Category Archives: Romance

June 29, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: K-9 Hideout by Elizabeth Heiter

Title: K-9 Hideout by Elizabeth Heiter
K-9 Alaska Series Book Four
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Mystery
Length: 199 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Dirty cops, hidden identities and a deadly stalker…

Police handler Tate Emory is thankful that Sabrina Jones saved his trusty K-9 companion, Sitka, but he didn’t sign up for national media exposure. That publicity unveils his true identity to the dirty Boston cops he took down…and brings Sabrina’s murderous stalker even closer to his target. With their covers blown, Tate will risk his life—and his guarded heart—to save Sabrina from a fatal end.

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Review:

K-9 Hideout by Elizabeth Heiter is a fast-moving, suspenseful romance. This newest release is the fourth installment in the K-9 Alaska series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Sabrina Jones has been in Desparre, AK for six months and she is is beginning to feel safe. She has finally relaxed her guard just a bit but she still keeps to herself. But once Sabrina realizes the stalker she has been outrunning has caught up with her again, will she go on the run again?

Tate Emory and his K-9 partner Sitka are a common sight around town. While Sitka has not needed all of the skills she has learned, she puts them to good use once Sabrina goes to the police. And after it becomes obvious that her stalker remains threat, Tate and Sitka do everything they can to protect her.

K-9 Hideout is a well-plotted and engaging mystery. Sabrina and Tate are very resourceful and know how to protect their secrets. But even in a small town like Desparre, danger has a way of catching up when least expected. With unexpected twists, Elizabeth Heiter brings this tension-filled mystery to an exciting conclusion. Old and new fans of the K-9 Alaska series are sure to enjoy this latest installment.

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Filed under Contemporary, Elizabeth Heiter, Harlequin Intrigue, K-9 Alaska Series, K-9 Hideout, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romance, Suspense

June 15, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis

Title: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Seven
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again?

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Eager for a new beginning, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care in desperation then on top of that, she and Ali bring the term ‘frenemies’ to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to realize that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

Review:

Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis is a heartwarming novel of healing, love and friendship. Although this newest release is the seventh book in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone.

Emma Harris has been through the most difficult year of her life. After a horrific accident that left her in a coma, but after several surgeries and intensive physical therapy, she is almost healed and ready to move on with her life.Her very sexy physical therapist Simon Armstrong is her biggest cheerleader and with her assistance, she now has a place to live.  When the opportunity arises to purchase a doggy daycare, Emma receives help from Alison Pratt, her one-time nemesis. With a friendship budding between the two women and a tenuous romance with Simon, will Emma find a way to move forward?

Emma awakened from the coma to discover her entire life has changed. She has many injuries to overcome and her personal life has drastically. Simon has been a bit motivator in helping her regain her physical strength but she her recovery is still a work in progress. Once Emma moves into her new apartment, she begins to view Simon in a more romantic light. But since she is not ready for a permanent relationship, will she act on her attraction for him?

A big part of Simon’s life now entails caring for his father and working in the family-owned business. He also continues working as a few days a week as a therapist so he has little time for a personal life. Simon admires Emma for her hard work and amazing progress and he is also trying to ignore his simmering desire for her. As their daily lives put them in close proximity, will he continue to avoid giving into his attraction for her?

Alison is Simon’s cousin and she works in their family business. She  helps out with her uncle whenever Simon needs someone to fill in for him. Alison is  nursing a broken heart since her relationship with Ryan Dennison recently ended. She is still nursing a grudge against Emma because of things that happened when they were teenagers.  So, no one is more surprised than Alison when she offers to become business partners with Emma. Since Emma is so  friendly, will Alison find a way to work on becoming more open and caring for others?

Love for Beginners is a charming novel of new beginnings and self-discovery. All of the characters are multi-dimensional with realistic flaws and strengths. The romance between Emma and Simon is a bit on again/off again due to their respective emotional baggage. The friendship between Emma and Alison is humorous and touching but it continues to be a little rocky. With unexpected conflicts threatening Emma’s new relationships, Jill Shalvis brings this captivating novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to love this latest installment.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Love for Beginners, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

June 10, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman

Title: An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman
The Amish Inn Novels Book Two
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When sparks fly between a good Amish girl and a hunky member of the Hollywood elite, even matchmaking innkeepers Esther and Lizzie know better than to fan the flames.

Evelyn Schrock has dismissed the attempts of every young man in her small Amish community to court her. She’s willing to wait for a suitor who shares her curiosities about life and faith.

The only reason Jayce Clarkson is in Amish country hefting equipment for his famous father’s movie production company is for the paycheck. The homestyle cooking at the Peony Inn is a perk though, as is his friendship with Evelyn Schrock. If Jayce can endure his dad’s put-downs for a month, he’ll finally be in a position to make a fresh start—somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the shadow of his checkered past.

To matchmakers Esther and Lizzie, the widowed sisters who operate the inn, Jayce seems like a good man stuck in a life he doesn’t want. But the boy isn’t Amish, and that leaves far too much room for broken hearts. Despite that, Jayce and Evelyn start to realize that they can’t deny their growing attraction. Any path forward seems impossible, and they will have to learn what the future will look like when they leave their fate in Gott’s hands.

Review:

An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman is a very charming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second installment in The Amish Inn Novels series, it can be read as a standalone.

Lizzie and Esther’s latest guests at The Peony Inn are from Hollywood. The large group  includes the producer, Brandon Clarkson, and his adult son, Jayce. Their relationship is tense due to Brandon’s constant berating of his son. Jayce has been in and out of trouble, but he no longer wants anything to do with the Hollywood lifestyle. He has a strong faith but he is struggling to find a church that feels like the right fit.  After the movie is finished, his father will pay him enough money for him to begin his life from underneath Brandon’s thumb. After meeting Evelyn Schrock, Jayce is beginning to envision a future that is very different from the life he currently lives. But Evelyn is Amish and has no intention of leaving the area or her Amish life. Will Jayce leave behind the worldly trappings and become Amish?

Evelyn is an upbeat young woman with an inquisitive mind. She has dated some but she has not yet fallen in love. Although he is not Amish, Evelyn is quite drawn to Jayce. They grow close as they enjoy chaste dates and their feelings continue to grow. Evelyn is surprised when their discussions turn to God and she is pleased to discover Jayce’s faith. Both are heartbroken when it is time for Jayce to return to California. Is their budding romance strong enough to weather their separation?

Lizzie and Esther have yet to replace their previous employee and they are exhausted caring for their guests. They are also both shocked when their testy tenant, Gus Owens, is offered a role in the movie. They are also taken aback to learn that Gus and Jayce share a friendship of sorts. The sisters have long wondered why their mamm insisted that Gus could live on the property as long he wishes. Does the answer to this question lie within a startling discovery? Will the changes in Gus continue once the guests have returned home?

An Unlikely Match is a wonderful Amish romance of faith, love and new beginnings. Evelyn and Jayce are marvelous characters who are a very cute couple.  The romance between Evelyn and Jayce is an absolute joy to watch unfold. Despite their divergent backgrounds, their faith draws them together. With an unanticipated plot twist, Beth Wiseman brings this beautiful romance to a touching conclusion. Old and new fans are going to love this latest addition to The Amish Inn Novels series.

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Filed under Amish, An Unlikely Match, Beth Wiseman, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Amish Inn Novels, Zondervan

June 7, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams

Title: A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary,
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

A heartwarming Avon debut of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings set in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry.

Maya Jackson has worked for a renowned New York City bridal gown brand for years and dreams of becoming Head Designer. She has the talent, she just needs a chance to showcase her unique style. Due to an illness, she’s always prioritized her career over her personal life until Maya’s father fractures his hip and she returns to Charleston, SC. While home for only a few months, she’s thrilled to find an opportunity at the local bridal gown boutique, never expecting sparks to fly with its owner…

A military veteran and widowed father, Derek Sullivan hopes to save Always a Bride from bankruptcy in order to preserve the legacy of his family. He also wants to reconnect with his estranged, twelve-year-old daughter, who is still recovering from the loss of her mother. The last thing he needs is a relationship with a beautiful, smart, complicated woman who will be leaving soon.

When Derek begins to fall for the lovely Maya, he knows there’s no future. But destiny has its own plans, and these two lonely people with big hearts discover that coming home to love is the best gift life can give.

Review:

A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams is a sweet contemporary romance.

Maya Jackson is a wedding dress designer who works for a prestigious designer. She works long hours at her job and puts in hard work afterhours in order to secure a coveted promotion. Maya incorporates elements of her Afro-Filipina heritage she learned working with her mother in her design. Unfortunately, her boss does not appreciate the beauty of her dresses. When her father breaks a hip, she takes a mostly unpaid leave to return to South Carolina to help take care of him.  Needing money to pay her bills, Maya is hired to work in the first Black-owned bridal shop in the area. She is a hard worker who puts her skills to work helping Derek Sullivan bring the shop back from the brink of bankruptcy. They share a simmering attraction, but will they act on it?

Maya is so close to achieving her goal that she has a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to her dreadful boss. She is slow to understand what exactly she is seeking from her boss but will this revelation affect her plans? Maya is creative and compassionate and she eagerly shares her knowledge with Derek. Despite her successes, she allows her self-esteem to be affected by outside sources.

Derek is a widower who is raising his twelve-year-old daughter, Jamila. Their relationship is troubled and he never loses hope he will regain her trust. Following his mother’s death, he inherited her bridal shop which is in deep financial crisis. Until he meets Maya, Derek has not had any interest in dating. He would like to get to know her better, but he is uncertain about whether he should act on his feelings.

A Lowcountry Bride is a heartfelt romance with fantastic characters and a relatable storyline. Maya wants to honor her heritage and her mother’s dream for her, but what is she willing to sacrifice to reach her goal? Derek is a wonderful father who takes responsibility for his mistakes with Jamilia. He also wants to honor his mother’s legacy but is he prepared to keep the business? The romance between Maya and Derek is understated but believable. Jamilia is not at all happy to meet Maya but will she eventually warm up to her? With Maya’s dream hanging in the balance, Preslaysa Williams brings this enjoyable romance to a satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under A Lowcountry Bride, Avon, Contemporary, Preslaysa Williams, Rated B, Review, Romance

June 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Two
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” (USA TODAY) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four.

Review:

An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. This latest release in the Berlin Bookmobile series can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the entire series.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich are happily married but they long for children. Miriam experiences varied emotions over her infertility. She feels guilty and saddened for their pregnancy losses and her inability to conceive. But it is not until Calvin begins spending time away from home that she notices they are not as close as they used to be. Miriam’s identity has become entangled with motherhood and she wonders if Calvin’s love for her is diminishing. She realizes he is being a bit evasive about his whereabouts and Miriam cannot help but become concerned for their marriage.

Calvin loves to read and he enjoys browsing through the selections on the bookmobile when it is in town. But during his latest visit, bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller is a little overwhelmed by Ruth Schmidt’s rowdy triplets. Ruth is also accompanied by her three foster children. Calvin assists Sarah Anne by reading the children’s story and he finds himself to drawn to one of Ruth’s foster children, ten-year-old Miles.  Calvin is open to adoption but Miriam becomes very upset when he brings up the topic. Calvin spends more and more time with Miles on his own, but he is not certain how his wife will react to meeting him.

Sarah Anne is in her early sixties and the bookmobile is her second career. She is a widow who was not blessed with children. She loves interacting with everyone who visit the bookmobile. Sarah Anne is very observant and she finagled the meeting between Calvin and Miles. She is tentatively involved with Pete Cannon but Sarah Anne is uncertain about the future of their fledgling relationship.

An Amish Surprise is a charming romance with endearing characters and interesting story arcs. Miriam and Calvin are a wonderful couple who are struggling with their childlessness. Will Calvin convince Miriam to meet Miles and consider adding him to their family? What impact will Miriam’s surprise news have on Calvin’s suggestion about Miles? What will happen with Sarah Anne and Pete’s budding romance? Shelley Shepard Gray will delight readers with the answers to these pressing questions. Old and new fans are going to love this marvelous addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series.

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Filed under Amish, An Amish Surprise, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

May 28, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns

Title: The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns
The Infamous Amish Series Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For a Pennsylvania Amish family whose faith has been tested, the blessings of marriage, home, and togetherness seem impossible. Patricia Johns brings her trademark warmth to this story of love’s powerful redemption.

With her preacher father in prison for fraud, Elizabeth Yoder’s life in the community of Bountiful has been painfully uprooted. Mindful of wearing out her welcome with her family, she jumps at the chance to stay with elderly Bridget Lantz while the woman’s daughter is away. Elizabeth has secret plans to leave for another Amish community where she might get a fresh start, but here with Bridget, she feels comfortable—until Bridget’s strapping grandson, Solomon, returns from eight years with the English, and inspires feelings that shake Elizabeth’s resolution . . .

Solomon has had his own trouble with the law, after falling in with some bad influences. He’s paid the price, despite his innocence, but the Amish are even more wary of him than they are of spirited Elizabeth. With good reason, he supposes—he’s not sure he’s ready to commit to this way of life again, especially since the Englishers are the ones offering him solutions. The only thing that seems certain is his attraction to Elizabeth. As they strive to find their places in the community, and with each other, can they open their hearts to the blessing of love?

Review:

The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns is a thought-provoking Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second installment in The Infamous Amish series, it can be read as a standalone.

Elizabeth Yoder lives under the cloud of her once respected father’s arrest and conviction for fraud. She is also still very upset she has not heard her youngest sister, Lovina, who left their community a year earlier. Elizabeth is temporarily staying with Bridget Lantz, an elderly widow who needs a little assistance while her daughter-in-law is out of town. Elizabeth is considering her plans for the future since she would like to marry and have a family. With her family name so tarnished, her prospects in her community are dim. Will the arrival of Bridget’s grandson Solomon change her mind about her plans?

Solomon left the Amish community and fell in with the wrong crowd. Having paid for his mistakes, he is looking for a fresh start. Solomon hopes the community will show him grace but he is discovering forgiveness and trust are in short supply. He is finding comfort in the time he spends with Elizabeth. However, a life together seems impossibly out of reach as he considers what he will do next.

Elizabeth is surprised by how much she likes Solomon, but she is hoping to become a respected person within her community. She knows a relationship with him is impossible but she cannot deny the attraction between them. With few options open to him, Solomon is hoping to convince Elizabeth to agree to his plans. But is there any chance she will say yes?

The Preacher’s Daughter is a very sweet romance with a realistic storyline. Elizabeth and Solomon are both wonderfully developed characters with relatable strengths and flaws. The plot is well-written with true to life problems to solve. With an unexpected twist, Patricia Johns brings this captivating romance to a very satisfying conclusion. Old and new fans of The Infamous Amish series are sure to enjoy this heartwarming love story.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Patricia Johns, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Infamous Amish Series, The Preachers Daughter, Zebra Books