Category Archives: Romance

February 17, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson

Title: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson
Tompkins Mill Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this emotional Amish romance, a young couple will discover that healing from heartbreak takes two.

Miriam Bowman was devastated when her fiance was killed in a logging incident. In the years since the tragedy, she finds it impossible to enter into a new relationship for fear of it coming to a disastrous end. So she works at her quilt shop in town and stays away from anything that would risk her heart. As least until David Miller comes back home to take a second chance at the Amish way of life.

David feels responsible for the logging incident that killed his friend and Miriam’s betrothed, and his life has been corrupted by guilt. That guilt only worsens when he and Miriam begin to spend time together after his return, and they begin to have feelings for each other. David might just be the man Miriam has been afraid of finding, one she could fall in love with. And Miriam is the only one who can truly forgive David for his perceived misdeeds. In order to risk their hearts and find the love they’ve been missing, David and Miriam will have to open them to each other.

Review:

Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is an endearing Amish romance that deals with true to life issues. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Tompkins Mill series, it can be read as a standalone.

After several years living Englisch, David Miller is ready to return to his family and faith. He has recently inherited a farm and he has decided on a career path that is very different than the one he had before leaving. David’s maam and daad welcome him home with open arms, but David knows the steps he must take to be part of their church community. His neighbors, the Bowman family, eagerly invite him into their home. David is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, but how will he feel when he sees Miriam Bowman again?

Having lost the man she hoped to one day marry, Miriam has yet to find another man to love so she is resigned to spinsterhood. She loves her job at the local quilting shop and she continues living with her parents. With David now a part of her life, she begins to view him much differently than when she was younger. Realizing her feelings for him are deepening, Miriam cannot help but wonder if love and marriage might not be as far out of reach as she believes. But will their shared past and Levi’s death prevent them from sharing a future together?

David’s life with the Englisch was not without its fair share of problems. But he is ready to put that life behind him and embrace his Amish faith and community. David begins working with the Bishop right away in order to seek forgiveness for his mistakes. But he is reluctant to confess the one thing that troubles him the most. Will David be able to truly move on since he has not completely forgiven himself?

Mending Hearts is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness and love. Miriam is a kind-hearted and loving young woman. David is a compassionate man who struggles to let go of lingering guilt. Both are devoutly faithful but Miriam is better at accepting God’s will. Miriam and David are a wonderful couple but their path to happiness is not assured.  With some late in the story  conflict, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are going to love this newest installment.

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Filed under Amish, Berkley, Contemporary, Janice Kay Johnson, Mending Hearts, Rated B, Review, Romance, Tompkins Mill Series

January 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair

Title: Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair
When in Rome Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 290 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A funny and delightful story from the New York Times bestselling author of the St. Helena Vineyard series that fans of Avery Flynn, Kristan Higgins, and Helena Hunting will love.

Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, bestselling author Marina Adair’s latest novel asks whether two of a small town’s biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first—in the name of love. . .

As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island’s unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There’s not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It’s always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that’s getting tougher to resist . . .

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset—literally. But then his father’s death and his sister’s unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she’s in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi’s wondering if it’s time to get his sea legs under him again. Or he was wondering, until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams . . .

Review:

Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair is an endearing romance. This newest addition to the When in Rome series can easily be read as a standalone.

Beckett Hayes has shouldered caring for her brother, Thomas and dad Jeffery ever since her mother abandoned her family. Both are on the autism spectrum and while Jeffery is also a composer and performer, Thomas requires more support. Due to her sometimes chaotic home life, Beckett has to drop everything when things go wrong. A bit scarred by her first serious boyfriend, she instead dates men from out of town so if their relationships blow up, she does not run into them again. Beckett has been fighting her attraction to local Levi Rhodes for quite some time but will he convince her to change her mind?

Levi understands Beckett’s devotion to her family. Years earlier, he gave up college to move back home to help his single sister raise her daughter, Paisley.  Now his niece is in high school, Levi is planning the sailing trip he also postponed. However, the family business is currently lacking a few crucial employees and his best friend is marrying soon. Then there is his fascination with Beckett.   Levi has not had a committed relationship for a few years and he would like to explore his desire for Beckett. But will she agree to give him a chance?

Hopeless Romantic is an entertaining romance with a quirky but loveable cast of characters. Beckett and Levi are beautifully developed with realistic issues to overcome. Thomas is easy to like but Jeffery is somewhat frustrating. Beckett and Levi’s relationship is quite touching with an underlying simmering sexual tension. With an unexpected conflict, Marina Adair brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion.  Old and new fans will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the When in Rome series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Hopeless Romantic, Kensington, Marina Adair, Rated B, Review, Romance, When in Rome Series

January 21, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns

Title: The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Davids
The Infamous Amish Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this poignant new series, Patricia Johns introduces an Amish family striving to reclaim the promise of love, marriage, and community . . .

The Amish residents of Bountiful, Pennsylvania, are stunned when preacher Abe Yoder is imprisoned for fraud. For Abe’s son, Isaiah, the news cuts doubly deep. His daet’s misdeeds have cost Isaiah his family’s land and their good name. To support his sisters, he takes a job in the Glick family’s
book-binding shop, though it means working alongside a woman who has every reason to resent him. Yet his attraction to Bethany Glick’s beauty and warmth is undimmed . . .

Isaiah’s daet’s actions helped drive Bethany’s fiancé to the Englischer world, and cost her own father his savings. Their shop has need of Isaiah’s brawn and skill, but if she’s to start over after heartbreak, she needs a man she can trust. Not a Yoder. But Isaiah isn’t giving up so easily. And when Bethany faces a dilemma, there may be a way for each to find not just redemption, but a joyful new love . . .

Review:

The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns is a heartfelt Amish romance.

Isaiah Yoder’s life is in shambles following the arrest and conviction of his father for swindling the people in their community.  Living with his uncle, Isaish feels unwelcome so he is desperate to get a job so he can take care of his sisters.  Isaiah is not trusted by the other Amish families and the future he envisioned for himself is now unattainable. But he is unwilling to give up his faith or his community, so he continues trying to show he is worthy of their support and friendship.

Following her fiancé Micah Weibe’s sudden departure, Bethany Glick is heartbroken and mad at herself for not seeing Micah more clearly. She continues working with her dad in his binding shop where she misses Micah’s help and presence.  With everyone else hoping Micah will come to his senses and return to Bountiful, Bethany gradually realizes she would not marry him if he did come back. But after an unwelcome discovery, Bethany is faced with an untenable decision.

When Bethany’s father takes a risk hiring Isaiah, she is at first displeased to see him every day. She is angry that his father’s actions have a direct impact on her parents’ lives. But as they begin to occasionally spend time together outside of work, Bethany gradually begins to thaw towards him. Isaiah knows he will not be able to move  on until he  understands why his father stole from their friends.  With so much going on in Bethany and Isaiah’s lives, will they nurture the fledgling feelings that are growing between them?

The Preacher’s Son is a captivating novel of grace, love and healing. Bethany and Isaiah are wonderfully drawn, vibrant characters who are grappling with realistic problems. They are both dedicated to their faith. However, after Bethany’s circumstances unexpectedly change, she is forced to make a choice that she is uncomfortable with.  Patricia Johns brings this marvelous Amish romance to a heartwarming conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this first installment in The Infamous Amish series to fans of the genre.

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

January 19, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Happy Single’s Day by Ann Marie Walker

Title: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker
Hashtag Holidays Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 244 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Author Ann Marie Walker brings you a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’ll warm your heart for Singles Day (the true anti-Valentine’s Day!) and every day after!

Single and proud of it! Oh, oops…

As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker’s world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to celebrate Singles Day. After all, what’s better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is.

As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, single dad Lucas Croft finally has some peace and quiet. It’s only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is.

But when Paige books a room that Lucas’ well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they’ve both been missing.

Review:

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a fun romance set in the Outer Banks.

Paige Parker is a very successful business owner who works too hard. After a discussion with her assistant/hilarious friend Samuel Lee,  she impulsively books a beach vacation at a B&B. Her arrival reveals many surprises and when she finds herself stranded by a storm, Paige decides to make the best of things. She is shocked by her unexpected attraction to her curmudgeonly host, B&B owner Lucas Croft.  Will Paige continue to resist giving in and enjoying a vacation fling?

Lucas is a very reluctant host so he is gruff and rude to his unwanted guest. But not wanting to completely ruin his business, he does finally change his attitude toward Paige (whom he thinks is a little too tightly wound). Lucas is still grieving the death of his beloved wife and he has dedicated himself to raising their precocious, adorable four year old daughter Maddie.  Lucas is also not exactly pleased to discover he is attracted to Paige but he does realize he might just be ready to move on from his devastating loss. But should he give in to his desire for Paige?

The relationship between Lucas and Paige goes from contentious to friendship in a realistic manner. Their simmering attraction underlies their interactions as they gradually get to know each other. Paige has been deeply hurt in the past so she has no desire to risk her heart again. Until meeting Paige, Lucas has been unable to come to terms with his wife’s death.  With both of them aware a relationship would have a definite shelf life, they decide to indulge their passion for each other. But when Paige returns to Chicago, will either of them be able to forget their burgeoning feelings for each other?

Happy Singles Day is a heartwarming novel of healing and love. Lucas and Paige are well-drawn characters who evolve and grow after getting to know one another. Their romance is understated but their desire and emotions ring true.  The beach setting springs vividly to life and serves as the perfect backdrop for Lucas and Paige’s  relationship.  Ann Marie Walker brings this charming romance to a sweet conclusion. A wonderful beginning to the Hashtag Holidays series  that readers of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Ann Marie Walker, Contemporary, Happy Singles Day, Hashtag Holidays Series, Review, Romance, Sourcebooks Casablanca

January 18, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey

Title: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book One
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes a new series that follows a bookmobile driver-turned-matchmaker who learns that her Amish patrons need a whole lot more than just new books to read.

Aaron Coblentz has a secret: he’s been studying to take the GED to get promoted at work. But he can’t let his Amish family know, not when his older brother already left the faith just a year after getting baptized, practically crippling the family. When Aaron asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for some additional study guides, she does one better. She arranges for Kayla Kaufman to be his tutor.

Kayla has a secret, too. Her life has been turned upside down in a matter of months—her mother’s death propelled her father into a constant state of depression, and unable to deal with his erratic behavior, her longtime boyfriend has broken things off. But despite losing those she holds most dear, she hasn’t completely given up on love. Only now she seeks to find it in the sweet romance novels she secretly checks out from Sarah Anne’s bookmobile.

As Aaron and Kayla’s study sessions start to feel less like work and more like pleasure, they soon realize that happily ever afters don’t only happen in fiction; sometimes they happen when you least expect it.

From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), A Perfect Amish Romance is a moving and deftly told story that paints a heartwarming picture of the magic of true love.

Review:

A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey is a heartfelt Amish romance.

Aaron Coblentz knows how his parents will react if he tells them he wants to get his GED. So he studies in private until he needs a tutor to get him ready to take the test. He is from a big happy family with loving parents who hold their children tightly after their oldest son goes Englisch. Aaron is a kind-hearted and  compassionate young man who is a hard worker.  But his lack of world experience is a handicap while studying for his upcoming GED test. Aaron is well-known by bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller so he has no worries about being tutored by the young woman she recommends him to.

At one time Kayla Kaufman considered leaving her Amish faith behind. So she has already passed her GED test. She is a little wary of Aaron’s need for secrecy but she could use the money she earns from tutoring him. Kayla lives with her father whose continued depression from her mamm’s death means she has a heavy load of responsibility. She loves her father, but she is growing weary of the constant strain of worrying about keeping a roof over  their heads.

Despite their slightly inauspicious first meeting,  Aaron and Kayla soon become friends.   Their friendship has a bit of a tenuous feel to it to begin with since Kayla has a few trust issues. After her dad leaves for his annual trip to FL, Kayla relaxes her guard and enjoys her time with Aaron. As their friendship turns romantic, will Kayla take a chance and risk her heart again?

A secondary story arc revolves around a budding romance between Aaron’s sister Tiny (Elizabeth) and their neighbor Joel Lapp. Tiny is never quite certain that Joel is interested her beyond friendship so doubts plague their relationship. When Aaron misconstrues a situation involving Joel, will his interference put an end to Tiny’s hopes of a romance?

A Perfect Amish Romance is a sweet Amish romance that also deals with true to life issues. Aaron and Kayla are delightful characters that are very easy to like. Kayla’s home situation with her dad adds depth and substance to the well-developed storyline. Aaron’s  quest for more education is at odds with his Amish faith and he does not want to worry his parents. Sarah Anne is a wonderful woman who cares deeply for the people she meets through the bookmobile. With this charming first installment, Shelley Shepard Grey’s new Berlin Bookmobile series is off to a marvelous beginning.

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Filed under A Perfect Amish Romance, Amish, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

January 14, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Six
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

Review:

The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis is a heartwarming novel of family, healing and love. While this newest release is the sixth installment in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone.

Although Maze Porter, Walker Scott and Heather are now adults, their childhood in foster care still haunts them. They were lucky enough to be fostered with the Walsh family, but when tragedy struck, it tore all of them apart. The three remained friends with Caitlin “Cat” Walsh, but they have been slightly estranged for the last three years. With her upcoming wedding nearing, Cat maneuvers her family of the heart into spending time with her at her family’s lakeside cabin. Will their time together allow them to mend the fractures in their relationship?

Cat is excited about the reunion with Maze, Walker and Heather but she is nervous about her upcoming wedding. Many of the details still need taken care of but she is struggling to get them done. Cat is also concerned about her relationship with her fiancé Dillon as she realizes they might not want the same things.  But she pushes aside her nerves and with a lot of help from Maze, her wedding plans get back on track.

Maze has allowed the guilt over tragic events to guide her relationship with her former foster parents, Cat, Walker and Heather. She is also emotionally closed off as she tries to protect herself from getting hurt again. Maze is also trying very hard to ignore her feelings for Walker but she cannot avoid spending time with him. The two of them are keeping a huge secret from their friends and Walker shocks her with an unexpected revelation.

Walker does not let much rattle him since he is calm under pressure.  Although he openly shows how much everyone means to him, Walker does not reveal too much about his past.  He is surprised by a recent, discovery but Walker decides it is up to Maze what to do about it.

The Forever Girl is a very touching novel that is emotionally compelling. The characters are beautifully developed with easy to relate issues. The storyline is engaging and the characters grow and evolve as the story unfolds. Walker and Maze are a wonderful couple but their respective baggage leads to misunderstandings and lack of communication. Jill Shalvis brings this delightful novel to a wonderful conclusion that will tug on readers heartstrings. Another outstanding addition to the Wildstone series that old and new fans are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Forever Girl, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks