to the colorful community of Cedar Key, Florida–a place where hearts are warm and friendship is true…

Josie Sullivan adores her Cedar Key home. It’s been the ideal place to raise her daughter, Orli, who’s just turning sixteen. Now that Josie has realized her dream of becoming a registered nurse, she’s been offered the perfect job too–helping Dr. Simon Mancini run his new practice.

Until the clinic opens, Josie is filling in at Yarning Together, where she launches a series of knitting classes for men. Yet for all the vibrant changes, there are some tangled threads. Josie’s romance-author mother, Shelby, receives a worrying diagnosis. And though Josie has always guarded her independence, her connection to Orli’s father, Grant, seems to be rekindling. Most of all, as Shelby’s college classmates rally around their dear friend, Josie begins to see that “home” is more than a place;it’s the relationships woven into each life, strand by strand…

The Review:

Farewell to Cedar Key is the sixth and final novel in Terri DuLong’s delightfully heartwarming Cedar Key series. This charming installment is a little bittersweet since it is time to bid a fond farewell to the town and its inhabitants, but it is also another beautiful story of family, friendship and love.

Josie Sullivan is an independent single mother with strong ties to Cedar Key.  She never married Grant, her daughter Orli’s father, but they have a good relationship and he has always supported her decisions.   Josie has a sometimes difficult, but always loving, relationship with her controlling mother Shelby, a best-selling romance novelist. With a new career opportunity on the horizon, Josie’s life is turned upside down by romance, a scary health diagnosis for her mom and Orli’s unexpected decisions about her future.

Josie has not dated much over the years, so she is a little surprised by her attraction to newcomer Simon Mancini, the new doctor in town and Josie’s new boss. Although she has concerns about an office romance, Josie does see Simon socially, but she is unclear if his interest in her goes beyond friendship.

Even more surprising to Josie are her suddenly complicated feelings for Grant. They have maintained an easygoing friendship over the years and she has never questioned her decision to raise Orli on her own. But when she and Orli travel to Boston to celebrate Christmas and Orli’s sixteenth birthday with Grant, Josie is stunned at her renewed feelings for him. Returning to Cedar Key clarifies which man her heart belongs to, but that only makes her decisions about her future that much more difficult.

As with previous novels in the Cedar Key series, the storyline is refreshingly light and conflict free. Matters of the heart are resolved fairly easily with little angst or fanfare. The story arc that deals with Shelby’s health issue is handled realistically and this part of the plot is a turning point for Josie’s relationship with her mother.

While it is always difficult to say goodbye to familiar friends and faces, Farewell to Cedar Key is the perfect finale for the Cedar Key series. Many of the characters from previous installments make guest appearances and Josie is not the only person who unexpectedly finds love. It is another warm and inviting novel from Terri DuLong that old and new fans do not want to miss.

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Filed under Cedar Key Series, Contemporary, Farewell to Cedar Key, Kensington, Rated A, Review, Romance, Terri DuLong

October 15, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

huck christmasTitle: Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book Three
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Christian, Romance
Length: 353 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Now that they’ve happily married off two of their grandchildren, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking challenge. What better way to celebrate the most heartwarming of seasons–and make Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the place for unexpected love. . .

A difficult marriage has left the Helmuths’ widowed great-granddaughter, Beth, finished with wedlock. She’s content to live with them and make a life for herself and her toddler son. But once she turns down handsome Tyler Yoder’s proposal, it seems only fair to encourage him to find a suitable wife. Trouble is, his gentleness and generous ways are showing her how joyous a real meeting of hearts can be. . .

After a failed courtship, Tyler thought the best he could hope for in a wife was mere companionship. But spirited Beth is the one he longs to protect, and hold close. Earning her trust is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. And soon, both will discover that forgiveness and understanding are gifts that only rekindled faith–along with the happiest of holidays–can bring.

The Review:

Huckleberry Christmas is the third heartwarming installment in Jennifer Beckstrand’s charming Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. In this outing, matchmaking grandparents Anna and Felty Helmuth are pairing up their widowed great granddaughter Beth Hostetler with Tyler Yoder.

Beth and her young son Toby are living with Anna and Felty after her return to town following her husband’s death. Her marriage was far from idyllic and she has absolutely no plans to remarry. Beth is prickly and she fiercely guards her newly found independence. She is a little hot tempered, but once she cools off, she is quick to admit when she has made a mistake. Beth uses humor to deflect attention from her past but behind her cheerful facade, she is trying to put the ghosts from her marriage behind her.

Tyler is serious, even-tempered and unflappable. Having had his heart broken when his engagement ended, he is not looking for love when he meets Beth. He respects her need for independence but he finds ways to work around her objections to accepting some of his assistance. He takes her temper in stride and he is quick to forgive.

Tyler and Beth’s romance begins as friendship and their relationship evolves slowly over several months. Their interactions are light-hearted and laced with humor. As their friendship deepens into love, Beth is quick to push Tyler away but it is not until her past collides with the present, that she truly begins to heal. As she begins to let go of her anger toward God, Beth is finally able to recognize the blessings in her life.

Huckleberry Christmas is a wonderful novel of love, family and friendship. Once again, Jennifer Beckstrand’s gentle lesson of faith is thought-provoking and easy to relate to. The storyline is refreshingly unique with richly developed and likeable characters.   Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this heartfelt and engaging addition to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.

1 Comment

Filed under Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Huckleberry Christmas, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Zebra

July 2, 2014 · 11:55 pm

Review: Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder

catchTitle: Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder
The O’Leary’s Book Four
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Word Count: 100,897
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

As kids they steered clear of one another–but now a beautiful, well-connected reporter and a sexy, driven detective are all grown-up and on the job. . .

Moira O’Leary’s work as a reporter gives her access to some of Chicago’s swankiest soirées. She knows how to navigate the jet-set crowd, and her style and confidence help her blend right in. But when her childhood crush starts popping up at posh events, her poise begins to falter–until she realizes she has the upper hand in a high-stakes game of secrets and seduction. . .

Jimmy O’Malley has always tried to avoid his friend Liam’s little sister. Something about Moira spelled trouble. But he’s out of his element working undercover in Chicago’s high society, and Moira is his ticket to the inner circle. As sparks begin to fly–and their chemistry heats up–Moira gets dangerously close to his investigation. Will Jimmy be forced to push her away to keep her safe–or will they surrender to a desire that could leave them breathless?

The Review:

Catch Your Breath is the fourth installment of Shannyn Schroeder’s fabulous O’Leary’s series. In this outing, we finally get sister Moira’s story and in a refreshing change of pace, there is also a bit of a mystery element to the novel.

Moira is a freelance reporter who mainly covers society stories and when she runs into childhood friend and longtime crush Jimmy O’Malley at a swanky event, her curiosity is piqued. Seizing the opportunity to get an exclusive story (and get closer to Jimmy), she uses her connections to help Jimmy with his undercover investigation of thieves who have been targeting wealthy men. Moira quickly realizes that they share a sizzling hot attraction but Jimmy’s friendship with her brother Liam puts her firmly in the hands off category as far as Jimmy is concerned.

Moira is a great character: upbeat, enthusiastic and persistent. She loves her family, but she is getting a little tired of her overprotective brothers’ refusal to treat her as an adult. An invitation to her ten year high school reunion is a catalyst to re-evaluate her goals and her chance encounter with Jimmy provides her the impetus she needs to make some changes in her life. Jimmy is just the man to help her find what she’s looking for in both her professional and personal lives, but Moira quickly learns that convincing him is going to take a lot of work on her part.

Jimmy is a wonderful character but he is also very frustrating. He is very dedicated to his family but he is running out of patience with his dad and his brothers. He likes to be in control of all situations and this becomes an issue in his relationship with Moira. He is passionate one minute and pushing Moira away the next and this pattern holds pretty much throughout the entire novel.

The mystery aspect of the storyline is key not only in bringing Jimmy and Moira together but it is also an excellent career opportunity for Moira. It gives her an idea for a story with the depth she is looking for but Jimmy’s fears for her safety drive a wedge between them. Jimmy’s investigation is interesting but it is wrapped up with little fanfare and gets a little lost in the resolution of the conflict between Jimmy and Moira.

Catch Your Breath is a lovely addition to Shannyn Schroeder’s O’Leary’s series. The storyline is fresh and innovative, the characters are fascinating and the interactions between the Moira and Jimmy are fiery and incredibly passionate. Intriguing glimpses of Liam leave me eagerly anticipating his novel, which will be released early next year.

You can read my review of the other books in the series HERE.

2 Comments

Filed under Catch Your Breath, Contemporary, Kensington, Rated B, Review, Romance, Shannyn Schroeder, The O'Leary's

May 21, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Down by the River by Lin Stepp

riverTitle: Down by the River by Lin Stepp
A Smoky Mountain Novel
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Set against the backdrop of Tennessee’s breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp’s Down By the River is a warmhearted novel that proves it’s never too late—or too early—for a fresh start…

While on a visit to the Smokies, Grace Conley makes a stunning decision: she’s going to walk away from her busy life in Nashville to move to tiny Townsend and open a bed-and-breakfast. There’s a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace’s family is scandalized. After all, she’s a middle-aged widow! And as a career homemaker, she’s always been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies’ man. But the surprises don’t stop there…

To further complicate her move, Grace’s daughter, Margaret, has grudgingly come to live with her. Having just graduated from college, remote Townsend is not where she envisions her future. Yet the handsome young minister next door is convinced he and Margaret are meant for each other. As life choices abound, soon both women will discover that the biggest decisions require confidence, a sense of humor—and a deep, abiding faith.

The Review:

Down by the River by Lin Stepp is a delightful faith-based novel about starting over, growing in faith and finding love when it is least expected. A serene setting, a wonderful small town atmosphere and a refreshing storyline add to the story’s appeal but it is the growth of the characters that makes it such an enjoyable read.

I have to confess that I really disliked a lot of the characters in Down by the River for about the first quarter of the story. Lead character Grace Conley is uptight and judgmental and while potential love interest Jack Teague might be a charming rogue, his disrespectful treatment of women is hard to overlook. Grace’s family is selfish, condescending and outright scornful of her abilities to successfully run a business.

But as Grace settles into her new life, she gets back in touch with her small town roots and a kinder, compassionate and forgiving woman emerges. She is very involved with the local community and strikes up an unlikely friendship with the young minister of the neighboring church. Grace also takes Jack’s daughters under her wing and their contentious relationship slowly changes to a friendship. Underlying all of their interactions is a powerful and sizzling hot attraction, but Jack knows that Grace is not a woman to indulge in a casual affair. Grace’s probing questions help Jack better understand his behavior but it is with Grace’s daughter Margaret that he rediscovers his abandoned faith.

Grace also reconnects with her mother and in doing so, she heals a lifelong rift with her sister. After Margaret’s unexpected arrival, mother and daughter smooth over their differences and resume their close relationship. Grace’s once neglected faith re-emerges stronger than ever and she gently guides both Margaret and Jack on their spiritual journey.

Despite a few initial reservations, Down by the River by Lin Stepp is a lovely, light-hearted read that is quite engrossing. It is incredibly gratifying watching the characters heal the wounds from their respective pasts and reaffirm their relationships with God. This sweet, clean romance is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys faith-based novels.

1 Comment

Filed under Christian, Contemporary, Down by the River, Kensington, Lin Stepp, Rated B, Review, Romance, Women's Fiction

April 21, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: How to Rope a Real Man by Melissa Cutler

ropeTitle: How to Rope a Real Man by Melissa Cutler
Catcher Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Against all odds, the Sorentino sisters saved their family’s rundown New Mexico ranch, but the youngest has a dream that just may ruin their hard-earned peace–unless a certain sexy cowboy lawyer changes her mind. . .

Jenna Sorentino is as independent as they come. Despite her wild past, she’s grown up enough to keep quiet about the identity of her baby’s daddy, go to night college–and hide her plan to escape tiny Catcher Creek. She’s also stopped dreaming of happily ever after–except in the case of gorgeous, rugged, Santa Fe native Matt Roenick. Too bad the oil rights attorney acts like he barely knows she’s alive. . .

Matt knows only too well that Jenna’s alive–in fact, she’s driving him crazy with desire. But Matt’s got his reasons for resisting her. And when her son’s father shows up, those reasons multiply. Trouble is, Jenna’s secrets are more complicated than he imagined, and forgetting her isn’t as easy as he’d hoped. Matt knows life can be messy as hell. For Jenna, maybe it’s time he got dirty. . .

The Review:

How to Rope a Real Man is the scorching hot third installment in Melissa Cutler’s marvelous Catcher Creek series. This highly anticipated romance reveals the intriguing secrets that Jenna Sorentino has been keeping from, well, everyone. Equally important, Matt Roenick’s reasons for keeping his distance from Jenna are also divulged. Following their revelations, the two eagerly embrace their mutual desire for one another, but their future is jeopardized by unresolved issues from both of their pasts.

Jenna ran wild until her unexpected pregnancy forced her to grow up and leave her hard partying days behind her. She has never named her five year old son Tommy’s dad but with her sisters’ help, Jenna has provided him with the loving, stable home she never had. She is fiercely independent and determined to make a better life for herself and Tommy, and she has big plans she has not yet shared with either of her sisters. Plans that she hopes to put into motion before her past comes back and destroys everything she has worked so hard to protect.

Matt comes from a large and loving family and he is quite close to his parents, siblings and assorted nieces and nephews. He has a successful career and while he is relatively content with his life, the ghosts from his past that continue to plague him. He is very attracted to Jenna but he has a strict no dating single mothers policy that he has no intention of breaking. But a chance encounter with a stranger provides Matt with a new perspective and he decides to give love another shot.

Matt and Jenna have been dancing around their mutual attraction for months and it does not take much for their simmering passion to explode. A couple of untimely (and frustrating) interruptions prevent them from acting on their desire and the sexual tension builds to a fever pitch. This anticipation leads to some incredibly erotic yet playful sex scenes between them.

There is a strong emotional component to their relationship as well. Matt and Jenna are surprisingly honest with one another about their respective pasts and their plans for their futures. While both carry scars from previous relationships, Matt has the most emotional baggage. When conflict arises between them, his unresolved issues come between them. Matt receives advice from an unlikely source, but will Jenna give him a second chance?

How to Rope a Real Man is a delightful conclusion to the Catcher Creek series. It was well worth the wait to learn Jenna’s secrets and her revelations bring unexpected depth to the overall story. All of the loose ends for the Sorentino family are neatly wrapped up but the tantalizing (and unresolved) relationship between Matt’s sister and Jenna’s brother-in-law leaves me hopeful Melissa Cutler might revisit the series at a later date.

Although How to Rope a Real Man can be read as a standalone novel, I highly recommend the entire series.

2 Comments

Filed under Catcher Creek Series, Contemporary, How to Rope a Real Man, Kensington, Melissa Cutler, Rated B, Review, Romance, Zebra

April 2, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Home Sweet Home by Sarah Title

home sweet homeTitle: Home Sweet Home by Sarah Title
Southern Comfort Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 252 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a ramshackle house must be in want of a handyman.”

Just because English professor Grace Williams is a woman whose “new” house is crumbling around her doesn’t mean she needs an arrogant, condescending man’s help, even if he does look gorgeous in faded jeans and a tool belt. What she needs is a working bathroom, not a ridiculous crush.

Jake Burdette has no use for the university types who stumble around Willow Springs, with their noses in the air whenever they’re not in a book. He may not be a scholar, but he’s proud of the hard, honest work he does—even if he would appreciate a little more of it. He doesn’t need Grace’s pity, even if he does wish she wasn’t so adorably sexy.

They’re all wrong for each other. But Grace’s troublesome house seems to feel differently…

The Review:

Home Sweet Home by Sarah Title is an adorable, magical romance between two stubborn people who are fine with a no strings fling, but love? No way! With a little help from a very unlikely source, Grace Williams and Jake Burdette soon discover that love often sneaks in when it is least expected.

In need of a new beginning after a failed romance, English professor Grace Williams’ move from CA to Kentucky is full of surprises. Her new house is in desperate need of a little TLC but it is her unexpected attraction to Jake Burdette that really catches her off guard. Jake has a giant chip on his shoulder when it comes to the university where Grace will be teaching, but he is drawn to Grace and finds it virtually impossible to resist his desire for her. The two are thrown together when Grace’s house repairs exceed her limited abilities and they soon decide to give in to their passion. But when lust turns to love, their relationship is soon on very shaky ground.

Grace and Jake are wonderfully developed and appealing protagonists. They each have successful careers and, for the most part, they are happy with their lives. Both of them are carrying a few emotional scars from their respective childhoods and neither of them is looking for love. Of the two, Grace has the most baggage to deal with, and she is quick to avoid emotional entanglements. Jake is the first to resolve his issues but Grace’s hang-ups come into play when it comes to taking their relationship to the next level.

Grace and Jake’s interactions are laced with humor and their banter is delightfully witty. Their friendship flourishes once they give in to their passion and their emotional connection grows deeper over the passing months. Their love scenes are steamy but not too graphic. There is a bit of fanciful history attached to Grace’s new home and the house itself is integral to bringing Grace and Jake together.

A charming romance with a touch of whimsy, Home Sweet Home is a wonderful addition to Sarah Title’s Southern Comfort series. An overall fun, angst-free read that is sure to be a big hit with anyone who enjoys contemporary romances.

Although Home Sweet Home is the second novel in the series, it can be read as a standalone story. Click HERE for my reviews of the other books in the series.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Home Sweet Home, Kensington, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sarah Title, Southern Comfort Series