My life is a mess. My marriage is falling apart, and I’d hoped the arrival of our baby girl would bring us closer together. Yet, as she grows, I see less of a resemblance to my husband, stirring unsettling questions.
I was hoping a visit from my friend, Victoria would bring some stability. With her seemingly perfect life in Spain, she embodies hope for a brighter future.
But our reunion has taken an unexpected turn. And when a shock diagnosis shakes our family further, Victoria doesn’t know it yet, but she might just hold the key to saving our family.
But if I want her to help, a big secret has to come out. Revealing the truth risks everything – my marriage, our friendship, our families. Can we weather this storm, or will it shatter us beyond repair?
An emotional and powerful novel of motherhood, friendship and what family means to us all. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Susan Lewis.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Born in Scotland, Emma-Claire travelled the world as the child of military parents. After almost 20 years in Spain, she returned to the UK with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog, Pip. Emma-Claire worked as a journalist for English language magazines and newspapers in Spain and in 2015 launched The Glass House Online Magazine. When not writing emotional fiction, you can find her dreaming up new book ideas or wrapped in a blanket with a book in her hand. This is Emma’s second novel. You can find her at @ECWilsonWriter on Twitter.
288 pages Ballantine Books October 15, 2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life.
When Hailey’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help.
Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.
MY THOUGHTS
Reading Debbie Macomber’s latest Christmas book every year is a long-standing tradition I have. I’ve loved every single one of them. They brighten my day and I always look forward to them.
A woman in love with music doesn’t have her dreams work out the way she had hoped. Settling is what a lot of us do when our dreams don’t come true. She settles on becoming a high school band teacher. Several years ago, a relationship didn’t work out because he wasn’t interested in her dreams and encouraging her, so she walked away from this relationship.
When a close friend suggests she spends Christmas at her family’s cabin she’s delighted. Breaking from tradition she won’t be spending Christmas with her family, but she needs this alone time to regroup. Upon arriving she’s struck by the beauty of the area and can’t wait to relax. Not so quick though there’s a few wild animals in her remote cabin and Podunk, Oregon, isn’t all she thought it would be.
When Jay, the son of the town’s store owner helps her out she is taken by his good looks, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s a musician. As they spend more time together, she comes to realize just how encouraging he can be about her music and talking with him feels as though they’ve known each other for a long time.
The book explores the mother daughter relationship. A meddling mother needing to know everything about her love life and ready to try to push an old boyfriend on her that the mother really likes. A daughter who knows she needs time away from her family this Christmas so she can grow emotionally and figure out what’s best for herself.
An emotional book showing the strength of family relationships and a few surprising twists in the bumpy road we call life. Guaranteed to make you smile and give you a happy feeling as you read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
320 pages Bethany House publishers November 5,2024 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the midst of darkness, only faith and love can illuminate their path forward.
Laura Evans, a spirited young woman with a deep-rooted faith in God, returns home from college to her father–unaware of his dark secrets. Determined to live by her faith while respecting her father’s contrasting views, Laura’s world shifts when she crosses paths with a devoted preacher.
Wilson Porter is driven by a calling to work with the Shoshone people but faces constant delays from government officials. Then tragedy strikes, shaking his faith and causing him to question everything he once believed. As Will and Laura’s tentative friendship grows into something more, they are ensnared in a web of dark secrets and injustices. Together, they’re confronted with a daunting question: Will their shattered lives leave them with an uncertain path forward–or can love withstand it all?
MY THOUGHTS
I have really enjoyed this series taking place in Cheyenne this is the third and final book in the series. I’ve enjoyed learning about the railroaders and daily life in such an unsettled area. I’ve also enjoyed meeting the characters, for the most part.
Laura Evans is a young woman home from boarding school with memories of a father who was soft and gentle with her, a kind and understanding man. She was sent away after her mother’s death; her father was grieving and couldn’t offer her comfort because of deep grief. The father she returns to after all these years is a changed man, bitter towards God for letting his wife die he isn’t the man Laura remembers, nor does he have time for her.
The father is involved in some things Laura isn’t aware of, ways to make a quick buck and he hopes his connections will help him get into politics. He’s pretty good at hiding his involvement and his hired workers are there to help him with his shenanigans.
Wilson Porter has felt like he’s had a calling to assimilate with the Shoshone people, but the government keeps delaying him going to help. When a tragedy happens in his own family, he becomes disillusioned and starts to question his beliefs he’s had since childhood.
Laura and Wilson spend a lot of time together, friendship grows into more, but as dark secrets become revealed it affects them each in different ways. They must work together in perfect harmony, putting the past behind them if there’s any chance of a bright future together.
Note: I gave this book 3 stars because I don’t condone animal cruelty or even talk of it. The father suggests one of his worker’s kill his daughter’s kitten because he didn’t want it around. This did nothing to enhance the book and could have been left out. Side Note: The kitten did not die, it was rescued. I am glad to read this because as much as I enjoy this author’s books I wouldn’t have read anymore of her books if it had.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
208 pages July 23, 2024 publication date Love Inspired romance
ABOUT THE BOOK
To give two little boys a home…
She must take a chance on forgiveness.
The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work together on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read by this author. I loved this story so much, it’s a Christian romance.
The twin three years olds stole the story, they were adorable. The two main characters each had important decisions to make. Decisions that if made incorrectly would affect their life in a negative way.
This is a story where at first you aren’t sure if the main characters are even going to get together. I think it has a nice faith element added to it as well. The characters seemed so realistic to me.
Forgiveness, compassion, putting others needs before your own and a sweet romance are all found in this charming read that I recommend.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that WON’T make your grandmother blush.
Her debut novel, FALLING FOR THE INNKEEPER, was named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and was a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.
Her latest book, THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET, was a #1 bestseller and #1 Hot New Release across multiple categories on Amazon.com, including Christian Romance, Christian Women’s Fiction, and Contemporary Religious Fiction, among others.
Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.
300 pages July 2, 2024 publication date Bethany House publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
Love has a way of derailing even the most carefully laid plans.
Melody Doyle has spent years following her father across the country as the transcontinental railroad is built. When she announces her desire to settle down in Cheyenne, her father presents her with an unconventional challenge: he will allow her to stay if she finds a husband before his departure. As word spreads and the men in town vie for her hand, she wonders if she could ever be happy with a husband chosen in such a way.
Charles Decker, heir to a banking dynasty, has been sent west by his father to manage their family’s new bank. His heart yearns for a simple life of teaching, but banking is the family business, and Charlie feels obligated to fall in line. When his friendship with Melody blossoms, he’s drawn to this remarkable woman who defies conventions. Will he be able to come to terms with his growing feelings for her and confront the true desires of his own heart before it’s too late?
MY THOUGHTS
I just love Tracie Peterson’s books. Even after reading them for over 30 years, I’m not tired of them. Each book delights me and I’m always looking forward to the next one.
This is the second book in the Heart of Cheyenne series, and I’ve found the historical facts about life in Cheyenne so interesting.
Melody’s mother died when she was very young, she has happy memories of her but sadly, like the memory of her face they are slowly fading. Her death has brought her into a closer, loving relationship with her father.
Her father is a wanderer, never happy to live in one place for long. His railroad job is perfect for this as it requires constantly moving along to where the work is. Despite her strong relationship with her father as Melody is now a young woman, she is tired of the constant picking up and moving around and wants to stay in Cheyenne as she considers it home of all the places they’ve traveled to.
As her father ponders her choice of wanting to settle down, he comes up with a challenge. She must find a man to marry before he departs for his next railroading job. As possible suitors here of this challenge they are hopeful of being the chosen one.
Most of the potential suitors hit a sour note with Melody but one is patient and wants a strong friendship first.
When Charles Decker arrives in town it is with the intention of managing the family’s new bank. He was sent west by his father for this intent though it’s not his hearts wish. He wants a simple life but feels obligated to fall in line with the banking business.
I thought the continuation of the railroading series taking place in Cheyenne in the late 1800’s was fascinating. This is a book about compassion, strength through hard times, keeping a strong faith, friendship before romance. There is grief and recovery. I suggest you read this series in order though not absolutely necessary.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
362 pages July 16,2024 publish date Revell publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren’t enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna’s dismay, she’s changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient’s death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it’s time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call–and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.
MY THOUGHTS
Into the Starlight brings the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series to an end. There are three books in this series, and this just may be my favorite. In each of the books we see some characters from the other books which makes for a nice read when you are familiar with the characters.
Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing after more than a year in Europe. Not only are her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered but things really are on a downward spiral for her. Her short-lived marriage is over in what seems like an instant as her beloved has died.
Looking forward to forgetting about it all and relaxing in her childhood home back in Sweetwater Crossing doesn’t feel right either. She has changed so much in her time away it no longer feels like home.
Dr. Burke Finley is devastated. One of his patients has passed and he feels responsible for their death. A little getting away from the stress is what he needs and he and his Aunt Della visit Sweetwater Crossing trying to figure out what happened to his uncle and her would be husband.
Joanna and Burke spend time in each other’s company to help Della figure out what happened years ago.
An absolute page turner, this one had me intrigued as I read. Mystery, suspense and romance are abound in this emotional and with a very surprising ending book. I enjoyed this so much and greatly look forward to seeing what the author publishes next.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With both parents avid readers, it’s no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled “All About Thermometers,” were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
I hope your day has been great. Thank you for stopping in.
I have a cover reveal today for a book by an author I’ve been reading for years. Her books are charming and the characters so realistic. I am delighted to share this cover revel with you today.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Scottish Island Summer
When ambitious city girl, Darcie Freeman is sent to the Isle of Skye to conduct research for a travel guide, she’s horrified. The prospect of having to travel to a remote island in the Scottish Highlands leaves her wondering what she’ll do.
Step in Logan Burns. Gorgeous and adventurous, he lives and breathes the island, and along with his sister Iona, who owns a rather haphazard PR company, they’re going to show Darcie everything she needs to know about Skye.
As Darcie swaps her designer shoes for her walking boots and her faux fur jacket for her raincoat, will she learn there’s more to life than the picture-perfect presence she shares on social media, or will it be the case that Skye is the limit…
AND THE LOVELY COVER REVEAL
Pre-order Links
Publication Date: 30th January 2025
Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. A ScottishIsland Summer is Julie’s twelfth novel.
385 pages One More Chapter publisher September 28, 2023 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
ove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
Fashion designer Libby Carter has always loved weddings, so when her brother finds himself in a bind and asks her to step in and plan the perfect winter wonderland wedding for guests at his hotel, Starcross Manor, she happily takes on the challenge. But this is no ordinary Christmas wedding and when everything starts to go awry Libby asks gorgeous videographer Guy Hart for help.
This isn’t single dad Guy’s usual gig – and he is not a fan of weddings – but saying no to vivacious Libby isn’t an option … especially when saying yes leads to one very unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe!
MY THOUGHTS
Starcross Manor is in the Scottish Highlands and owned by Flynn. It’s huge and elegant and Flynn is looking to put it on the map as the venue to have the ultimate winter wedding. He has a wedding planner and photographer all set and he’s set up a contest to give one extraordinarily lucky couple their dream Christmas Eve wedding free and use the video to advertise the Starcross Manor to pump its ratings right to the top. Exit the wedding planner as she’s nowhere to be found and won’t answer texts. The show must go on though as Flynn’s sister, Libby a famous fashion designer agrees to step in and help the couple have their dream wedding just the way they want it. After meeting with the couple multiple times something doesn’t seem right, and they have some pretty odd requests for their wedding. When Libby decides to help, she’s staying at a cottage on the grounds and Guy the photographer is staying at a cabin nearby. Neither is in a relationship; Libby’s ended some time ago and Guy is no longer with the mother of his child an adorable tot. Sparks fly but with all the wedding planning and other dramas happening will there be time for a romance. I enjoyed Guy’s character he seemed like such a nice person. The book has down to earth characters with regular day to day problems. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions a lot. This book has a warm friendly feel and I’ll be reading mor in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
360 pages One More Chapter publisher December 31, 2023 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Don’t miss this very special standalone novel in the Love Heart Lane series. Previously published as Evie’s Year of Taking Chances but now rewritten and improved by the author!
Love, life, and libraries
Growing up in foster care, Elle Cooper always felt a piece of herself was missing. Now, as her thirtieth birthday approaches, she’s ready to find it. But when instigating the search for her birth mother leads to a whole host of unexpected events, this librarian’s quiet life suddenly gets very loud!
With new friends, old flames and surprising influences keeping Elle busy, she soon starts to see that there’s more to life than where you came from – and that where you are right now, and who you have in your corner, is what might just matter most of all…
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
MY THOUGHTS
This is another charming addition to the Love Heart Lane series. Elle Cooper is shy and reserved and has been satisfied being a librarian. But something has changed for her, a monumental birthday is approaching, her thirtieth birthday is almost here, and she feels she owes it to herself to find her biological mother and get answers. Growing up in foster care and going from home to home has left her with low self-esteem, why didn’t they want her? Her last foster parent whom she considers her mom has been the best and she is still close to this woman, but she still wants answers. She’s down to earth and doesn’t really dress to impress. When an author has a book signing at her library, she’s sure that’s the last she’ll see of him. Full of fun friendships, a friend of hers moves in so they both save on expenses. A book that has a library and book club meetings? I’ll take it. I loved meeting up with the characters from previous books in this charming series again. Small town friendship with strong female friendships and the characters having each other’s back and doing what they can for each other. Now this is my kind of book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of twenty two romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Berlin, 1944. ‘It is a great honour to have you here, Herr Hitler.’ Lili doesn’t stumble over the lie, her hand steady as she pours champagne. Everything must be perfect, no one can suspect a thing…
Lili Rodenberg and her husband Marius run the Edel, Berlin’s most glamorous hotel. For its wealthy guests, it is an escape from the destruction outside, with its elegant piano bar and fine amber brandy. But Lili is Jewish, a secret she is terrified will end in tragedy for her and their beloved little girl.
Lili’s only choice is to hide in plain sight, her heart racing each time uniformed officers step through the Edel’s grand entrance. As Berlin becomes a more frightening place, Lili pleads with her husband to help shelter those in danger but Marius is adamant: he will not risk the lives of his wife and daughter. Until the day he is called to the front – and goes missing in action.
Left in sole charge of the Edel, a heartbroken Lili fixes her smile as she serves men who would have her killed in an instant if they knew the truth. She decides she must fight back, hiding Jews in the hotel’s wine cellar before moving them to safety. Though she is seized with terror, it gives her the strength to carry on.
But her courage catches the attention of the Resistance. What they ask of her is impossible.
Lili has protected her daughter by living a life full of secrets. Can she risk it all now and put her child in danger for the sake of her country?
An absolutely unforgettable and heartbreaking story of bravery, love and sacrifice that will keep you turning the pages and reaching for the tissues. Fans of The Nightingale and The Book of Lost Names will be swept away by this stunning novel.
MY THOUGHTS
Oh, my heart! The more I read of this book the more I knew I had to continue it. The characters are so realistic in this dual timeline book. Taking place during the turbulence of WWII and more modern times we see an emergence of some characters during both timelines.
I loved the grand elegance of the Edel Hotel in Berlin. I love books with hotels and this one was exciting: this hotel kept made me want to cry buckets and it’s new and improved resurgence was unexpected but welcome with visions of days gone by full of glamour linger in the corners of my mind. It was uplifting to see such strong female leads
The story has such a heartwarming ending, it’ll uplift your spirits. This is one you’ll not want to miss.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I write historical fiction set primarily in Berlin, covering the period from the 1930s up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and dealing with the long shadows left by war. I’ve had nine novels published with Bookouture to date, including a series, and there are more to come. My books have also been translated into a number of languages including French, Danish and, most recently, German.
I spends as much time as I can in Berlin, where my son also lives, and can read German fluently, although I speak it more like a toddler. I’m from the North of England but now live in Glasgow with my American husband. I love to travel and am currently planning a trip next year to Japan. If I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me at the cinema or just follow the sound of very loud music but bear in mind that I’ve been told, more than once, that I have the musical tastes of a teenage boy…
I’d love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website or at my Cat Hokin FB page, at Catherine Hokin Writer on Twitter or on my Cat Hokin Author page on Instagram. @cathokin catherinehokin.com
WW2 fiction set in Berlin, published by Bookouture & Grand Central Publishing. Details of all books & purchase links at https://www.catherinehokin.com/
352 pages Avon publisher October 15, 2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
From the author of Dog Days Forever, a heartfelt, holiday contemporary romance perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, and Susan Mallery, in which a young woman returns to her small hometown and ends up fostering a pregnant dog with—of all people—the man she used to love.
Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along…like ever. Not when they were children, not when they were teenagers, and definitely not as adults…though that last part might be more Lucy’s doing than Theo’s. It was the summer after she graduated college when their antagonism towards each other boiled over into something… hot.
That is until Lucy left town in a flash, leaving everything behind for warm Los Angeles. But now she’s returned after seven years following a bad breakup, and a newfound disillusionment with La-La Land.
As for Theo, he doesn’t know and doesn’t care about whatever happened to make Lucy come back. His lingering resentment is enough to keep her at arm’s length until she inevitably leaves again. The problem is, being around each other has proven that their friction isn’t going anywhere, especially when it leads to some pretty intense heat.
The two have no idea what they’ve rekindled, but things get even more complicated when they rescue a pregnant dog together, taking on joint responsibility of caring for her.
Lucy and Theo must find a way to overcome their past, first for the sake of the dog and her litter, and for their own wounded hearts.
MY THOUGHTS
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I loved it. It has zipped right up there as my favorite book of the holiday season this year and I read Christmas books all year so that’s really saying something. Okay, so it didn’t hurt that the cover is so darn appealing. After all who can resist a huge lug of a dog and her adorable puppies?
A second chance romance that everyone seems to know is going on except for the main players. Seven years ago, Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor were romantically involved. Keep in mind this couple doesn’t get along, never has from the time they met during childhood all the way through everything they’ve been through together.
From teasing to arguments, it’s not happening. But is this just a front for how they really feel for each other again. With Lucy back from LA with a bad breakup under her belt she can’t help noticing how Theo has matured but this doesn’t stop them from being on each other’s last nerves again. With smoldering looks and mistletoe kisses it may be cold outside but this couple doesn’t need a fireplace to keep themselves warm.
The star attraction of the show was Bear, a huge dog Lucy found that brings the couple together more than ever. It’s not all bows and ribbons in this one though as we have some angsty scenes. An exciting feel-good spicy romance perfect for holiday reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Shannon Richard lives in Tallahassee, FL with her adorable rescue dog Teddy—not that she’s biased or anything. She enjoys experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen or perfecting an old one. It’s typically done with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand. She has no shame for the amount of reality T.V. she indulges in, listens to entirely too many podcasts, and is now a plant lady.
293 pages September 19, 2023 publication date Crooked Lane Books publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
It’s beginning to look a lot like murder in the sixth installment of this charming cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Donna Andrews and Jacqueline Frost.It’s the beginning of December in Rudolph, New York, America’s Christmas Town, and business is brisk at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a gift and décor shop owned by Merry Wilkinson. The local amateur dramatic society is intensely preparing a special musical production of A Christmas Carol. But it’s not a happy set, as rivalries between cast and crew threaten the production.Tensions come to a head when a member of the group is found dead shortly after a shopping excursion to Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. Was someone looking to cut out the competition? Everyone in the cast and crew is a potential suspect, including Aline, Merry’s mother, and Merry’s shop assistant Jackie O’Reilly, who was desperate for a starring role.It could be curtains for Christmas—and for Merry—unless the killer can be ferreted out of the wings.
MY THOUGHTS
Rudolf, New York is full of Christmas cheer, or is it. This charming Christmas time cozy mystery has the local drama club preparing for the annual Christmas production.
When a member of the team is found dead, we find out some of the members are jealous of the roles others are playing and think they deserved the part. Is this enough to take the merry and bright out of the holiday season?
As the snow flies so do tempers in this cozy that kept me guessing as I flipped pages.
An author whose books I don’t miss has done it again with another satisfying cozy mystery presentation.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than forty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Year Round Christmas books for Crooked Lane, the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.
Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards.
Vicki is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
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