Category Archives: Sarah Morgan

November 25, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

Title: The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 371 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An uplifting novel of friendship, the festive season, and risking everything for the biggest gift of all…

It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas escape – a dream trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband, Seb. Her solution? Alix, along with Seb’s oldest friend, Zac, can take Christy’s daughter on the planned Lapland trip, and they will all reunite there for Christmas Day. After all, what are friends for?

There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy, but Christy’s plan to save Christmas is testing their friendship. Especially as Alix and Zac have a difficult history of their own.

As long-held secrets unravel, and unexpected romance shines under the Northern Lights, can Christy and Alix find the courage to fight for the relationships they really want? And could this Christmas escape save the precious gift of each other’s friendship?

Review:

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming novel with a magical setting.

Christy Sullivan is planning the perfect Christmas for her husband Seb and their four-year-old daughter Holly. They, along with best friends Alix and Zac, are traveling to Lapland, Sweden where Christy will also meet her estranged Aunt Robyn. But Christy’s world begins to fall apart when doubts begin to creep in about Seb. She is also frustrated with ongoing problems with their cottage. When Seb finally opens up to her, Christy realizes she needs to focus on her marriage. So, she asks her best friend Alix to take Holly to Lapland while she remains home with Seb. But unknown to Alix, Christy has also asked Zac to accompany them. Alix is less than thrilled at the news, but she will do anything to for her best friend. And anyway, she won’t actually have to spend time with him, will she?

Christy and Seb’s whirlwind romance quickly ended in marriage and a dream cottage in the country. She has always envisioned the life she wants for herself and her family. She works hard to keep everything on track which is not always easy and her effort to keep everything perfect is sometimes exhausting.  Christy and Seb spend a lot of time with their energetic and highly curious daughter and it takes an unexpected crisis to make Christy realize her priorities need to change.

Alix is a highly successful career woman who loves her job which also provides the opportunity to travel.  Due to her dysfunctional childhood, she has her emotional barriers in place. Alix dates but she has never had a relationship beyond her close friendship with Christy. But because of something she said to Christy before her friend’s wedding, they have not been quite as close. Although Alix feels like her friend is keeping something from her, she does not hesitate to agree to take Holly to Lapland on her own.

While Aunt Robyn’s Lapland resort is stunning, tension underlies the visit. Alix cannot avoid Zac who wants to talk about the last time they were together. She wants nothing to do with that emotional time but their close contact makes it impossible to ignore. Once Christy arrives, the simmering undercurrents in their friendship make their time together extremely awkward. Christy is an expert at ignoring difficult things so she first spends time with Aunt Robyn who reveals stunning information about the family’s past. Her next meeting with Alix does not go as planned once Christy heatedly tells her friends exactly what has been bothering her. With Christmas right around the corner, will Christy and Alix mend their tattered friendship? And will Alix give her fragile relationship with Zac a chance to grown into more than a holiday fling?

The Christmas Escape is a beautiful holiday novel that tugs on the heartstrings. Christy’s crisis with Seb provides them much needed time to remember why they fell in love. She also learns a lot about herself and decides to make much needed changes going forward. Alix comes to surprising realizations that give her a better understanding of how much her past is still affecting her. Under the glow of the Northern Lights, Sarah Morgan brings this heartfelt novel of healing to a deeply affecting conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Sarah Morgan, The Christmas Escape, Women's Fiction

May 21, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

Title: The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Get swept into a summer of sunshine, soul-searching and shameless matchmaking with this delightfully big-hearted road trip adventure!

Kathleen is eighty years old. After she has a run-in with an intruder, her daughter wants her to move in to a residential home. But she’s not having any of it. What she craves—what she needs—is adventure.

Liza is drowning under the daily stress of family life. The last thing she needs is her mother jetting off on a wild holiday, making Liza long for a solo summer of her own.

Martha is having a quarter-life crisis. Unemployed, unloved and uninspired, she just can’t get her life together. But she knows something has to change.

When Martha sees Kathleen’s advertisement for a driver and companion to share an epic road trip across America with, she decides this job might be the answer to her prayers. She’s not the world’s best driver, but anything has to be better than living with her parents. And traveling with a stranger? No problem. Anyway, how much trouble can one eighty-year-old woman be?

As these women embark on the journey of a lifetime, they all discover it’s never too late to start over.

Review:

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan is a delightfully uplifting, multi-generational novel.

Liza Lewis is a married to a wonderful man and they have twin teenage daughters. Liza continually worries about her mum, octogenarian Kathleen Harrison. After an incident at her mum’s seaside home, Liza is more determined than ever to convince Kathleen it is time to move into a care facility. The incident has the opposite effect on Kathleen and she decides it is time to plan an adventure. She hires Martha Jackson to drive her as she explores Route 66. Along the way, Martha helps Kathleen make a decision that she has been uncertain about. The assistance is mutual as Kathleen diligently tries to shore up Martha’s lagging confidence. Back in the UK, Liza makes an unexpected decision that sends shockwaves through her family.

Liza has recently become somewhat disenchanted with her husband and kids. She dearly loves them but she is at the end of her rope with them. Liza makes an impetuous decision that could alter her life going forward.  But will her husband and daughters be on board with the changes she is hoping to make?

Kathleen has always been determined to live life on her own terms and she does not plan to give in to Liza’s well-intentioned but ill-received suggestions. Despite her daughter’s doubts about her trip with a virtual stranger, Kathleen is eagerly looking forward to her Route 66 adventure. She is delighted with Martha’s spirited attitude and they become surprisingly close during their trip. As Kathleen confides in Martha, she begins to view her relationship with her daughter in a new light. How will this newfound realization impact their relationship once she returns home?

Martha is stuck in a situation she is having difficulty extricating herself from. Her self-esteem is at an all time low so she is thrilled when Kathleen hires her. Martha greatly enjoys Kathleen’s company and despite a few reservations, they are soon off on their journey. Her new boss is matter of fact and does not hesitate to voice her opinion. Martha soon begins to see her life back home in a very different way. With a fresh perspective, she cannot help but wonder what the future holds for her at the end of Route 66.

The Summer Seekers is a thought-provoking yet light-hearted novel. The characters are all very different yet each of them grows and changes throughout the story. Route 66 is the perfect setting for Kathleen to make a decision about something that has nagged at her for a long time. Liza unexpectedly finds peace at her childhood home. Martha spreads her wings and discovers confidence that has been sorely lacking. With unexpected twists and charming turns.  Sarah Morgan brings this beautiful novel to a very happy conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this captivating novel to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Sarah Morgan, The Summer Seekers, Women's Fiction

May 6, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

Title: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with a life-affirming exploration of love, loss, and how families come in all shapes and sizes…

New York florist Flora Donovan is living the dream, but her bubbly optimism hides a secret. She’s lonely. Orphaned as a child, she’s never felt like she’s belonged anywhere…until she meets Jack Parker. He’s the first man to ever really see her, and it’s life changing.

Teenager Izzy Parker is holding it together by her fingertips. Since her mother passed away a year ago, looking after her dad and little sister is the only thing that makes Izzy feel safe. Discovering her father has a new girlfriend is her worst nightmare—she is not in the market for a replacement mom. Then her father invites Flora on their summer vacation…

Flora’s heart aches for Izzy, but she badly wants her relationship with Jack to work. As the summer unfolds, Flora must push her own boundaries to discover parts of herself she never knew existed—and to find the family she’s always wanted.

Review:

Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan is a poignant novel of healing, family and love.

Florist Flora Donovan is effervescent, compassionate and intuitive but she is also emotionally scarred.  A people pleaser due to her childhood with an indifferent aunt, she avoids confrontation and easily gives in during conflict. Flora is delighted by her burgeoning romance with widower Jack Parker and although they are not rushing their romance, she does meet his grieving children, seventeen year old Izzy and seven year old Molly. Molly quickly warms up to her but Izzy is prickly and standoffish.  Flora knows Izzy’s reaction comes from her pain, but is there more to the teenager’s defensiveness than mourning her mother’s loss?

Jack is a genuinely nice man but he is a little clueless when it comes to his oldest daughter. He is a bit of a helpless single father who is trying to balance taking care of his grieving children and a demanding career.  Jack is sensitive to his children’s need to mourn their mother’s death, but he is also beginning to have feelings for Flora.  Their relationship is becoming more serious so when it is time for his family’s annual vacation with his deceased wife’s best friend Clare, neither he nor Flora are looking forward to spending three weeks apart. Jack invites Flora to join them, but how will Clare feel about the new woman in his life?

Izzy is not exactly coping well with her mother’s death. But she is also not willing to talk to anyone about exactly what is troubling her. Izzy is exhausted but she is also does not plan to give up any of her responsibilities.  She makes no effort to hide her animosity towards Flora and she does everything she can to push her away. But once they are on vacation together, can Izzy continue to contain her growing anger and frustration?

Family for Beginners is a heartfelt novel with a marvelous cast of characters, realistic issues and an idyllic setting.  The characters are vibrantly developed with wonderful qualities and relatable flaws. The storyline is engaging and moves at a brisk pace. With unexpected revelations,  Sarah Morgan brings this touching novel to a heartwarming and uplifting conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this fabulous novel to readers of contemporary fiction.

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Filed under Contemporary, Family for Beginners, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sarah Morgan

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

November 27, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Title: Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan
From Manhattan With Love Series Book Six
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sarah Morgan is back with more love and laughter in her acclaimed series, From Manhattan With Love, which Publishers Weekly calls a “sweep-you-off-your-feet romantic experience.” 

Determined to conquer a lifetime of shyness, Harriet Knight challenges herself to do one thing a day in December that scares her, including celebrating Christmas without her family. But when dog walker Harriet meets her newest client, exuberant spaniel Madi, she adds an extra challenge to her list—dealing with Madi’s temporary dog sitter, gruff doctor Ethan Black, and their very unexpected chemistry.

Ethan thought he was used to chaos, until he met Madi—how can one tiny dog cause such mayhem? To Ethan, the solution is simple—he will pay Harriet to share his New York apartment and provide twenty-four-hour care. But there’s nothing simple about how Harriet makes him feel.

Ethan’s kisses make Harriet shine brighter than the stars over moonlit Manhattan. But when his dog-sitting duties are over and Harriet returns to her own home, will she dare to take the biggest challenge of all—letting Ethan know he has her heart for life, not just for Christmas?

Review:

Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming novel of love and new beginnings. Although this newest release is the sixth in the From Manhattan with Love series, it can be read as a standalone.

With both of her siblings finding love, Harriet Knight knows it is time for her start fighting her own battles. In order to do just that, she devises a “Challenge Harriet” plan to help her conquer her fears (of which there are quite a few).  Since she has always been shy and lacking self confidence, Harriet’s twin sister and brother protected during their tumultuous and dysfunctional childhood and this habit has continued well into adulthood.  She continues to avoid confrontation and situations that make her uncomfortable, but Harriet knows if she is to find happiness, she has to be the person in control of her life.  Although a little naive, Harriet is a kind, compassionate woman with a big heart and a soft spot for dogs. Which is exactly why she finds it so difficult to say no when Dr. Ethan Black asks her to temporarily stay with him while he is pet sitting his sister’s rambunctious dog.

With a demanding career as an trauma doctor in the ER, Ethan puts in long hours so he does not have much of a personal life. He also discovered early on that he must shut down his emotions in order to effectively deal with the drama that comes with some his patients. This need for emotional distance coupled with his failed marriage have led him to the conclusion that he should not be in a relationship. Ethan is quick to surmise that Harriet is not one for casual dalliances, so he tries to tries to ignore his attraction to the very charming dog walker.

Their acquaintance is off to a bit of a rocky beginning due to Ethan’s angry outburst and his uncomfortable questions about a very personal aspect of Harriet’s life.  His insistence she stay with him to help take care of his sister’s dog is also rather heavy-handed and insensitive due to her insecurities.  However, Harriet is unexpectedly feisty when her back is against the wall and she does not allow her discomfort to stop her from dealing with these challenges. Ethan also learns a lot about of himself when she calls him on his behavior. Harriet is surprisingly open to exploring their mutual desire and she has the self-respect to walk away when her emotional needs are not being met. With the future of their relationship in his hands, will Ethan find the courage to admit his feelings for her?

With an adorable canine, a gutsy heroine and a gruff hero, Moonlight Over Manhattan is an uplifting holiday romance.  Harriet and Ethan are endearing  characters who bring out the best in each other despite their rather inauspicious beginning. The romance between them is heartfelt and moves at a realistic pace. The inevitable conflict that threatens their future is believable and thankfully, short-lived. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this latest addition to Sarah Morgan’s delightful From Manhattan with Love series.

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Filed under Contemporary, From Manhattan with Love Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Moonlight Over Manhattan, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sarah Morgan

August 28, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: Holiday in the Hamptons by Sarah Morgan

Title: Holiday in the Hamptons by Sarah Morgan
From Manhattan with Love Series Book Five
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The perfect summer escape? 

Professional dog-walker Felicity Knight loves everything about New York…until her ex-husband starts working at her local vet clinic. She hasn’t seen Seth Carlyle in ten years, but one glimpse of him—too gorgeous, and still too good for her—and Fliss’s heart hurts like their whirlwind marriage ended yesterday. So when her grandmother in the Hamptons needs help for the summer, it seems the ideal way to escape her past.

Their relationship might have lasted only a few scorching months, but vet Seth knows Fliss—if she’s run away to the Hamptons, it’s because she still feels their connection and it terrifies her. He let her go once before, when he didn’t know any better, but not this summer! With the help of his adorable dog, Lulu, and a sprinkling of beachside magic, Seth is determined to make Fliss see that he’s never stopped loving her…

Sarah Morgan delights with more love and laughter in her acclaimed series From Manhattan with Love, which Publishers Weekly calls “engaging…[a] classic sweep-you-off-your-feet romantic experience.”

Review:

Holiday in the Hamptons is a second chance at love between a couple who have been divorced for ten years.  This fifth installment in Sarah Morgan’s From Manhattan with Love series is the second novel featuring the Knight siblings.

In an effort to avoid running into her ex-husband, veterinarian Seth Carlyle, professional dog walker Felicity “Fliss” Knight quickly seizes the chance to go to the Hamptons to help her grandmother. Despite their marriage only lasting a few short, scorching hot months, Fliss has never really gotten over her first love.  Unfortunately, she runs into Seth as soon as she arrives in the Hamptons and she impulsively goes to somewhat ridiculous lengths to try to avoid him. Scarred from her verbally abusive father, Fliss is emotionally closed off and her father’s criticism and negative remarks continue to affect her. Despite her feisty and colorful personality, Fliss is a difficult character to like due to her unwillingness to let anyone close to her. Her refusal to have meaningful discussions is understandable, but she is so emotionally crippled that getting past her defenses takes a herculean effort.

Seth is kind, compassionate and caring so it is no surprise that he is well-liked and highly respected by everyone who knows him. He has never quite gotten over Fliss and following an unexpected loss, he decides it is time to become reacquainted with his ex-wife.  Seth realizes his feelings for Fliss have not lessened over the years and he hopes if they can discuss what went wrong in the past they can start over again. He knows getting through to his ex-wife is not going to be easy and although he has quite a bit of patience with Fliss, he is no pushover.  When she continues to hold him at arms’ length, Seth is gentle yet forceful as he confronts her about her behavior.  He is also adamant they work on the emotional part of their relationship before giving in to their blazing hot passion.

Holiday in the Hamptons is a slow-paced romance  and it is not easy to connect with Fliss and Seth as a couple due to Fliss’s kneejerk reactions and unwillingness to lower her defenses.  Some elements of their present day relationship are somewhat unrealistic considering the circumstances surrounding their divorce, the short duration of their marriage and the passage of time.  While Fliss is a frustrating character, Seth is quite charming and immensely appealing. Fliss’s grandmother is also quite wonderful and the scenes with her and her friends are absolutely priceless.  Sarah Morgan’s intriguing glimpses of Fliss’s twin sister Harriet will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the From Manhattan with Love series.

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Filed under Contemporary, From Manhattan with Love Series, Harlequin, Holiday in the Hamptons, Rated C+, Review, Romance, Sarah Morgan