Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Reluctant Roommates by Tara Taylor Quinn

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Sometimes romance needs time and proximity. This adventure provides both between two people with different aspirations and dreams. I found myself cheering for Weston and Paige ... and sympathizing with the adjustments they were making.

If you've wanted to change someone or redirect your own future, shove this one into your tote bag when you leave on vacation or into your briefcase if you're going into the waiting room.

The Irish Fall : A Sweet Romance Novel by Brooke Gilbert

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Health challenges and our history can prevent us from living fully. What if those two meet in a story with the potential for a sweet romance.

Well, here you go. Grab this one for your book club, especially if you have members struggling with chronic illness. It's encouraging, eye-opening, and you'll turn the last page with a smile. The questions will lead you to a deeper understanding of the author's intentions as well.


Since the Day We Danced by Kerk Murray

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 A sweet romance that offers the potential for a second chance. When you're blind-sided by divorce, wishing love would come, or just want characters you cheer for, this will be a book for you.

I struggled through it because the background was dark - but what I read was a story I'd take on a commute or shove in my tote bag for a day away. You'll get absorbed in the romance and possibilities.

A Fire in the Sunset by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
So you want to send a sentiment to someone you love or someone you're interested in? Instead of a Hallmark card, borrow a poem or a few lines from this book. You'll create a flutter of romance in your beloved.

There were many place where I had to pause to take in the emotion of anticipation or satisfaction. Mikheyev captures the drama and the passion of love in a beautiful and heart-filling way.

Highly recommended. Read it aloud with your lover?

Monday, August 12, 2024

An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson

★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I read for entertainment as well as for information. This one kept me going with someone viewed as broken and unredeemable through her exploration of what it means to be seen and known ... it was a good story. 

I was reminded of the historical and idealistic Grace Livingstone Hill novels of the past. When all is lost, how does God bring good and healing? You'll like Abigail and hope the best for her and her chaperone.

It's not heavy reading but an interesting and romantic tale. Good for a commute, a night in, or when you have a few hours that should have a happy ending.

Monday, June 10, 2024

A Great Marriage by Frances Mayes

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh my goodness. I couldn't anticipate where this was going. A perfect love story, disrupted by moral failure, and redeemed by a surprise participant. 

You won't be able to predict where it ends up - so if you have to know, read the last chapter and find out how the whole thing unfolds. Mayes is a great storyteller for the modern age.

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What you know is not all there is. A compelling story of love, loss, and suffering - and ultimate rescue. This is how it happened and what was retold and lost in the beloved musical The Sound of Music. 

If you like to explore what's behind the scenes, you'll enjoy this exploration of real life and drama.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

★★★★ ☐  A second chance romance from a readable author. It's a reminder that not all is what you expect or anticipate - sometimes it's actually better. The middle can be hard; the uncertainty excruciating. But when you have a happy ending, you close the book with a smile of relief. 

Enjoy it when you need light reading or something to pass the time on your commute.

The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber

★★★★ ☐ A fun and flirty novel about what could go wrong - and why that's sometimes the best thing possible. Between a crazy mom, a lying letch, and a few people looking for romance, this is good entertainment.  

If you need light and easy reading with an interesting story but no demands, this may be a good choice.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Upside Down by Danielle Steel

★★★  The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
I liked Steel's more complex plots and character developments in previous novels. This one - an older-younger/younger-older romance pairing - felt a bit predictable.

It's easy reading. Something to pick up for the commute or beach, when your brain needs entertainment and a diversion.

She's done better but it was still fun.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel


★★★  The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

The world you no longer live in - unless you're rich and famous. This story weaves around debutantes, balls, young marriageable women on display in a short season of life. They may or may not want husbands - but off they go to be twirled and courted and feted at two grand events.

Steel remembers what it's like to be young and the drama of fitting in. She knows what the wealthy and status-driven will do to keep their place and understands the rules of high society. She offers a glimpse of a culture that has shifted to other methods for marrying off their young. 

You may like or dislike the women and their families but you'll want to know what and why as you keep turning the page. A good novel to tuck in the tote bag for when you need an escape and time to dream about dresses and jewelry and ballrooms.

Monday, August 28, 2023

Suspects by Danielle Steel


★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 Well, the experienced storyteller comes up with another fun plot and characters you want to cheer for. In the flow of this romantic thriller, you will run into surprises. Theo and Mike are on separate missions but unite to find her family's killers.

Steel brings a love story and hope to tragedy and grief, no matter what she writes. You'll be surprised and on the edge of your seat - and then enjoy a satisfying ending.

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Never Too Late by Danielle Steel


★★★  The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

It's never too late for a happy ending. Just when you're looking for an unpredictable story, a hopeful and interesting plot, and likable characters, here comes another book by Steel.

I always look forward to the twists and turns in the novels she writes. You'll want to tuck this one in your bag or tote for a commute, a day at the beach, or a few hours in the waiting room.

A Christmas Vanishing by Anne Perry


★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Ok, this one captured my attention. I wasn't sure where it was going and where it would end until I had finished reading it. 

I enjoy Perry's writing. In her series of Christmas-themed books, this was one of my favorites. It contains mystery, suspense, romance, and holiday hopes. Well worth picking up as the days grow shorter, your evenings are spent indoors, and Christmas comes nearer.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Built to Last by Erin Hahn


★★★  The publisher has provided a copy for review.

It's a fun novel about restoring old friendships while fixing old houses. You'll chuckle as the three friends work out their friendship and romance - and perhaps wince at the language and innuendos if you're a reader like me.

Recommended to tuck into your tote when going to the beach or stashing in your carryon on the plane. A good story with a happy ending.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver


★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

A novel about second chances, possibilities, and deep friendships. Can you go back to your past? Can you create the future? Can you let the past go and forgive yourself and others for disappointment and failure? 

This book is for lovers of romance, food, and people. I prefer more old-fashioned morals, but if you don't care, take it to the beach. Read it on the plane. Or just stay awake at night until you reach the happy ending.

Saturday, June 17, 2023

The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook


★★★★ 
☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

How do relationships usually unfold? What expectations develop from the first connection to meeting and doing life together? This is a delightful and provocative look at hits and missions, what we imagine about friendship and love - and ways we may be sidetracked or sidelined by events beyond our control.

I found this novel full of surprises. And I kept turning the page until the last paragraph. I think you will, too. 

A good beach read or story to take on an airplane, as long as you have long layovers and your flights aren't too short.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 A romantic feel-good novel that makes you read another one. How do you become part of a closed community, and feel like you're one of the in-crowd? You have to go through real life with people and let life happen.

You'll enjoy this look at island life, the likable characters, and a plot that keeps you hoping for love.

The Essential Questions for Couples Journal: A Workbook to Help Find, Keep and Connect to Love by Randall Chapman, Kate Chapman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Want a workbook to restart the romance? Want to explore why you're better together? 

Find out more about each other while you affirm your past. You'll begin to understand why you're together and what's behind your partner's actions and thoughts. 

Lots of questions, and lots of fun ahead for couples of any age. Answer for yourself or your partner - and see how well you know each other. How close do you come to their observations or your past and present, as well as your dreams and aspirations?

Love is a puzzle but this workbook may hold the key to some missing pieces. Enjoy!