Tag: Romance

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Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea: A gripping and emotional page-turner (Heaven’s Cove Book 1) 

365 pages Bookouture publisher Publication date February 18, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the attic of Driftwood House there are stunning views of the deep green sea and sapphire sky. But Rosie can’t tear her eyes away from the faded photograph in her hands, and the words written on the back that will change everything…

Back in the tiny seaside village of Heaven’s Cove after the death of her mother, all Rosie Merchant wants is to hide her tears, rent out her childhood home, and get back to her ‘real’ life, away from the gossiping villagers and wild Devon weather she escaped from years ago.

She’s surprised to find a smiling man in hiking boots – local farmer Liam – waiting on the stone doorstep. His kind offer to help clear crumbling, isolated Driftwood House is hard to refuse, and despite Rosie’s determination not to let anyone get close, soon they’re walking and laughing together along the clifftops. As clouds scud across the endless sky and green waves crash against the shore, Rosie is reminded that nowhere is more beautiful than home.

Then, up in the attic of Driftwood House, Rosie stumbles across a photo which exposes the heart-stopping truth about how her mother came to live at Driftwood House years ago… and Liam only seems concerned about the implications for his own nearby farm. Did he know this painful secret all along, and should she run from Heaven’s Cove for good? Or will facing up to her devastating family history mean Rosie can finally put down roots in this beautiful place?

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

MY THOUGHTS

I have read other books in the series already so I’m reading out of order as this is the first one.
What a beautiful introduction to Heaven’s Cove, the vast properties, the sea the sense of being home.
Driftwood House, crumbling away it won’t be long before the sea claims it but Rosie has other ideas. She grew up in Driftwood House leaving as an adult but now her mother has passed, and she’s returned from Spain to pay her respects and fix up the cottage but she’s not sure what she’ll do with it as she’s settled into her life in Spain.
With the brilliant idea of turn it into a B & B she’s devastated when she finds out her mother did not own the house and it is now reverting back to the owner’s name.
A secret her mother never told her as she assumed her mother had ownership of the house.
Contacting the owner, she decides to fix it up to try to persuade the owner to sell it to her.
Clearing the house of her mother’s possessions she finds an unknown picture in the attic that sets her off on a quest to unearth answers to her questions. She has so many and it’s time to discover the truth. Heartbreaking as secrets are uncovered. Will Rosie find the answers she needs before more spirals downward? Such an excellent series. I am really enjoying it.

About the author

Liz writes heart-warming and uplifting women’s fiction about families and relationships, and romantic comedies full of love and laughs. You can sign up to her newsletter at http://www.lizeeles.com

Liz worked as a journalist for years and brought up a family on the south coast of England, all the while writing fiction on the quiet. After being short-listed in a couple of national novel-writing competitions, her dream of being a published author came true when she was signed by publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK).

When not writing, Liz likes walking by the sea, catching up with friends and binge-watching box sets. She also loves hearing from readers and can be contacted at http://www.lizeeles.com, or on Twitter:@lizeelesauthor, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizeelesauthor, or Instagram: lizeelesauthor

Liz’s books are:

1. Annie’s Holiday by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 1)

2. Annie’s Christmas by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 2)

2. Annie’s Summer by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 3)

4. New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 1)

5. A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 2)

6. A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 3)

7. Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 1)

8. A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 2)

9. The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 3)

10. A Key to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 4)

11. The Path to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 5)

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Amish fiction: Letters of Comfort (Friendship Letters, 2)

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date August 1, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
A Ministry of Letter Writing Restores Hope to the Writer
 
Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancé’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?
 
Find out in the second book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s always a wonderful day when I have a chance to read another of Wanda Brunstetter’s books.
This is the second book in the Friendship Letters series. Though it can be read as a standalone I suggest you read them in order as each book follows closely behind the other to get the full enjoyment of the story.
This book deals with depression and follows a young Amish woman in her journey as she is set to marry her fiancée, and he tragically passes away due to an accident close to their wedding. She is also badly hurt, and it takes her a long time to heal. Her fiancée has a twin brother and it’s hard for her to see them as the brothers were identical and it brings back memories of the past.
Her best friend sends her comforting and encouraging letters to try to help but at first, she is not receptive to them. Eventually as letters pass between the two friends honesty feelings come out as the friends share their struggles as they are able to help each other. Her faith is lagging but her friends keep encouraging her. As she starts to socialize more her healing both mentally and physically starts. A beautiful uplifting and encouraging story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you have a wonderful day.

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Reading the Green: The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea: An absolutely addictive and heartbreaking page-turner (Heaven’s Cove Book 3) 

381 pages Bookouture Publication date February 28, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

The girl stands on the clifftop, feeling the soft breeze lift her shining red hair and dry her tears. She can almost hear Ireland calling her home across the wild sea. But she can never go back. And in that moment, she swears no-one will ever find out why.

Freya is desperate for escape from her messy break-up when she’s offered a job caring for elderly Kathleen in the seaside village of Heaven’s Cove. Kathleen’s once-red hair is now a brilliant white, but there’s always laughter in her Irish lilt – until the day Freya finds her weeping, her gaze fixed on Driftwood House, perched on the cliffs above the village. She refuses to say what’s wrong…

Kathleen’s son Ryan, quiet with striking emerald eyes, resents that a stranger is caring for his mother. But as Freya presses him for answers on a long walk across a windswept beach, Ryan finally admits that Kathleen breaks down in the same way, on the exact same day every year – never telling anyone what is causing her pain.

Finding a photo of Kathleen as a young girl standing outside Driftwood House years before she says she moved to the village, Freya is determined to find the source of Kathleen’s heartache. But as she gets closer to Ryan, and to the sad, forgotten history of the house, Freya is faced with an impossible decision…

Should she share this heartbreaking secret with Ryan and risk their chance of happiness together? And will facing the truth bring Kathleen peace in her final years – or will it tear them all apart?

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

MY THOUGHTS

The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea

Though this is part of a series I’ve read the others in the series so long ago I no longer remember what they were about so reading as a standalone.
Kathleen made a mistake many years ago. She is elderly now and relives this mistake every day of her life. Her son sees her crying on a certain day every year, but Kathleen won’t say what’s wrong.
A new hire, Kathleen’s caretaker knows the secret but can’t tell it she made a promise.
Freya has become close to Kathleen, but it has become so hard to keep this secret especially when Kathleen’s son Ryan has also become close to her and a romance may be starting up.
There are a lot of family dramatics and tensions because of long kept secrets. Secrets that have caused heartbreaking and sadness for many years. The setting by the sea was beautiful. The village charming. For the most part I liked the characters but not always how they acted. Healing comes at long last as secrets come to light.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Liz writes heart-warming and uplifting women’s fiction about families and relationships, and romantic comedies full of love and laughs. You can sign up to her newsletter at http://www.lizeeles.com

Liz worked as a journalist for years and brought up a family on the south coast of England, all the while writing fiction on the quiet. After being short-listed in a couple of national novel-writing competitions, her dream of being a published author came true when she was signed by publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK).

When not writing, Liz likes walking by the sea, catching up with friends and binge-watching box sets. She also loves hearing from readers and can be contacted at http://www.lizeeles.com, or on Twitter:@lizeelesauthor, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizeelesauthor, or Instagram: lizeelesauthor

Liz’s books are:

1. Annie’s Holiday by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 1)

2. Annie’s Christmas by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 2)

2. Annie’s Summer by the Sea (Salt Bay Book 3)

4. New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 1)

5. A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 2)

6. A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle (Honeyford Book 3)

7. Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 1)

8. A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 2)

9. The Girl at the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 3)

10. A Key to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 4)

11. The Path to the Last House Before the Sea (Heaven’s Cove Book 5)

Hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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Reading the Green: The Irish Cottage by the Sea: A BRAND NEW charming Irish tale of family, love and friendship 

322 pages Publisher Boldwood Books Publication date April 22, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When single mum Lou moves from the chaos of Dublin to a forgotten seaside cottage in Dingle, she hopes for a calmer life for her son, Jack – a place where he can grow up surrounded by the warmth of a small community.

But village life isn’t without its challenges. The cottage needs work and Lou needs a job, but at least Jack quickly makes friends – including Bo, the spirited daughter of Aidan, the head chef of the restaurant where Lou eventually finds work. Aidan is serious, skilled, and a little distant, yet there’s something about him Lou is drawn to.

Lou is firm in her decision not to get involved with anyone, not after the heartache Jack’s father caused them both. But as Lou and Aidan grow closer, they may just discover what matters most: family, community, and the unexpected joys of opening your heart again.

Set against the windswept beauty of Dingle, this is a story of new beginnings, the bonds that hold us together, and love that grows when you least expect it.

MY THOUGHTS

The Irish Cottage by the Sea is by a new to me author. I enjoyed her writing style.
The book had a warm homey feel. A welcoming vibe to it.
A woman leaves a bad relationship behind moving with her five-year-old son to an Irish cottage by the sea.
The setting was welcoming and sounds so cozy, a place I definitely would love to visit.
Dublin life is chaos and she is hoping the calm environment in Dingle will be just what she and her son need.
The cottage hasn’t been lived in for a while and needs so many repairs. Though it is livable it needs a lot of money put into it and she knows she’ll need to get a job very soon while her son is in school.
Will she be able to follow her dreams or will this move prove to be a big mistake with all that needs done to settle in?
I enjoyed seeing her son warm up to other children as he settles into the routine of school and a new way of life.
A possible romance may be on the horizon after not too long but do pleasure and business really mix or will this be another mistake she makes?
Very much enjoyed reading this new to me author and now I’ll need to see what else she has out.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

MEET THE AUTHOR

Clodagh (rhymes with Yoda) is an Irish author of romantic comedy and feel-good fiction with sassy heroines, swoony heroes and happy (for now) endings.

Before writing books, she spent many years in a variety of admin office jobs, and got in early on the gig economy thing, with numerous side hustles such as mystery shopping and movie extra work.

She lives in Dublin, surrounded by her large family, who bring her oodles of joy. Other stuff that makes her happy includes huevos rancheros, whiskey sour, Han Solo, jigsaws, Joni Mitchell and dinner with friends in cities where none of us lives.

Her writing role heroes are Jilly Cooper and Joan Wilder from Romancing the Stone.

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Reading the Green: The Irish Daughter of New York: (Maggie O’Halloran Book 1)

363 pages Bookouture publisher Publication date March 31, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maggie O’Halloran gazes at the Statue of Liberty, her eyes wide with wonder. “At last,” she breathes softly. “This is where my future begins…”

New York City, 1891: Stepping off the boat she boarded in Ireland, Maggie O’Halloran’s heart is filled with hope for this brave new world. But when her father isn’t waiting at the docks as planned, her excitement vanishes with the terrible realization she and her brother Danny are utterly alone—homeless, penniless and without a friend in the world.

Life on the Lower East Side is hard and grindingly poor, but Maggie is determined to survive. As she gazes longingly into the windows of Manhattan’s famous department stores, she dreams of owning her own millinery shop and becoming independent at last. And when fellow Irishman Brendan O’Donoghue offers her and Danny refuge, Maggie finally feels hope for their future.

Finding work with a wealthy family on the Upper East Side, Maggie’s dreams begin to feel closer than ever before. But just as her fortunes finally change, her brother’s involvement with a notorious New York gang brings terrible danger to both her and Brendan’s doors. Facing a heartbreaking decision, can Maggie save her brother and protect the new life she’s built? Or will the American dream she has held so close to her heart be lost forever?

The first book in the Maggie O’Halloran series, this is a sweeping, epic and heart-wrenching story of one woman’s determination to change her fortunes against all odds. Perfect for fans of moving historical fiction, Kristin Harmel and Jean Grainger.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy reading historical fiction a lot. It’s always so fascinating what I can learn from it. I had ancestors come over to America from Galway and often wonder what their voyage was like on the way over and how well did they manage when they landed here.
The book was very well researched and the portrayal of the Irish immigrants when they landed in New York very realistic.
Maggie and her young teen brother Danny have been sent for by their father to come to New York and live with him. Trouble starts almost as soon as they arrive finding out her father had left where he was staying several weeks before their arrival with no forwarding address.
I’ll admit it would be very hard and scary being in a brand-new country on your own not knowing anyone and broke.
I liked Brendan’s character a lot, he’s a shop keeper and kind to everyone including Maggie and her brother. He has helped Maggie out of more than one bind.
The book was full of Irish characters and like with many immigrants they were discriminated against by many, and many tried to take advantage of them even other Irish people.
The book was heartbreaking a lot of times seeing what these characters had to go through.
Ending on a cliffhanger I’m already looking forward to reading the next in the series and continuing on with the story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers.

An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), their two Golden Retrievers and their independent cat. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books. Links can be found on her website, katehewittbooks (.com).

Her latest releases are Where The Dawn Finds Us, a dystopian novel about a woman protecting her family after a nuclear holocaust, Summer Skies over Starr’s Fall, the fourth standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls, and The Long Winter, the fifth in her Wildflower Valley’s series about modern homesteading and inspired by Little House on the Prairie. There’s something for everyone so do check them all out and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate’s books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate’s Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

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Blog Tour For: Sugar and Spice at the Pumpkin Corner Café

Sugar and Spice at the Pumpkin Corner Café

The perfect new cozy-up-with-a-pumpkin-spice-latte read that’s meant for fans of Laurie Gilmore and Rebecca Raisin!


Professional pastry chef Blaire Reese is blindsided when her beloved Aunt Rachel dies, leaving her the Sugar and Spice Pastry Cafe in Willow Grove. Returning to her hometown, Blaire discovers her beloved family business is in trouble, and—to make things worse—its most-cherished recipe is missing.

Her first love and former summer crush, Evan Hadley, is also back in town, having traded a corporate career to help manage his family’s Heath Acre Farm, famous for its autumn Hay Daze corn maze. Grown up – and with rugged good looks – he’s only charming when he wants to be. Like when he’s not tangling with someone over business matters, the way he is with Blaire after she cancels a large order for organic pumpkins.

Her sunshine is disappearing under his grumpy storm clouds, until he accidentally learns the truth about her situation. Now, he offers to help save her aunt’s legacy and her family’s pastry cafe. As they work together in secret, the ingredients for a very different recipe develop— one simmering with romance—but an unexpected turn of events melts their growing attraction into a mess.

Will Blaire save the beloved cafe and find the lost recipe that means so much to the pastry café’s customers? And can she save this last chance at love with the first boy she ever kissed?

Sugar and Spice at the Pumpkin Corner Café invites readers to dive into its cozy autumn escape this fall—for fans of grumpy x sunshine, small town romance, Gilmore Girls, pumpkin lattes, sugar and spice and everything else that’s nice about this magical season!

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/u/mvlpBe

MY THOUGHTS

I cannot even tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
This is my first read by the author but they are on my radar now.
Taking place during Autumn, a time period I love to read about it has all the warm fuzzy cozy vibes and then some.
Blaire Reese is a busy young woman, dreaming of becoming a professional pastry chef, she’s well on her way. She has lovely memories of her Aunt Rachel, helping her bake at her sweet cafe and holiday visits. She really needs to visit more often especially now that her aunt is so sick, but time just seems to get away from her.
Then the news comes, her aunt has passed away and not only that left her business, the Sugar and Spice Pastry Cafe in Willow Grove to her.
I absolutely loved the characters such a warm small-town feel and such well-developed characters.
I’ll admit this was a tear jerker along with being a heartwarming tale as well.
I loved seeing how the community rallied around Blaire and the cafe, expecting Blaire in a way to show the same kindness Rachel has. Everyone adored her.
I felt sad when something vital to running the cafe turns up missing as it will really affect how the cafe is run.
Cozy Fall vibes and the drinks sounding so delicious. The lead up to the parade, everyone’s support of the cafe, holiday baking. A possible second chance at love and Blaire needing to make some very important business decisions.
I’m all in and looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio – Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: https://x.com/PaperDollWrites              

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperdollwrites/

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Taming Lady Temperance: A Christian Opposites Attract Frontier Western Historical Romance with Cowboys (The Secret Society of Spinsters) 

336 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date February 17, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

MY THOUGHTS

This was a greatly anticipated title for me and as always, it did not disappoint.
The way the author crafts a wonderful and entertaining story that even though I have the flu I had trouble putting it down.
Well-developed characters, I especially like Noreen and how she stood up for her beliefs despite the back lash she got from others and their actions.
I also learned a few things historically and I love how well researched this is.
The author can really bring out the emotions in a reader, and this author does a great job of it. At times I was laughing out loud and at other times I was mad at the treatment Noreen was getting for her beliefs. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Secret Society of Spinsters series and read about her “sisters” and their strong beliefs.
Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Have a super day. I’m grateful for your presence here.

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The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom, 2)

320 pages Publisher Forever Publication date October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.

Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.

MY THOUGHTS

Heartwarming small-town romantic read.
This is a lovely story, an emotional read.
This is Mallory Blue’s grandmother’s story, Nan. Nan is the driving force behind the annual Christmas play that the community looks forward to and loves.
Mallory is having a hard time going on this Christmas season because Nan has developed dementia. It’s tough reading about this subject though because a family member of mine went through it. It’s hard for the granddaughter. She wants to things to be the same as in past years with the holiday play, but things will never be the same with Nan.
Her memory has faltered and she thinks Mallory is her caretaker at the memory living home.
Nan has a journal that she has written about her favorite handmade Christmas ornaments with the ornaments correlating with different times of importance in her life.
We get to see flashbacks of Nan’s life as a young woman and the hardships she has endured but also, she perseveres and has many happy moments like the building that has housed her theater that she’s had a lifelong interest in.
Sweet and emotional well written story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Annie Rains is a bestselling author of contemporary fiction, full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about becoming an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing “plot bunnies” and deadlines ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is spending time with her family, caring for her numerous pets, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Have a wonderful day. Keep on keeping on!

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The Beginner’s Quilt- Prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club series

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date March 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

– A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s a wonderful day when I get a chance to read a new Wanda Brunstetter book.
Having read so many of her books I’m always thrilled to see a new one pop up. This is a prequel to one of the series I have not read through and now I really want to read the other series. In the series the main character has an older lady as the main character that we get to meet in this book as a young woman.
Many are under the mistaken assumption all Amish women have the skills to bake and sew, and it comes naturally.
Not so for Emma Bontrager who has no interest in it either, preferring outdoor activities like fishing.
Sent to her paternal grandparent’s house in Arthur, Illinois she’s not happy to receive lessons she doesn’t want.
While there she meets a young man who begins to court her.
Falling in love comes naturally but then she feels like it’s all being snatched away from her.
There was quite the plot twist in the book that I just didn’t see coming but I was happy to see how it was resolved.
Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

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Reading the Green: The Lost House of Ireland: A totally uplifting Irish romance about second chances (Starlight Cottages Book 4)

252 pages Publication date June 8, 2022 Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

An enchanting story about forgotten family secrets that will transport you to the charming village of Sandy Cove on the beautiful Irish coast.

Allegra Casey is searching for a new beginning. So when she discovers an engagement ring buried in the sand near her home in Cape Cod, the last place she expects it to lead her is to the west coast of Ireland. But when she arrives in the tiny village of Sandy Cove, she finds herself falling in love with the crashing waves, the picturesque coast and the warm-hearted people.

As soon as she settles into her cottage at the old coastguard station, Allegra meets her eccentric neighbours. They believe the ring belonged to Davina Courtney, whose family still live on the Strawberry Hill estate just outside the village. And when Allegra visits the old mansion, she meets the charming, enigmatic Max Courtney-Smythe, the great-nephew of the former owner.

As they try to solve the mystery of the long-lost ring, Allegra and Max grow closer, and it soon becomes clear that their feelings for one another are mutual. And as she spends more time with the local community, Allegra wonders if she’s finally found the place she can call home.

But the reappearance of the engagement ring causes problems among the heirs of the estate and, as Max suddenly grows distant, Allegra wonders whether she should never have travelled to Sandy Cove. Is this where she will finally find true love, or is she destined to leave this magical place alone?

MY THOUGHTS

What is supposed to be a three week stay in Ireland turns into so much more.
While at the beach Allegra finds a ring in the sand near her Cape Cod home she knows she must try to find its owner. Her travels take her to picturesque Sandy Cove, Ireland. The coastal area is arresting and the locals friendly.
Long held secrets start to unravel. found family, such a beautiful read. I loved the characters and it kept me reading long into the night. So delightful and heartwarming.
This really kicks my dreams up a notch to visit Ireland and try to find any of my ancestors.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She’s been inspired to write about people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

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