The Sweetest Words: an enemies to lovers romance with great drama, banter and sweet moments

The Sweetest Words is the first book in the Three Sisters Cafe series by Laura Ann. When Aspen Harrison's father turns over the family bakery to her, she knows it’s her time to shine outside of his shadow. Along with her sisters, she remodels and re-themes the bakery as Three Sisters Cafe. A great way to kick off their grand re-opening would be a review from a well-known food critic, Eat It Austin. Austin loves food and is known for his snappy and snarky reviews that his followers eat up. However, his whole career is built on a lie and a facade is desperate to keep in place. When his editor takes his review of The Three Sisters Cafe and turns it into a harsher review than originally written. Austin feels bad, but unable to do much. When Aspen issues a challenge for an apology, Austin must decide between his reputation, his career and his heart. 

The Sweetest Words is a great enemies to lovers romance with drama and sweet moments. I loved the banter between Aspen and Austin. I especially loved Aspen’s spunk when she challenges Austin to “eat his words” about her cafe. I felt for Austin and his dilemma and I certainly wanted to throttle his boss. I also enjoyed the cast of characters and look forward to seeing them get their own love story. I enjoyed that Aspen and Austin both had their own challenges and issues they wanted to keep hidden and yet they found the strength and courage to open up about it to each other and eventually others. Overall, I enjoyed this story. Word of warning though, do not read this book while hungry. The descriptions of the sweet treats and food were so vivid that I wish I could eat it with the characters. If you enjoy an enemies to lovers romances with sweet treats, I highly recommend The Sweetest Words. 

The Sweetest Words is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tru Blue: a motorcycle club romance with found family and rebuilding one's life

Tru Blue is the first book in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights of Peaceful Harbor series by Melissa Foster. There’s nothing Truman Gritt wouldn’t do to protect his family and he proved it. He spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he has been released and slowly rebuilding his life when his mother’s overdose shattered it all. He steps in to raise the two children she left behind. Overnight, he became the guardian of a toddler and an infant. When a beautiful stranger walked up to him at the store and helped him, he tried to resist. Gemma Walker saw the tattooed man struggle with two young kids, she couldn’t help but step in. As Truman tries to resist Gemma’s help, he finds himself slowly opening his heart. Truman and Gemma find an attraction between them that was hard to fight. However, when his dark past bursts into his life once again, Truman faces a tough decision. 

I usually don’t read books about motorcycle clubs; however, I was intrigued by Truman’s story. I also enjoy stories about found family and tough guys with hearts of gold. The story started off strong and I loved Turman’s tenderness with his small siblings. My heart broke for him as he was desperate to stay on the straight and narrow and keep his siblings from a life of drugs and crime. Gemma was a bright light in his dark world who had a hurtful past herself. I also enjoyed the Whiskey family who took Truman under their wings when he had no one in the world. Overall, I did enjoy this story; however, I felt the story lost steam with each chapter. Gemma's painful past would be painful; however, I could not get behind her comparisons to Truman’s past. I am not interested in continuing the series. If you enjoy motorcycle club romance with found family, I recommend Tru Blue. 

Tru Blue is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ticket to Ride: a young girl goes missing and an darker online world is exposed

Ticket To Ride is the fifteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. When a young woman disappears on her way to rehab, private investigator Taylor Gray is asked to follow her steps. When a young girl goes missing that hits closer to home, Taylor is thrown into the online world and the predators lurking in the shadows. As she searches, rumors and whispers of other girls gone missing under similar circumstances and every lead reveals a darker path and secrets involving powerful people who would do anything to keep them buried. With time running out, Taylor is determined to end the ring of predators who are luring vulnerable girls and the shadowy figures who are determined to silence those who threaten their system. Little does Taylor know that one link in the chain will throw the small town of Hart’s Ridge into turmoil. 

Ticket to Ride opens with a seemingly normal court case as a young woman must choose between jail or rehab and the story doesn’t stop. Page after page, readers are on a race against time as Taylor follows a case that hits too close to home. With gritty reality, Ticket to Ride brings to light the darkness and danger of an everyday activity: online games and communities. While online activities can be innocent, there are predators lurking, ready to lure innocent kids into a darker world. With each piece of evidence, Taylor gets closer to the true boss of this web of criminals and it will leave readers’ jaws on the floor when Taylor discovers who is behind it all. As the sixteenth book has been noticed, I am looking forward to Taylor’s future in Hart’s Ridge. I highly, highly recommend Ticket to Ride. 

Ticket to Ride is available in paperback and eBook

Woke Up Like This: a magical romantic comedy as two high school seniors to enjoy the smaller moments

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea is a seventeen going on thirty story in which two high school seniors find themselves waking up as their adult selves. Charlotte Wu is ultra-organized and trying to plan the perfect prom, the final hurrah before they graduate and enter the adult world. After falling off a ladder and landing atop her archnemesis, J.T. Renner, Charlotte wakes up at thirty years old and lying next to her fiancé, a bearded Renner. In the situation together, Charlotte and Renner discover what they have missed twelve years and must discover if there’s a way to get back. Charlotte also realizes there is more to Renner than just the irritation jock she thought she knew. As they navigate the situation and try to figure out how to get back to seventeen. How will life be different when or if they do? 

Woke Up Like This is described as a “magical romantic comedy about growing up too fast and living in the moment,” I was intrigued by the premise of waking up as your adult self and learning what really matters in life. In the beginning, I was annoyed by Charlotte. She was a hard character to like as she was bossy, judgmental and petty. As someone who does not see the big deal of prom and did not attend my senior prom, I could not connect with her desire with the perfect prom or the perfect milestones. However, I enjoyed her growth as she realizes that the milestones are not as important as the smaller moments that happen in between. Overall, I enjoyed the story as the character showed great growth throughout the story. If you enjoy young adult and magical romantic comedies, I recommend Woke Up Like This. 

Woke Up Like This is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of a Dream: can a dream tell one woman the path she needs to follow?

The Color of a Dream is the fourth book in The Color of Heaven series by Julianne Maclean. In a continuation story from The Color of Hope, Nadia Carmichael is learning to live after a heart transplant and raising her infant daughter. She is grateful for her new life and finds joy in the little things. She has a recurring dream of flying while it doesn’t frighten her, Nadia feels the dream is trying to tell her something. She wakes up with questions. Could it be related to the identity of her donor? She decides to figure out its meaning. In the meantime, the father of her daughter blindsides her by suing her for full custody. In preparation for her case, Nadia meets Jesse, his estranged brother, who is a rescue helicopter pilot, and the nature of her dreams becomes clearer and leads her down another path.  

The Color of a Dream was a fast paced read with plenty of drama, sweet moments and an exploration of dreams and finding a new path in life. I enjoyed this story more than I did The Color of Hope, which I did enjoy, however, I loved the growth of Nadia and her desire to fight back. I also enjoyed the introduction of Jesse and he was a great character in Nadia’s journey. There were moments when I wanted to scream at certain characters and wanted to shake some sense in them.  I also loved the possible connection to the next book in the final chapter. Overall, I enjoyed this story as I could not put it down. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend it. I highly recommend The Color of a Dream. 

The Color of a Dream is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Next Breath: a memoir of a near-fatal accident and one man's miraculous recovery

My Next Breath: A Memoir by Jeremy Renner is a gripping and inspirational story of Jeremy Renner’s near-fatal accident on New Year’s Day 2023 and his miraculous recovery. Jeremy Renner is a renowned actor with memorable portrayals of an army bomb tech in The Hurt Locker, a Boston bank robber in The Town and Hawkeye in seven Marvel films. Yet his world comes to a halt when he is crushed by a fourteen-thousand-pound snowplow. With vivid details, Mr Renner recounts the struggle to keep breathing while help struggled to find their way to him. From the ICU to multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation, Mr Renner's no-holds-bar account of his inner strength, endurance and hope as he set to recover, against all odds, with one breath at a time. In a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the amazing ability of the human body is to endure and recover. Writing with vulnerability and strength, despair and hope and redemption and renewal, Jeremy Renner invites readers on this journey with him. 

Jeremy Renner has been one of my favorite movie actors when I first saw him in The Hurt Locker and of course, I loved him as Hawkeye, the underrated Avenger. I remember hearing about his accident and feeling the dread of the pain he and his family were in and the long road his recovery would be. I followed his journey on Instagram. His memoir has been on my Wish List since its publication and yet, I hadn’t had the chance to read it yet. Recently, I was able to listen to the audiobook, read by Mr Renner, and what a journey it was. In fierce detail about his accident, the aftermath, and his recovery was extremely emotional. So emotional that tears welled up as I listened to Mr Renner recount every painful second and even more so when his own voice would crack with emotion. I laughed, I cried and I cringed with horror but in the end, I celebrate his amazing recovery. I highly, highly recommend My Next Breath, especially the audiobook. 

My Next Breath: A Memoir is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

It Girl: fictionalized retelling of the real life Gibson Girl and the crime of the century

It Girl by Allison Pataki is a fictionalized retelling of real life Evelyn Nesbit, the Gibson Girl, and the crime of the century she finds herself in the middle. New York, 1900, with the brilliance of a new century and new inventions, nothing shined brighter than a young woman who rose to stardom from rags to riches through her talent, charismas and irresistible beauty. Evelyn Talbot became America’s sweetheart and the introduction of pop culture. As a young girl, Evelyn works to take care of her widowed mother and younger brother after the sudden death of her father. As she was working as a shopgirl, she catches the eye of artists and is recruited as a studio model and eventually Broadway. Soon a parade of powerful and power hungry men come calling, from a world famous architect to a wealthy railroad heir and playboy. When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a crime of passion, deemed the Crime of the Century and finds the blame placed squarely on her shoulders. 

I learned about Evelyn Nesbit, the Gibson Girl, in a high school history class, so when I had a chance to read It Girl, I looked forward to reading the story. Allison Pataki is an author I recognize but have never read. She describes her books as “biographical historical fiction.” While names were changed slightly, Evelyn Talbot’s story mirrored Nesbit’s from her humble beginnings to the rise to stardom. However, while the story started off strong, the story was a little too long, felt a bit draggy, and when the story got to the Crime of the Century, it faltered even more. There was so much build up to the crime and trial that the actual crime and trial felt rushed. Overall, I was disappointed with the story. I couldn’t connect with Evelyn and particularly didn’t like her. I didn’t care for Ms. Pataki’s writing and most likely will not read her books in the future. If you are a fan of Allison Pataki, you may enjoy It Girl. 

It Girl is available in available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Who was Sylvia?: one woman's mission to discover what happened to her sister

Who was Sylvia? by Judy Gardiner is a story of one woman’s search for her sister. 1939, Barnard Castle, Durham, Sylvia Coryn is a hero to her younger sister, Kit. With warmth, infectious laughter and beauty, she was charming to all. On the brink of World War II, Sylvia leaves home and disappears. Kit is left confused, why would her sister leave with a goodbye? Her parents refuse to talk about Sylvia; but Kit is desperate to know what has happened to her sister. As she sits off on her own, Kit begins to trace her sister’s steps from their home to bombed streets of London and beyond. Each stop, Kit discovers a puzzling clue that raises more questions than answers. Will Kit find Sylvia? Will the answers she seeks bring her understanding? 

I found the premise interesting and looked forward to reading this story. I was surprised by how short the book is, only 10 chapters, but I eagerly dove in. The story started off great and set up the mystery of Sylvia's disappearance and Kit’s mission to find out what happened. However, I was bored. I felt the story did more telling than showing and I struggled to pay attention. The ending was a let down and left more questions than answers. It felt as if the author intended a sequel but didn’t write one. Kit was an interesting character and I admired her determination to discover the truth. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. It had so much potential. I do not recommend Who was Sylvia? 

Who was Sylvia? is available in paperback and eBook

The Rebel: the heartbreaking, yet hopeful final book in the Emerson Pass Historical series

The Rebel is the eighth and final book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. After four years at a university, Delphia Barnes returns home to Emerson Pass; however, no one is at the station to welcome her home. When she sees Jack Depaul, she wonders why her family isn’t there, he tells her the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jack is a proud second generation horse breeder in Emerson Pass. Only his love for Delphia equals his love of horses. As America prepares for war, Jack and Delphia finally confess their feelings for each other and marry before Jack ships off to fight overseas. He doesn’t want to leave her now that they have come together; but the desire to serve is too strong. Jack promises her he will return, alive and well. She prays that it is a promise he can keep. Will Jack survive the war? If he comes home, will Delphia recognize and love the man who returns?

I have loved this series and the Barnes family’s adventures and it is exciting and yet sad to finish the final book. It was hard to say goodbye and yet I could not tear myself away from the pages as the Barnes family deals with the horrors and sacrifice of war. My heart broke for Delphia and Jack as they fall in love and marry in innocence even as war looms. And they fall in love again as they deal with the aftermath and pain of war. I loved how Delphia refused to give up on Jack and I cheered as others around Jack refused to let him give up and with tough love to show him that life can still be lived fully and love is deeper than skin deep. As the historical series ends, I look forward to jumping back into and finishing the contemporary Emerson Pass series. I highly recommend the Historical Emerson Pass series if you haven’t started it. I highly recommend The Rebel. 

The Rebel is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Orphan's Island: a young girl's journey to America and a new beginning

The Orphan’s Island is the first book in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt. In 1904, Ellen Copley arrived in America from Glasgow with her father after the death of her mother. They crossed the ocean with dreams and hopes of new beginnings. After joining her Uncle Hamish and Aunt Ruth in Vermont, her father leaves to find work leaving Ellen feeling alone and uncertain of her future. It wouldn’t be until her Aunt Rose needs her assistance with her family on Amherst Island where Ellen finally finds love and acceptance with her cousins as well as Jed and Lucas Lyman, the boys next door. Lucas becomes a friend and confidante but it is Jed who steals her heart. But will Jed love her back? While Amherst Island feels like home, will Ellen find her heart and future there as well? 

Kate Hewitt is a new author to me and I was intrigued by Ellen’s story as a young girl new to America and finding her place in her new country. The Orphan’s Island is a fast paced read and I was glued to the page and Ellen’s story. There was drama between Ellen and her Aunt Ruth, squabbles with her new friends and the highs and lows of first loves. In her young years, Ellen finds the strength and courage to find a path that she would be able to support herself with the uncertainty of what her true dreams could be. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series and Ellen’s story. If you enjoy historical novels of hope and finding a place in a new world, I recommend The Orphan’s Island. 

The Orphan’s Island is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tomorrow's First Light: a marriage of convenience romance with faith, hope and drama

Tomorrow’s First Light is the first book in the Texas Promise series by Naomi Rawlings. Sam Owens grew up in an orphanage in the small dusty town of Twin Rivers. All he dreamed about was a spread of land of his own and a family. For a year, he has been writing to Ellie Spritzer, who agreed to come to Twin Rivers and become his wife; however, she was bringing her siblings with her. Sam had no issue with it, looking forward to a ready made family. He wasn’t prepared for the eight young children who arrived with Ellie. As Sam and Ellie start to figure out life together, with a brood of children and limited resources, someone from the shadows tries to steal his land from him. They are now in a fight to hold their new family together on the land they all have come to love. 

Naomi Rawlings is a new author to me and I enjoy mail order bride historical fiction. Tomorrow’s First Light is a great read, fast paced and page turner filled with drama, faith and struggles, filled with love, friendship and support. I loved the struggle with faith and doubt of Ellie as she faced the drama with the land, entering a marriage with a stranger and questioning her decisions. I enjoyed Sam as a young man who knew hardship and the support of friends and held a deep faith in God that he moved forward despite the overwhelming odds in front of him. His friends were great characters and I enjoyed their interactions. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy marriage of convenience with faith, hope and new beginnings, I highly recommend Tomorrow’s First Light. 

Tomorrow’s First Light is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Dear Hamilton: a historical fiction novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is the novel about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, a founding mother who is responsible for preserving the legacy of Alexander Hamilton. A general’s daughter, Eliza Schuyler came of age during tumultuous times in the colonies and the fight of independence hanging on by a thread. When she meets Alexander Hamilton, he is a handsome, passionate aide-de-camp of General George Washington. Penniless yet brilliant and charismatic, Hamilton wins Eliza’s heart. After the war, as the country struggles to establish itself, Eliza and Alexander find themselves in the middle of glittering highs and bloody lows including the Reynolds Affair, America’s first sex scandal. After Hamilton’s death in the famous duel in 1804, Eliza struggles to survive and later preserve her husband’s legacy as a founding father as well as other prominent figures in the Revolutionary War.  

I have always loved historical fiction, fueling my own research into the real historical events and figures. I am also a fan of the musical Hamilton (2015) and I have read the Ron Chernow biography. I have eagerly read other historical fiction books about Hamilton and the Revolutionary War. While My Dear Hamilton is a historical fiction novel, I feel the authors strayed too much from what is known about Eliza to try and fill in the holes of what is not known, especially with modern attitudes that, I feel, would have been too progressive for the time, even for a rebellion against a monarchy. My Dear Hamilton just didn’t live up to my expectations and I found myself skimming sections. I did not have an emotional reaction to this story and I was glad it was over. I do not recommend My Dear Hamilton. 

My Dear Hamilton is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Who are the anointed? Why can't we come against them? and the misinterpretation

Every time a pastor or church leader is criticized or accused, I will always hear “You can’t come against the anointed” in defense against the criticism or accusation. Instead of addressing the criticism or accusation, wagons will be circled and people will be told you can’t do that. Even personally, when I have raised a concern about a pastor’s teaching or use of a Bible verse, I was told you can’t come against the anointed. Alarm bells go off in my head when I hear this statement. Even God allows our questions (Matthew 7:7, Isaiah 1:18, Proverbs 2:6), so why not pastors or church leaders? So I wondered who are the anointed? Why can’t we come against the anointed? What happens if someone does come against an anointed? And are all pastors or church leaders automatically anointed? 

The anointed ones are individuals set apart by God for special services, primarily kings, priests and prophets. Kings like Saul, David and Solomon. Priests like Aaron and his sons. Prophets like Moses, Elijah and Elisha. Even Cyrus the Great, a non-Jew, was anointed by God for a divine purpose. The anointing was done with oil showing God’s selection and support with His Spirit for a task, representing His presence and blessing. 1 Chronicles 16:22 (also Psalm 105:15) states, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” These verses signify God’s protection over those with a specific divine assignment. This command was for a specific person for a specific purpose. Queen Jezebel is a famous example of someone who came against the anointed prophet Elijah (1 Kings 21) and died horribly (2 Kings 9:30-37). Anointing was more prevalent in the Old Testament. The closest thing to anointing in the New Testament is the practice of laying of hands (Acts 8:18); however, there is no mention of special protection (Gonzales, 2019). Even Paul writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 about the qualifications of pastors and deacons, he makes no mention of any anointing or special protection for being God’s anointed (Gonzales, 2019). 

“Touch” means physical harm, slander, malicious mockery or interfering with their God given mission. However, this does not mean no constructive criticism or concerns. It is often used by a televangelist, a faith healer or a proponent of the prosperity gospel in defense of their actions, which makes them no better than false teachers who utilize these verses for control and their own personal gain (Gonzales, 2019). The scriptures are filled with examples of the anointed  and church leaders and teachers being challenged and demonstrates that the anointed are not above reproach as they are still flawed people. Nathan openly criticized and confronted King David after he sinned with Bathsheba and tried to cover it up (2 Samuel 8:1-14). Paul confronted Peter about his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21) and the Bereans questioned Paul’s teaching (Acts 17:11) and examined the Scriptures every day to make sure they were true. Even Jesus gives us instructions on how to confront a fellow believer in Matthew 18:15-17. First, we are to speak to the individual privately about the sin (verse 15). Second, if he or she doesn’t repent, then we are to bring two or more witnesses to discuss the matter (verse 16). Lastly, if he or she still doesn’t listen and repent, then we are to take the matter to the church leaders (verse 17). The purpose is restoration and protection. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly so that the others may take warning.” 

The warning not to touch the anointed has been massively misinterpreted and used to shield religious leaders from accountability and using the verses in ways God did not intend. The passages are often used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles to defend and deflect preachers from criticisms and accusations; however, they aren’t the only ones who misuse these passages. People who promote themselves as pastors and their ministries as “anointed” to warn off their critics. It is used to preempt any questions and scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehoods, bad theology and even predatory behaviors. Some in the prosperity gospel circles have also interpreted these passages to mean that all Christians are promised protection from all bad things. God never promises protection from harm from evil people, He only promises that he will deliver us from troubles (Psalm 34:19). In John 16:33, Jesus teaches “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus tells Paul, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

In conclusion, in the Old Testament, the anointed were people given a special purpose by God. Kings, prophets and leaders, to attack them maliciously was to attack God Himself. The demise of Queen Jezebel being a prime example of divine judgment and retribution. However, In the New Testament, no special anointing is described for pastors. In fact, every believer in Christ is anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are allowed and encouraged to bring legitimate concerns and criticisms to the individuals, the church and the public with the purpose of repentance and restoration. To claim to be anointed is not a free pass to do and say what you want and avoid accountability. The next time, when you bring up a legitimate concern or criticism and you are told you can’t do that, know that you can and should. 

References

Gonzales, Nitoy (April 30, 2019). 6 Reasons Why “Touch Not the Anointed” Verses Are Not for Pastors. Delighting Grace. https://delightinggrace.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/6-reasons-why-touch-not-the-anointed-verses-are-not-for-pastors/. Retrieved February 3, 2026. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: a painful and gritty memoir with humor, wit and stark realism

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry is a painful and gritty memoir. The opening line: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead” says it all. The riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry from his childhood and his dream of fame, to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. A story of a young boy being shuffled from his mother’s in Montreal to his father’s in Los Angeles. A story of a fourteen year old nationally ranked tennis star in Canada. A story of a twenty four year old who would land the role of a lifetime and the fame he always dreamt of. To the outside world, Matthew Perry had it all. However, hidden behind the smile and wise cracking jokester was a man who was lonely, feeling unworthy of love and in a dark battle of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety is filled with his trademark humor and a stark realism that many have never seen and he takes readers on this journey with frankness, self-awareness and extreme vulnerability. 

Many who know me know that I love Friends. It is my comfort show. A show I watch when I want to laugh and to relax. My favorite character has always been Chandler Bing. The vulnerable man who uses humor to hide his fears, insecurities and loneliness. Matthew Perry has been one of my favorite actors for years and his death in 2023 hit me hard. When he released this memoir, I was torn about reading it. I wanted to read it and yet, I was afraid. Recently, I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I usually don’t listen to audiobooks; but there is something about this book and listening to Matthew Perry narrating it. It was difficult to listen to. It is deeply intimate and eye-opening. I was in tears, knowing he had come so far, so filled with hope and yet he is gone from this world. His voice reminds me of someone else I know who battled with addiction and it added to the pain of his story. He intended his memoir to help those who struggle with sobriety and I pray that it does. I highly recommend Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing 

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of: an abandoned inn and new beginnings

What New Beginnings Are Made Of is the first book in the Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay series by Debra Clopton. After the sudden death of her husband, fifty-five year old Alice McIntyre visits Star Gazer Island, where she first met her husband. There, she finds the abandoned Star Gazer Inn for sale and on a whim, she buys it. Her four adult sons are not happy; but she needs a fresh start. Her oldest son, Jackson, is shocked by his mother’s decision but he is determined to help her move on. Lisa, Alice’s best friend and recent divorcee, comes to the inn to join Alice in opening the inn. Nina Hanson is an artist who lives next door to the inn. She loves the quiet life especially since she has a reason to keep a low profile. 

Debra Clopton is a new author to me, even though her name is one I recognize from bookshelves. I like storylines of new beginnings and from the opening chapters, I enjoyed the introduction of Alice, Jackson and Nina. I especially enjoyed Jackson’s and Nina’s first meeting over a wayward puppy. However, going forward, I feel there were too many storylines and some were not fully developed. I quickly became bored and the story slowed down. I would have liked to see more into Nina’s story and the past she was trying to leave behind. I did enjoy Ms Clopton’s description of the island and the beach was gorgeous. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and will not be continuing this series. However, if you enjoy Debra Clopton’s books, you may enjoy What New Beginnings Are Made Of. 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of are available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ice Falls: a romantic suspense in an Alaskan small town

Ice Falls is the first book in the Firelight Ridge series by Jennifer Bernard. Molly Evans credits her three best friends for their support as she grew from a misfit to a successful attorney. When one of them suddenly goes missing, Molly makes it her mission to find her friend, Lila. She tracks Lila to Firelight Ridge, a small town in Alaska, and she immediately stands out in a town who stays out of each other’s business. It doesn’t take long before she finds herself in the middle of a local mystery and a reclusive group and must deal with a surly but very attractive pilot. Sam Coburn is the ultimate lone wolf; keeping to himself. When Molly steps onto his plane, he is intrigued by the feisty and fierce woman. Little does he know that she will provide a way to access the wilderness family he had tried and failed. A whirlwind of events will change their lives forever. 

I have read Jennifer Bernard’s books before and loved them. When I found Ice Falls, I was looking forward to this romance suspense. I liked that Molly was willing to jump on a plane to find her friend. Even though Lila was always a bit flighty, Molly felt enough intuition to think something was off and find her and make sure she is okay. Her first interaction with Sam was funny with great banter. From there, the story seemed to be all over the place introducing Lila’s new life in town, the mysterious family who Sam is trying to get information about and the mystery that is supposed to tie it all together. The pace was slow and lost my attention. Overall, I was bored and really didn’t care for the characters or the mystery. I am not sure if I will continue this series; however, if if you enjoy romantic suspense, you may enjoy Ice Falls. 

Ice Falls is available in paperback and eBook

Metal Slinger: a romantasy with action, magic and adventure

Metal Slinger is the first book in the Fire and Metal series by Rachel Schneider. With no memory of her origins, Brynn grew up among the Alaha. Even though she’s not one of them, she has been training to be a guard. The chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta is one every young guard looks forward to; however, Brynn does not count on breaking a century long peace treaty. One encounter with an enemy soldier threatens everything including what Brynn believes about herself and the people she thought she knew. Her loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the enemy soldier reveals her true identity and his mission to return her to her true home. Now she is in a fight for her life as she learns a whole new world of magic and fate with questions of loyalty, love and betrayal. 

With the second book in this series releasing in June this year, I was given the chance to read Metal Slinger. I usually do not reach for a romantasy book; however, I do enjoy a good fantasy book and a good romance book, so I decided to give this romantasy book a chance. The beginning of this story was a bit slow as the author built the world around these characters. However, when Brynn leaves the Alaha people and enters a world she knows nothing about, the story picks up speed. As the story went along and I thought I knew where the story was going to go, the last quarter left my jaw on the floor. It does end with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see how this story continues in book 2. If you enjoy romantasy books, I recommend Metal Slinger. 

Metal Slinger is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook