Category Archives: Romance

October 14, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle

Title: Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 328 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A heartwarming Christmas story filled with the magic and miracles of the holiday season by USA Today Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle.

Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.

When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn’t another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.

While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she’s meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz that she’s found a home? And possibly true love as well?

Review:

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle is an endearing novel of love and new beginnings.

Liz Westmoreland’s fondest memories are the times she spent at her grandparents’ lodge. Despite her lucrative career, she dreams of owning a bed and breakfast.  In a moment of serendipity, Liz gets the opportunity to bid on her grandparents’ property when it is unexpectedly up for auction.  After winning the auction, Liz travels to Antler Creek where she delighted by the townspeople’s welcome and offers of assistance.

Since Liz  purchased her grandparents’ lodge sight unseen, she is unaware of the changes made to the property over the years by different owners. She is filled with doubts when she realizes how much work the lodge will need before she can open for business. But despite her trepidation, Liz is not  willing to give up on her dream just yet. Luckily she has a town full of hardworking residents who are eager to help her return the lodge to its former glory.

Matt Hardy also bid on the property but he is not at all resentful when he meets Liz. He entertains fond memories of her from their childhood and he is quick to step in and assist Liz during her renovations. Unbeknownst to Liz, Matt’s feelings run deeper than friendship but he is careful to keep his hopes for a future with her to himself.  With quiet determination, Matt lends his expertise while nurturing their connection but will Liz fall in love with him?

Both Liz and Matt are wary of becoming involved with one another. Matt’s previous relationship with someone from the city ended badly and he is in no hurry to repeat his mistake. Liz’s future is uncertain since she has no idea how successful the lodge will be after opening for business. But with an easygoing friendship quickly developing between them as they spend time together, will Liz and Matt decide to explore their growing feelings for each other?

Christmas Angels is a warm and inviting romance with a lovable dog, a wonderful cast of characters and an idyllic setting. Liz and Matt’s relationship is sweet yet understated.  Although their romance is mostly drama free, conflict arises very late in the story due to a misunderstanding.  Fans of wholesome romances are sure to enjoy this cheerful and uplifting holiday story by Nancy Naigle. 

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Filed under Christmas Angels, Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin

October 9, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

Title: The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Historical, Supernatural Elements (Ghost), Romance
Length: 346 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age romantic comedy debut

It’s 1875, and Alva Webster has perfected her stiff upper lip after three years of being pilloried in the presses of two continents over fleeing her abusive husband. Now his sudden death allows her to return to New York to make a fresh start, restoring Liefdehuis, a dilapidated Hyde Park mansion, and hopefully her reputation at the same time.

However, fresh starts aren’t as easy as they seem, as Alva discovers when stories of a haunting at Liefdehuis begin to reach her. But Alva doesn’t believe in ghosts. So when the eccentric and brilliant professor Samuel Moore appears and informs her that he can get to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds Liefdehuis, she turns him down flat. She doesn’t need any more complications in her life—especially not a handsome, convention-flouting, scandal-raising one like Sam. Unfortunately, though Alva is loath to admit it, Sam, a pioneer in electric lighting and a member of the nationally-adored Moore family of scientists, is the only one who can help. Together, the two delve into the tragic secrets wreathing Alva’s new home while Sam attempts to unlock Alva’s history—and her heart.

Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Widow of Rose House is a gorgeous debut by Diana Biller, with a darkly Victorian Gothic flair and an intrepid and resilient American heroine guaranteed to delight readers.

Review:

Set in 1875, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller is a charming romance with ghostly elements.

Widow Alva Webster’s scandalous reputation precedes her  as she returns to New York following the death of her husband, Alain. She has recently purchased a purported haunted house which she plans to restore. Alva also has a publishing deal to write about her restoration but when her construction crew walks off the job due to ghostly appearances, Alva turns to Professor Samuel “Sam” Moore for help.  With a surprising attraction simmering between them,  can Alva guard her heart and her secrets while she and Sam get to the bottom of the ghost’s identity?

Alva is more than ready to move on from her abusive marriage but rumors still follow her. She is focused on renovating her new home and starting over. Alva has no plan or desire for a new romance and she is surprised by how much she enjoys spending time with Sam and his family. With serious trust issues due to her past, is there any way she can risk heart again?

Sam is an absolutely delightful man. He is the epitome of the absent minded professor as he is continually distracted by thoughts and ideas for new projects. Sam is genuinely kind-hearted and compassionate and he is quite smitten with Alva right from the first time he sees her.  Is there any way Sam can gain Alva’s trust and win her heart?

The Widow of Rose House  is an engaging novel with a slow burning romance and an intriguing ghost hunt. The storyline is appealing but the pacing is sometimes a little slow. Sam is a wonderfully patient man who is absolutely perfect for emotionally wounded Alva. The search for the ghost is quite interesting and perfectly complements the overall story.  Fans of historical romances are sure to love this endearing debut by Diana Biller.

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Filed under Diana Biller, Historical, Rated B, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, Supernatural Elements, The Widow of Rose House

September 23, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan

Title: A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

This funny, charming and heartwarming new Christmas novel is USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan at her festive best!

In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret about their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget!

Review:

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking Aspen,  A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan is a marvelous Christmas romance.

Twenty-two year old Rosie White surprises her family with her announcement she is marrying Dan Reynolds on Christmas Eve in Aspen. She has a history of being a little flighty and impulsive but her time away from her family and Dan have helped her grow more self-confident. Unfortunately, her older sister Katie makes Rosie doubt her decision. Yet when Rosie is with Dan, she knows she is making the right choice and besides, her long married parents, Maggie and Nick, are proof that whirlwind romances can result in a happy, successful marriage.  But will Katie’s negativity, unexpected revelations about her parents and lack of communication ruin Rosie’s chance for her happily ever after with Dan?

Maggie and Nick are not in a good place when they fly from England to Colorado for Rosie’s nuptials. Maggie is concerned her daughter is rushing into marriage but Nick trusts Rosie’s judgments. He also believes he and Maggie should tell their children they are planning to divorce. But Maggie does not want to put a damper on the  upcoming festivities so she convinces him to pretend they are treating the trip as their second honeymoon.  Will their pretend honeymoon reignite their love and passion for one another?

Katie is having second thoughts about her career following a terrifying incident at work. She has not revealed anything about her problems to her family and she has no intention of telling them. Ignoring her own troubles, Katie concentrates on proving to Rosie that marrying Dan is a huge mistake. Will she uncover proof that Dan is hiding something that could hurt her sister after the wedding?

A Wedding in December is a multi-generational novel that is heartfelt and endearing. Rosie is a wonderful young woman who is ready for her parents and sister to recognize she is a capable adult. Dan is a terrific man who patiently puts up with his future sister in law’s shenanigans. Katie is rather irritating as she tries to convince Rosie she is making a mistake marrying Dan. Nick and Maggie lost their way as a couple as she focused on their daughters and he concentrated on his career.  Despite Katie’s heavy-handed inference, this delightful holiday romance comes to a sigh-worthy conclusion.  

Old and new fans of Sarah Morgan are sure to love this exquisite novel.

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Filed under A Wedding in December, Contemporary, HQN Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sarah Morgan

September 4, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Listening to Love by Beth Wiseman

Title: Listening to Love by Beth Wiseman
An Amish Journey Series Book Two
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 321 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He’s Amish. She’s Englisch. They are best friends, despite what the gossips say. But could the rumor mill know more than they do?

Englischer Natalie Collins looks forward to Friday night suppers at Levi and Mary Shetler’s house every week: delicious food, wonderful conversation with her Amish friends, and, best of all, the presence of Levi’s older brother Lucas. Natalie and Lucas have become best friends despite their different backgrounds. They share a love of books, and he is teaching her about God in a way that she can understand.

But the closer they become, the more opinions everyone seems to have. Levi and Mary, Lucas’s family, and even Natalie’s mother—whose own life is a mess at the moment—have concerns about their relationship. Why can’t everyone understand that it’s possible to just be friends? Besides, they couldn’t be together even if they wanted to be. Lucas would never leave the Amish faith, and Natalie is Englisch and pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.

But when a terrifying accident happens, Natalie and Lucas are forced to confront their true feelings and decide if they can stay true to themselves and each other.

The second novel in the Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman explores the compromises and sacrifices it takes to truly listen to love.

Review:

Listening to Love is a thought-provoking Amish story of love, healing, friendship and family. Although this latest release is the second installment in Beth Wiseman’s An Amish Journey series, it can be read as a standalone.

Nineteen year old Natalie Collins is an Englischer whose relationship with God has grown through her friendship with Lucas Shetler. Through an unexpected inheritance and her friends’ generosity, Natalie is going to college where she plans to achieve her life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian. Despite all of the positive things in her life, Natalie is troubled by her mother Cecelia’s inability to move past her hurt and bitterness from her divorce. She is also dipping into her college savings to help support Cecelia whose financial situation is becoming dire. The time Natalie spends with Lucas is a huge bright spot in her life but do their feelings for one another run deeper than friendship?

Natalie is a caring and very responsible young woman but she is growing weary of financially and emotionally supporting her mom.  She is also a bit concerned about the career path she has chosen for herself. Natalie and Lucas live in very different worlds but they are trying to remain true to the plans that God has for them. Both of their friends and families are growing worried that their relationship might turn into a romance. Thankfully, Natalie has Lucas and God to help her navigate the unexpected obstacles that suddenly appear in her life.  

Lucas and his family are Old Order Amish which is very strict and eschews modern technology. Even in the face of his mother’s disapproval, he cannot deny how drawn he is to Natalie. If they are to have a future together, one of them will have to sacrifice the life they are currently living. Can Lucas walk away from his family and faith in order for them to be together?

Cecelia has been trying hard to overcome the betrayal of her husband divorcing her. She feels guilty over relying so heavily on her daughter and she is growing desperate as she searches for employment. When Cecelia meets Lucas’s neighbor Moses Schwartz, she does not hesitate to accept his job offer. She is happily settling into her new position and she is finally beginning to regain her lost confidence. But will Cecelia revert to destructive coping mechanisms when faced with an unexpected crisis?

Listening to Love is a heartwarming Amish novel with an engaging romance and endearing characters. Natalie and Lucas are winsome characters who are faced with life-altering decisions once they fall in love. They both grow and change as they work together to make the right choice for their future. Cecelia’s story arc is quite uplifting but challenging as she begins healing from her painful divorce. Old and new fans of Beth Wiseman’s An Amish Journey series are going to love this newest addition to this heartfelt series.

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Filed under Amish, An Amish Journey Series, Beth Wiseman, Contemporary, Listening to Love, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zondervan

August 28, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: How to Catch a Wicked Viscount by Amy Rose Bennett

Title: How to Catch a Wicked Viscount by Amy Rose Bennett
Disreputable Debutantes Series Book One
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 319 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through First to Read

Summary:

A young lady’s tarnished reputation might cost her everything in this first book in the Disreputable Debutantes series. 

Shy, bookish Sophie Brightwell is expected to make an advantageous match to improve her family’s fortunes. However, Sophie’s plans to make a spectacular debut go horribly awry when she and her three closest friends are expelled from a young ladies’ academy for unbecoming conduct. Since the ton will be sure to close their doors on these disgraced debutantes, they determine that unconventional means need to be employed in the husband-hunting market. Rakehells—the beau monde’s wickedest members—might be the only men willing to overlook a young lady’s besmirched reputation.

But how does one catch a rake?

Nate Hastings, the devil-may-care Viscount Malverne, is the older brother of Sophie’s best friend, fellow disgraced debutante Lady Charlotte. When a terribly foxed Nate accidentally compromises Sophie, Charlotte strikes a wicked bargain: in order to avoid a scandal and the parson’s mousetrap, Nate must help Sophie snare a husband. But as Nate fulfills his obligation and begins to instruct the lovely Sophie in the art of luring rakes, he soon finds himself battling his own fierce attraction to her.

Review:

Set in 1818, How to Catch a Wicked Viscount by Amy Rose Bennett is a light-hearted and delectably steamy historical romance.

Three years earlier, Sophie Brightwell and three of her friends are expelled from a ladies’ school when they are caught drinking brandy, smoking cheroots and reading a risque novel. Sophie returns home to her stepfather’s impoverished farm where she is in danger of being married off to a reprehensible baron in order to erase the family debt.  She is offered an unlikely reprieve when one of her friends, Lady Charlotte “Charlie” Hastings invites her to London for the season.  Both Sophie and Charlie are hoping for an advantageous match but the rumor mill has yet to forget their previous disgraceful antics.

Charlie’s brother Nate, Viscount Malverne, becomes the young women’s unlikely escort after he is caught in a particularly compromising situation. Nate and his best friends have been trying to out drink, out gamble and out womanize their wartime demons for quite some time. With his and Charlie’s father finally out of patience, Nate is under strict orders to put his rakehell shenanigans behind him and take his responsibilities seriously.  Which means he is also living under the family roof at the same time Sophie is in London.

Forced to spend time in each other’s company, Sophie has convinced Nate to teach her how to ensnare a husband.  Nate is a reluctant instructor in the arts of flirting and kissing. The more time the two spend together, Nate’s and Sophie’s unexpected attraction begins to burn hotter. Sophie is also beginning to fall in love with her best friend’s brother but she is under no illusion that he will ask for her hand in marriage. When a suitor begins earnestly pursuing Sophie, will Nate admit his growing feelings for her?

How to Catch a Wicked Viscount is an absolutely charming Regency romance.  The characters are well developed and quite endearing. The novel is fast-paced with an engaging storyline. The relationship between Nate and Sophie is laced with sexual tension which results in some very steamy scenes between them.  With the fate of their romance hanging in the balance, Amy Rose Bennett brings this entertaining first installment of the Disreputable Debutantes series to an swoon-worthy, sigh-inducing conclusion. I highly recommend this marvelous historical romance to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Amy Rose Bennett, Berkley, Disreputable Debutantes Series, Historical, How to Catch a Wicked Viscount, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 25, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Well Met by Jen DeLuca

Title: Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 335 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through First to Read

Summary:

All’s faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is Simon’s family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn’t have time for Emily’s lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she’s in her revealing wench’s costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they’re portraying?

This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can’t seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek.

Review:

Well Met by Jen DeLuca  is an utterly charming romance.

Emily Parker is reeling from a break up with her longtime boyfriend when she relocates to help her older sister April recover from a car accident.  Although busy taking care of her niece Caitlin and her sister, she is loving spending time with them.  When Caitlin signs up to work the Renaissance Faire (which is an annual fundraiser), Emily is dismayed to discover she has to volunteer as well.  However, Emily is surprised by how much she enjoys working alongside Stacey Lindholm, Christine “Chris” Donovan and Mitch Malone.  Unfortunately she is not at all thrilled at having to spend time with the Ren Faire’s grumpy coordinator Simon Graham.  Needless to say, Emily is a bit confused when she finds Simon’s  pirate alter ego very hard to resist.  Will Emily’s and Simon’s unexpected summer romance continue once the Ren Faire is finished?

Emily is sarcastic and snarky but she also has a heart of gold.  Despite the circumstances, she is truly enjoyed getting to know her older sister and niece better.  A planner by nature, Emily is a little concerned about what she will do with her life once April is fully recovered. Having put her life on hold for her ex-boyfriend, the only thing she knows for certain is a career change is in order.  After spending the summer getting to know the townspeople, Emily cannot fathom starting over somewhere else. But can she count on her job at Chris’s coffee shop/bookstore to continue when summer ends?

An English teacher at the local high school, Simon is a bit uptight and a stickler for details. He is also resistant to any changes to the Ren Faire but everyone he works with is ok with him running the show. Once he dons his pirate garb, he is fun-loving and flirty. But with summer drawing to a close, Simon is once again very serious and intense as he prepares for the upcoming school year.

The relationship between Emily and Simon runs hot and cold for a good part of the novel.  Emily does not need his disapproval and he does not appreciate her light-hearted approach to life. But a funny thing happens as they transform themselves into their Ren Faire characters. As the Faire draws to a close, Emily’s self-doubts threaten to overwhelm her just as her romance with Simon is heating up. At the same time, Simon’s inability to move past a heartbreaking loss threatens their chance for a future together.

Well Met is a delightfully breezy romance that is quite captivating. The characters are endearing and easy to like. The storyline is engaging and the Ren Faire is a fun backdrop for the unfolding story. Emily’s and Simon’s romance is a slow burn but it is still enjoyable watching them fall in love. The conflict that arises between them is quickly resolved with a very heartwarming scene.  I absolutely loved and highly recommend this marvelous debut by Jen DeLuca.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Jen DeLuca, Rated B, Rated B+, Romance, Well Met