The Color of Hope: the twists and turns of life and second chances for love and happiness

The Color of Hope is the third book in The Color of Heaven by Julianne Maclean. Diana Moore’s life has been near perfect. As the daughter of a wealthy senator, she lived a glamorous life as a lawyer with her handsome live-in boyfriend. But soon her life would be turned upside down as she learns that there is a woman working nearby who looked exactly like her. Compelled to find out who this woman was and how she could look like her. Nadia Carmichael’s life was not so charmed as she has had to struggle all her life. As Diana and Nadia merge their lives, their path would be marred with secrets and betrayals. When Diana meets Dr Jacob Peterson, a brilliant cardiac surgeon, who helps Diana see the resilience of the human spirit and a new sense of hope. Can there be a second chance for love and happiness? 

The Color of Heaven is a series of standalone stories each with life altering events and second chances. The Color of Hope is a fast paced, drama filled story of one woman who learns there is more to life and love than what she thought. Nadia knew only disappointment and pain. When the two meet, they couldn’t be more different than night and day. The drama ensued as their lives intertwined and hearts were broken. Drama that could be seen coming a mile anyway and yet, like life, red flags are ignored. However, I liked that Diana still had a heart for Nadia and would support her in her time of need. I particularly liked Jacob who was the strength and support that Diana was looking for and needed at the right time in her life. Overall, I enjoyed this story with its ups and downs. I recommend The Color of Heaven. 

The Color of Hope is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

We Are Made Of Stars: a season of change is in the air as guests gather at an inn

We Are Made Of Stars by Rochelle B. Weinstein is a story of secrets, lies and second chances at an inn nestled in picturesque mountains. At the Via Ta Vie, owners Jean-Paul and Renee De La Rue are going through a season of change and for their guests as well. Hollywood celebrity couple, Leo and Penny, are celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary while on the cusp of divorce. Lucy, a practical minded therapist, and her husband, Henry, an astronomer with his head in the stars, are also struggling with their marriage and divorce seems to be in the future. Their friends, Adam, a charismatic sports agent, and his former lawyer and current stay at home mom wife, Sienna, are desperate to find the cracks in their perfect facade. Adding to the group is Cassidy, a self-absorbed single mother and Rosalie, her sullen fifteen year old daughter. As the week progresses, betrayals, regrets and shocking truths are revealed where a heart can be broken or healed. 

I was so excited for this book as the title is absolutely beautiful and the opening chapter started off well. However, the story drags as each chapter changes point of views to one of the many characters. The only character I cared for was Rosalie. She is tired of being the responsible adult to her immature mother, and takes matters in her own hands to find the truth her mother has been hiding. I wish I could have reached through the pages and knocked some sense in the adults. The drama was a bit lackluster and the twist/secret reveal was a bit obvious and wasn’t as much of a surprise to me. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. This story was my second book by Ms Weinstein and the second one I didn’t care for, so it is obvious to me that her books aren’t for me. However, if you enjoy Ms Weinstein’s previous books, you may enjoy We Are Made Of Stars. 

We Are Made Of Stars is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Always You and Me: when a second chance at love explores what could have been

Always You and Me by Dani Atkins is a story of love, hope and second chances. On the eve of her wedding to Adam, Josh, Lily’s childhood best friend, walks back into her life with an unexpected declaration only to walk away once again. After six years of blissful happiness, Adam falls ill and his final wish is for Lily to find Josh and forgive them both. After a year of grief, Lily feels guilty that she has put off fulfilling Adam’s final wish and sets about tracking Josh down. However, finding him proves to be difficult and she forces herself to show up at his remote Scottish cabin unannounced and uninvited. When a fierce snowstorm forces them together, Lily and Josh must untangle their feelings, the past and why Adam sent her on this path in the first place. The reason behind Adam’s wish leaves Lily questioning where to turn next. Can Lily and Josh choose love and find the forgiveness needed for a happily ever after? 

Always You and Me is a love story which reminded me of Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook as Lily is caught between loving two men and must choose a path. Unlike The Notebook, Lily has a second chance to explore the road not taken. The story was interesting with flashbacks into Lily and Josh’s history as well as her relationship with Adam. Each character is heavily flawed and yet feels very real and relatable. I enjoyed Lily and Josh’s characters even though at times they acted in ways that were frustrating and had me thinking “You idiot!” Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Always You and Me. I had a chuckle at the book’s warning: “Caution: this book may cause you to reach out to exes thinking your life can be like this.” While I do not have exes, I can see how the story can have that effect on someone wondering and exploring “what could have been.” If you enjoy second chance romances, I highly recommend Always You and Me. 

Always You and Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

When Cardinals Appear: an emotional story of grief, second chances and love

When Cardinals Appear is the first book in The Love Birds series by Katie Eagan Schenck. Lanie McAllister is ready to move on but she has a promise to keep. All she wants is to settle her mom’s estate, finalize her move to California and start her new job far away from the painful memories of her small town. What little she knows is that her plans will spiral out of control and she will be forced to confront the memories. When a little red bird starts to appear, she suspects she is being sent a message but is it a message she wants to hear? Adding to her struggles is her path seems to constantly cross with her high school sweetheart, Nate Sanders, the man who broke her heart. Lanie begins to question everything she knows or thought she knew. Is her path to happiness in California or with Nate in their small town? 

Legend says that when cardinals appear, a deceased loved one is sending you a message. When Cardinals Appear is an emotional book dealing with gut wrenching grief and secrets of the past. It is a story of growth, second chances and love. I loved Lanie from the moment she appeared on the page and my heart broke for her. When Cardinals Appear is an engaging story as Lanie confronts her past and those around her. She has past hurts, not just from Nate, but her father, brother and her late mother as well. Lanie must learn to stand up and figure out what she wants in life and how to be happy. I also loved that the cardinal is an important part of Lanie’s story and I loved Lanie’s interaction with it. There were tears shed as Lanie comes to grips with her new normal and her life altering decisions. I highly, highly recommend When Cardinals Appear. 

When Cardinals Appear is available in paperback and eBook

 

Calloway Cove: can coming home bring a dream to life?

Calloway Cove by Tia Souders is the first book in the Bayshore Beach series. Andi Calloway is tired. As she lays her mother to rest, she is at a crossroad. Her mother’s dying wish was that Andi return home to Calloway Cove and pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Does she head back to her tiny apartment in New York or does she honor her mother’s dying wish? When she learns that literary legend Ford Delaney is staying in town and needs an assistant, she believes this is the sign she needed. She can work for him and spend her free time writing her own book. However, it doesn’t work out as easily as she hoped. Andi’s boyfriend, Peter, doesn’t support her decision and pressures her to return to New York. Her childhood friends are battling private situations and she develops an attraction to her new boss which adds to an already difficult situation. 

Calloway Cove is described as a “clean, lightly angsty, romance” with “a heroine running towards a new future, a hero running from a troubled past, and all the friends who help them along the way.” The story started off strong and interesting, unfortunately, it fell quickly. While I enjoyed the small town feel and Andi’s family history to the area, I found myself not caring about Andi, Ford, and the other characters. I’ve read books where the main character is an aspiring author and it was believable and enjoyable. I enjoy seeing the behind the scenes of writing. However, I just didn’t see Andi as an author. I was annoyed at her behavior and excuses. I enjoyed Ford a bit more. I understand the secrecy Ford is desiring and wants to make sure Andi keeps his presence secrets, but does she? Overall, I did not enjoy Calloway Cove and will not continue the series. 

Calloway Cove is available in paperback and eBook

Promise of Tomorrow: forbidden love, family secrets and second chances

Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the second book of the Castaway Christmas series. Millicent Cashmere appears to have a life of luxury as the only child of the wealthy family. However, she is a literal prisoner in her father’s mansion. She is forbidden to have friends or go to school. Her only company is books. Teddy Hill is the humble son of the Cashmere chauffeur. He admired Millicent from afar for years. When a series of tragic events brings them closer Teddy is determined to protect Millicent and rescue her from her prison. As family secrets reveal themselves, can she finally break free from the darkness that has filled her life? Can they find a way to forge a life together in the face of the worst circumstances? 

Promise of Tomorrow is a historical fiction about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances. It is a story of resilience and the power of love and community. I wanted to reach through the book and rescue Millicent myself. As the attitudes of the time, the book takes place in 1914, daughters were property of their father, with very little voice. I cheered as Teddy stepped up and helped Millicent out of a horrible situation. Seeing their slow growing love story was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting Castaway Cove and the characters from the first book, Come Tomorrow. Readers do not need to read the first book to enjoy Promise of Tomorrow, however, I highly recommend it as it is another wonderful story. I highly recommend Promise of Tomorrow. 

Promise of Tomorrow is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove: second chances, forgiveness and finding a greater purpose

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is the third book in the Dove Pond series by Karen Hawkins. Ella Dove grew up in Dove Pond as a daughter in the magically talented Dove family. She is an instinctively talented baker who has gained a massive following on social media. However, a false accusation has forced her from her hometown. A restless soul, Ella has become haunted by a dream which leads her to believe it is time to head home and set the record straight. Angela Stewart Harrington is also returning to Dove Pond with her own amends to make with her estranged daughter, Jules. Her grandson, Gray, is shocked to see Ella back in Dove Pond. His first and only love, he was heartbroken when she left town, but never stopped loving her. However, he is determined to convince her to give him and Dove Pond a second chance; but is he on the road to another broken heart? Can Ella, Angela and Gray realize that love can and will find a way to forgive? 

I love the Dove Pond series! With magical realism and real life issues of betrayal, love and finding forgiveness and purpose, it is a series that has it all. The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a great addition. Ella has convinced herself that she doesn’t need commitment or a place to call home to be happy. But when her dreams begin to haunt her waking hours, she realizes she has to face the past and Dove Pond again. While I figured out the reason behind her dreams, and frustrated that she couldn’t see it; however, the moment she does realize, was beautiful and highly satisfying. The drama and situations between Angela and Jules were wonderful as well. I also love how each book gives hints to future books and stories. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove. While you do not necessarily need to read these books in order, I highly recommend it. Start with The Book Charmer (2019) and then A Cup of Silver Linings (2021). 

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Singing Trees: lessons in forgiveness and second chances

The Singing Trees by Boo Walker is the story of one young artist who learns to forgive the past and embrace second chances. After losing her parents in a car accident, Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the small town of Payton Mills, Maine. Inspired by her mother, who left her artistic dreams behind for marriage, Annalisa focuses on painting. She is determined to never fall in love, to never marry and focus on her dreams. The first step is to leave her small town behind. She arrives in Portland, Maine and the thriving art scene where Annalisa hopes to discover her artistic voice. There she meets Thomas and ss their relationship deepens, Annalisa finds herself balancing her dreams with falling in love. Annalisa must decide if she is willing to take a risk, to truly open herself up to life and love. 

I heard an interview of Boo Walker on a podcast and found him to be interesting and immediately looked for his books. The Singing Trees was free with Amazon Prime Free, so I borrowed the book. It has a gorgeous cover and beautiful title that caught my eye and I looked forward to reading it. From the beginning, I found Annalisa to be harsh and unlikeable. I did not like her constant woe is me attitude. The story was drawn out and boring. Misunderstandings which would have been made clear by simply talking to each other! The dual timeline plot lines were confusing. There were revelations that didn’t make sense. Even the ending was a tangled mess. I closed the book confused. Overall, I did not like The Singing Trees which is disappointing as Mr Walker was likeable on the podcast and his books have been highly praised. 

The Singing Trees is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Saving Noah: a wounded warrior romance

Saving Noah by Kaci Rose is the first book in the Oakside Military Heroes series. When his unit was attacked, Noah Carr acted on instinct and saved as many men as he could. The attack left him scarred with burns over half of his body and unbearable pain. Noah couldn’t imagine anyone daring to look at him again. With painful treatments and physical therapies ahead of him, he never felt so alone. Lexi Bates arrives at the hospital to see her brother when she realizes Noah has no one. Not wanting him to be alone, as no soldier should have to suffer alone, Lexi never leaves his side. She finds herself opening up to him about her own painful past. As their feelings for each other grow, Noah and Lexi wonder what awaits them as he prepares for life outside the hospital. With their own emotional and physical scars, can a heart truly learn to love again? 

Saving Noah is a wonderful mixed story that hits all the emotional buttons. It is an emotionally hard hitting as Ms. Rose doesn’t shy away from the aftermath that leaves wounded warriors lost in limbo between the military and civilian life. The story also features what the families and loved ones are left with when their soldiers are wounded or even never make it home.  I loved how the author features some of the wonderful programs that exist for wounded warriors and the great need for more help across the country. It is a sweet romance with spicy scenes. Some of the love scenes were a bit too spicy for me and a tad bit disgusting. Looking past those moments, overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series. There were moments of smiles and moments of tears. If you enjoy emotional love stories with military heroes, I recommend Saving Noah. 

Saving Noah is available in paperback and eBook

Our Place on the Island: second chances, self-discovery and finding home again

Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery is a story of three women finding home and a new future on a familiar island. Many occasions have been celebrated at the Campbell family’s seaside cottage. The beloved matriarch, Cora, is getting remarried and the town gossip whispers that he was the one that got away. Her granddaughter, Michelle “Mickey,” is a renowned chef with a popular, successful restaurant with her boyfriend, Wes. However, she is hiding a secret. She has mismanaged the restaurant into the red. Cora’s wedding gives her an excuse to hide. She comes to the island to regroup and figure out a solution. Mickey’s mother, Hedy, is still mourning the passing of her beloved father and is having a hard time welcoming this new man in her mother’s life. Everyone knows a woman’s heart holds many secrets and Cora is about to reveal a story that will have the three women reevaluating their views on marriage, motherhood and the joys of following one’s heart. 

Two years ago, I read Ms. Montgomery’s debut novel A Summer to Remember and when I was offered a chance to read her newest novel, I took it! Our Place on the Island is a story of second chances, discovering your true passions and finding home again. It is a story that did not disappoint. I thought I had figured it out; however, as the story unfolded, it took a surprising, heartwarming turn. I enjoyed every character. However, my favorite character was Cora. Her words of wisdom and insights were spot on. Word of warning: DO NOT read this book on an empty stomach! Cooking and food is an important aspect as the women bond over food and you will be craving every delicious dish as you read! Even the descriptions of the ingredients made me wish I had them in front of me! Ms. Montgomery describes Cora’s garden so well, I swear I could smell the fresh herbs and produce. I highly recommend Our Place on the Island. 

Our Place on the Island is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Bookshop by the Bay: mothers, daughters and second chances

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley is the story of four women, at different stages in life, when circumstances open their eyes to new possibilities and new dreams. Jessica Coleman’s marriage has gone cold. When she discovers her husband has been having an affair with his assistant, she retreats to her hometown on Cape Cod. Caitlin, her daughter, decides to join her mother on the cape. Allison Page, Jessica’s lifelong friend, is at a crossroad in her life. While her daughter, Julia, has opened a successful jewelry shop, Alison is looking for a change. When a local bookstore comes up for sale, it is too good to pass up for Allison and Jessica. As they reopen the store and add a coffee shop, they find new romances, stronger bonds of mothers, daughters and friends, and new life in second chances. 

The Bookshop by the Bay is a women’s fiction about the unexpected changes of life and the strength to rise above them. All the characters were believable as to their reactions to the circumstances. Even when some characters tried to be hard nosed and the villain, they were quickly shot down and put in their place. I enjoyed Jessica and Allison’s friendship. I enjoyed their relationships with their daughters. I loved to see Julia and Caitlin develop a friendship despite never being close growing up. The potential romances were fun to watch develop. I loved how the characters came to realize what they thought they wanted wasn’t what they truly needed. Overall, I enjoyed The Bookshop by the Bay. If you enjoy women’s fiction with friends and second chances, you may enjoy The Bookshop by the Bay. 

The Bookshop by the Bay is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Summer of Surprises: a story of second chances

A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim is a part of the Seashell Cottage standalone series. Jill Conroy is tricked by her sister, Cristal, into being a housekeeper and cook for the summer at the Seashell Cottage where Greg Campbell and his nephew, Brody, have been hired to do maintenance projects on the property. Jill soon realizes that the time away from her home and the memories of her deceased, emotionally abusive husband is just what she needs. It isn’t long before Jill also realizes she needs to make a new life for herself. She begins her plans and her new future seems to be set. A sudden visit from Cristal, followed by their mother, forces Jill to reveal secrets she has been hiding. Can she close the door on the past for the open opportunity for peace, happiness and even love? 

Families and especially sisters can be complicated. Jill has spent her life in the shadow of her gorgeous sister which leads to an abusive marriage. Even though the tragic death of her husband has physically set her free, Jill is still trapped by her insecurities and familial bonds. The beach is truly healing in A Summer of Surprises as Jill finds a new strength, a new voice and a new purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed Jill and her journey. I cheered for her as she confronted the past and those who allowed her abuse to be such a secret. The Seashell Cottage series are all standalones and they are great stories of life-changing experiences and A Summer of Surprises is a great addition to the series. I highly recommend A Summer of Surprises as well as the Seashell Cottage. 

A Summer of Surprises is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook 

The Nantucket Inn: a new business, a new life and a second chance to start again

The Nantucket Inn by Pamela Kelley is the first book in the Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series. After the death of her husband, Lisa Hodges discovers their financial security wasn’t there. She needs to make a decision fast. She decides to turn her house into a bed and breakfast. The lives of her three daughters are coming to life changing decisions as well. Kate, the oldest, has a wonderful career in Boston and is engaged to a photographer. Until a series of events sends her back home to Nantucket. Kristen, Kate’s twin sister, is a local artist and finds herself frustrated with her boyfriend who keeps making promises and doubts he’ll make good on them. Abby, the youngest, is happily married to her high school sweetheart. But after another failed IVF attempt, she questions if they are truly happy. 

The Nantucket Inn was a fast-paced, engaging story. The women are likable and relatable. I cheered for them as they stood up for what they wanted and weren't afraid to say enough’s enough. Lisa actually has four children. There is a son, Chase, who doesn’t have much of a role in this story. However, I’m sure he’ll show up with a story of his own in the series. There was a little opposition to Lisa’s bed and breakfast. Violet, a neighbor and fellow bed and breakfast owner, and I have a feeling she’ll be trouble for Lisa in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Nantucket Inn. It is a great read for a lazy afternoon. 

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

A Christmas Star: can the season bring healing and new love?

A Christmas Star by Judith Keim. It is the first book of the Seashell Cottage series which are standalone books all connected by the cottage. Two years ago, Noelle North’s fiancé left her at the altar on Christmas Day. She cannot endure another holiday season at home. She rents the Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida for the holiday. One day while walking along the beach, she meets Silas Bellingham, a young boy, and his dog, Duke. Noelle comes to learn that his great-grandmother, Althea, is being abused by her caretaker. A trained nurse, she is spurred into action. Soon she meets Silas’ father, Jake. Jake and Noelle immediately start butting heads. After getting off on the wrong foot, Jake realizes that Noelle is just what the family needs. Can the Christmas season be healing for them all? 

A Christmas Star is a story of healing and the miracles of Christmas. All the characters are nursing broken hearts and hurts from broken relationships to the death of the loved one. Each character finds themselves opening up to new love and new possibilities as well as healing and learning to move on. Noelle has a heart for others but hides her own broken heart. Jake is a broken man who has poured himself into his work. And a little boy whose innocence and wonder will bring them together. It has a Hallmark holiday feel. It is a great read for the holiday season or any time one wants to recapture the magic and possibilities of Christmas and love. It is a sweet, second chance romance with a bit of Christmas magic. I recommend A Christmas Star. 

A Christmas Star is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Truth in Tiramisu: forgiveness and second chances for love

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overdue Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

Gone Wishing: second chances and truly finding home

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

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

Gone Wishing is available in paperback and eBook

Paws & Pastries: a sweet, heartwarming story of second chances

Paws and Pastries by Barbara Hinske is the first book in the Paws and Pastries series. Clara Conway has had it with her cheating husband! After discovering he never ended his affair, she packs up her belongings and starts driving. She doesn’t need him and the heartache. Her plan is to find a new city that is large enough to support a patisserie she has dreamed of opening. Her plan is derailed when she has car trouble in the small town of Pinewood. While the town is charming with friendly and welcoming residents, she feels the town's too small for her dream. As another delay keeps her in town, she grows fonder and fonder of her new friends and the town. Will she recognize that her fate can survive in the small town? Will she realize that fate has placed her where she needs to be? 

Paws and Pastries is a sweet, heartwarming story of second chances. I easily fell in love with Clara and the residents of Pinewood. Paws and Pastries is a flowing story that pulls the reader in from the opening line. I could have easily read it in one day if I had the time. It is the type of story that just draws you in. I love Clara’s strength to declare “I’m done” and walk away. I loved that her journey was fueled by the “he-done-me wrong” songs that played on the radio. I loved how the residents welcomed Clara with open arms. I look forward to the rest of the series as book 2, Sweets and Treats was released this year. I can’t wait to read more of Clara’s adventures and misadventures as she still must deal with her devious soon-to-be ex-husband. What tricks will he pull? I highly recommend Paws and Pastries. 

Paws and Pastries is available in paperback and eBook

Wishing Beach: second chances, love and a little bit of magic

Wishing Beach by Heather Burch is the first book in the Wishing Beach series. Angela Reed-Baker’s life has been shattered. After a painful divorce from a narcissist, she has moved to the famous Wishing Beach Island, a destination known for granted wishes beneath the mysterious Banyan tree. As she begins to settle in, she discovers an old photograph of a young woman that Jesse Malone, the groundskeeper, carries around in his wallet. Angela discovers that the young woman was “The One” who left. As she digs into the past, she discovers a poignant love story. But what happened to the young woman? Why did she leave Jesse behind? With her handsome neighbor and new friend, mystery novelist Ryan North helps Angela discover what happened to the young woman and hopefully bring closure to Jesse. 

Wishing Beach is a cute love story of love, loss and second chances. Switching between present day and the summer of 1981, readers discover a story of young love, economic class differences and a political cover up. During her search, she discovers her own inner strength to move on from her ex-husband and forge her own path. Angela, at times, was hard to like. She seems to be strong and assertive and others seem to just follow along. I enjoyed the banter between Angela and Ryan. I see a possible romance between the two? I guess I may have to read book 2 to find out. Overall, I enjoyed Wishing Beach. It was a light, weekend read. It had a Notebook kinda vibe. If you enjoy stories about second chances, love and a little magic, I recommend Wishing Beach. 

Wishing Beach is available in paperback and eBook

The Keeper of Happy Endings: a story about fate, second chances and hope

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is a story about fate, second chances and hope. Soline Roussel is well versed in the business of happy endings. For generations, the women of her family kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris. Where magic is worked into each stitch. It is said that every bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy and happiness. When World War II arrives in Paris, Soline is faced with devastating loss after another. She arrives in America with one simple dress box. She places all her memories in it, stowing them away, determined to forget. Decades later, another young woman is dealing with her own tragic loss. Rory Grant is left reeling after her fiancé goes missing with no words as to his whereabouts or if he is even alive. When she comes across an old store front, she becomes determined to open her own art gallery. Inside the storefront, she discovers Soline’s old dress box. What happens is an unlikely friendship between Soline and Rory. While they both believe they were destined to meet, their connection would have a profound impact on their future. 

The Keeper of Happy Endings is my first book by Barbara Davis and it was widely praised and recommended. Now I can see why. It is a beautiful story of love, loss and finding hope when hope seems lost. From the very beginning, I enjoyed Soline’s story as well as Rory’s. Although there were a few twists and “aha” moments that I saw them coming before the big reveal. However, figuring out the twists didn’t take away from the emotional impact of the story. It is also more than just another historical story about war and love lost. It is about the eternal struggle between mother and daughter, the constant push and pull that they seem to be engaged in and the influence that one generation has on another. The Keeper of Happy Endings also serves as a reminder that hate doesn’t change with time. One of my favorite quotes is “People always find a way to justify their hate—and give others an excuse to fall in line. They put words in people’s mouths, plant them like viruses, then watch them spread.” Words that ring true today as they did over eighty years ago. I highly recommend The Keeper of Happy Endings. 

The Keeper of Happy Endings is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook