The Fix Up: a fun banter and heartfelt grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance

The Fix Up is the third book in the Two Harts series by Sharon M. Peterson. Ellie Sterns is a twenty eight year old single mother who has a broken man picker. She recently inherited the cafe in which she works, the house where she lives with her six year old son, Oliver and the land it sits on. However, she quickly learns that she only inherits half of everything. The other half belongs to the previous owner’s grandson, Gilbert Dalton, a grandson no one knew existed. They discover they must live together on the property for six months in order to complete the inheritance. Gilbert is handsome; however, he’d be irresistible if he smiled which he rarely does. Both have different motivations as the cafe and house means a future for Ellie and for Gilbert, it means a past he wants to forget. She wants to stay and he wants to sell. Can they find a common ground?  As the months pass, they learn the heartbreaking secret and their mutual iciness starts to melt, could it turn into a sizzling chemistry? 

The Fix Up is Sharon M Peterson’s fourth book and she has established herself as one of my go-to authors. Full of heart and laughs along with real life drama and hurts, she handles a story that gives all the feels. Even though The Fix Up is the third book in the series, readers do not need to read them in order to understand each book; however, I highly recommend that readers do as each story is wonderful. That being said, I loved this story. This story is the ultimate grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance as when readers first see Ellie and Gilbert together, you can’t help to think that their relationship would never work. I loved the characters, especially Ellie’s son, Oliver. Usually featuring children in fiction can be hit and miss; Ms. Peterson captures the six year old beautifully and believably. There wasn’t a plot point or character that I didn’t care for, everything came together wonderfully. I laughed. I cried and I closed the book with a smile. The Fix Up is sweet with fun banter and dramatic with real emotions. I highly, highly recommend The Fix Up. 

The Fix Up will be available in June 17, 2025 in eBook and audiobook

Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea: returning home and confronting the past

Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles is the first book in the Heaven’s Cove series. After the death of her mother, Rosie Merchant is back in the tiny seaside village of Heaven’s Cove and her childhood home, Driftwood House. Her goal is to get the house ready to rent and head back to her boyfriend and her real life. When local farmer Liam Satterley offers to help her clean up the house, she can’t refuse. In the attic, she discovers a faded photograph that will have her questioning everything she thinks she knows. What are Liam's true intentions? Will the truth be the final wedge between her and Heaven’s Cove? Or will she find that she can finally feel at home by the sea? 

Pulled in by a beautiful cover and an intriguing premise, I looked forward to Secrets at the House Before the Sea. A tiny village on the Irish shore with a mystery and secrets that would rival a big city. Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea is a bit predictable with its conflicts and their resolutions. I can easily see the life changing decisions that Rosie makes and everything wrapping up by the end of the story. While predictable, it wasn’t a bad story. It was actually enjoyable and I enjoyed seeing Rosie’s search for the truth and her growth as she confronts the past and considers her future. Overall, I enjoyed this story and recommend Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea. 

Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Shelterwood: a story of survival, justice served and righting wrongs

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is a dual timeline story set in Oklahoma. 1909, eleven-year-old Olive August Radley knows that her stepfather has ill intentions toward the two Choctaw girls who live with her family. When the older girl disappears, Ollie takes the younger girl and flees into the woods. Together they set out on a perilous journey to the rugged Winding Stair Mountains, trying to avoid the outlaws, treasure hunters and desperate men along the way. Eighty-one years later, Valerie Boren O’dell is a law enforcement ranger who arrives at the Horsethief Trail National Park, seeking a quiet place as she tries to balance her career and single parenthood. She quickly learns about a local controversy over the park’s opening, a teenage hiker goes missing and a long hidden burial site of three children was discovered deep in a cave. Val soon learns the tragic and deadly history of the area as she tries to uncover the truth. 

Lisa Wingate has made a name for herself as a writer of emotional and often forgotten stories in history. Shelterwood traces the story of children abandoned by the law, the conflicts over the land and its riches and the long battle to see wrongs righted and justice done. I love Lisa Wingate books and Shelterwood sounded compelling and interesting; however, it was a chore to read. It wasn’t hard to read because of the subject matter which was indeed a heavy topic but important to discuss. There was a bit of confusion of who the characters were and their relationship to the two main characters: Ollie and Val. The back and forth between timelines, which usually doesn’t bother me, took me out of the story and it was hard to readjust for the new chapter. Overall, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have other Lisa Wingate books. However, if the book interests you, I recommend giving it a try. 

Shelterwood is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Fairweather Sisters series: madcap Regency romances?

The Fairweather Sisters series by Anya Wylde is a Regency romantic series featuring three sisters as they try to navigate the London Season and catch a husband. Described as humorous adventures of three sisters as they navigate life, love and London society. Featuring sisters, Penelope, Celine and Dorothy, the series is described as filled with comedy, adventure and “toe-curling romance.” I will recap each book first then give my impressions at the end. 

Penelope is book one in which Penelope is sent from her country home in Finnshire to Blackthorne Mansion as she is to be sponsored by the Dowager Blackthorne during the London Season. She hopes to find a husband so that she never has to return to the home of her father and stepmother. First, she must refine her rustic ways which proves to be quite a task. Second, she has only one London Season, three months to accomplish her goal. Penelope finds herself in a series of misadventures as she navigates the moonlit balls, fancy clothes while dealing with the sneers from the other ladies and the wrath of the devilishly handsome Duke of Blackthorne. Will she be able to learn the manners of London society? Will she find herself a husband? Or will she be forced to return home? 

Seeking Philbert Woodbead is book 2 and is the story of Celine Fairweather, the sensible and practical sister. She comes to London to find out the whereabouts of her lost love Philbert Woodbead. Her only clues are a series of poems and a painting. The search is slow and dull until the ex-pirate and flirt Lord Elmer offers to help. She reluctantly accepts his help as Elmer is hiding from a vicious group of pirates. He hopes to hide out at Blackthorne until the heat is off. With his checkered past and his happy-go-lucky attitude, Elmer brings life and chaos to the very ordered Celine. She soon realizes that there’s a difference between affection and true love. Will she find Philbert? Is Elmer using her as a diversion while hiding from his enemies? Will he be gone when the heat is finally off?  

Dorothy is the third book and is the story of Dorothy May Fairweather. The Fairweather sisters have always loved and adored each other. But when circumstances force Dorothy to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley, the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke of Blackthorne’s arch enemy, it all changes. With one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to anger and hurt all those who mean the most to her. She finds herself alone and miserable. Dorothy must find a way to win back her sisters while winning over her in-laws and her new breathtakingly handsome new husband. Can she accomplish her goal? Can she and her sisters be the way they were before? 

The Fairweather Sisters series was marketed as a humorous Regency Romance. First, they were not humorous at all. I found the antics of the sisters cringey and I never laughed once. I rolled my eyes a few times. Second, I found it hard to believe that these stories took place during the Regency Era (1795-1837). I found no indication of any particular time period. If there was, it was so subtle, I missed it. Third, like most romances, you know who the heroines end up with. The predictable romances, the fall flat humor and a lack of a time period left the series lacking. One redeeming factor is they were fairly easy to read as I read all three books in one day. I do not recommend The Fairweather Sisters series. 

The Fairweather Sisters series is available in eBook. 

Whiskey and Gumdrops and Rum and Raindrops: two romance novels that leave a lot to be desired

Today’s review will be a double review. I read the first two books in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram.

Whiskey and Gumdrops is the first book in this series. It is the story of Mandy Mattson who lives in the small town of Blueberry Springs. She watches from outside a church as her ex-boyfriend, Oz, marries her rival, Beth. While she hides in the bushes, she is sprayed by a skunk and she runs to her best friend, Frankie Smith, for help. Frankie is her best friend, but he has always wanted more, and Mandy keeps him at arm’s length because she doesn’t want to jeopardize the one relationship she relies on the most. One day, Mandy gets the idea to open her own business and soon she is in full swing. She meets with Seth Freedly, CEO of Wrap It Up, a healthy fast food restaurant and signs on as a franchisee. Soon, major hurdles are in her way, both professionally and personally. Will she be able to finally open her business? Will Frankie finally convince her to take their relationship to the next level? Will she allow herself the risk for love?

Whiskey and Gumdrops was a good book. It moved along at a steady pace; however, the plot was a bit predictable with no real shocking twists or reveals. There was no real emotional impact for me. I didn’t really care for Mandy. I found myself siding more with Frankie. All the characters were likeable, and I could envision these people existing in the real world; but there was no real wow factor. The conflicts didn’t seem like conflicts at all but inconveniences that the characters are able to find a solution rather quickly. Overall, the book was not bad. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t a book I will probably read again. I would consider this book a beach book that you could easy read and put down without any urgency to finish.

Whiskey and Gumdrops

is available in paperback and eBook

Rum and Raindrops is the second book of this series. It is the story of Jennifer “Jen” Kulak, a woman who is running from her past while trying to rebuild her life in Blueberry Springs. She is the local nature guide. The story opens with the small town being threatened by forest fire that seems to have been started by Jen when she was camping the days prior. Rob Raine is the fire investigator who has been sent to determine the cause of the fire. Sparks fly immediately between Jen and Rob but the two need to remain distant as the investigation is still on going. They are thrown together when Rob and his sister, Dina, are a part of her weekend canoe trip. Dina and Jen become friends and she becomes more and more open about her past as it seems that her past is trying to find her. Will Jen be cleared from suspicion? Will they catch the fire starter? Will Rob and Jen ever find a timing to begin their relationship?

Rum and Raindrops was a better story than the first book, but it still had it’s cringe worthy moments. There were conversations between women that were stereotypical women talks about orgasms and “banged so good you’ll forget your own name.” Ugh, really?!?! Not all women speak like this! That aside, the tension between Jen and Rob was much better. The conflict of interest added with the undeniable sparks made for a good story. However, the plot was once again predictable and some questions that were raised in the book were not answered. Maybe they will be answered in future books. Overall, this book, like the first one, is a quick beach read that doesn’t require too much effort or emotional investment.

Rum and Raindrops

is available in paperback and eBook

Valentine series by Adriana Trigiani

       

             I recent read the Valentine trilogy by Adriana Trigiani. Ms. Trigiani is an award winning playwright and television writer for The Cosby Show and its spinoff A Different World. She has several bestsellers including Lucia, Lucia, The Queen of the Big Time, and the Big Stone Gap series. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. I was introduced to Ms. Trigiani’s Valentine series by my aunt and while I heard that her books were filled with a detailed family story and humor, I found this series to be bogged down with too many details and very unlikable characters including the main character, Valentine.

            The first book in the series is Very Valentine which opens at the wedding reception of her baby sister, Jaclyn. Valentine is the last daughter to be unmarried in a very Italian family in New York City. The story really begins as she discovers that the shoe company that her great-grandfather had started when he came to America is failing and she scrambles to save the family business from ruin. The story takes the reader from Greenwich Village to beautiful Tuscany and to the island of Capri. While I found the descriptions of the locations helpful and I could almost see the tall buildings of New York City, the rolling hills of Tuscany and the crystal blue waters of Capri. I found the constant description of their clothes, their hairstyles, make-up, of the food and the deep family secret to be tiresome and boring. I’m not a fashionista by any means and I found the constant descriptions of the fabrics and designs for the shoes to be drawn out. I didn’t particularly find anything in this book to be overly humorous. I continued with the series hoping for a better story.

            The second book in the series is Brava, Valentine which picks up where the first book leaves off. Valentine’s beloved grandmother remarries in beautiful Tuscany. Valentine and her brother are made partners in the shoe company as their grandmother retires. They must find a way to mass-produce their shoes to stay competitive in the falling U.S. economy. They clash at first but I find their reconciliation a little too easy after the years of resentment described in the first book. Valentine’s research to find a shoe factory leads her to Argentina and another family secret. This secret seemingly tears the family apart and reveals the family’s intolerance. I won’t reveal the secret but when I read it I was expecting a much larger scandal than what was revealed. I thought “okay so what?” But I suppose that this secret would matter to an Italian New Yorker and not to a French-Irish-English Californian. There was a few humorous lines in this book but they don’t occur until the near end and its one particular scene. Again, I continue to the third book just to finish the series and see how Ms. Trigiani ends it.

            The third and final book in the series is The Supreme Macaroni Company. The book opens at Christmas time and another dramatic scene of family anger bubbling over again and again. Location after location. I know the stereotype is family holiday get-togethers are often filled with drama and old grudges but come on!!! From the beginning, there is a sense of a pending tragedy coming and Ms. Trigiani makes it fairly whose death is coming. She alludes to it several times and when it happens, there is no surprise. No shock. No “oh no!” moment. There is also a great deal of reconciliation that seems too easy given the history of resentment that the author talks about at great length since the beginning of the series. It seems that all the family problems get resolved and every one’s happy in a nice package. It was a disappointing end to a disappointing series.

            Valentine was a very unlikable character. She had more wild mood swings than a bipolar person. She would be fiery angry one minute and it wouldn’t take much to cool her down and everything is right with the world. I found her commitment issues an “ok, I get it” series of moments rather than a reason to sympathize with her. Valentine just a stereotypical woman whom I had no interest if she found whatever she was looking for. If I would rate this series, I would give it 3 out of 5. It was an okay story but the characters left it wanting.