Whispers of You: romantic suspense as two people take a second chance at love and a shadow lurks in the dark

Whispers of You is the first book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. One night, one bullet cost Wren Williams everything. The boy who she thought would be her forever and the life she always dreamt of was gone. Ten years later, Holt Hartley is back in town. But he is no longer the boy she knew about a man who has been running from the shadows and demons who haunt his every step. He says he is here to make things right with her, his family and everyone he left behind. What started as a temporary stop seems to be turning into a permanent move. Despite Wren’s best efforts and determination to avoid Holt, he seems to be there at every turn. She realizes her feelings for Holt are still there and she hopes that the possibility for second chances isn’t going to leave her broken. Deep in the shadows of the small town, someone is not happy Holt is back in town and leaves Wren in the crosshairs.

Catherine Cowles has become my go-to author for romantic suspense. Even though the Lost and Found series is an older series, it still has the Catherine Cowles elements that I expect from her stories. Whispers of You is a great heart-stopping, breath-holding romantic suspense from the opening pages to the closing chapter. The story grips you and will not let you go as you watch Wren and Holt come back together and wonder who in the shadows wants to hurt them both. The villain of the story was not who I expected and the final battle was intense as Holt raced against time to stop them. I also enjoyed the family dynamics between the members of the Hartley clan. The sibling banter is always on point and the deep heart to heart talks were emotional and healing. There were great moments of humor and emotions. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to continue the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, I highly, highly recommend Whispers of You. 

Whispers of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hello Again: a sweet, clean second chance romance

Hello Again is the first book in the In The Garden series by Heather Tullis. Piper Daniels has only one wish: to keep Spencer, her little brother, out of trouble. However, between her work schedule and the lack of activities for teens in her neighborhood leaves her searching for options. When she comes to the idea of a community garden, she is inspired and dives into making her plan a reality. Until she hits a snag. The owner of the property she wants to use is a former flame. Reece Stone was the love of her life ten years ago. However, he left with a phone call goodbye and no other explanation. Now he is the head of Stone Enterprises and when Piper’s garden proposal comes across his desk, he is thrilled to have a second chance with her. 

Hello Again is a sweet, clean romance. I loved Piper as she works hard and struggles to help her little brother stay on the straight and narrow. Her idea of a community garden sounded fun and I loved how her friends supported her and helped her develop the plan. I also enjoyed Reece as he struggles to overcome his father’s shadow and run the business. I also liked how he interacted with Spencer. The romance between Piper and Reece was sweet but the plot itself with the garden was a bit too slow for me. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a nice read for a lazy afternoon. However, I am unsure if I will continue the series. If you enjoy sweet, clean second chance romance, I recommend Hello Again. 

Hello Again is available in paperback and eBook

 

A Slice of Summer: a clean second chance small town romance

A Slice of Summer is the second book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Last Christmas, Taryn Lawson had a great time with Garrett Andrews, a LA trial attorney. Before he left town, he promised her he would keep in touch and she never heard from him again. Now, summer has arrived and her friend, Callie and Brandt’s wedding is here, Taryn is busy prepping for it as well as proving to her parents that she is capable of taking over the family bakery while dealing with slower customer traffic. The summer fair is approaching and Taryn sees it as her opportunity to showcase her specialty desserts and win back her customers. As the fair approaches, she is coming to need help to finish in time. The only one available to help is the one man who ghosted her. Garrett didn’t intend to ghost Taryn and wants to take his chance to make amends. Will they take their second chance of love? 

A Slice of Summer is a clean second chance small town romance romance with plenty of fun, sweet moments and drama and excitement. I enjoyed Taryn and Garrett as individuals and as a couple. I liked Taryn’s determination to do what she loves despite competition from a competitor and the doubts from her parents. I enjoyed Garrett and his siblings. It felt very relatable and produced a lot of laughs. Even though Taryn and Garrett rekindle their romance and agree to a long distance romance, I knew it wouldn’t end like that. I enjoyed Garrett’s grand gesture. I also enjoyed the continued slimy dealings of the town nemesis and getting his comeuppance. Will he make another appearance in future books? As a snake always wants to strike again. Overall, I enjoyed A Slice of Summer and I am looking forward to reading the next books of the series. If you enjoy clean second chance small town romance, I recommend A Slice of Summer. 

A Slice of Summer is available in paperback and eBook

The Other Side of Now: love and lives are never truly lost

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison is a story of how love and lives are never truly lost. Meg Bryan, as Lana Lord, has the leading role on a hit TV show and is living the life of a Hollywood star and appears to have all she ever wanted. However, underneath the layers of her onscreen persona, she feels empty. After a meltdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she takes a trip to Ireland, a place she and her best friend, Aimee, dreamed of going until a tragic accident claimed Aimee’s life. When Meg arrives, the townspeople are so nice and treat her as a friend. Confused and blaming jetlag, she looks into the mirror and sees her old face and on her phone, there are pictures depicting a life completely opposite of the one she has been living. Not sure how or why it has happened, Meg recognizes her chance to reconnect and repair what she broke. 

This story is the first book by Paige Harbison that I’ve read. Tagged as a “hilarious and heartfelt novel,” I was looking forward to a second chance story to lead a different life. The prologue was great and set the scene of Meg and her friendship with Aimee and adds a sense of mystery as it ends. Unfortunately, the story fell flat and I was bored and confused. I didn’t care for Meg. The constant name dropping as if Meg needs to remind us that she’s famous was annoying. I liked how grief was discussed and weaved throughout the story. However, the story is way too long and just bogged down. Overall, I didn’t like this story and I felt it wasn’t as hilarious and heartfelt as I expected. However, if you are a fan of the film Sliding Doors (1998) or stories with magical realism and a what if aspect, you may enjoy The Other Side of Now. 

The Other Side of Now is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Way We Fall: a second chance romance with grief and questions of loyalty

The Way We Fall is the first book in The Story of Us series by Cassia Leo. Aurora “Rory” Charles had always had feelings for her best friend’s brother; however her friendship with Hallie was more important to take a chance with Houston. They are brought together in grief following Hallie’s death. They have a passionate and toxic relationship that has them questioning their loyalty to each other and to Hallie’s memory and ultimately tears them apart. Five years later, they are brought together again. However, Houston doesn’t recognize her at first, even though she knew him immediately. Soon, the memories and their passion comes back until Houston reveals a secret. A secret that can tear them apart once and for all. 

Described as a “twisted and passionate love story that pushes the boundaries of loyalty,” I looked forward to this story. However, from the start, I did not care for Rory or Houston. Rory was so immature. Houston was beyond a jerk. The secret was anti-climatic. The story’s plot had a darker themes like infidelity, mental health issues, suicide, and abortion, which could be deeply emotional and impactful. However, it was not handled well at all. The story, its dialogue, was more cringey and eye rolling, rather deeply thought provoking and emotional. Overall, I did not like this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend The Way We Fall. 

The Way We Fell is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

An Unexpected Love Story: a second chance romantic comedy

An Unexpected Love Story by Ellie Hall is a part of the Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com series. Catherine Kittredge has always played it safe when it comes to love. Preferring book boyfriends to real ones even though she dreams of love, marriage and a family. It doesn’t help when a ghost from her past appears in her path. Kellan Connolly, her nemesis and former love of her life, is the newest client at the publicity firm where Catherine works as a coffee-girl. When her roommate finds her old Boyfriend Book, she makes a dare with Catherine: go on five dates and pick one to be her Valentine. Catherine reluctantly agrees. However, each date fails to be her one true love and Kellan won’t go away. In fact, he has a secret. When he writes her a love letter, she has a decision to make. Will she take a risk and give him a second chance? 

I love second chance romances and I loved this book’s cute cover, so I was looking forward to a cute, sweet romance comedy. However, from the first chapter, I could not stand Catherine. I thought she was whiny and childish and it didn’t get better. Even with her “growth” by the end of the novel seemed off. The mystery to why she disliked Kellan dragged on for far too long that by the time it was revealed, I didn’t care anymore. While the reveal should have been emotional and an “oh my gosh” moment, it just wasn’t there. Even Kellan’s character was lacking and I couldn’t see why Catherine would care so much. Overall, I was bored and did not care for the characters or their love story. It was not the rom-com I was expecting. I will not be reading the other books in this series. I do not recommend An Unexpected Love Story. 

An Unexpected Love Story is available in paperback and eBook

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows: an enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is the first book in the Kingsmen Football Stars series by Piper Rayne. Lee Burrows may be the Kingsmen’s star quarterback with the legendary arm. He may have six-pack abs and kissable lips. But to Shayna Kudrow, Lee Burrows is the man who broke her heart in college. She has spent the years since recovering from his actions and worked hard to become a sport therapist for a professional team. However, her new job is with the San Francisco Kingsmen. Determined to be the cool professional, Shayna won’t give him the time of day. Unfortunately, Lee refuses to take the hint. He is also determined. Determined to apologize for what happened in college and convince her for a second chance because what they had going then is still burning bright. 

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is an enemies-to-lovers, second chance love story filled with fun banter, laughs and steamy, sweet romance. After reading the prequel, False Start, last year, I could not wait to dive into the Kingsmen Football series. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows does not disappoint. I loved Lee’s determination to explain and redeem himself to Shayna. It is evident that the torch still burns bright for him. I also loved Shayna’s resolve to not let their past keep her from her dream job as she fights to acknowledge her feelings for Lee are still there. When the barriers are finally broken, it is romantic, sweet and very touchy. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you love romance and football, I highly recommend You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows. I also recommend False Start, although you do not need to read it to enjoy You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows. 

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

False Start is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Play to Win: winning the lottery and a second chance at love

Play to Win by Jodie Slaughter is her latest rom-com as a winning lottery ticket becomes a life changing event and a second chance at love. Miriam “Miri” Butler has been stuck in a low wage job and living with her mother in a house that is barely standing. However, her life is about to change when a last minute decision is about to change her life forever. She buys a lotto ticket and discovers the next morning that she is the winner of a Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot. Miri soon realizes that her sudden bed of roses has a few thorns as she discovers her estranged husband has a right to some of the winnings. After eight years of silence, Leo Vaughn finds himself coming home to Greenbelt at Miri’s request. When she offers his own life changing amount with one caveat: a divorce. He realizes that he doesn’t want to lose her forever. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms Slaughter’s debut novel Bet on It and when the chance came to read her new novel, I jumped at the chance. Set in the same small town, Play to Win is a story of life-changing events and a second chance at love. Miri is determined to keep her windfall as secret as possible but as the residents notice the subtle changes in her spending, the rumors begin to fly. This story moved a bit too slowly for me and I was confused about what caused the estrangement between Miri and Leo. However, the sparks definitely flew when they were together! While I did not enjoy Play to Win as much as I enjoyed Bet On it, I enjoyed revisiting Greenbelt and its residents. I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of Miri and Leo’s relationship. It was a wonderful second chance romance. Overall, I enjoyed their story and recommend Play to Win. 

Play to Win will be available in July 11, 2023 in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Love on the Ice: a sports romance

Love on the Ice by Kerry Evelyn is a novella prequel for the Palmer City Voltage series. Ginny Perdita has put her Olympic figure skating dreams behind her when a tragic accident leaves her niece and nephew orphaned. Alexei Kriz is new to the Palmer City Voltage and is ready to throw himself into his new teams and the sport he loves. One day, he runs into Ginny, the one who got away. Ginny does not enjoy seeing Alexei again, especially since he never called her again. When they are forced to work together on a fundraiser, Ginny finds the ice around her heart melting and Alexei is determined to not let her get away a second time. However, will she open herself to a second chance at love? 

I was looking forward to this story. I’m new to the sports romance genre. However, I was not impressed. I enjoyed the Czech phrases that the characters spoke from time to time but the constant translations in parentheses instead of translating in the responses or in another subtle way was tiresome. I also didn’t care for Ginny. The constant reminders that she left her dreams behind to take care of her niece and nephew was annoying. Alexei was a better character. As a novella, the story was way too fast. There was no real character development or growth. There was just way too much going on for a novella. I wish it was a longer story. I do not recommend Love on the Ice. 

Love on the Ice is available in paperback and eBook

His First Love: a second chance at a first love

His First Love by Liz Isaacson is the first book in the Ivory Peaks series. Hunter Hammond is back in town after completing his degree at MIT, ready to take his place as a part of the family company. On his first day back in town, he runs into Molly Benson, his childhood sweetheart. Molly had broken up with him in high school. Seeing her again, Hunter realizes the old flame still burns for Molly. She may have ended their relationship due to parental pressures but Molly never forgot him. Now divorced and carrying emotional scars and feelings of unworthiness, she feels she doesn't deserve Hunter now. As their paths cross in their small Colorado town, they can’t help being drawn to each other. Is this their second chance at their first love? Or will family pressures tear them apart again? 

A continuation of the Hammond brothers saga, readers are introduced to Gray’s son, Hunter. Readers do not need to read the original series to enjoy His First Love. There is so much wrapped up in this second chance romance. Mental health, family obligations, personal sacrifice, expectations of marriage and what it means to be truly happy. I enjoyed the honesty and openness of the characters’ conversations and conflicts. It felt realistic and not forced or oversimplified. I also enjoyed the depiction of prayer and the crisis of faith. Unfortunately, the image of a Christian and their families is perfect with no conflict. That is farthest from the truth. Christians are still humans with real shortcomings, real conflicts and real hurts. I enjoyed His First Love. I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend His First Love. 

His First Love is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Hopeful Cowboy: a second chance at life and at love

Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hope Eternal Ranch Romance series. Nathaniel Mulbury is paying for a major mistake as he is in prison for an embezzlement scheme. With his release date in sight, he just needs to stay on his best behavior. However, he finds himself in a new role as a single father when his brother is killed in an accident and his son is left in Nate’s care. He is given an early release to the Hope Eternal Ranch, a work parole ranch, run by Ginger Talbot. Ginger has dealt with men like Nate before but she’s been burned before. She’s determined to not risk losing the ranch or her heart. She notices there is something different about Nate but can she risk her heart again? 

Hopeful Cowboy is a sweet story of life, love and second chances. Nate is a man who owns up to his mistakes and doing what he can to make it right. When he gains custody of his nephew, he steps it up and makes sure he is the one to take that role. I loved Nate’s commitment to live up to the role he was entrusted with. I enjoyed Ginger as she tries to protect her heart but finds herself drawn to Nate. I also enjoyed the many supportive characters and look forward to their possible stories in the future. There was a sweet romance between Nate and Ginger. There was drama and forgiveness. Overall, I enjoyed Hopeful Cowboy and I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Hopeful Cowboy. 

Hopeful Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Heartwood Inn: a second chance romance

The Heartwood Inn is the second book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Olympia Heartwood has her days filled with running the family empire. She is content and is not looking for romance especially after her heart was broken. She has sworn off men. She can’t trust them and definitely doesn’t need them. Or so she tells herself. Chet Christopher is a man on the run. He comes to the island to lick his wounds and find his feet again. He rents the penthouse at the inn. He is instantly attracted to Olympia but he hides his secrets. But he can’t help being drawn to her. As they grow closer together, the truth becomes harder and harder for him to tell. Will he tell her the truth? Will she open her heart to love and trust again? 

The Heartwood Inn is a sweet, clean romance. Olympia is a woman who has been burned by a very deceitful man. In order to protect her heart, she pours herself into her work and stays away from romance. She is immediately suspicious of Chet. How can he afford the penthouse? When nothing comes from her background checks, she decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed their romance. I enjoyed seeing the ice around Olympia’s heart thaw and melt. I expected a bit more drama especially when Chet’s secrets are revealed. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Inn. It is a fun weekend/beach read. A story filled with second chances, romance and rebuilding yourself. I recommend The Heartwood Inn and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

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

The Island House: sweet second chance romance

The Island House by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Getaway Bay series. Charlotte Madsen recently had her whole world turned upside down. Thirty-seven and divorced, Charlotte arrives in Getaway Bay to start, not just a new chapter, but a new book in her life. She bought a run-down house with the hopes to remodel the house and maybe herself too. When she arrives, she doesn’t expect a tall, handsome man to be inside the house. She certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to fall for the former Air Force pilot. Dawson Dane has a devil-may-care attitude that hides a broken heart. Estranged from his family, he is only committed to his career, even choosing flying over love. As Charlotte starts to heal, will she be willing to open her heart to love again? Has Dawson found the woman to shift his priorities? 

The Island House is a sweet, clean romance with a happily ever after ending. It is a fast read as the story is engaging and interesting. Ms. Johnson is a relatively new author to me and I enjoyed her sweet, clean stories. Charlotte is a woman deeply wounded. So wounded that she is afraid to open herself to love again, despite her attraction to Dawson. He soon becomes the first person she thinks of to call when things are exciting, good and even bad. Although the story takes place on the big island of Hawaii, it didn’t feel like an island story. Other than the mentions of the beach and native plants, they could have been at any coastal region. Overall, I enjoyed Charlotte and Dawson’s story. I look forward to the rest of the Getaway Bay series. If you enjoy sweet, clean romances, I recommend The Island House. 

The Island House is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Yours Since Yesterday: a second chance at one's first love

Yours Since Yesterday is the second book in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series by Jennifer Bernard. After being introduced in the first book, Zoe Bellini shines in her own love story. Fifteen years ago, Zoe and her best friend, Padric Jeffers were hiking in the forest near Lost Harbor when they kissed and their lives changed forever and not in a good way. Events known as The Scandal result in Padric being whisked away from Lost Harbor and leaving Zoe behind with a broken heart and shattered dreams. Padric Jeffers is now a world famous singer-songwriter and he never expected to return to Lost Harbor. However, when he receives a letter concerning Zoe, he postpones his tour and heads north. Zoe had never been far from his mind in the last fifteen years and when he sees the gorgeous woman she has become, he is determined to never leave her again. 

Of course, their reunion would be easier said than done as someone in Lost Harbor is not happy with Padric’s return. Yours Since Yesterday is a story of a second chance at one’s first love. It is filled with drama, sexy romance and deep emotional healing with a smidge of mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Zoe and Padric’s story. Their romance, which began innocently as teens, grew into a steamy and sexy attraction that they could not deny. I enjoyed their cynicism, especially Zoe’s as she had one bad relationship after another. She didn’t want to believe in love for it would break her heart again. I also enjoyed the introduction of new characters that will appear in future stories, especially Nate. His interaction with Padric had me laughing! I highly recommend Yours Since Yesterday. Although I wouldn’t recommend reading this story while hungry. The descriptions of Zoe’s pizzas are mouthwatering! 

Yours Since Yesterday is available in paperback and eBook. 

 

 

A Woman of Fortune: one woman's journey from the ashes to the life she always wanted

A Woman of Fortune is the first book in the Texas Gold series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. Texas socialite Claire Massey was on top of the world, living the dream. Designer clothes, luxury cars, stunning homes and a life most people would envy. There was very little room for complaints in her book. Until it comes crashing down when Tuck, her charming, savvy cattle broker husband, is arrested for fraud and other charges. She suddenly finds herself facing lawyers, the media, and a trail of angry people with broken hearts and broken dreams. Feeling betrayed, humiliated and devastated, Claire must find a way to rise from the ashes and create a new life, a life she didn’t know she truly wanted, and pursue a dream she didn’t know she had. 

A Woman of Fortune is an emotional roller coaster for Claire as she goes from the envy of Texas society to vilified and mocked from the very people she thought were friends. The reactions, responses and personal crises and turmoil are very realistic. However, the story left me conflicted. Would I respond like Claire did if my husband had done what Tuck did? Would I stay by my man if he lied, cheated and essentially stole from hard working people? Would I trust him again? I loved that she finds herself strength and fights for what she wants despite the “image” that she has been raised to portray. And the constant mentions of food made it hard to read because it was making me hungry! The mention of BBQ brisket alone made my mouth water! Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend a Woman of Fortune. 

A Woman of Fortune is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn: when an unexpected inheritance offers a second chance of life

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn by Leigh Duncan is the first book in the Sugar Sand Beach series. Michelle Robinson has a great life. A husband who loves her and two children on their way to a successful life. It all came crashing down when her husband of 25 years suddenly died and even after one year later, she is still barely staying afloat. She now realizes that she cannot stay in their beautiful home in the rolling hills of Virginia and is forced to sell before the bank forecloses. Her decision puts her at odds with her children but her three best friends, Erin, Nina and Reggie, she is ready to face her bleak future. Until an unexpected inheritance opens new opportunities for her future. Will the beautiful Florida beach offer her a second chance at life, love and happiness? 

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn is a great beginning as it introduces four women at the crossroads in life and finds themselves wondering what to do next. My heart broke for Michelle as she is still trying to function a year after her husband’s death. She realizes that she has put off the inevitable for far too long and now she is in a race against time to get her life in order. I also enjoyed her friends as they deal with their own problems and issues. The story was fast paced, easy read as I was engrossed in the events and the characters as they find themselves in Sugar Sand Beach. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy stories about four friends and new adventures, I highly recommend The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn. 

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn is available in paperback and eBook

Wish Again: through grief and love we find the strength to wish again

Wish Again by Tammy L. Grace is the fourth book in The Wishing Tree series. Paige Duncan returned to Linden Falls after the sudden death of her husband. She sought comfort and contentment of her hometown and her beloved mother, Margot. It was to be short-lived when her mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. In the midst of her grief, she struggles to keep her mother’s beloved bookstore afloat. She lost her trust in the town’s Wishing Tree long ago. After a series of one crushing blow after another, she feels she’s floundering. But soon Paige hears her mother’s voice reminding her to simply wish again. As summer turns into autumn, a series of events reminds Paige that she is stronger than she realizes and to take a chance for happiness. Will she take the chance and wish on the Tree one more time? 

Wish Again is a sweet story about grief, moving forward and finding hope and love again. I was shocked when I opened the first page to learn that Margot had passed away! Readers are introduced to Margot and her beloved bookstore in the previous books. Even after a brief introduction, I was sad to see her gone. My heart went out to Paige as she is still under the cloud of grief from her husband’s death, the clouds get darker with her mother’s sudden death. I loved Paige’s character. Even though she didn’t believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree, it didn’t stop her from granting a wish. Slowly but surely, she finds a new joy and sense of purpose. She learns that life goes on and it can get better. If you are enjoying The Wishing Tree series, I highly recommend Wish Again. 

Wish Again is available in paperback and eBook. 

If you haven’t started The Wishing Tree series,

 the first three books are available in paperback and eBook

Book 1 The Wishing Tree

 Book 2 I Wish…

Book 3 Wish You Were Here

It Takes Heart: a second chance at love amidst family drama

It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo is the first book in the Heart Resort series. The Heart Resort, a private resort, has been a romantic getaway for couples. But for the Puso family, being owners of the resort is also a place for family drama. Brandon is the youngest of the four siblings. After a fall out with his eldest brother, he prefers life on his own as a licensed contractor in DC. After a hurricane devastates the resort, it’s all hands on deck to get it up and running. There he encounters Geneva Harris, his sister’s best friend and interior designer. She is also there to help out. Brandon and Geneva have a little secret. Years ago, they had a romantic relationship that ended in heartbreak. They agree to ignore their past and work together for the sake of the resort and his family. However, their attraction is still there and try as they might, they can’t deny it. Will history repeat itself or is this their second chance to get it right? 

It Takes Heart is my first book by Tif Marcelo. I enjoyed a story that features a Filipino family. I know a few Filipinos and it was great to see the culture represented. The story started slowly, loaded with Brandon’s and Geneva’s relationship issues and the familial interpersonal relationships and conflicts. At times I was confused by statements made by the characters referring to events that I wasn’t aware of yet. I wasn’t sure if I would care for the relationship between Brandon and Geneva or care for the other characters to want to read the rest of the series. But I was intrigued and I wanted to continue. By the end, I cheered for Brandon’s and Geneva’s relationship and their individual growth. I even enjoyed Brandon’s siblings and  look forward to reading their stories. I appreciated how Ms. Marcelo dealt with family dynamics that can transcend cultures as well as grief, guilt and familial pressures. It is a heartwarming story of love, family and being true to yourself. I recommend It Takes Heart. 

It Takes Heart is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Apology Project: when a sudden change opens the door for a second chance

The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero is a story of personal growth and discovering what really matters. Life was going to get complicated. Amelia Montgomery, a prominent lawyer in Chicago, has been fired for not compromising her principles in a high-profile case. And for accidentally punching her partner in the nose for a misogynistic comment he made. What to do next? Amelia has no idea. After the epic failure of her 40th birthday party, an open bar and the soul guest, John Ellis, a total stranger and new associate at her former firm, she decides she needs to do some apologizing. Amelia considers all the people she had wronged. From old besties to coworkers, she decides she is going to make amends to those who really deserve it. As she checks off each apology, Amelia realizes she has been given a second chance for a life she thought she couldn’t have. 

The Apology Project is a sweet mix of romance, self-discovery and personal growth as Amelia learns that she doesn’t have to be an ice queen to have a great career and a thriving personal life. At first, Amelia is a person that I would avoid in real life. She is determined to win her cases but she has a sense of moral right as well and won’t compromise. But as the story progresses, the reader gets to see the real Amelia. The sensitive Amelia. The competitive but fun-loving Amelia. I loved seeing her personal growth and the honest and in-depth conversations she has with her sister, Nina, the psychologist. I also loved that she was willing to step out of her comfort zone and relax a bit. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Nina and John as they support her as she completes her apology project. I highly recommend The Apology Project. 

The Apology Project is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Sugar Queen: a story of second chances for love and happiness

The Sugar Queen by Tess Thompson is the first book in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series. At eighteen, Brandi Vargas watched the love of her drive away, never to return. Though she and Trapper Barnes dreamed of a life together, she felt she would only be in the way of his dreams. Breaking his heart, and her own while holding onto a secret, she resigned herself to a life in the small town. Ten years later, after an injury ends his professional hockey career, Trapper Barnes returns to Emerson Pass. Brandi now owns the local bakery, The Sugar Queen, and has seemingly forgotten all about him. As with small towns, it is hard to avoid each other, and soon tragedy forces Brandi to confront her past and the need to reveal her secret. A secret she is certain will end any possible future with Trapper and even leave him hating her. Will she find the strength to reveal her deepest secret for another chance at love and happiness with Trapper? 

The Sugar Queen is a sweet romance with deep emotions and great moments. The book opens with a disclaimer from the author that the story deals with the stillbirth of an infant. Since I have experienced my own loss of an infant, although not a stillbirth, I appreciate the disclaimer and was prepared for the topic to come up in the story. Ms. Thompson deals with infant loss with heart, honesty and tenderness. I rarely cry at a book but this story had me in tears as Brandi reveals her secret to Trapper. Trapper’s reaction is what I would expect when hearing such devastating news. I especially cried when Brandi received support from an unlikely source. There is also a great cast of supporting characters. Those to love and those to hate and loathe, especially one character I wanted to reach through the book and shake some sense into! I look forward to reading the rest of the love stories the Emerson Pass Contemporaries has to offer. I highly recommend The Sugar Queen. 

The Sugar Queen is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.