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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Planting Hope is a contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Holly and Kit. Holly is a nurse who is trying to move on after witnessing the murder of a colleague. The experience has left her feeling unsettled so she is living as a free spirit, choosing to work or volunteer where she can. Kit lives his life as a bit of a recluse with his attention focused on his garden. He believes that gardening can have healing powers and can help someone heal from experiencing trauma. As a child, Kit witnessed domestic violence and now wants to help other children heal through creating a garden. He needs a nurse to help him research the project and gets introduced to Holly. With her colorful hair Kit is a bit leery of trusting her but as the two-work side by side in the garden their friendship grows and the attraction between them builds. This was a beautifully crafted story with an engaging plot and wonderful characters. Kit and Holly have both witnessed their share of horrific violence and now find themselves wanting to help children who have witnessed domestic violence. Although their pasts still haunt them, they are not afraid of doing the work involved in helping children heal from trauma. A great read full of hope, love, trauma, passion, and empathy.

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Guarding the Crease: An Opposites Attract Romance (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9)Guarding the Crease: An Opposites Attract Romance by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Guarding The Crease is Book Ten in The Playmaker Series. It is a steamy sports romance that centers around the characters of Wyatt and Serena. Wyatt is a famous NHL goaltender who is a bit self-centered, egotistical, and used to getting his own way. Along comes Serena, a tough cookie in her own rights who is fierce, smart, strong, and determined. As PR Director of the Colorado Blizzard’s, she needs to be driven and not put up with any flack. She also knows Wyatt’s reputation so when he needs her help, she does not expect to empathize with him or his situation. However, as the two start to spend time together she sees another side to him. Serena now sees why Wyatt acts the way he does and before long the two are falling hard for each other.

This book was well written with an interesting storyline and great characters. Wyatt initially comes across as a bad boy, and an unlovable jerk. As his story unfolds, we see the reasons behind his behavior and start to see another side of him. Serena is to credit for some of his changes because she does not put up with his irresponsible behavior. She is tough as nails, strong, feisty, and did not back down from any challenge. It was easy to root for Wyatt to wise up and change his ways because of the love of a good woman. I wanted Serena to be the one he realized was going to be there for him and not give up on him. This book was full of angst, drama, hope, second chances, passion, and love.

View all my reviews@tarab

Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sage Advice is a YA Romance that centers around the character of a teenage girl named Pyper. Pyper is a bubbly, fun-loving, kind, and compassionate teenager who wants to help others and she fiercely protects those she loves. As the girl who writes the advice column for her high school newspaper, Pyper generally has all the answers. She is good at helping others solve their problems but when it comes to her own life, she seems unable to find the answers to her own problems. Pyper is worried about her upcoming prom and when she gets asked by Landen to go with him, she is reluctant. Pyper has been hurt before and now sees all teenage boys as immature. Landen wants to prove that he is sincere and not like the other boys, but Pyper is reluctant to let her guard down. Will Landen be able to break through the barriers Pyper has put up? This was a beautifully written, and realistic, look at first love and romance. The characters were relatable, lovable, and I found myself rooting for Pyper to give Landen a chance to show her he was not going to break her heart. A great read!

View all my reviews@tarab

Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Murder in the Lightning RoomMurder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cora Croft is finishing up her last year of high school at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. Cora is a young lady interested in pursuing higher education, something that most women do not consider in the year 1899. When her teacher mentions an opportunity for Cora to become Nikola Tesla’s lab assistant Cora is determined to seize the opportunity. Before long, Cora finds herself wrapped up deeply in a mystery as Nikola Tesla’s previous lab assistant has mysteriously ended up dead and important documents containing Nikola Tesla’s top-secret designs have been stolen. Tesla is at his wits end over the theft of his documents and is determined to pack up his lab and move back to New York. However, Cora not wanting to miss the unique experience to work with such a brilliant man offers to help Mr. Tesla figure out who is behind the theft.

Cora reluctantly enlists help from Harrison Byrne, a man whom she despises no matter how charming he seems to be on the surface. She also asks her friend Marshall, a man with whom she has known for years and trusts with her life. As the trio starts to investigate farther into the sudden and mysterious death of Tesla’s previous lab assistant and the top- secret documents they start to uncover something that is far more sinister than they could have imagined. When there is another death, Cora, Harrison, and Marshall quickly realize that their own lives may also be at risk.

I loved the character of Cora and found her to be inspirational. Cora was smart, feisty, and wise beyond her years. No matter who or what tried to stand in her way Cora was determined to battle against the social constraints of the time to pursue her dreams. Harrison seemed a bit arrogant initially as he liked to tease Cora and seemingly mock her, something that really irked Cora and made her despise him. Eventually, as I read farther, I learned there was more to Harrison’s character than I had thought at first. I soon realized that although he may appear almost condescending at times in his tone as he spoke to Cora, deep-down Harrison had a big heart and deeply cared about those around him, especially Cora. This book contained several twists and turns throughout with a surprise at the end that really caught me off guard. I highly recommend this book!

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes