Are you ready for another delightful Enchanted Kingdom Chronicles book? I loved it so much! I was excited to see that the author had another book writAre you ready for another delightful Enchanted Kingdom Chronicles book? I loved it so much! I was excited to see that the author had another book written in this series. And I loved how she brought back characters from the first book and they had a part to play in Prince Alden's story.
Maeve and Alden were fun to watch banter back and forth as they first met. He was very excited to discover her magical abilities and to try to convince her to join him and learn more about magic and develop her own gifts.
I adored watching Maeve discover who she was and what she was capable of. And the same with Prince Alden. They both had a lot of growth that needed to happen and I loved watching them help each other to do so. Sometimes Prince Alden was a little oblivious to Maeve and her needs as his apprentice, but he was a little determined and sidetracked in his pursuit of becoming a better wizard.
And Maeve accidentally cursing herself and becoming a frog. It created so many great scenes! Prince Alden might be a bit embarrassed after her curse is broken and he thinks through some of their conversations. Hahaha! But the readers will sure love it all!
I loved the goodness of both of these characters. Camille Peters is a master at creating characters and developing their character arc. She creates real and relatable characters that her readers can feel a connection with and have a desire for them to achieve their dreams and goals in their stories!
Another win for me by this author with this book! Now I'm anxiously awaiting to see what else she has in store for me and all of her readers!!!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author via StoryOrigin. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
If you are looking for a short and sweet Christmas read, this second chance Music Festival book definitely will fit that craving!
Harmony and Jake haveIf you are looking for a short and sweet Christmas read, this second chance Music Festival book definitely will fit that craving!
Harmony and Jake haven't seen each other in two years. Two years of trying to forget the past and how good they were together. But Harmony's past has her protecting her heart and she's not sure she can let one little piece of Jake back in her life after what happened because her heart still cares for him. Even though she denies it does.
When fate throws them together again, without Harmony knowing anything about it beforehand, Jake will do all he can to show her she can trust him, again.
I loved these two on stage together. Their banter and wit and chemistry was perfect. Harmony struggles to let her heart see what her eyes are seeing. And some bumps in the road have her holding onto some things to do with her mom. I was a little frustrated with her reaction but the author explained it in a way that made me understand it more.
Get ready for some sleigh ride kisses and fun music talk!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I love a good hockey romance! I've read several over the last couple of years and they're super fun. I grew up going to many hockey games, professionaI love a good hockey romance! I've read several over the last couple of years and they're super fun. I grew up going to many hockey games, professional down to high school teams and street hockey. So when all these hockey books from favorite authors started showing up I was pretty excited. My dad and I would go together and those are some of my favorite and cherished memories. They're pretty loud and wild and cold and fun! I haven't been to any games in years so reading about them has been a blast and brings back those memories!
Poor Connor Greene, he's being transferred from one team to another. And he's not too thrilled about it. He's heading back to a place that doesn't hold the best memories for him. And it's right before Christmas. He has no choice but to go and say goodbye to his family. But luckily for him, he's given the chance to fix a few things and spend time with a great family who is connected to the team.
Katie is a videographer who is really good at what she does. When her dad tells her that the hockey team he works for is doing some video features of different players and she's being matched with one, she's thrilled to get more notice for her business. Except when she discovers who the player is at her family Christmas party. Hahaha! And that he was the dude from the night before at the department store. You'll have to read the book to discover what their meet-cute is. Oh poor Connor! Hahaha! He really does need everyone he can get in his corner right now!
There were so many scenes I adored in this book. They were delightful and heartwarming. Meg Easton is such a fantastic writer and excels at leaving you feeling happy and completely absorbed in her books. I was laughing and grinning and cheering these two characters on in their story. Connor has had some hard things and Katie is just adorably sweet and the perfect one to help Connor in his healing.
And I can't forget to mention that scene with a handful of hockey players, lots of flowers and lots of smiles! You'll love it!
If you haven't read the previous two books in this series, don't worry, you can enjoy each one as a standalone. But if you've read them, you'll enjoy seeing some cameos of previous characters. I'm sad to see this series end but I know that there will be lots more great books to come from this author! Can't wait to see what they are!
Content: Clean. Sweet and adorable Christmas book with some kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Ok y'all, this is my first time reading a book by Grace Worthington and I loved it! It was so delightful and left me smiling and super happy! And it'sOk y'all, this is my first time reading a book by Grace Worthington and I loved it! It was so delightful and left me smiling and super happy! And it's a Christmas book! It had lots of great stuff packed into. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did if you read it.
Poor Mia, she's getting roped into helping out her hometown when all she wants to do is avoid it, avoid mistletoe, avoid the traditions and the family heartache, and just stay with her roommates for the holiday. But her mom has other plans for her! And those include getting her home to help revive her hometown's Christmas festivities in hopes of reviving the town itself. Help them Mia, you're their only hope! ;-) I couldn't resist, if you don't catch the reference, that's ok. Now she's heading home to meet with the committee and that big wig singer, Jace, who isn't having the best year either.
Can I just tell you how funny and awkwardly funny and extremely awkward (you get the gist) Mia and Jace's meet cute is? Hahaha! I was snickering while reading it. And poor Mia, she just keeps digging herself into a deeper hole. Then their second meeting. Bwahahaha!!!
Cuteness alert for this book y'all! It's just darling! These two have some things from their past that are hindering their futures. It was wonderful reading and watching their character arcs as they had to learn and grown, let go of the past and find a way to heal. Fortunately, they get to do that together! And they're just darling together!
The songs and the snowstorm, the hotel room, the dress, the mistletoe, the first kiss (in more ways than one), her roommates, the family (mom and brothers), the ex, the cabin, the swooniness, the mistletoe, the goodness of both characters, the mistletoe, the concert, the music...ok I'm repeating some things but that's because I loved those aspects!!!
Content: Clean. The main characters are forced to share a hotel room together due to a blizzard but nothing happens. Some sweet kisses in the book but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Poets and Saints Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Darling, hilarious and witty. Poor Hazel has really got her work cut out for her. She should have just stuck with having a great Christmas with her grDarling, hilarious and witty. Poor Hazel has really got her work cut out for her. She should have just stuck with having a great Christmas with her grandma. But she let her desire to make her grandma happy one last Christmas get in the way of her sound judgement. But what ensues is some pretty funny scenes (for us readers) as she navigates her way around these fake boyfriends she told her grandma that she and her sisters have. Hahaha! Another good lesson as to why telling the truth is always more important.
Hazel is in over her head with this plan but finds a couple of guys to act the part of fake boyfriends. And cue the handsome, caring next door neighbor Matt, whom Hazel is struggling to not pay special attention to because she's not interested in a relationship with anyone because she's sealed her heart off for years. But when he's the one who truly sees her and is questioning everything about her "boyfriend," her heart might just start to have those protective walls come down.
Matt is just the sweetest. I kept hoping that Hazel would choose him for her fake boyfriend, but she didn't want him as a fake boyfriend because in her heart she could tell that he was the real deal. But how can your heart know that when everything in your life points to love not being real?
Dive into this sweet and charming Christmas story. You'll love Hazel, Matt, Grandma, her sisters and the whole cast of characters who are quite literally characters! They'll have you laughing, sometimes cringing and possibly cheering for their performances!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author of the other book in this series. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Brie and Rockwell's story was a fabulous one to enjoy this Christmas season. I read the book and then also enjoyed listening to the audiobook!
Brie haBrie and Rockwell's story was a fabulous one to enjoy this Christmas season. I read the book and then also enjoyed listening to the audiobook!
Brie had me smiling when she received her notebook at the grocery store and then when she started writing in it and things started happening! I'm trying to be spoiler free so you can enjoy all of the fun surprises. It just felt so magical and I loved experiencing the magic right along with Brie. And then having Rockwell join in the magic later on just made it an adorable adventure.
These two were high school sweethearts and some life happenings had Rockwell leaving and never wishing to return. But when he does he's kind of grumpy and ready to finish up what brought him home and get out of there. But some Christmas magic and the sweet and cheerful Brie will tear down the walls he's put up around his heart. And there is plenty of laughter and swoony moments along the way!
Content: Clean. Some kisses and nothing further.
I purchased my own ebook copy and received an audiobook copy from the publisher, Dreamscape Select, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
This one had all the fun cozy Christmas vibes. The Gingerbread Inn is a magical place! The memories and food and quaint setting in the town of SugarplThis one had all the fun cozy Christmas vibes. The Gingerbread Inn is a magical place! The memories and food and quaint setting in the town of Sugarplum Falls will have you wanting to snuggle up by a blazing fire, hot cocoa in hand, Christmas music playing softly in the background with twinkle lights sparkling! Seriously!
Cliff and Jessamyn get off to a bit of a wrong footed start but Cliff is such a great guy and just wants to help people that he just can't help himself. Jessamyn is trying to lie low keeping out of the spotlight and away from someone from her recent past.
These two get matched up despite their best efforts to not be. And to stay on the good side of the mayor they can't say no! What ensues is a charmingly delightful Christmas story. But watch out, there's some fishy things going on and a bad guy to watch out for...maybe more than one. There's humor and sweet sentimental stories and Christmas lights and gingerbread and snow and hand holding and so much more!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Andrew Better Watch Out He Better Not Cry He Better Not Pout I'm Telling Him Why Frannie Frost Is Coming To Town
Are you ready for this Romantic Suspense tAndrew Better Watch Out He Better Not Cry He Better Not Pout I'm Telling Him Why Frannie Frost Is Coming To Town
Are you ready for this Romantic Suspense that's full of Christmas cheer and a bucket list of fun NYC activities, all while avoiding the bad guys and trying to outwit them?
I had so much fun reading this one! My heart went out to Frannie as she thought her holiday was going to be full of much more cheer than it initially started out with. But she is one tough cookie, strong and resilient. And it's a good thing her brother has some connections and a friend who fits Frannie into his busy schedule, because she does still need a little help!
I might have had a big ol' open mouth in shock before the giggles erupted when Frannie and Andrew first meet! Oh my heavens! It was pretty funny and one I don't recall happening in other meet cutes I've read about. Andrew you're a rock star and one lucky guy being able to meet Frannie!
I loved this cute story so much. The bucket list items that Frannie planned to do and stuck with her plan even when finding her initial plan backfiring. And having Andrew experience it all with her was such a great bonus! Their banter and conversations and chemistry kept me turning the pages. And let's not forget the mishaps and suspenseful moments that occurred as well. I love a good whodunnit suspense that's also lighthearted and sprinkled with a sweet romance.
There's a bonus scene that you can get at the end of the book and it had me giggling. Seriously, Andrew is a good sport!
I loved that Frannie embraced life and allowed for new opportunities and experiences to happen. She was a fun character that had me cheering for her to find happiness! And it was truly magical experiencing these activities with her and Andrew. Makes me excited for Christmas time to come...maybe not the cold, but the magic of the season! Snuggle in with your hot cocoa and candy canes, comfy blanket and a roaring fire and you're all set to enjoy this charming suspenseful read!
Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril but nothing overly graphic. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own!!!
It's time again to read all the Christmas books! This new one from Esther Hatch is part of The Gift Wrapped Series. I've almost read all of them and lIt's time again to read all the Christmas books! This new one from Esther Hatch is part of The Gift Wrapped Series. I've almost read all of them and let me tell you, I am loving each one of them! They're all full of delightfully imperfect characters who are spunky and full of life. And the storylines have kept me turning the pages and completely engrossed and invested in this series. And we definitely can't forget all the sweet and swoony scenes throughout each book.
Have you read Esther's historical novels? They're fantastic! And I'm happy to report that she hit it out of the ballpark with her first contemporary novel! She's kept all of her signature style from the humor to the chemistry to her great kiss writing abilities. (Just ask authors Sarah M. Eden, Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey about this) *winks*
Cadence is a hoot! Her constant quips had me giggling and sometimes cheering her on, or ducking me head in embarrassment. She's funny and kind and loyal, which can get her into trouble sometimes. Like the fact that she is now taking care of her step-sister's baby and somehow letting everyone think that Axley is her son to protect his mom. Which of course creates all kinds of scenarios and situations.
But my, oh my, just you wait until Ruben shows up once he hears the rumors that she has a son. Talk about melting your heart. Watch for all the subtle facial clues when reading that scene. *sigh*
Ruben and Cadence have been in a bit of a rivalry since they were young. And it just keeps going now that she's back from working in Vietnam for Ruben's family's company. There's definitely trouble brewing and you're going to love it all! That first meet-cute, well maybe I should call it a re-meet-cute, had me laughing and a little mortified for Cadence. Hahaha!
This book is pure Christmas magic, full of sweet and clean romance, swoony moments, tender moments, family vibes and much, much more! I loved it all! Now excuse me while I go find a mug for hot cocoa and a mounted singing fish just because. ;-)
Content: Clean. A minor mention of drugs for a secondary character who stopped and cleaned up. A baby out of wedlock. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I enjoyed reading this and thinking more about Christ. This book is an adaptation of a musical/stage production that Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four (hI enjoyed reading this and thinking more about Christ. This book is an adaptation of a musical/stage production that Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four (her children) and Jason F. Wright started a few years ago. It is done from the prospective of a shepherd at the time of Christ.
I loved the simple but true messages and scriptures shared. And I love the music that was paired with the messages. The book has sheet music included of the songs as well as QR codes that you can scan and watch/listen to the music as performed by Jenny Oaks Baker and her family. Beautiful music!!!
The second half of the book focused on some of the attributes of Christ and encouraging us to find ways to develop and emulate those attributes, not just at Christmastime but always. I liked the short stories that were included to give examples of those attributes.
While I was reading this book, I kept thinking that it would be great to use for my family or to gather together with other families or even use it to inspire a bigger use and production of it to invite the Spirit of Christ(mas) into all of our hearts. You could use the whole thing or just do a narration/song a night. However you use it, I think it will be enjoyed by many. I'm excited to try it with my family.
Content: Clean. A book about Christ and Christmas. There are scriptures used and referenced throughout the book.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Delightfully Charming and very Cozy Christmas Novellas contained within this Christmas Anthology! All four of these authors are favorites of mine and Delightfully Charming and very Cozy Christmas Novellas contained within this Christmas Anthology! All four of these authors are favorites of mine and I was so excited when I saw they all had stories in this one. Lots of fun Christmas cheer. Sweet and Swoony love stories. Humor and Wit! Curl up and enjoy these delightful stories all in one sitting or savor them one by one!
~A Family Christmas by Sally Britton~ 5*~ I really enjoyed the family dynamics in this sweet Christmas novella. Cyril and his sister have returned from overseas to be with family and hopefully to have help in his sister's upcoming season. What he expects is to be ignored or barely acknowledged due to having been away for so long. But he's in luck. The sweet Jane is there to help him realize how important family is and that he does truly belong. I loved their story and the fun antics played along the with. Hide and Seek and lots of fun snow filled activities. Plus all the family fun! Very charming Christmas story!
~Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden~ 5*~ We all need some matchmaking friends in our lives right. Or maybe busybodies? Hahaha! Ok maybe not. But Mrs. Jackman sure thinks that Minna needs her services. And thus starts a delightful story of matchmaking wherein Minna and her dear friends Lettie, Rupert and Simon all try to avoid Mrs. Jackman while still enjoying the Christmas season. Oh heavens, there are plenty of humorous scenes throughout this one. You'll definitely be giggling and shaking your head at Mrs. Jackman's matchmaking ways. But Minna takes it all in stride and very expertly navigates all of the gentlemen. Except one. That one seems to be taking a greater hold on her heart and she's not quite sure what she's going to do about it.
~Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold~ 5*~ This charming story is full of waiting and wishing and hoping. Some heartache and sorrow but never fear, there's joy and happiness beyond what Hannah could have imagined at the end. I just adored this story! Timing is not in Hannah and Samuel's favor. Especially with Hannah's older brother William taking matters of Hannah's future into his hands. He's well intentioned but it definitely isn't what Hannah's heart is longing for. I loved the house parties, the friendship, the quiet moments, all the mistletoe *happy sigh*, the horses, the games of wit and so much more! The waiting is well worth it in the end!!!
~A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell~ 5*~ A Christmas spent in a place far from home. A carriage ride with an unexpected person. A crazy blizzard. Isabel finds herself on her way to her aunt's house for Christmas. Her father off on his honeymoon with his new wife has left Isabel to be chaperoned by a neighboring friend. Except that friend sends his son in his stead. Which of course starts her journey off in a completely different fashion than she initially thought it would be. With the snowstorm that comes, Robert finds himself stuck at Isabel's aunt's house. This forced proximity story was so fun! I loved how Isabel and Robert slowly start to rebuild their friendship from years gone bye. The sweet flirtations and adventures they find themselves on were so fun to watch. I loved it all!
Content: All four novellas are clean and delightful! Just some kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I love the story of Brigadoon and jumped at the chance to read a favorite author's take on it. It was delightful and a quick and easy read.
Maren and hI love the story of Brigadoon and jumped at the chance to read a favorite author's take on it. It was delightful and a quick and easy read.
Maren and her friend get lost in the Scottish Highlands and rescued by a handsome Scottish Laird. Duncan and Maren have an instant connection and feel as if they've always known each other. But Maren can't stay and Duncan can't leave. So where does that leave them both?
This was a charming story set in Highglen, a hidden and magical kingdom that has been protected from the world and time there moves slower. It was fun watching Maren discover all the kingdom had to offer as well as meeting Duncan's family and the villagers. Plus there are several fun surprises for Maren throughout the story.
If you're not a fan of insta-love stories, I think you'd still like this book. I thought the way the author wrote it and wove Maren and Duncan's story together was well done and didn't feel rushed. Very cute!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language that I can remember.
I received a copy from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Cue the Christmas music and lights and all the happy holiday feels! This book will have you wanting to be surrounded by all the magical feels of ChrisCue the Christmas music and lights and all the happy holiday feels! This book will have you wanting to be surrounded by all the magical feels of Christmas! Family and laughter, friends and holiday movies and all the snow activities! It is absolutely magically delicious!!! And don't forget The Grinch (no, not a person being grumpy) THE Grinch who stole Christmas!!! ;-) Oh my word! I loved all the Grinch references in this one and you will too! You'll be swooning and giggling.
Rachael and Max have been friends for forever. Max is really her brother's best friend but she's been there right alongside both of them. But Max doesn't know Rachael has had a major crush on him for YEARS! And it's all going to get very, very real this Christmas!
Seriously, you're going to swoon! The flowers, the car ride, the puzzle, THE closet, the dock, the couch, the snow activities, the puppy, all the family fun and laughter, and soooo much more!!! Max might have been a little blind before this Christmas, but his eyes have been opened wide! *smirk*
Kasey Stockton definitely knows how to write the best characters! And stories! Get ready for all the feels!
Content: Clean. Some kisses. Trigger warning of talk of childhood cancer.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I was scrolling through my highlights before writing this review and I think I just need to drop everything and read it again! Oh my HEART!!! Talk aboI was scrolling through my highlights before writing this review and I think I just need to drop everything and read it again! Oh my HEART!!! Talk about Christmas in July!!! I started reading an early copy the end of July and it was absolutely magical! I was transported from my hot summer day to a snowy magical wonderland every time I picked up this book! Seriously grab your mugs of hot cocoa and your cozy blanket, snuggle up and don't plan on emerging from your cocoon of happiness until you've experienced Calista and Tristan's story. Holy Swooniness!!! You'll probably be like me and have a permagrin when you finish.
Here are a few of my favorite things from this Delightful Book:
The Magic Emergency Room Visits An Old-Fashioned Christmas The Flirting Witty Banter The Hope The way Tristan looks at Calista Calista's sense of humor (she's pretty funny) The Magic (yeah, I know I put this twice, it's just true, it's magical) The Haunting (ok, not like a ghost haunting) The Healing The Wuthering Heights references (swoon) The kitty pictures *smirks* Quinn, The Matchmaking Niece Extraordinaire A Little Recon Mission The Hugs The Crusader (mulitple connotations for this one) The Second Chance ALLLLL of The Swoony Moments *Happy Sigh*
And a couple of my favorite quotes to whet your whistle:
~"Don't fall for her again," she warned. He'd never gotten up from the first time he fell for her.
~More and more, he was kicking himself for ever forgetting that all he ever wanted to do with his life was make Calista Monroe happy.
Yeah, you're going to love Tristan and possibly be unhappy with him for a little bit too. But don't worry, the love will overpower the unhappiness! And Calista, she's just the best! Oh my heavens, you might even shed a few tears as you learn more about her and her backstory and her just zest for life and her ability to persevere. Her humor seriously had me laughing. But there were definitely tears. Jennifer Peel sure knows how to write characters who will tug at your heartstrings! Get ready to have those heartstrings tugged at majorly by Quinn (their niece), Calista and Tristan.
And you'll love the cameos from previous books by this author (if you've read them, if not you'll be wanting to go back and read them)! The secondary characters will have you wishing for their books as well! Now excuse me as I go dream of a snowy white Christmas! ;-)
Content: PG-13. There are a handful of different mild swear words used throughout the book. There's some back story about Tristan's brother and him having an affair but it isn't graphic, just the knowledge that he was unfaithful. Lots of kisses, some mild and some more intense (the characters make out), some mile innuendos. No closed door/fade to black scenes, just kisses. Topic of the loss of a parent.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund's writing and stories for a while now and was so excited that she was a part of this collection! I jumped at the chaI have been a fan of Jody Hedlund's writing and stories for a while now and was so excited that she was a part of this collection! I jumped at the chance to read it! As for Lacy Williams and Misty Beller, I haven't really read anything by them. Except their newsletters. I have several of their books I'd picked up from different places and have wanted to read their books for quite some time but just haven't had the time. So this was a bonus having both of them in this collection and getting to read and enjoy their writing. I was completely drawn in to each novella and have definitely had my appetite whet to read more by these two "newish" to me authors! I loved the aspects of faith that was woven beautifully throughout the stories. I loved the setting and time period. I loved the characters and their struggles and their trying to work through them. The heroes were fabulous and swoony!
~Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund~ 5* ~ I read all of this author's Colorado Cowgirl series and loved it! And let me tell you, I was very excited that this book featured Weston and Serena! Yay!!! If you've read the series you'll know a little about them. If you haven't, no worries because you can read this as a standalone and love these characters. You'll probably want to go dive into the rest of the series afterwards. Weston was one of those characters that you could tell was a good guy but just needed to find the right person for him. And oh my heavens! I loved getting to see more of him and understand him and his background more! Plus he's just beyond adorably heart melting with Serena's young son. Sweet, clean and swoony!
~Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams~ 5* ~ Minnie and Jed's story was very sweet. She's a mail-order bride and arrives in town thinking her soon to be groom will be waiting for her. What she doesn't expect is the handsome stranger whom she mistakes for her groom. And he mistakes her for the nurse he's been waiting for to help in his practice. Once some misunderstandings are cleared up, Minnie finds out she'll be unable to get to her groom for a while due to the weather. Which then leads to forced proximity with Jed and becoming a temporary help in his practice. This was such a sweet and tender story. Finding peace and healing through little moments and realizations. Jed was a little standoffish but Minnie is sweeter than honey and had a way of breaking down his resistance. Loved it!!!
~Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller~ 5* ~ Two Stones, a Salish warrior, and Heidi find themselves in a marriage of convenience through a promise to her dying father. After both of them having sorrows in their childhood, they have to work through those feelings of abandonment and learn to gain trust in each other as they journey to Two Stones family. I loved watching Heidi's walls come down slowly as her husband showed her that he was a man of his word and someone who could truly (and did) care for her. A sweet and sometimes perilous romance builds between these two until they come to realize they love each other. Happy sigh!!!
Content for all three novellas: Each novella was clean and sweet. There are a few mild moments of peril in them but nothing graphic. Great characters. Nothing more than kisses and some very mild innuendos.
I received a copy from an author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Oh my heart! This story tugged on my heart and brought out the tears. Have some tissues handy! I don't know about you but I've read several fairytale Oh my heart! This story tugged on my heart and brought out the tears. Have some tissues handy! I don't know about you but I've read several fairytale retellings that focus on the villain of the story and have found them fascinating. What led them to be the way they were? What struggles did they face that led them to make certain choices? What led them to harden their hearts? What led them to be angry and evil? The author said the following quote was her motivation in telling Cinderella's (or Ella in this version) Stepmother's story. (It's also quoted at the beginning of the book.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”
Isn't that just a powerful quote. We don't know what others have experienced or seen or suffered to lead them on their paths in life. Don't judge.
Victoria has some hard circumstances from the beginning of her life. She has people come into it that teach her by example and their love but she loses them and the influence of others who only use her or want her for the work she can do and not for love. These shape her in ways that sometimes feel too insurmountable to overcome.
Her aspirations block some of the good that can come into her life but at the same time those aspirations are to survive and be provided for. Normal human instincts.
I loved how the author wrote the book from Victoria's perspective and we were able to be fully immersed in her thought processes and her emotions. Loved it! But be warned you'll feel those emotions with her and feel her sorrow and pain and her desires to do good and yearnings to feel Love and be loved!
If you haven't read Ella, I highly recommend you do so! It is one of my absolute favorite Cinderella retellings, and I have read a lot! Seriously you'll love it! This story parallels that one in the last part of it. If you haven't read it, you'll be fine reading this one, but I love it so much and loved knowing what happens in it to how this one connects. So good!!!
Content: Clean. There are some moments of mild abuse. Nothing graphic. Mostly just a couple characters having a switch taken to the palms of their hands and leaving sores. No language or anything further than a couple kisses.
I received a copy from the author with no review required. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Have you read Romeo and Juliet and wished for a happier ending? Yes, it’s written as a tragedy but the romance lover/happy ever after lover in me has Have you read Romeo and Juliet and wished for a happier ending? Yes, it’s written as a tragedy but the romance lover/happy ever after lover in me has always wished that their story could just end happy for once. That true love did conquer all and feuding families could resolve their issues and cheer for the happy couple! Anyone else feel the same?
If you said “yes” then you’re in luck! This next Somerset story from Mimi Matthews delivers all of that and more! If you’ve read the previous three books in this series then you know and understand how deep the feud goes. But if you haven’t read any, you’re once again in luck because you can read this book as a stand alone. All the books have been fantastic reads for me and I’ve found myself reading through them very quickly! I didn’t want the stories to end but I loved how they’re connected and that we get to see the families and characters that we love continuing to live and thrive and love.
Ivo Beresford and Meg Burton-Smythe’s fathers are sworn enemies (read Gentleman Jim to see more about that). When they happen upon each other in the woods and start to reconnect, the pull towards each other is very strong. But they both know their family’s history. And they know they shouldn’t even talk to each other. But when true love is involved, the heart longs for and calls for its other half.
These two characters are wonderful! I loved how the author developed them. I loved watching their growth and changes and coming into their own. There were moments that my heart ached for them. The loneliness and desire to be loved and cared for was a strong theme for Meg. She was so graceful and gentle. She’ll be a character that you’re drawn to and think is wonderful! And Ivo is trying to find his place and do good things in his world. He’s a champion for the underdog in a way. And I loved him for that.
The sweet friendship to more is so lovely to watch unfold. You’ll be cheering for them and finding that redemption is possible and well worth it!
I highly recommend this book and this series!!! I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you Mimi Matthews for this wonderful story! You have a committed reader in me!
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. Some kissing but nothing further. Some mild language.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
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