The Color of a Memory: grief, loss and moving forward with the memories

The Color of a Memory is the fifth book in The Color of Heaven series by Julianne MacLean. ER nurse Audrey Fitzgerald believed she had married a perfect man. Alex was a loving husband, a devoted father and a heroic firefighter who risked his life to save others. A year after his tragic death, she is struggling to move on when she finds information that threatens all she thought she knew about her husband. A picture and a name she had never heard before. A mysterious woman who holds the key to everything. Audrey discovers that in the weeks leading up to his death, Alex was distant, distracted and keeping secrets. With the help of a friend, she digs into his past and begins a journey that would lead her to a new future, one she never could have imagined. 

Continuing the arc which began in the third book, The Color of a Memory explores grief, loss and moving forward. This story had so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat. My heart sank as Audrey discovered the evidence of what she thought was Alex’s secrets and the doubts that filled her head. I gasped at the reveal of who the mysterious woman was and her connection to Alex. I loved the interconnection of the characters and an example of how our own lives are interconnected whether we ever know it or not in a chain of events that can change lives forever. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I highly recommend The Color of a Memory and the earlier books in The Color of Heaven series. 

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

The Runaway: a grumpy-sunshine military romance

The Runaway is the fifth and final book of the Brides of Beaufort series by Jess Mastorakos. Nate Bristol is getting ready to travel cross-country to his new duty station in Beaufort, he has a tight schedule. He never expected to have travel companions. When Ms. Hattie asks Nate for a favor, no questions asked, he finds himself aiding in the escape of Nikki, a runaway bride, and her teenage daughter, Marigold. She is the ultimate sunshine and is determined to see the bright side of anything and make the most of the turn of events. Nate is the ultimate grump and as the miles tick by, Nikki and Marigold worm their way under his skin and he learns to roll with the punches. As they get closer to their destination, the slower he finds himself driving. Will they be able to say goodbye once they reach their destination? 

I have loved this series and it was sad to see it end. The Runaway is a grumpy-sunshine military romance. Nate and Nikki’s story was sweet with lots of laughs and drama. I loved how Nikki slowly chipped away at Nate’s gruff demeanor. There is a bit of suspense and a nail biting scene with Nate coming to the rescue. I even enjoyed Marigold’s character and as a mom of a teen myself, I appreciated that Ms. Mastorakos got the teenage slang accurate. I loved Nate’s reaction to the slang. It reminded me of my husband’s reaction to the slang when our teenager and her friends use it. When Nikki and Marigold are in danger, I loved how Nate and his fellow Marines jump into action. Overall, I enjoyed this story and the series. If you haven’t read the Brides of Beaufort, I highly recommend it. I highly recommend The Runaway. 

The Runaway is available in paperback and eBook

The Contract: two best friends and a marriage of convenience

The Contract is the fifth book in the Brides of Beaufort series by Jess Mastorakos. Zoe Katsaros and Chase Mitchell are fellow Marines and best friends especially after they were on deployment together. His family is about to lose everything and he can’t send extra money home. Her family is pushing for marriage to a Greek man she doesn’t like or love. Thanks to dual military benefits and his willingness to embrace her Greek family’s traditions, Zoe suggests a marriage of convenience as the answer to their problems. They discuss terms and set their plan into motion. However, married life isn’t all they thought it would be, even to a best friend. Their arrangement started out as a means to an end; however, Chase will do everything he can to make it much, much more. 

When I started Chase and Zoe’s story, I wasn’t sure I would like it as well as I did the previous books. It did have a different vibe than the others. However, there were a lot of deep issues present in the story and I cheered for them and ended up falling in love with their story. Parental expectations. Family traditions and culture. And responsibility of adult children to their parents. I loved how strong Zoe was as she loved her family, her culture and their traditions but deep in her heart, she wanted something more than an arranged marriage. I wanted to hug Chase as he struggled helping his parents and I was angry on his behalf when he learned the truth. What is the truth? You’ll have to read the story to find out. I highly, highly recommend The Contract. And if you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for? 

The Contract is available in paperback and eBook

Taming 7: when the lovable class clown hides a dark and terrible secret

Taming 7 is the fifth book in the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. Claire Biggs and Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson have been best friends since childhood. She is the sunshine who sees the good in everyone, especially Gibsie. She always sees a side of him that no one else doesn’t see. Gibsie is the ultimate and yet lovable class clown. The one to crack a joke when things get too serious. But behind his goofball facade, Gibsie hides a dark secret, a secret he is determined to reveal to no one. As they enter another year of school, storm clouds are rolling in and his secret is getting harder and harder to keep. As their relationship comes to a crossroad, they take a chance for something more, however, Claire is frustrated that Gibsie is still holding back. When the truth is revealed, will their friendship survive? Will it blossom to something stronger or be lost forever? 

The Boys of Tommen series dives into dark subject matters and Taming 7 is no different. From the very first book, Gibsie has been a favorite character of mine. The Ride or Die friend with a heart of gold, yet no one suspects that he is drowning his pain in laughter. I was not expecting the depth of Gibsie’s secret. While I recommend reading Taming 7 and the earlier books of the Boys of Tommen series, I strongly urge readers to read the author’s notes and trigger warnings in the beginning. This story is not for the faint of heart. My heart broke for Gibsie and I cried as he dealt with the revelation of his secret. I am looking forward to more of the Boys of Tommen series. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, angsty New adult stories, I highly recommend Taming 7 and the rest of the Boys of Tommen series. 

Taming 7 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Faith in Flowers: a second chance romance with heart and small town charm

The Faith in Flowers is the fifth book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Olivia Parker returns home for her brother, Grant’s wedding. She decides to keep her divorce secret so as to not ruin the big day. Confirmed bachelor Reed Hollis has never forgotten the only woman to capture his heart and he also hasn’t forgotten that she is married. Believing Olivia is happily married, he buried himself into cultivating his beautiful blooms and keeping his distance. When the original wedding venue becomes unavailable, Olivia and Reed are brought together to help plan the wedding with a new venue. As the two work together, they are confronted with their feelings as well as their fears and painful secrets. Can their love bloom with a little faith? 

I love the Poppy Creek series and The Faith in Flowers is a great addition to it. It is a sweet, clean romance with plenty of heart and the small town charm. A second chance for Olivia and Reed find themselves face to face after so many years and discovering their past feelings are alive and well. I love the themes of love, grace and forgiveness and that even the most beautiful flowers bloom from the dirt. We are not bound to our past mistakes as we build for a brighter future. Reed and Olivia are so sweet as they banter as friends and confide in each other before ultimately confessing their love. I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend The Faith in Flowers and the Poppy Creek series. 

The Faith in Flowers is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Instant Karma: strength, resilience and secrets

Instant Karma is the fifth book in Hart’s Ridge by Kay Bratt. Faire Tinsley is a long time resident of Hart’s Ridge. A sort of recluse, she realizes she needs extra income in order to keep her beloved home. She decides to take on a tenant. An easy arrangement quickly turns into a nightmare as her new tenant begins to act odd and erratic. Faire reluctantly turns to Deputy Taylor Gray who discovers this stranger is not who he says he is. Meanwhile, two men from Jo’s high school past come back into town. Jo convinces herself she doesn’t need or want a relationship. But their presence in town forces Jo to confront the past. Will Faire be able to recover her home from a sinister tenant? Will Jo hold on to her secret or will she be forced to reveal it?

WOW! was the one word I uttered as I turned the final page of Instant Karma.  The Hart’s Ridge series keeps getting better and better. Instant Karma is a great addition to the series. The themes of strength and resilience run throughout the story. The situation with Faire and her tenant kept me on my seat. I enjoyed seeing Della Ray again and her unwavering support for Faire. Jo has kept the identity of Levi’s father a secret. Some in town have their speculation but she has been able to stay mum. When she reveals her secret to one particular person, it was a shocker to say the least. It was not a reveal I was expecting! Taylor is also hiding a secret which I hope that story comes to fruition in a future story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Instant Karma and I can’t wait to finish out this series! I highly recommend Instant Karma. 

Hart’s Ridge is available now in paperback and in eBook on May 26

Books 1-4 are currently available in paperback and eBook

The Gingerbread Cafe: life, love and hockey

The Gingerbread Cafe is the fifth book in the Hockey Sweethearts series by Jean Oram. Miranda Fairchild has bucked the system. Her family thinks she’s crazy. She bought a failing hockey team in Texas, with it a small bit of fame and she moved to a small town out in the country. But worst of all, she is still single! Miranda has high standards that she feels no man could ever understand her. One day, she walks into The Gingerbread Cafe , hiding her true identity, pretending to be an average woman. Dak, the down-to-earth owner of The Gingerbread Cafe, seems to understand her. He is not only handsome but he knows how to laugh and make her laugh. What Miranda doesn’t know is Dak knows exactly who she is because he is a former NHL player and is trying to work with her team’s charity. As their attraction grows, Dak fears what will happen when she discovers who he really is. Will she be able to put aside her preconceived notions for a chance of a great love? 

While The Gingerbread Cafe is the fifth book to be released in the Hockey Sweethearts series, it is a prequel with events occurring before the events of The Cupcake Cottage, the first book in the series. The Hockey Sweethearts is also a spin off of Ms. Oram’s Sweetheart Creek series. The Gingerbread Cafe is a sweet, clean romance. Miranda is a woman in a man’s world and gets bad press for it. What could a woman possibly know about hockey? Dak is a former NHL player who loves the game but doesn’t really want to play again. Fate together in the sweetest way. Despite Miranda’s misgivings, Dak is perfect for her. Her heart knows it but her head won’t let her put aside her fears. Dak is a man who has learned from his wild rookie days and wants to guide new rookies away from the fast party life he knew so well. Together Dak and Miranda work well, professionally and privately. I loved everything about their love story and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I highly recommend The Gingerbread Cafe. 

The Gingerbread Cafe will be available in paperback and eBook in November 2023 

The eBook is currently free at bookfunnel.com

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder: another crazy adventure in Normal, Kentucky!

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder by Tonya Kappes is the fifth book in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Welcome back to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal! As the town prepares for the local Civil War reenactment of the Battle of Camp Wildcat, Greaser Gadie, a notorious killer escapes from prison! The whole town is on high alert as Greaser vowed to get his revenge on the jurors who convicted him. After the reenactment, two of the actors are discovered to be not acting at all. They were murdered! And a motorhome was discovered to be stolen from the Happy Trails Campground. Are they connected? Is Greaser truly in town to take his revenge? Mae follows the leads to recover the stolen motorhome as her hunky detective boyfriend, Hank Sharp, investigates the murders. Will their investigations merge into one? 

Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better. As Mae has truly embraced the small town of Normal, she is not about to let anything or anyone destroy her new home, especially a motorhome thief! I love Mae’s tenacity and her unique and quirky group of friends. This story has such twists that I didn’t see coming! Even though I knew Mae would figure it out, the story definitely kept me on my toes as I could not put it down! I also enjoyed seeing Mae and Hank’s relationship develop more and become more public. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and more of Mae’s adventures in Normal. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and a quirky small town, I highly recommend Motorhomes, Maps and Murder as well as the previous books in the series. 

Motorhomes. Maps and Murder is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Chef: a second chance romance

The Heartwood Chef is the fifth and final book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Gwen Heartwood loves her job managing the dining services at her family’s inn unless she’s dealing with angry customers, deadlines and short staffing. Then she hates her job, she likes Teagan Hatch, the inn’s head chef. But he broke her heart without explanation and no apology. They continue to work side by side, a bit strained, but it’s working. Teagan is keeping many secrets. He’s a man who has been burned in the past and has a hard time trusting others with his deepest secrets. When he realized he wants Gwen back, he also realized he needs to reveal his secrets. After he reveals why he broke up with her and offers the apology Gwen has needed, they start dating again. Their new relationship seems to be on an edge when Gwen realizes that Teagan still hasn’t told her everything. Will he finally trust her completely or will this be the final end to their relationship? 

The Heartwood Chef is a nice close to the Heartwood sisters saga. The series has been filled with angst, relational issues, and growth for the couples. Gwen and Teagan’s story is filled with angst more so than the previous stories. Teagan has so much more history and much more relational issues. While he was attracted to Gwen, he had issues and concerns that stopped him from pursuing the desires of his heart. I enjoyed that Teagan allowed himself to be vulnerable and acknowledged that he needed help. He didn’t want to lose Gwen again and he wanted to do all he could to make sure he did right by Gwen. Gwen was confused about their sudden break up and she pined for him as they worked together side by side. As Teagan learns to open up, Gwen learns what it means to be a supportive partner. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Chef. It was a nice wrap up as readers say goodbye to the Heartwoods. I recommend it and the entire Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series. 

The Heartwood Chef is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook