Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was really good. I don’t think I have read a mystery exposing so much of the truth. I loved how all three stories intertwined together. I am excited to the next book in the series. This book had me wondering what next was going to happen. I really enjoyed that there were strong female characters.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Brass Compass (Cold War Novel #1) by Ellen Butler
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Brass Compass is the first book in the Cold War Series. The author captured my attention from the beginning. It was a hard book to put down and I really didn’t want it to end.
Lily wants to go home to the states, but it’s not in the cards for her just yet. She finds that being a spy is a dangerous job. She also learns that some things are meant to be. The quote I chose for Lily is: “My father was a foreign service officer for the State Department. We moved around a lot. I spent most of my childhood living around Europe.”
Charlie is the captain in his group. He meets Lily and can’t help but fall for her. He knows what she does. When she’s offered a job he knows that life isn’t going to be quiet. The quote I chose for Charlie is: “I have a feeling with you, quiet and calm is never going to be in our future.”
Highly recommended for Historical Thriller lovers.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing
Some of these authors are new to me while some I’ve read books by. These stories are short and sweet. Mistletoe Memories, A Rocky Mountain Romance,Copper Penny Christmas, Merry Mix-ups, Falling for Christmas, Christmas Pizzo, and The Mrs. Clause are all new favorites.
Mistletoe Memories by Bernadette Marie
Gretchen has always had the dream of her own bakery. Down the street from her bakery is the bakery of her ex. She delivers flour to him and as she’s leaving she’s in an accident. The quote I chose for Gretchen is: “I do. It means that every good memory I have, started as a moment under the mistletoe.
Levi has never stopped loving Gretchen. When she’s in an accident he rushes to her side. Then he decides to help her out after the accident. When they find out that their designs are being stolen they work together. The quote I chose for Levi is: “That first time I kissed you under the mistletoe, I thought it was just going to be a friendly kiss. I had no idea the sparks that were set off that night were buried so deep. That moment, in Charlotte’s doorway, I fell in love with you deeper than I already was as your friend.”
A Rocky Mountain Romance by Jessica Mehring
Hank has lived in the small town for a year. He loves it and can’t see wanting to leave for anything. Then he meets Amity and her sister Anne. He wants to help Amity out in whatever way he can. The quote I chose for Hank is: “I’ve lived here for a year now, and I can honestly say these are mostly good-hearted people. Sure, they talk— and sure, you can call it gossip—but it’s because they care. They care about this town, what goes on in it, and the people who live in it.”
Amity was new to town and never really thought of staying long term. She came out to help her sister out and then was going to get back to her life. Then she meets Hank and finds that she can’t stop thinking of him. Will they make it work? The quote I chose for Amity is: “Neither was I. It’s so ridiculous. I mean, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t see right through him. And the man ruined me. But telling the story… it’s like the plot to a terrible novel: Man runs off with assistant and leaves woman nearly bankrupt, and she must start over against all odds.”
Copper Penny Christmas by Ann Swann
Miranda thought she was going to have all she wanted with her boyfriend. Only to find that he’s been flirting with others. Then she finds that he cheated on her. The quote I chose for Miranda is: “It just so happens my own plans have changed drastically over the past few days. I would love to stop in and check on this little man.”
Wil has been to the clinic where Miranda works at. When the dog he adopted passes away he finds that Miranda may just have a pet for him. He finds that he wants to spend more time with her. The quote I chose for Wil is: “We can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”
Merry Mix-Ups by Emily Bybee
Max is asked out by a friend for a blind date. Then he remembers the stories he’s heard of the girl. Only to find that he was mistaking her for someone else completely. Can he fix the mistake before it’s too late? The quote I chose for Max is: “If there’s one thing Grams and Pop taught me, it’s that it takes selflessness and caring to make a marriage work. I just want you to be sure this is what you want, and not just what Becca wants. No judgement, man. I see the way she looks at you. I know she cares about you. But is she the one you want to be with forever?”
Cassi thinks that her friend and old roommate has told Max about the Swan Princess story. Then at the party she finds out that he thinks she stole his watch. Then she finds out what really happened the night of her waking up on the Swan float. The quote I chose for Cassi is: “Hey, it’s a lot. Most people plan their weddings for a year or more. You just have to be the overachiever and do it in a month.”
Falling For Christmas by Amy L. Gale
Natalie is mad when some new guy thinks he can come in like he owns the town. She’s worked hard to keep her family tree farm going. She isn’t going to go down without a fight. She falls for Gabe and can see why everyone likes him. The quote I chose for Natalie is: “Like what, create a ghost town? Don’t you get it? You’re going to make all of us lose our businesses with your standard fees. You come in here with your flashy car, that doesn’t do so well in the snow by the way, and flaunt your designer clothes like we’re all going to fall all over you. Well, you don’t know this town at all. The car didn’t help you out too much did it? And those good looks don’t work either.”
Gabriel is new to the small town and thinks he’s doing right by the town. When he’s cornered by the entire town he seems to break down. He volunteers to be a judge for a friendly competition. The quote I chose for Gabe is: “I’d love to try Vesuvius. What do you say, Natalie? Do you want to go to dinner Saturday night?”
Christmas Pizzo by Emersyn Kane
Valentina is called to come home when her father has a stroke. When she gets there she finds that her crush and his father are waiting for her. She knows his family, but she doesn’t know her history with his family. The quote I chose for Valentina is: “It’s our parents and our sisters. It’s Misty and Karl. It’s finding happiness with one person who doesn’t judge you for what you’ve done or what you do. You know. That one person that supports you, no matter what. That loves you… no matter what.”
Sal is working for his dad now. When he finds out that Valentina is back in town he will find a way to be with her. He will fight for her if he has to and he does exactly like that. The quote I chose for Sal is: “I know, can we wait until tomorrow to figure it all out? For now, I just want to be with you.”
The Mrs. Clause by S.J. Reisner
Abigail is left an inheritance but she has to be engaged by her thirty-fifth Christmas. She thinks of using her ex Luke to get the money but then decides against it. Then she meets Gary and honestly thought her money was gone. The quote I chose for Abigail is: “No buts. You’ve been in a relationship for five years. My longest relationship was with Luke, and why I stayed for eight months is anyone’s guess. Let’s just drop it. There has to be an easier solution to finding the money for the studio.”
Gary is a painter and does well with it. He meets Abigail and can’t keep her off his mind. Then her ex comes in and shakes him up. He didn’t know about the money and thinks that is why she said yes. The quote I chose for Gary is: “I know this is sudden and you’re welcome to think about it, but I can’t stop thinking about you. Every time we’re together it feels so right, like I’ve known you forever. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed spending time with anyone as much as I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent with you.”
Highly recommended for Romance lovers.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of the most fun books I have read in awhile. A feel good story mixed with some mystery and humor. It gives off the feel of a small and quaint town with a lot of quirky townspeople.
Our main character Bob was relatable and lovable. Truly felt like an old friend. Watching his adventure unfold with his new career and his first mystery is quite the journey. This will be a book that you will not forget and definitely will have the author on your watch for what’s next.
I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love you today. I love this story and this series. The blurb says it can be read as a standalone but I don’t think so. If you don’t read book one you will not understand Austin’s heartbreak. I can tell you his heart is broken but you feel it starting in book one. In this book, book 2, we get to see Austin’s heart break heal as he leans on Casey and learns about the difference in his past, his present and his possible future. Casey is introduced in book one as well. She’s Mavis’ best friend. Casey thinks Mavis choose the wrong brother. But at the same time Casey is glad she’s the one that gets to play ball with Austin. Casey is our main girl in this story. Her character in life is a back seat kind of person. Yes, she is living her life, working, trying to go to school, trying to be happy, trying to be better than her upbringing. Casey lives life but not in a crazy obnoxious way. She’s just wild enough to catch Austin’s eye and even his heart!
I really liked this story. The characters are down to earth and real. The writing keeps me engaged and turning those pages.
Book 3 teaser: Austin and Josh’s sister Lauren gets her turn and her story looks like it may be the story with the most needed tissues. Looking forward to reading it.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The Perfect Mrs. Claus is a great Christmas time read. It does show that the second Halloween is over with Christmas starts coming into the stores.
Matthew is the director of the holiday sections at a local hardware store. He sees a woman who could be the perfect fit for Mrs. Claus. When he goes to introduce himself he falls on her. The quote I chose for Matthew is: “Oh, it’s not a pickup line or anything like that. It’s a proposal, a job proposal I have for you, if you are interested, and I hope you are.”
Savannah has been to the hardware store several times. From her childhood to that of her son’s childhood. With her son living somewhere else and her husband dead she finds that she’s in a rut. The quote I chose for Savannah is: “Mr. Buck, I’m a woman in my early fifties, and I have no problem letting the world know that’s what I am. Age is a gift not given to many, or something like that. I don’t look back and wish I was younger. I look forward to everything that’s yet to come—my son getting married, giving me a grandchild or two, and retiring to my namesake city. I try to look forward, not to look back. So go on. Why me?”
Highly recommended for Romance lovers.
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an incredible story with wonderful writing. Our FMC is a professional piano player and finds herself thrown back into Nazi occupied France during WW II. There she meets her HEA and is pulled into helping the resistance. The action and romance that ensues keeps you reading all through the night! Great book!
