The Purple Thistles: three women return to their hometown after the death of a loved one and have their lives changed forever

The Purple Thistles by Carolyn Brown is a story of three women who recent an inheritance which brings them back to their Texas small town. Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria come from three very different backgrounds and were never friendly in high school. Kate was a part of their town’s elite until she was disowned and shunned by her parents. Elizabeth fled her religiously strict family and returned with a secret. Gloria grew up in poverty with an alcoholic mother and struggles with her own demons. Their only common thread is the love and care from Ula, a beloved nanny and mother figure to them all. When Ula passes away, each woman inherits a portion of Ula’s estate. As they work through their painful pasts, heartbreak and their newfound friendship, Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria see the possibilities of bright futures and unexpected romances.  

The Purple Thistles is a bittersweet story of three women who find friendship and a community through their grief and strength to stand up to their families and their pasts. From the very beginning, my heart broke for these women as they came back to town with broken dreams and painful memories. However, through their shared memories of Ula, they find strength with each other and their newfound community and even have second chances at love. There were moments of great laughs and loving moments. I cheered for these women as they each confronted those who would try to keep them down. I also loved the symbolism with the thistle. Overall, I loved this story and was a bit sad to see it end but enjoyed the happily ever after Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria are now living. I highly recommend The Purple Thistles. 

The Purple Thistles will be available on December 1, 2026 

in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ashes of You: a slow burn romance with mystery and suspense

Ashes of You is the fifth and final book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Five years ago, Halston “Hallie” Astor was kidnapped, held captive and tortured. When she managed to escape, one man, a stranger with striking blue eyes, found her and brought her to safety. As she recovered and rebuilt her life, this man’s blue eyes remained in her memory and brought her peace whenever she recalled them. Now, she is determined to get a fresh start and comes to Cedar Ridge to interview for a nanny job for a single father with three sons. What she doesn’t expect is that the father would be the man with the striking blue eyes. Lawson Hartley is the eldest of the Hartley children who is trying his best to raise his three sons. There is an attraction that they both try to fight and stay professional. When a threat from their past comes back, will he be able to save her this time? 

It was hard to say goodbye to the Hartley siblings and their lives in Cedar Creek; however, Ashes of You is a wonderful end to this amazing series. I immediately loved Hallie and Lawson together. Despite their age gap, and I usually don’t like age gap romances, they were seemingly meant for each other. Their romance was a slow burn and exciting. The reveal of who was behind Halle’s original abduction and the current threat was a complete shock. He was not even on my radar at all! Also, over the course of the previous four books, readers see the growing tensions between Lawson and his eldest son, Luke, and I knew we would see their conflict come to a head. That moment was filled with shocking revelations and so many tears. Oh the tears! It was a great healing moment for father and son. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly, highly recommend Ashes of You and the rest of the Lost and Found series. 

Ashes of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Shadows of You: a small town refugee becomes threatened, the town gump steps in for protection

Shadows of You is the fourth book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Aspen Barlow wanted a fresh start and the small town of Cedar Ridge was the perfect place to hide and stay safe. She just wanted to raise her daughter, Cady, and live their quiet life in the mountain town. The last she wanted or expected was Roan Hartley. Roan is the quiet, surly mountain man who arrives to help her save an injured deer during a sudden snowstorm. He seems to have a permanent scowl on his face and rarely smiles. Until Cady’s childlike wonder easily brings a smile and suddenly the gentle way he speaks to her softens Aspen’s heart. When her past seems to have found them in Cedar Ridge, Roan is determined to keep them safe and there is someone out there who doesn’t want her to be happy. He doesn’t even want her to be alive. 

When I started the first book of this series, I knew Roan’s story would be my favorite. Behind the scowl and gruff exterior, Roan hides a caring heart and a man deeply wounded by a secret he has kept for years. And little Cady was the perfect sunshine to break through his grumpy exterior. Aspen is a woman who has survived horrors and still found the strength to give Cady that life of laughter and joy. I loved to see Roan and Aspen come together in love and heal from the past and give each other the encouragement to share the burden with those who love and support him. And the villain in this story completely surprised me until the reveal when I gasped, “No, it can’t be?!?!?” I loved this story and I can’t wait to start the fifth and final book in this series. I highly, highly recommend Shadows of You and the Lost and Found series. 

Shadows of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Hired Man: the Dust Bowl, a mysterious drifter and a murder

The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas is a story of a stranger who walks into a small town in Colorado and leaves a mystery in his wake. In 1937, the Dust Bowl ravaged the country and rain clouds were a distant memory. Martha Helen Kessler and her family have been luckier than most people in their small town, just barely. When a handsome drifter, Otis Hobbs, helps rescue a local boy who got lost in a dust storm, Martha Helen’s mother extends kindness and offers the man lodging and work for as long as he wants to stay. However, suspicion, jealousy and prejudice floods the town as people look down on Otis. These feelings intensify as Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie, is found murdered. She is now faced with conflicting feelings as she struggles with questions. Was Otis responsible? Was he simply the scapegoat? What truly happened to her friend? 

The Hired Man is a dark and gritty story of one young woman’s journey from childlike innocence to experiencing the darker side of people and the dangers that could be lurking around her. Ms Dallas’s description of the dust bowl, the scenery and the devastating effects was very detailed and vivid. It was heartbreaking to know the horrors people experienced during this uncertain time of environmental and economic uncertainties. Martha Helen was a strong character and I enjoyed her growth throughout the story. I also enjoyed Martha Helen’s parents as they extended help to those who needed it. The mystery of who murdered Frankie was left ambiguous and the resolution was disappointing. There were more questions than answers. Overall, I enjoyed this story of the life struggles and dangers during the Dust Bowl; however, the mystery was lackluster. If you enjoy historical drama with a bit of mystery, I recommend The Hired Man. 

The Hired Man will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on March 31, 2026. 

The Fling: a romance in paradise follows two individuals home and a chance for a lifetime love

The Fling is the second book in the Lake Bittersweet series by Jennifer Bernard. Emmaline Curtis has never been far from home before but when she wins an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii, it is a dream come true. There she meets a gorgeous man and after a few moments of flirty banter, she is ready for anything. Conor Gault is in Hawaii on a business trip when his chance meeting with a beautiful woman turns into an unexpected romance in paradise. They agree to a fling. However, it is cut short when he receives news that his rock star father has passed away unexpectedly. He finds himself in Lake Bittersweet, Minnesota, a place he has purposely avoided for seventeen years. The last person he expected to run into is Emmaline, the woman who has haunted his thoughts since they parted in Hawaii. They find that their spark is still there but it will be tested when they discover that their pasts are linked in more ways than they ever knew. 

After reading the first book in this series, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue this series. However, when I had a chance to read the second book, I decided to give it a second chance. The Fling starts out great. Two people in paradise who throw caution to the wind, until reality brings them back. I enjoyed their interaction and flirty banter. After they meet up again in Lake Bittersweet, the story falters a bit. I loved Emmaline and Conor’s interactions. I loved Conor’s interactions with Emmaline’s brother, Henry. I think my issue with this story is the interactions with the supporting characters who were introduced in the story as if I should have already known them and their histories. Maybe it was the time between reading book 1 and book 2 that was the issue but I found myself losing attention. Overall, though, I did enjoy this story. I enjoyed Conor’s growth specifically. I may continue the series in the future. If you enjoy small town romance, I recommend The Fling. 

The Fling is available in paperback and eBook

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

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

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

Ticket to Ride is available in paperback and eBook

Ice Falls: a romantic suspense in an Alaskan small town

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

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

Ice Falls is available in paperback and eBook

Nothing But Trouble: an ex-quarterback, his assistant and a love neither of them saw coming

Nothing But Trouble is the first book in the Credence, Colorado series by Amy Andrews. For the past five years, Cecilia “CC” Morgan’s life has revolved around the personal assistant to Wade “The Catapult” Carter, a former NFL quarterback. She has decided she has had enough and prepares to quit, but then his father’s health fails and she finds herself in his hometown. CC will stay, for now, but seeing Wade outside the bright lights of Denver has her thinking things she has no business thinking. CC’s plan to quit throws Wade for a loop as he cannot imagine his life with his “left tackle,” his Girl Friday. Now they are under the same roof in his hometown, bantering like an old married couple, Wade starts to see CC as just more than his assistant. Will Wade open his eyes and his heart to the woman he cannot live without? 

Nothing But Trouble is a sweet romance with a bit of spice as well as great banter, sigh worthy moments and humor. I loved CC and Wade from the moment they appeared on the page and their attraction together is apparent to everyone but them. To see them slowly come to that realization were great moments, especially Wade’s. The moment it hit him brought a smile to  my face and I enjoyed his grand gestures. Yes, multiple. He fumbled a few times. Their supporting characters were awesome too. The small town characters were alive and well in Credence. The family banter, the friendly insults and touching moments helped boost their story. I loved this story and I was sad to see it end; however, I look forward to the rest of this series. If you love a sweet spicy romance with great moments, I highly recommend Nothing But Trouble. 

Nothing But Trouble is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Detour to Harmony: a sweet clean romance in a small town

Detour to Harmony is the first book in the Harmony Ridge series by Megan Squires. Miles Callahan has decided that his country music days are over. The constant traveling, life on a tour bus isn’t a life for his four year old son. He decides to set down roots. His first stop is the small town of Harmony Ridge. It was supposed to be a quick bite to eat and then back on the road; however, the diner’s beautiful owner’s welcoming spirit had Miles dragging his feet to leave. Scarlett Harmony has taken over her father’s diner after his passing and wants to maintain his legacy of generosity through food and friendship. However, when the diner begins to falter and she worries she has a very difficult choice to make. Can she keep her restaurant from closing while also opening up her heart to the chance for a romance? Or will Miles be on his way as planned? 

Detour to Harmony is a sweet, clean romance with humor and emotional touching moments. I immediately liked Miles as a man who is willing to put aside a growing career for his son. I loved the immediate connection with Scarlett as she knew how to interact and engage with an active four year old. I loved the small town atmosphere of Harmony Ridge. The townspeople were relatable with a welcoming and friendly attitude. The drama was mild but grounded in real issues and concerns. I loved Miles and Scarlett’s romance. There were sweet moments, grand gestures and moments that will make you smile, especially with Miles’s son. The author definitely got a four year old’s antics and imagination to translate on the page. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. If you enjoy sweet, clear romance, I highly recommend Detour to Harmony. 

Detour to Harmony is available in paperback and eBook

The Wishing Well: a small town, a magical well and the healing magic of Christmas

The Wishing Well is the first book in the HollyWell Springs series by Vivian Porter. After losing her parents around Christmas as a child, Hannah Grayson rejects the holiday. Her one joy is her green thumb and her career as a writer for a national foodie magazine. When her boss sends her on assignment to HollyWell Springs, a small town in Montana where Christmas is celebrated all year long, Hannah is not excited. With no choice, she decides to finish the assignment with minimal involvement. However, the moment she arrives in town, she locks eyes with Brodie Fisher, who runs the local Christmas tree farm, who seems to love plants more than she does. As she experiences that magic of Christmas and the town’s love for the holiday, Hannah finds the ice around her heart starting to melt and begins to question what she remembers about the past. At the center of it all, a wishing well which seems magical healing for a wounded heart.  

I looked forward to this book as the premise sounded interesting. I love Christmas and enjoy the magic and hope of the season. However, a town whose whole identity is Christmas was a bit much for me. Everything about the town was in a Christmas theme, even the names of the businesses. And the magical wishing well was interesting and the story had a mystery around the well that never is fully explained. Hannah as a grinch or scrooge made sense for me and I understood that she didn’t want to talk about why; but she never tells her best friend?!?! The constant description of Brodie as a “Greek God Cowboy” was so repetitive early on that I was over it quickly. Overall, I enjoyed Hannah’s healing from her traumatic past; however, I closed the book with a “what did I read?” I doubt I will be continuing the series. If you would enjoy a story about a town who celebrates Christmas year around with a magical well, you may enjoy The Wishing Well. 

The Wishing Well is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tell Me Why: a tangled web of secrets, corruption and betrayal in the small town of Hart's Ridge

Tell Me Why is the fourteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Private investigator Taylor Gray is called to the scene of a charred vehicle, a vehicle registered to her family’s farm. Inside is a body too damaged to be identified; however, nothing prepares Taylor for the news that the victim might be someone who called family. She begins by digging deep into the victim’s ties to a shady local business, a business that seems to come out of nowhere. A business which leaves a trail of secret deliveries and someone pulling the strings. Fighting through grief and the swirling rumors, Taylor follows every lead of corruption, addiction and betrayal. She gets closer with each lead, there is someone who is desperate to keep her from discovering the truth. Her instincts tell her there is more to the case than just an unfortunate accident. However, she isn’t prepared to learn who is behind it all. 

The Hart’s Ridge series has been a wild ride of cases inspired by real life events and a family forming a new foundation. Tell Me Why opens as Taylor is racing to the scene of an accident which readers learned about in the previous book. When I learned who the victim was, I cried and I was just as determined as Taylor to find out the why and who. I did pick up on a clue about who the mastermind behind the shady business was and I hoped I was wrong. The story does end on a cliffhanger as someone who is finally ready to reveal all that they know. If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend Tell Me Why. If you haven’t started the series, I recommend starting with book 1, Hart’s Ridge. You will be pulled into the small town, the residents and the danger that lurks in the shadows. 

Tell Me Why is in paperback and eBook

On the Rocks: an age gap, small town romance

On the Rocks is the first book in the Becker Brothers series by Kandi Steiner. Noah Becker has a reputation as being nothing but trouble. Ruby Grace Barnett was warned by her mother to stay away from Noah. In their small town, the brothers went wild after their father tragically died. She is reminded of the fact that he is nothing but trouble as she walks into Scooter Whiskey Distillery to buy a wedding present for her fiancé and he is there. Yes, he is trouble. Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble. And no matter how hard she tries, Ruby Grace just cannot escape Noah. He infuriates her and yet he sees what no one else else does: the real her. The person she isn’t allowed to be, the dreams and desires she wishes to accomplish before settling down. But she is the mayor’s daughter, raised to be a politician’s wife and fulfill the family legacy. What does she do with the man who makes her question everything in front of her? 

On the Rocks is an age gap, the wrong side of the tracks romance. I am usually wary about age gap romances, which aren’t usually my cup of tea. However, this age gap is about nine years which is a difference but not as big as some age gap romances I’ve read. That being said, I did not like this story. I did not care for Ruby Grace. She is way too young to be married. I don’t care if it is “family legacy” or “family expectations,” she’s too young. She is not even “mature for her age” young. Noah is supposed to be the bad boy all women secretly want; however, he has a big chip on his shoulder about the past, the elites of their small town and known to sleep around town. Overall, I was bored. I did not like any of the main characters or their supporting characters. I did not like this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend On the Rocks. 

On the Rocks is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Always Mine: a small town friends to lovers romance

Always Mine is the first book in the Honey Mountain series by Laura Pavlov. Niko West has been Vivian Thomas’ best friend since kindergarten. Now he is the most beautiful man she has ever seen as a broody, chiseled firefighter. She has never crossed the line of their friendship as he has been the most solid person in her life. However, when her family gets a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend, Vivian decides she needs a fling, to discover what she has been missing, and makes Nike an offer he can’t refuse. It was supposed to be a one time thing; but they didn’t realize it would add fuel to the fire that slowly burned between them. Can they go back to just being friends? Or will they take a chance to have the kind of relationship they could only dream of before? 

Always Mine is a sweet and spicy friends to lovers romance with plenty of banter, drama and great emotional moments. In the small town of Honey Mountain, everyone is a big family community. I enjoyed Vivian and her family. The love and banter between the sisters is wonderful. Her relationship with her father is lovely. I also loved how Niko is a welcomed additional member of the family and her romantic relationship with him is encouraged. I loved Niko and my heart broke as he deals with his less than loving family. Overall, I loved the romance between Vivian and Niko. I loved the introduction of the supporting characters and setting up the possibility for their own stories in the series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town, friends to lovers romance, I highly recommend Always Mine. 

Always Mine is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Cowboy's Stolen Heart: a small town cowboy romance

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is the first book of The Cowboys of Sweetheart Creek series by Jean Oram. Fashion model Laura Oakes inherits her great aunt’s estate. As she is ready to put her life on hold and heads to Sweetheart Creek, Texas and begins small town life. She runs into Levi Wylder, the handsome and yet serious cowboy, who she has been crushing on for years. Unfortunately, he sees her nothing more than a princess pretending to be a cowgirl. Because what cowgirl buys boots based on looks instead of function? Busy running the ranch, Levi doesn’t need a pretend cowgirl but when he needs a temporary riding stable manager, Laura proves she is capable and Levi realizes he underestimated her. They spend time together and fall in love; however, their romance finds obstacles. Some of his family has doubts about the relationship. Will she return to her modeling career? Will she stay? 

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is a cute, sweet romance with lots of fun and plenty of drama. I loved the small town feel with all the different personalities from the welcoming diner waitress to the ornery old man. I loved the chemistry between Laura and Levi. Levi has had his heart broken before and he is wary of opening his heart again. Adding to his plate is running the ranch, he is also dealing with plenty of family drama among his brothers, he doesn’t need any heartbreak. Laura is recovering from her own failed relationship and is at a crossroad in her career and isn’t looking for a romance either. However, the sparks fly as the two spend time together. There are plenty of sweet moments and tense discussion. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy cowboy romances, I recommend The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart. 

The Cowboy’s Stolen Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

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

Then Came You: a move to a small town for a fresh start and a possible new romance

Then Came You is the first book in the Compass Cove series by Jeannie Moon. After a series of family loss, Mia DeAngelis needed a change for herself and her nephew, Ben. They move in with her grandmother in the magical small town of Compass Cove. She takes a job as a librarian at a local college and settles into her new community. Adam Miller is a retired NFL quarterback who has returned to Compass Cove for a fresh start as he takes the coaching job at the college. When Ben shows up at practice one day, Adam meets his gorgeous aunt and there is an instant connection despite their resistance. Even though their family and friends see them together, Mia is hesitant as her mother’s expectations interfere. Can the magic of Compass Cove bring them together or will their doubts keep them apart? 

Then Came You is a fast paced, page turner filled with sweet moments and heart stopping drama. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could not put this book down. I read well into the night as I wanted to see Mia and Adam together. The drama between Mia and her mother felt so real and raw. I cheered for Mia as she fights for her own life and decisions without interference from her mother. I loved Adam and knew he was the one for Mia. I also enjoyed Mia’s nephew Ben. I laughed at the scene when he reveals that he saw Adam kiss Mia and how grossed out he was. It was such a child thing to say. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to continuing the story. I highly recommend Then Came You. 

Then Came You is available in paperback and eBook

Remembering the Cowboy: a clean, Christian second chance romance

Remembering the Cowboy is the first book in the Blackwater Ranch series by Mandi Blake. Camille Vanderbilt is heading home to Blackwater, Wyoming. She is determined to find her old best friend, Noah Harding, who suddenly ghosted her after high school and has been able to avoid her since then, despite their small town. Unfortunately, on the road there, she gets into an accident and wakes up with memory loss. Noah lives a simple life as a firefighter and working on his family ranch until he arrives at the scene of an accident and realizes that Camille is the accident victim. When Camille runs into Noah in town, she knows he’s someone important to her but she doesn’t know why. As they spend time together, they find the old flame is still there and Noah is determined to do it right this time. 

Mandi Blake is a great author for clean, Christian romance with sweet moments and drama. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could not put it down. I loved Camille and Noah throughout the story. I loved Camille’s determination to find her feet on her own and deal with her memory issues without using others’ help as a crutch. Noah is a great man who loves completely and is loyal to his family and their livelihood even at the cost of his own heart. Their moments together were sweet and filled with love and tenderness. I loved the secondary characters, especially Camille’s cousin, Jenny, who didn’t have much page time but was influential in the story. I look forward to reading the future stories in this series. If you enjoy clean, Christian romances with cowboys and a small town, you will enjoy Remembering the Cowboy. 

Remembering the Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Deceived: a small town romance with intrigue and family saga series

Deceived is the first book in the Delta Family series by Cami Checketts. The Delta family, led by the patriarch Papa, has a secret deep into the mountains. Colton Delta takes the protection of the family secret very seriously. A secret that is a matter of national security. Bailey Ashworth is an investigative journalist who got a drunken tip about a military secret hidden in the Colorado mountains. She comes to the small town of Summit Valley and runs into the handsome Dr Colton Delta. As Colton and Bailey spend time together, they are both suspicious of each other and yet find themselves attracted to each other. When he falls in love with Bailey, can he protect her and the secret? Will the secret tear them apart? 

Deceived is a cute, sweet, intriguing and great start to a family saga story. The family secret is not revealed in this story and I have a feeling it will drag throughout the series. However, I am interested in the other Delta love stories that I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoyed the banter and flirting between Colton and Bailey. There were a few sweet moments between them that produced a few sighs and smiles. The Delta family is large and I enjoyed the introduction of each character. I love the faith of the characters. It was real and relatable. If you enjoy small town romance, I recommend Deceived. 

Deceived is available in paperback and eBook. 

Second Chance Sweethearts: a short but sweet and powerful novella

Second Chance Sweethearts by Liwen Y Ho is a novella about two high school sweethearts finding a chance for love. When Missy Clark left her small town of Sun Valley, Texas, she left her first love behind. Five years later, she returns, battered, bruised and harboring a secret that will tarnish her reputation in the small town. Nate Dawson never stopped loving Missy, praying she would return to him. Now that she is back, he sees his prayers as being answered. However, he doesn’t realize that she hides a secret that hinders their reconnection. Nate is determined to show Missy she is worthy of love, despite her mistakes. Can he help her realize that he is willing and able to stand by her side? Can they find hope and healing for their future in the Lord?

Second Chance Sweethearts is a novella, short but very sweet and packed with love, the power of forgiveness and love with the Lord. It is a quick read as I was pulled into Missy and Nate’s story. Missy feels like damaged goods, coming back to her small town a failure. However, she doesn’t realize that one man has been praying for her return. Nate is a true sweetheart who sees the girl he fell in love with in the woman before him. Ms. Ho packs a lot in such a short story. The character development is wonderful. My heart broke for Missy from the first page and I cheered for them as they reconnected. If you are looking for a wonderful story of love and forgiveness for a quiet afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Second Chance Sweethearts. 

Second Chance Sweethearts is available in eBook.