Category Archives: Romance

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 16, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

Title: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd
Cornwall Series Book Two
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance, Mystery
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

Review:

Set in 1818, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd is a sweet historical romance with a slight mystery element.  Although this latest release is the second installment in the Cornwall series, it can be read as a standalone.

Suffering from a broken heart, nineteen year old Julia Twethewey  is in need of a diversion. So when her cousin Jane is bedridden due to pregnancy complications, she travels to Lanwyn Manor to keep her company. The house is in a mining town that is dealing with high unemployment rates partly due to her Uncle William Lambourne closing his mine. Julia’s introduction to the town is frightening but she is charmed by Isaac Blake who rescues her from a threatening situation. However, her Aunt Beatrice insists she spend time with Isaac’s twin brother Matthew since he owns the neighboring estate and mine. As strange and menacing occurrences continue,  Julia is uncertain whom she can trust and her heart and mind are at war as she begins to fall for Isaac. With Aunt Beatrice controlling her every move, will Julia and Isaac get the opportunity to explore their burgeoning feelings for one another?

Julia is a biddable young woman who finds it difficult to stand up to her overbearing Aunt Beatrice.  She is kind, compassionate and caring but she does not trust her own judgment due to her previous relationship. Julia is not at all interested in Matthew but between her aunt’s insistence he is the one for her and her unquestioning belief in local gossip, she continues to see him. Julia can never quite let go of her attraction to Isaac, but is there any chance of a future with him?

By a mere three minutes, Isaac  is the younger son so Matthew inherits the family estate and profitable mine Wheal Tamsen.  Isaac would like to reopen the mine he inherited but he lacks sufficient funds to accomplish his goal. Despite his disappointment, he is content to continue to work with Matthew at Wheal Tamsen. Isaac is intrigued by Julia from their very first meeting but he steps aside as soon as Matthew expresses interest in her. He is suspicious of his brother’s motives for becoming involved with Julia and the Lambournes, but there is nothing he can do about the situation. The two brothers are complete opposites and although Isaac clearly sees Matthew’s faults, he is extremely loyal. However, Isaac eagerly looks forward to spending as many stolen moments as possible with Julia.

The goings on at Lanwyn Manor are quite puzzling and Julia senses something is amiss.  But she cannot quite figure out exactly what is making her so uneasy. Julia is stunned by a shocking accusation and she is also bewildered  by some of Matthew’s behavior. She has stumbled onto some confusing information, but try as she might, Julia struggles to understand what it all means.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing historical romance with an interesting mystery to solve. Julia and Isaac are delightful characters who put duty over their own wishes. Aunt Beatrice is quite domineering and not very easy to like.  Sarah E. Ladd  brings the novel  heartwarming conclusion  that readers are sure to love.  Old and new fans are going to enjoy this lovely addition to the Cornwall series.

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Filed under Cornwall Series, Historical, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sarah E Ladd, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Thomas Nelson Publishing

December 15, 2019 · 11:55 pm

Review: Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake

Title: Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake
Unlikely Duchesses Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Forever My Duke is the second novel in a brand new Regency romance series from Olivia Drake about rakish dukes and the governesses who steal their hearts.

“I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

Review:

Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake is a charming historical romance. This newest addition to the Unlikely Duchesses  series can be read as a standalone.

Natalie Fanshawe is an independent, intelligent and lively young woman. An American, she disdains the British aristocracy having been raised to believe all people are equal. So when she travels to England to fulfill her best friend Audrey’s last wish, Natalie is not overly impressed by the Duke of Clayton Hadrian Ames’ rank.  Her only concern is ensuing six year old Leo Bellingham is in good hands when she brings him to his grandfather’s estate. Natalie is right to be concerned since Audrey and her father were estranged for many years before her untimely death. Fiercely protective of Leo, Natalie wants to keep  her promise but she is very uneasy about leaving her delightful young charge in the care of his grandfather.

In a fortuitous coincidence, Hadrian is also traveling to the same estate.  He is a bit stuffy and a stick in the mud who puts duty above all else.  Finally ready to settle down, Hadrian is planning to marry Audrey’s much younger half-sister. He is quite charmed by the refreshingly forthright Natalie, but he is well aware she not the right woman for him.  Hadrian is quite reserved and holds his emotions in check but after meeting Natalie and Leo, he becomes a bit more lively.

Natalie is a strong, vibrant  woman who knows her own mind. She refuses to compromise her beliefs and she challenges Hadrian right from their first meeting. Natalie fights her attraction to Hadrian but she genuinely enjoys his company so she finds it difficult to keep her distance from him. She is very concerned about Leo but she feels like she has to honor Audrey’s last wish.

Forever My Duke is a breezy, entertaining romance. Despite a few predictable plot elements, the storyline is engaging with delightful banter.  Natalie is a marvelous character who is impossible not to like. Hadrian is aloof but likable and he struggles with communication and deep emotions.  Leo is an adorable little boy who easily steals every scene he appears in. Natalie and Hadrian’s relationship is fun to watch unfold and both characters grow and evolve over the course of the story.  Olivia Drake brings this heartwarming romance to a sigh worthy conclusion. Old and new fans of the Unlikely Duchesses  series are sure to enjoy this latest installment.

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Filed under Forever My Duke, Historical, Olivia Drake, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, Unlikely Duchesses Series

December 11, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Forever Friends by Sarah Mackenzie

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

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 27, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

Title: Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Can you fall in love like they do in the movies?

It’s Evie Summers’s job to find out. Because if she can’t convince her film agency’s biggest client, Ezra Chester, to write the romantic-comedy screenplay he owes producers, her career will be over. The catch? He thinks rom-coms are unrealistic–and he’ll only put pen to paper if Evie shows him that it’s possible to meet a man in real life the way it happens on the big screen.

Cynical Evie might not believe in happily ever after, but she’ll do what it takes to save the job that’s been her lifeline . . . even if it means reenacting iconic rom-com scenes in public. Spilling orange juice on a cute stranger? No problem. Leaving her number in books all over London to see who calls? Done. With a little help from her well-meaning friends–and Ben and Anette, the adorable father-daughter duo who keep witnessing her humiliations–Evie is determined to prove she can meet a man the way Sally met Harry. But can a workaholic who’s given up on love find a meet-cute of her very own?

Review:

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters is a charming, humorous romance.

Twenty nine year old Evie Summers is hoping to finally get promoted from assistant to agent. Dangling the promotion, her boss, Monty, assigns her to obtain the long delayed rom-com movie script from Oscar winning screenwriter Ezra Chester. Evie forces a meeting with the narcissistic Ezra who agrees to fulfill his obligation only if she can prove a “meet cute” can culminate with love.  With her job on the line, Evie reluctantly agrees to his conditions and gamely recreates scenes from her favorite rom-coms.  As she writes up her escapades and emails them  to Ezra, she is delighted to discover he is actively writing the script. But Evie is continually frustrated by his refusal to show her the pages he has compiled. With the deadline looming, will Evie fall in love through one of her “meet cutes” and save her job in the process?

Evie’s dream of becoming a screenwriter were quickly dashed years earlier and she is now set on becoming an agent.  She has a great circle of friends but since her move to London, she does not get to see them often enough. They reluctantly support Evie as she begins her meet cutes but their dislike of Ezra does not lessen.

During one of her “meet cute” set ups at a local coffee shop, Evie meets widower Ben and his precocious daughter Anette. She begins to look forward to their weekly meetings, but her relationship with Ben is a bit contentious since he is very disapproving of her “meet cutes”. Anette is a darling little girl who is very mature for her age.  Evie learns just enough about Ben’s background to try to gently nudge him to step out of the quiet life he has created for himself and Anette. But will he resent her interference?

In between her funny escapades, Evie is growing and evolving as she takes a hard look at her career. Is she completely fulfilled working for Monty? Will he follow through and give her the promised promotion when Ezra delivers the script? More importantly, does Evie still want to become an agent?

Would Like to Meet  is an engaging novel with a fun cast of characters. Evie is a plucky heroine but she is a little naive and too trusting.  Ben and Anette are absolutely wonderful and their scenes are quite heartwarming. Ezra is an arrogant jerk who completely takes advantage of Evie. The storyline is creative and clever yet it is also a bit implausible. In true rom-con fashion, Rachel Winters brings the novel to a swoon-worthy conclusion.  I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this entertaining debut to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, GP Putnams Sons, Grace Elliot, Rachel Winters, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Would Like to Meet