Category Archives: Romance

October 19, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

Title: When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Charming, hilarious, and emotional…When Sparks Fly is Helena Hunting at her very best!

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals.

Declan avoids relationships, giving him a playboy reputation that he lives up to when he puts a one-night stand ahead of a promise he made to Avery. While he may not have been the one driving the car, he feels responsible for Avery’s injuries and is determined to make it up to her by stepping into the role of caretaker.

Little did they know that the more time they spend in compromising positions, the attraction they’ve been refusing to acknowledge becomes impossible to ignore. When they finally give in to the spark between them, neither is prepared for the consequences. Their love is fragile and all it will take is a blow from the past to shatter it all.

Review:

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting is a sizzling friends to lovers romance.

Twenty-eight-year-old Avery Sparks loves sports and lives with her best friend from college Declan McCormick.  Her only long-term romance occurred in college and resulted in heartbreak so is not in the market for a relationship. She works alongside her two younger sisters, London and Harley, at their family-owned events hotel. Looking to expand their clientele, Avery is involved in a serious car accident when she is on her way to a college game and meeting with the alumni association. Her recovery period is long and Declan volunteers to help her at home because of his guilt over not driving to the event with her as planned. Their close proximity brings their long-repressed mutual attraction out in the open and they begin a heated relationship that turns into a romance. But will Declan’s trust issues ruin their chance at happiness?

Avery is low maintenance and high energy with plenty of enthusiasm for planning events for their hotel.  She is happy with her life and enjoys hanging out with her sisters, Declan and their friends Jerome and Mark.  Avery does not want to take a chance on ruining their friendship, so she ignores her attraction to Declan and puts him firmly in the friend zone. But during her recovery from the car accident, Avery’s very close contact with Declan leaves her fighting her desire for him. She also is well aware that he is not boyfriend material but will she change her mind as their relationship begins to venture into relationship territory?

Declan is very charming but his parents’ dysfunctional marriage leaves him with a serious inability to commit to anyone. He feels incredibly guilty over his role in Avery’s accident and he will do anything for her during her recovery. Despite his unease, their relationship turns intimate and Declan realizes his feelings for her have always run deeper than friendship. But having never dealt with the emotional baggage from his parents’ marriage, is there any chance for a future between him and Avery?

When Sparks Fly is an amusing and sometimes poignant romance with redeemable characters. Avery has her own issues but they are nowhere as deeply rooted as Declan’s. Their friendship is extremely close and serves as a solid foundation for their transition to romance. The conflict late in the story is not exactly unexpected but it provides an opportunity for realistic character growth. Avery’s sisters, Harley and London are a wonderful characters so hopefully Helena Hunting will revisit them in the future works.

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Filed under Contemporary, Helena Hunting, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, When Sparks Fly

October 15, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipson

Title: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

Review:

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston is a charming small-town romance.

Twenty-six-year-old Brianna Porter’s world is turned upside down when her father unexpectedly passes away. In the aftermath of his death, she struggles with helping her mother through her grief while also trying to keep the family business going on her own. Brianna is a little resentful when her sisters are unable to provide support after her mother’s health crisis. She is also frustrated with her fiancé Taylor Reese’s inability to find time to help her. Juggling so many problems, Brianna is grateful for real estate developer Scott Gibson’s assistance. But are his reasons for helping her as altruistic as they appear?

Brianna is overwhelmed after her dad’s shocking death. She is barely making a dent in getting the resort ready to open when her mom suffers a health emergency. Although she initially does not trust Scott, Brianna soon relies on him for his construction skills as they make necessary repairs around the resort.  As they spend more and more time together, she begins to have feelings for Scott. But Brianna feels she must honor her commitment to Taylor.

Scott is a kind-hearted, compassionate man who is very easy to like. He is patient with Brianna after their misunderstanding. He jumps and helps without a second thought and he is incredibly gentle with Brianna’s mom. Scott and Brianna  share common interests and they greatly enjoy each other’s companhy.  Scott soon realizes his feelings run deeper than friendship but he has too much integrity to come between Brianna and Taylor.

The Heart of Splendid Lake is an engaging romance with a warm and inviting setting. Brianna is a little prickly and struggling to cope with everything that has recently happened with her family. Scott is a self-made and hardworking man who has not always had an easy life. Brianna struggles with many difficult choices at various points in the unfolding story. With a late conflict to resolve, Amy Clipston brings this sweet romance to a heartfelt conclusion.

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Filed under Amy Clipston, Contemporary, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Heart of Splendid Lake, Thomas Nelson Publishing

October 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller

Title: Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller
An Amish Mail-Order Bride Series Book Two
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Neither Margaret nor Owen has any interest in getting married. But in the small Amish town of Birch Creek, where marriage is on everyone’s mind, their plans don’t stand a chance.

Margaret Yoder can’t seem to catch a break. Even though she’s dedicated to her Amish faith, her wild rumspringa won’t stay in the past, and her mother keeps pressuring her to get married. To placate her mother and get away from former “friends”, she decides to return to Birch Creek to visit family—and pretend to find a husband.

Like Margaret, Owen Bontrager isn’t looking for a spouse, something that’s hard to avoid in Birch Creek, where an ad for brides in the local paper has brought a swarm of single women to the thriving town. When he meets Margaret in an unexpected way, they discover they have more in common than they ever expected. In some ways, they are a perfect match.

Margaret struggles to keep her goal of avoiding romance in order to focus on being a faithful member of the Amish church, and it doesn’t help that she finds Owen intriguing. Knowing they don’t have a future together; she returns home and gives in to her mother’s insistence that she get married.

Can Margaret betray her feelings for Owen and become a dutiful daughter and wife to the man of her mother’s choosing? Or will Owen find a way to free Margaret of her past by giving her the future they both are surprised to find they desire?

Review:

Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller is a sweet Amish romance with charming characters. Although this newest release is the second book in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series, it can be read as a standalone.

Margaret Yoder continues to be tempted by the Englisch friends she made during her Rumspringa. She also continues to be at loggerheads with her mother who thinks her youngest daughter can do nothing right. Margaret is spirited and unable to conform to her mother’s rigid need to control everything. She has no desire to marry but when ordered to begin looking for a husband, Margaret returns to Birch Creek, OH to stay with her beloved Aenti Mary and Onkle Freemont and help them with their harvest. She is a hard worker but she also has plenty of free time. Margaret spends time exploring the nearby woods where she searches for flowers. She has renewed interest in herbal treatments after crossing paths with Owen Bontrager who is on a forced vacation. The two become good friends after agreeing neither is planning to marry but will love find them when they’re not looking?

After her Rumspringa, Margaret decided to fully commit to being Amish. But she discovered that leaving behind parts of Englisch life is easier said than done. She is determined to live up to her decision, but the strife between her and her mother is hurtful and troubling. Margaret is nothing like her mother or her sisters so she always feels like a failure. The opportunity to visit her Aenti Mary is just what she needs to escape from her mother’s disappointment.

Owen works on his family’s farm and he puts in long hours ensuring they are successful. He works longer than anyone and he has exacting standards for how things are to be done. Owen is very frustrated by his father’s edict to take a week off from work. When boredom sets in, he begins reading his grandfather’s books.

Owen and Margaret’s friendship is based on their mutual interests but it does not take long for their feelings for each other to deepen. However, neither of them wants to break their agreement to be friends only. What will they do when Margaret acquiesces to her mother’s unexpected demand?

Matched and Married is a heartwarming romance with a delightful cast of characters. Owen and Margaret have strong personalities and they a perfect match, but will they give in to their growing feelings for each other? In addition to their romance, another member of their community is trying to move on from her husband’s desertion but not knowing if he will ever return complicates her life. With an engaging storyline, relatable characters and realistic issues to overcome, Kathleen Fuller’s latest addition to the Amish Mail-Order Bride series is sure to be a hit with readers.

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Filed under Amish, Amish Mail-Order Bride Series, Contemporary, Kathleen Fuller, Matched and Married, Rated B, Review, Romance, Zondervan

September 28, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn

Title: Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Erin Hahn’s Never Saw You Coming, sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find yourself.

Eighteen-year-old Meg Hennessey just found out her entire childhood was a lie. So instead of taking a gap year before college to find herself, she ends up traveling north to meet what’s left of the family she never knew existed – all while questioning the ideals she grew up with.

While there, she meets Micah Allen, a former pastor’s kid whose dad ended up in prison, leaving Micah with his own complicated relationship with faith. The clock is ticking on his probation hearing and Micah, now 19, feels the pressure to forgive – even when he can’t possibly forget.

As Meg and Micah grow closer, they are confronted with the heavy flutterings of first love and all the complications it brings. Together, they must navigate the sometimes-painful process of cutting ties with childhood beliefs as they build toward something truer and straight from the heart.

Review:

Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn is an engaging young adult romance with a topical storyline.

Eighteen-year-old Meg Hennessey’s gap year is turned upside down when she learns a huge secret about her life. She was homeschooled growing up and very involved in an ultraconservative church whose attitudes toward women she now questions. In order to distance herself from her parents, Meg heads to the Upper Peninsula in order to meet family she never knew existed. Her great-grandmother welcomes her with open arms as does her uncle James. But it is her chance meeting with nineteen-year-old Micah Allen that results in the most changes in her life.

Micah has been in his own crisis of church for several years. His faith in God never wavered but his faith in church institution did following the poor treatment lack of support of his family’s former congregation. Micah worships in his own way but he has yet to come to terms with the precipitating event that turned him away from going to church. His relationship with his family is a little strained under the weight of an expectation that he is unfairly burdened with. Micah is immediately intrigued with newcomer Meg and their lives intersect in a very unexpected way.

Until recently, neither Meg’s faith nor her relationship with her parents has ever been tested. She has always been a dutiful daughter but in light of new information, she rightly feels betrayed. Meg is hoping this trip away will help provide some clarity about her relationship with her parents and her now complex views on religion. Always extremely sheltered, Meg takes baby steps away from her strict upbringing as she decides her own viewpoints about the more extreme versions of her former church. She is also slowly feeling her way in her burgeoning romance with Micah.

Never Saw You Coming is a charming coming of age young adult novel. Meg and Micah are multi-faceted characters whose romance is very sweet. The UP is a wonderful backdrop since so much of Micah’s personality is tied to his love of the outdoors. The elements of faith are understated but religion is an integral part of Meg and Micah’s lives. Their less than positive experiences will resonate with readers who have questions about certain aspects of more conservative doctrine.  The story-line is well-executed and Erin Hahn brings this thought-provoking young adult novel to a heartwarming conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erin Hahn, Never Saw You Coming, Rated B, Review, Romance, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

September 17, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

Title: Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell
All the Duke’s Sins Series Book One
Publisher: Berkely
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The brooding, illegitimate son of a duke meets his match in the determined woman hired to transform him into a gentleman from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell—perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Rafe Audley lives to thwart his father, the Duke of Bentley. The ne’er do well who abandoned his children claims he wants to make up for his failures, but Rafe only cares about protecting the people of his mining community and providing for his three siblings, who’ve been his sole responsibility since childhood. So far, Rafe has turned away the duke’s man of affairs, solicitor, and other interlopers, until the clever duke sends the unlikeliest of people to convince Rafe to join English High Society—a bold and intriguing woman.

Edwina Dalrymple has never failed a charge. She’s quite adept at successfully transforming young women of the gentry and daughters of newly minted lords to take their place in society. Taming a bastard son of a duke will be child’s play, plus this job promises to enhance her reputation within the ton. All she has to do is fetch the wayward Rafe and groom him to be presentable to Polite Society.

As the tenacious teacher and her domineering, stubborn, refuses-to-be-taught pupil engage in a fiery battle of wills, their chemistry ignites and the true lesson becomes clear: opposites attract and hearts must be heard.

Review:

Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell is an entertaining historical romance with a substantive storyline.

Edwina Dalrymple has made her way in life all on her own. She instructs young men and women on the ways of Polite Society. Edwina’s latest job will be challenging but the payoff could be huge for her business. She is determined to bring the Duke of Bentley’s illegitimate adult son, Rafe Audley, to London in order to present him to Society. Edwina is calm, cool and mostly collected as he attempts to thwart her at every turn.  She is also a little horrified to discover she is attracted to the incorrigible man. Will Edwina bring the extremely reluctant Rafe to meet his father? And will she be able to resist giving in to their unexpectedly mutual desire?

Rafe has been responsible for his brothers and sister for his entire life and he has no interest in meeting his detested father. He is satisfied with his job as foreman in the local coal mine and he is very resistant to Duke’s overtures. Rafe is still resentful that his brother Wesley approached the Duke in order to leave Staffordshire.  So, initially, he is absolutely dead set against going to London and he will stoop to any level to try to run Edwina off. But Rafe’s unanticipated attraction to Edwina and his soft spot for his adored younger sister Cailin might convince him to change his mind.

The first installment in the All the Duke’s Sins series, Along Came a Lady is a perfect mix of steamy, serious and humorous. The storyline has substance and deals with the very real problem of illegitimate offspring of the aristocracy and the occasionally detrimental effects on their children even into adulthood. Edwina and Rafe are well-developed characters whose mutual stubbornness can be off-putting. The pacing is slow but picks up by the last quarter of the story. Some of the elements are a little repetitive and a few of the tricks used by Rafe to dissuade Edwina are mean-spirited. Although a little predictable, Christi Caldwell brings this intriguing historical romance to a very satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under All the Duke's Sins Series, Along Came a Lady, Berkley, Christi Caldwell, Historical, Rated C+, Review, Romance

September 13, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Title: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 338 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall comes a new Amish inspirational romance set at a most joyful time of year–Christmas!—in the heartwarming community of Morning Star, Missouri, with its mouthwatering marketplace, close-knit community, and blessings for everyone—even enterprising, noodle-making, unmarried twin maidels who’ve given up on love and families of their own.

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?
 
Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise to never leave her behind. . .

Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

Review:

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a marvelous Amish holiday romance. Although this latest release is the third novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend all of the books in this wonderful series.

Molly and Marietta Helfing are twin sisters in their mid-thirties. They share their family home and they own a very successful homemade noodle business. Since the Morning Star Marketplace opened, they are busier than ever.

In addition to the noodle business, they also rent portions of their home during the tourist season. Now their previous tenant, Pete Shetler and his rambunctious pup Riley, has moved out, Molly and Marietta find their home a little too quiet. But after a devastating housefire destroys Glenn Detweiler’s home, they gladly open their doors to him, his children and his dat.

Marietta has mostly recovered from her breast cancer treatments. She is certain no man will want to marry her so she remains committed to living with Molly. When widower Glen Detweiler temporarily moves in, she takes charge of his seven-year-old son Billy Jay and baby Levi. Marietta is completely smitten by the children and she beginning to experience tender emotions for Glenn.

Glenn’s year has been absolutely heartbreaking as he mourns the loss of his wife and mother. He is lost in his grief and he is barely coping with the added childcare duties. Luckily his dat, Ruben lives with him, but his father’s mind appears to be atarting to slip. Crushed under the weight of grief and responsibility, Glenn is devastated at the loss of family’s home. He is appreciative of the community’s help in rebuilding his home and more grateful than words can express as both his sons blossom while in Marietta’s care.  Glenn is surprised when he begins to care for Marietta but will she be receptive to a romantic relationship?

Molly misses Pete but she cannot envision a future with him since he has not been baptized and clings to his English ways. He is also a little immature and acts before he thinks. So, she taken off guard when he is selected to oversee the construction of Glenn’s new house. However, unbeknownst to Molly, Pete is taking stock of his life and begins making some interesting changes. But will his impulsivity ruin his chances for a future that might include Molly?

Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a charming Amish romance with a delightful cast of characters. Marietta and Molly are wonderful, independent women who genuinely care about others. Glenn initially feels lost and hopeless but as he regains his faith, he finally realizes what he needs to do if he wants a life with Marietta. Molly is upbeat, feisty and caring when Pete needs her most. The Amish community selflessly come together when one of their own need a loving hand. With characters realistically growing and evolving, Charlotte Hubbard brings this heartfelt Christmas story to an uplifting, happy conclusion. With one secondary story arc unresolved, old and new fans will be impatiently awaiting the next installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series.

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Filed under Amish, Charlotte Hubbard, Christmas Comes to Morning Star, Contemporary, Rated B+, Romance, The Maidels of Morning Star Series, Zebra Books