The Shulammite Woman: a love worth waiting for

The Shulammite Woman is an unnamed woman featured in Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon in some translations). She is the only female voice which speaks directly to us. Ruth and Esther’s voices are mediated by narrators. The Shulammite Woman boldly declares her longing and desires to be united to her lover in marriage. While her joy is to be so passionately in love, she knows sorrow as they have been separated at times. What is her story and why would it be included in the Bible? What does the Song of Songs inform us about romantic love? What does it tell us about love and God’s timing? 

She is young, beautiful, and desirable. He is handsome, strong and agile. He is either a shepherd or a king (legend says he is King Solomon). Song of Songs is a love poem with erotic imagery. The Shulammite Woman is as passionate as her lover. As she initiates contact with him and openly declares her feelings. She yearns for his kisses. So in love she is that even his name sounds sweet. The song captures the desires, the anguish, the tension, the longing and the ecstasy of love. While God is not mentioned and seems not to have a role, either active or inactive in the story, there are a few theories why it would be included in the Scriptures. First, it is believed it is an allegory for God’s love for Israel and ultimately, Christ’s love for the Church. Second, it is thought to be an expression of the sacredness of marriage. It is the fullest expression of love between a man and a woman. Anyone who believes that the Bible teaches negative views on sex has not read Song of Songs. 

The story of the Shulammite Woman is simply to love and be loved. It is everyone’s ultimate goal in life, isn’t it? Song of Songs expresses both romantic love and sexual desire. While expressions for physical intimacy and pleasure are detailed but even the deepness of their feelings beyond just the physical. Romantic love. True love. Whatever you want to call it is a special aspect of life. It is a love that does not fade with time and only grows deeper and stronger. Time, disappointments or even tragedies can not wash it away. Someone is probably saying, what a minute! In the ancient world, marriages were often arranged. Yes, there were. Often for political or other beneficial circumstances. However, that does not mean that those marriages did not grow into loving commitments. A few Biblical examples are Isaac and Rachel (Genesis 24:67) and Elkanah and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8). In marriage, the security of true love gives both men and women the freedom to initiate acts of love and expressions of their true feelings. 

There is one phrase that repeats throughout the Song of Songs that is the important lesson “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” is stated by the Shulammite Woman. She implores the women of Jerusalem (and us) three times (2:7, 3:5, and 8:4). Feelings of attraction can often overshadow one’s voice of reason. Too many times an inimtiate relationship is rushed based on the power of those first feelings. The Shulammite Woman repeats this phrase as a reminder to not force romantic love to grow faster than is needed to become a lasting and fulfilling commitment. As a young single woman who wanted nothing more than to love and be loved, I looked for love in all the wrong faces. Until one day I had enough. I prayed and told God that I gave up. I would stop looking and allow him to bring the man He wanted as my husband. Timing is everything. A few short months after I prayed that prayer, God opened that door and allowed a man to come into my life. We’ve been happily married for thirteen years and while we have had our struggles, we are stronger now than when we first fell in love. 

In conclusion, the Shulammite Woman is a woman fiercely in love with her husband and is not afraid to express those feelings. The expressions of the Shulammite Woman and her husband is a great example of a passionate, committed marriage. She is an example that women can and should have an active role in the expression of love. Unfortunately, centuries of being told otherwise still influences thoughts on love and sex. Romantic love is an important part of a commitment relationship. However, it cannot and should not be rushed. It is in God’s timing as His wisdom is far better than ours. 

Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors: a new twist on a Jane Austen classic

Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev is the first book in the Rajes series. The Rajes are an immigrant Indian family, who descended from royalty, have built their lives in San Francisco. Dr. Trisha Raje is an acclaimed and well-respected neurosurgeon. However, that is not good enough for her family. Her family has gained wealth and notoriety by following three simple and non-negotiable rules: Never trust an outsider, Never do anything to jeopardize your brother’s political aspirations, and Never, ever defy your family. Trisha is guilty of breaking all three rules which is why the overachieving daughter is considered the black sheep of the family. But she is determined to redeem herself. DJ Caine is an up-and-coming chef who is well aware of people like the Rajes. But he needs the lucrative and prestigious jobs that they can offer. He immediately clashes with Trisha only to discover that she is the only surgeon who can save his sister’s life. Can they overcome their differences and find the life they both crave? 

I am not a Jane Austen fan, although I do enjoy movie adaptations of her books. Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors was widely praised and I was eager to read it. It is beautifully written with descriptive language that I could almost taste the food that DJ made. There is a lot going on in this story. However, I was bored. I couldn’t stand the arrogance of Trisha. While she may be a genius surgeon, she missed the class on patient care and bedside manner. DJ was the only character who was likable and yet it was hard to like him. It was hard to find the parallels between Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and this story. There was so much going on with this book that I had a hard time wrapping my head around the events as they happened and “resolved.” Overall, I did not enjoy Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors and will most likely not finish the rest of the series. However, if you are a fan of Jane Austen, you may enjoy Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors. 

Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

A Whole Heap of Wishes: finding love and happiness in the here and now

A Whole Heap of Wishes by Amanda Prowse is the eleventh book in The Wishing Tree series. The upbeat, easy going and outgoing Vera has a popular beauty parlor in Linden Falls. Known for her friendly conversation, Vera holds all confidences are shared within the safety of her salon. Her life is about to be shaken up when she gets a letter from her son announcing his engagement and their impending visit to Linden Falls. While she is excited, Vera is also plagued with anxiety as no one in town knows about her son or his father. With the legacy of her childhood still haunting her, she battles with self-esteem and feelings of inadequacies that she hides her true self from her friends, her town and her son. Can she make peace with the past in order to have a brighter future? 

A Whole Heap of Wishes is a shorter story than the previous books in this series. However it is still a sweet, heartwarming story of life’s choices and finding love and happiness in the here and now. Vera has been seen in previous books and she was always a fun and lively character. In A Whole Heap of Wishes, readers discover she hides pain, shame and low self-esteem behind the fun façade. As one wish came true, Vera hopes for one more. I did find the speed in which Vera’s son, Knox, and his fiancée plan the wedding suspicious. I wondered if there was more than a happy couple so deeply in love? There is a bit of a twist at the end. I enjoyed A Whole Heap of Wishes. I recommend it and the previous books in this series. 

A Whole Heap of Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

The Secret in Sandcastles: an enemies to lovers romance

The Secret in Sandcastles by Rachael Bloome is the third book in the Poppy Creek series. Penny Heart and Colt Davis have been childhood enemies especially when she had been at the receiving end of one of his pranks. Penny likes to play it safe in life and in love. Safe means never getting hurt or having your heartbroken. Colt Davis is the town prankster, ladies’ man and adventurer. They are thrown together for a town project: to find the town’s most thrilling adventures to revamp the outdated guidebook. Something about the cautious Penny intrigues him. One adventure after another, they begin a genuine connection and unexpected romance. Will they take the jump to a happily ever after? Or will their different approaches in life keep them apart? 

The Secret in Sandcastles is about two extremes in life: playing it safe versus the reckless adventure. Penny is known as the Queen of Caution and Colt is the rootless adventurer who never stays in the same place twice. But deep inside there is more to Penny and Colt than they realize. Penny longs for adventure and Colt grows tired of his rootless life. I felt a connection to Penny. I loved how Colt was able to slowly pull Penny from her shell and help her embrace adventure. You can be an adventurer without being too reckless. I also loved Colt’s vulnerability under his bravado. I am truly enjoying this series and I highly recommend The Secret in Sandcastles as well as the first two books. 

The Secret in Sandcastles is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Book 1: The Clause in Christmas 

and 

Book 2: The Truth in Tiramisu

are available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Sisters: the realizations that life always leads in unexpected ways

Sisters is the first book in the Sun Valley series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of three women, their choices and their realization that life doesn’t always lead where they expect. Karyn Macadam is struggling to start over after the tragic death of her husband in a skiing accident. She looks for a new beginning, but can she let go of the past? Leigh Ann Blackburn is the perfect wife but hides a struggle. Her husband has become distant and she believes the worst case scenario. She jumps into a plan to save her marriage. Joie Abbott is the youngest sister who always seems to find a way to mess up her life. She desperately hides a secret from her family until a betrayal forces her to come clean. One thing these women learn is that life is better with your sisters. 

Set in the picturesque setting of Sun Valley, Idaho, Karyn, Leigh Ann and Joie have known heartbreak. From losing their mother at a young age to their own relationship, these sisters have stuck together. Despite their differences, they can count on each other. I enjoyed reading a story set in Sun Valley. I'm familiar with the famous ski resort town; however, I don’t think I’ve ever read a story set there. Overall, I enjoyed each of the women’s storylines. However, I was interested in Joie’s secret and the pain she was trying to hide in her bravado and the bottom of the bottle. I cheered when she finally stood up and said enough! I loved their spunk, determination and their loyalty to each other despite their differences. I enjoyed Sisters and look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Sisters. 

Sisters is available in paperback and eBook

The Truth in Tiramisu: forgiveness and second chances for love

The Truth in Tiramisu is the second book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Eliza Carter has been hiding a deep secret. With her bakery undergoing a remodel, her son, Ben, struggling in school, and planning her best friend’s wedding, her secret is the last thing she has to deal with. That is until her high school sweetheart comes back to town. Grant Parker has never forgotten the girl he left behind, the girl who broke his heart. With a business deal with a very lucrative client on the line, he takes the chance and heads home to Poppy Creek. Maybe a chance to rekindle their love? When Grand offers to help Eliza with her new business’ website, he ends up spending more and more time with Eliza and Ben and discovers their feelings never changed. When the secret comes to light, can their new love survive?

This story picks up right after The Clause in Christmas ends as Eliza is reliving and questioning if she really saw a familiar face. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I loved, loved this story! I could not put it down! I loved the themes of hope, forgiveness and second chances for love. I even appreciated the meaning behind the title as it is revealed in the story. So good! Eliza is the kind of character you want to reach through the pages and hug, to stand behind as she deals with those who would judge her. I also enjoyed Grant’s story as he learns more secrets than just Eliza’s that have shaped, even misguided, his view on his family, his hometown and the love of his life. I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Truth in Tiramisu.  

The Truth in Tiramisu is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Under the Maui Sky: one secret, one betrayal threatens to tear apart a family

Under the Maui Sky is the first book in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of Ava Briscoe and her four children as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a betrayal that will shake them to the core. Ava Briscoe’s strength and resilience will be put to the test. Christel is the oldest Briscoe child and the foundation that she trusted to stand firm will be shaken. Katie is a wife, mother and businesswoman, she yearns for a chance to shine. Aiden makes a living rescuing people in trouble but can he rescue his family when they need him the most? Lastly, Shane, the baby, has been tagged as the ne'er-do-well. He does what he can to live up to it but deep down he wishes for the chance to prove his worth. Will they find a way to come together, stronger than ever? Or will this secret break them beyond repair?

With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky! 

Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook

The Clause in Christmas: an unexpected inheritance comes with a catch

The Clause in Christmas is the first book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Is a story of an unexpected inheritance and a turning point in life. Cassie Hayward hates Christmas and for good reason. This year she has no job, flat broke and an ex that won’t leave her alone. She arrives in the small town of Poppy Creek to receive her inheritance from her estranged grandmother. There’s one tiny problem. Her grandmother Edith had put a clause in the will. In order for Cassie to inherit, she would need to complete the Christmas Calendar. A series of festive tasks to complete everyday til Christmas and her lawyer, the handsome Luke Davis, would oversee her progress. Will Cassie complete the calendar? Will she risk her heart to find joy in Christmas and love in the small town? 

I don’t usually read books set during Christmas but the premise of The Clause in Christmas intrigued me. How could someone hate Christmas? This book was my first by Rachael Bloome and it will not be my last. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, my heart fell for Cassie, Luke and the small town of Poppy Creek. I grinned like an idiot. I cried like a baby and I sighed at the romance. Cassie’s story is heartbreaking and with pain like hers, it is easy to close yourself off for protection. Luke is just the man to show her that joy can be found in Christmas and how love can be great when you open yourself up. I am eager to read the rest of the Poppy Creek series. I highly, highly recommend The Clause in Christmas. 

The Clause in Christmas is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Overdue Wishes: undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love

Overdue Wishes by Tammy L. Grace is the tenth book in The Wishing Tree series. Norma Braxton is a born organizer. A member of the Winey Widows and a retired high school librarian, she keeps busy with local events. As she helps organize the All-Class Reunion in Linden Falls, she comes face-to-face with a man from her past, a man she never expected to be in Linden Falls. She panics as he knows her secrets and tries to pretend that he’s mistaken when he recognizes her. Fearful he could reveal her secret and upend the life she has built but he’s persistent. Chet is committed to learn more about the woman he recognizes as the young girl he used to know. His appearance in town has awakened something in Norma’s heart. Does she dare hope that her overdue wish could come true? 

Linden Falls is a town where wishes come true. Sometimes they are granted right away and some take years. Long after the individual has long given up. Overdue Wishes is a sweet story of undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love. Norma hides a secret that even her dear late husband didn’t know. I enjoyed Norma and her dedication to her adopted home. I loved Chet’s loving forgiveness toward Norma as he convinces her that he has held nothing against her and his sweet pursuit of her. There was one moment I held my breath as I waited for the outcome. Surely Norma and Chet’s story wouldn’t end like that? Overall, I enjoyed this trip to Linden Falls and witness Norma and Chet’s love story blossom. I highly recommend Overdue Wishes as well as all the books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Overdue Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

Finding Me: an unexpected inheritance leads to life changing experiences

Finding Me by Judith Keim is the first book in the Salty Key Inn series. An unexpected inheritance opens doors of possibilities and life changing opportunities. Sheena Sullivan Morelli and her sisters, Darcy and Regan, inherit a hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida from their Uncle Gavin. As the black sheep of the family, Gavin had disappeared from their lives many, many years ago. However, there is a twist. They must live together for one year at the hotel and prepare the hotel to receive guests within a year. Sheen is eager to escape her role as an unappreciated wife and mother and rediscover herself. Dreams of sitting on the beach, sipping margaritas are dashed when the hotel is in desperate need of repair and renovation. Undaunted, the three sisters set a plan and are determined to meet this challenge to change their lives forever. 

Finding Me is a story about finding one’s true self. Sheena married young and devoted herself to her husband, his business and their children. Darcy works a job she hates while she dreams of something better. Regan has spent her life being the dumb blonde while hiding a true talent that she fears to reveal. Each sister must commit to their uncle’s last wishes or no one will inherit anything. This story should have been Sheena’s story with aspects hinting at Darcy and Regan’s stories in later books, however, the alternating points of view were distracting and with just too much going on. I didn’t like the fact that Sheena was willing to leave her husband, whom she claims to love greatly, and live apart for one year. Overall, I enjoyed the story but I am not sure if I liked it enough to continue the series. 

Finding Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

No More Words: dark family secrets, haunting memories and a path to the truth

No More Words is the first book in the No More Words series by Kerry Lonsdale. Fourteen years ago, Olivia Carson’s younger sister, Lily, ran away. Forced to choose between abortion or adoption, she ran, never to return. But once a year, Lily sends Olivia a letter and a picture of her son, Josh. Until one day Josh himself appears on Olivia’s doorstep. He’s alone and terrified. An accident has left Josh with language difficulties that makes it difficult for him to communicate. But as a prolific artist, Olivia discovers he can “speak” through his art. As she tries to decipher what happened to Lily, doors that have been long shut on the past have been opening. Each step brings her closer to the truth and threatens everything she thought she knew about her family. 

Kerry Lonsdale is known for deeply emotional dramas with no easy path to move forward. No More Words is a drama filled with family secrets and suspense. From the opening chapter, this story grabs hold of the reader and takes them on a roller coaster of the past, present and secrets that could threaten everything including one’s own life. Olivia is a deeply wounded woman who is haunted by the events surrounding her sister’s disappearance. Secrets, lies, and manipulation twist this story that Olivia doesn’t know who to trust. She knows one thing for sure, Lily is in danger and she needs to find her fast! No More Words is filled with twists and turns that don't let up until the very end. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend No More Words! 

No More Words is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Wishful Thinking: finding self-acceptance and your heart's desires

Wishful Thinking by Kay Bratt is the ninth book in the Wishing Tree series. In this story, Janie Stallard has a new life as the newest business owner in Linden Falls as she has opened Wishful Thinking shop. She also helps Neva run the Wishing Tree Inn. She’s looking forward to the future as her divorce moves closer to becoming finalized. Coco Baines is a guest at the inn with the goal to become the graceful and fit anchorwoman her boss expects her to be. No matter how unfair she thinks the stereotype is outdated, she has to have that promotion! When a rumor about the Wishing Tree becomes an undeniable truth, the whole town is in an uproar and has banded together to protect their precious tree. Even with Janie and Coco working hard to divert the crisis, it will take more than just wishful thinking to save their tree. It will take a miracle. 

Wishful Thinking is a story of self-acceptance and finding your heart’s desires in the most unlikely places. I saw myself in Coco as she was fueled by an image that she thinks she needs to be in order to be the success she wants to be. She doesn’t see that she is beautiful just as she is. It takes a friendship with the local reporter and the story of the Wishing Tree to see that. Janie is a single mother who is trying to move forward until her estranged husband shows up in town. What is his motive? Can she trust him again? Can she trust herself to truly see her heart’s desires? My heart broke at the thought of the beloved Wishing Tree would be no more, even though I knew a solution would be found, I was surprised and enjoyed how the tree was saved. I highly recommend Wishful Thinking as well as the rest of the Wishing Tree series. 

Wishful Thinking is available in paperback and eBook.

Home Fires: a community rebuilds after a devastating wildfire

Home Fires by Fiona Lowe is a drama about one small town recovering from a devastating wildfire. The aftermath will expose many secrets and change their lives in more ways than one. The town of Myrtle, nestled in Victoria’s beautiful Otway Ranges, was devastated by a lethal brushfire. What was left was smoldering ash, everyone’s lives have changed. The story follows three women in particular: Claire Cartwright, Bec Petrovic, and Sophie Doherty. These women have very different lives and backgrounds but will come to find that friendship and support in each other will be their survival. Eighteen months after the fire, after the media frenzied attention has gone, Myrtle stands restored but deeper wounds are still festering in the community. When one secret reveals many more secrets that will rock the town to its foundations, these women must decide whether to band together and find a peace for themselves and their beloved town. 

Home Fires is a haunting tale of everyday people who must fight for their lives, their families and their town. Ms. Lowe has a beautiful gift and a keen eye for the foibles of humanity and weaving them into a story that resonates beyond just the Australian countryside. The story features a very real event known as Black Saturday, February 7, 2009 when multiple fires merge into one major emergency. At the end, 173 people would lose their lives and thousands were left homeless. Ms. Lowe dives into the characters’ psyche before and after the fires and how they were forever changed. One word of warning, the story slowing, and I mean slowing, builds as the house of cards begins to grow bigger and bigger and it only takes one shiver to cause it to fall. When that one shiver happens, the story rages like the wildfire that destroyed the town. I highly recommend Home Fires. 

Home Fires is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.  

Gone Wishing: second chances and truly finding home

Gone Wishing is by Jesse Newton and is the eighth book in The Wishing Tree series. Loretta Thompson is a people person. She loves meeting new people and has a special gift that everyone feels as she is their best friend. As she helps clean the rooms at the Wishing Tree Inn, she is fascinated by the items people leave behind. Her fascination leads her across the country as she returns the lost items to their rightful owners. Now she is returning to Linden Falls but this time she has company. Sally Redwood was a genealogy center coordinator before she had her hip replacement. With no family to help her while she heals, she joins Loretta back to Linden Falls to recover. Lois Bryant lost her husband a year ago and still reeling from his sudden loss, she needs a fresh start. Despite her children’s protests, Lois packs up and heads to Linden Falls with Loretta and Sally. Back in Linden Falls, all three women tie a wish to the famous tree. 

Gone Wishing is a sweet story of second chances. Second chances at a fulfilling life and maybe even love. Readers first learn about Loretta in an earlier book as she has packed up and left, leaving Neva in a lurch. Now she’s back and we learn more about the reasons behind her wayward travels and her lack of faith in the Wishing Tree. Sally was a hard character to like as she constantly complained about the lack of good barbeque. Or at least what she would consider good barbeque. However, by the end of the book, Sally’s story is one readers will cheer for as she finds new life in her new home. Lois’s story is the one that I clung to the most. Lois takes the most risk as her children are against her move. I enjoyed that she stuck up for herself and demanded that she needs to find a new purpose. Overall, I enjoyed Gone Wishing and highly recommend it and the rest of the Wishing Tree series. 

Gone Wishing is available in paperback and eBook

Did Not Finish: a enemies-to-lovers romance

Did Not Finish by Nicola Marsh is an enemies-to-lovers romance in the cutthroat world of publishing. Mia is a reviewer for a well-known newspaper. Her book reviews have skyrocketed sales. They even tank sales with her dreaded DNF (did not finish). She has been secretly writing her own books she wishes to publish. When she wins a spot at a writer’s retreat with the bestselling thriller writer, Axel Low, Mia thinks her dreams have come true. Except what she doesn’t know is that he hates her. Axel plans to eviscerate her writing to give her a taste of her own medicine. But fate intervenes and a rare blizzard blows in and the two are stranded together. It doesn’t take long for Axel and Mia to engage in every romantic trope there is but with secrets they need to protect, when the snow melts, who will be left standing? 

I am familiar with Nicola Marsh’s psychological thrillers and always enjoy them. I haven’t had a chance to read her romance books. When I got the chance to read Did Not Finish, I did not hesitate. I always enjoy a good romance. Did Not Finish is a unique romance with dual points of views (POVs). I don’t think I’ve read a romance with dual POVs but it worked. I enjoyed the insights into the motives with Mia as well as Axel. I even enjoyed Mr Darcy, the silent but very present cat who is a character in his own right. As a book reviewer and an aspiring author, I enjoyed the behind the scenes look of the writing and publishing world. I laughed. I grinned. I sighed the way only romance stories make one sigh. I could not put this book down! I highly, highly recommend Did Not Finish! 

Did Not Finish is now available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love at Rosecrown Ranch: home is where the heart is, but where is home?

Love at Rosecrown Ranch is the first book in the Rosecrown Ranch series by Ruth Pendleton. It is the story of Jenny Stratton, fresh off a devastating break up, needs a break and Hank Miner, ranch hand on her grandmother’s ranch, wants nothing to do with Jenny. Hank doesn’t trust the city girl despite her beauty and bravery. But soon they are forced to work together and the lines quickly become blurred as their attraction becomes a distraction they both are trying to avoid. Jenny must decide between the life she left behind and the life she has discovered on the ranch with Hank. Home is where the heart is, Jenny needs to decide if it’s in the city she left behind or on the ranch and Hank in front of her. 

Love at Rosecrown Ranch is a sweet romance with deeper issues of grief, heartbreak and finding a way to move forward and love again. I enjoyed Jenny and Hank as people with deep wounds from heartbreaks, both reluctant to open their hearts again but can’t help being drawn to each other. My one complaint is Jenny’s “friends” who constantly berate her for still being weeping over her breakup. Is anyone really over a devastating breakup in 3 weeks? Especially when Jenny was anticipating a very different outcome? I feel they were being too harsh with her. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It is the type of romance that leaves you with a smile and sigh of happiness. I recommend Love at Rosecrown Ranch and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 

Love at Rosecrown Ranch is available in paperback and eBook

Inheriting Murder: a cozy mystery of murder and art theft, oh my!

Inheriting Murder is the first book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series by Jamie Rutland Gillespie. When her Aunt Tildie passes away, Landry Burke inherits her entire estate including a five story apartment building, the Magnolia Place, and a bookstore, Jasmine Bloom Books in the town of Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee. On her first day in town, she and Adam Wilcox, her aunt’s attorney, discover the body of one of Magnolia Place’s doormen. Trying to adjust to her new home and now with a murder investigation to deal with doesn’t help her panic attacks and anxiety. Sheriff Wyatt Collins is on the case. Landry just can’t seem to leave the investigation to the sheriff. When the investigation leads to the discovery of art theft, Landry can’t help but wonder if the two crimes are connected? 

Inheriting Murder is the debut novel by Ms. Gillespie and I look forward to many more. With all the quirkiness of small town characters, Inheriting Murder had me laughing and smiling at the situations that Landry finds herself in. One particular incident had me shaking my head and thinking “Only you, Landry!” and I just met the character! Trouble just seems to follow her to the point that Ms Millie, Aunt Tildie’s best friend, is wary of Landry. The story isn’t short on suspects, even for a small town, that I thought would behind the murder and the art theft. The reveal at the killer was great and surprising. Overall, I enjoyed Inheriting Murder and look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I recommend Inheriting Murder. 

Inheriting Murder is available in paperback and eBook