This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is a small town second chance romance. One of my favorite tropes! Katie goes back to her hometown and comes face to face with the boy she left broken hearted ten years prior. Their lives have changed and went opposite directions but can they rekindle their love? This story is a quick, easy read and will make you smile.
Reviewed by @darianamee21
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absoluetly enjoyed reading this very sweet, wholesome book from a new to me author! I am excited to not only find more by this author but hope this story has more to come one day! The characters are perfectly developed and the hook to bring readers in was perfect from start to finish!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is not my first novel by this terrific author, but it is by far my favorite. This is one of my new favorite authors and I automatically snap up every thing she releases. Her characters in this one are terrific, well developed, and so easy to relate to that you can’t help but feel all of their emotions. The word building was great, the story line was amazing, and by the end of story I was in tears. But that won’t stop me from picking up the next novel.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A heartwarmingly sweet romance which had me happily turning the pages. Katie returns to her hometown to attend a friend’s wedding but does not have a date, and so the bride sets her up with her cousin. Katie is surprised when she comes face to face with her date, to discover it’s her ex boyfriend, Chase. Chase only agreed to the date for his cousin, the last thing he wanted was to see the girl who had broken his heart ten years earlier when she left for the big city. Things have certainly changed for Chase over the years, having also left his hometown, he’s now returned and living there whilst bringing up his orphaned nephew.
Meanwhile, Katie is happy to be home and to spend time with family but she can’t help but think how her life, and her job, which had so much potential hasn’t really turned out how she had imagined. Katie and Chase can not deny that their chemistry is still there, but even if they can get over the past, Katie has to return to her job in the city and Chase’s life is in their hometown with his nephew, Timmy. I loved Katie and Chase, they were both likeable and relatable characters who I felt instantly engaged with. The small town setting really came alive through the descriptive narrative, and I felt immersed in small town living. I was cheering the couple on, hoping they would both get their HEA. This was an enjoyable read which I would recommend.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Katie made a choice when she was 18 that would change her life forever. She was madly in love with Chase and he her. However, Katie desired the city life, the big career, and all that comes with it. She made her choice but for the past ten years has wondered what might have been. When an invitation to attend a wedding in her hometown arrives, Katie isn’t sure she’ll go to the wedding, but she’ll go home to visit her mom and sister. Afterall, she wasn’t there for her dad and she regrets that too! Now that her mom is becoming more frail, it’s a great excuse to get away for the weekend.
Katie’s boss is a real piece of work! She is extremely demanding of Katie’s time and this is the first chance she’s had to get away. After a day with her sister preparing for the wedding that she’s now suckered into attending, she realizes just how much she’s missed life. Can she be the plus one to Chase at this wedding though? It’s been ten long, arduous years.
I was able to read this entire story in about two hours time. I couldn’t put it down! This is a new-to-me author but one that I will be looking for more of her work! I loved the characters and could identify with Katie on the level of being a workaholic. It’s a good thing when you can finally walk away from that life!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I blinked, and I was done this book! I wish it was longer, so I could spend more time with Katie, Mary, Chase, and Timmy. The characters were so relatable and wholesome, and the story was short and sweet. I could feel Katie’s emotions as she came back to her hometown… The regret and sorrow. Thinking she might have prioritized her work over her family and happiness.
Watching her figure out her life in order to find a second chance at love was so fulfilling. Maybe it took going away for ten years to truly appreciate what she had.
Jane Suen writes in such a descriptive and easy-flowing way. This is my second book of hers, and I just want more!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Time Around by Jane Suen. This is a great second time around romance. Its the story of Katie who breaks up with her high school sweetheart Chase so that he can pursue his college dreams and she can pursue hers. Thinking she did the best thing for everyone she soon realizes what she really gave up. When she lands her dream job she thinks she may be ok but her demanding boss soon causes her love of her job to dissolve. When she gets invited to her old hometown for a friends wedding she decides to take a break from the non stop work and go. Chase has been broken hearted ever since Katie broke up with him and he can’t seem to find anyone to compare. When his brother and sister in law are killed in a tragic car accident he is given custody of his nephew. That is all he is focusing on right now. When his cousin invites him to their wedding and tells him they are adding him to a plus one he’s fine with it until he realizes that plus one is Katie. They quickly realize their feelings never went away. Will they be able to figure out a way to make their relationship work?
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kate finds second-chance love with her high-school sweetheart, Chase. This book is so romantic. I am a fan of this author as romance stories have an amazing human emotion to them. You can truly feel the love, the pain, everything the couples go through as they are working through the relationship. Truly, the struggle is real. This story is so relatable. Even more so due to Chase raising his nephew. Decisions must be made, secrets must be brought out. Family members are just helping them. This is a well-written and developed story that will touch your heart and leave you feeling touched when you are done. Another winner for the romance category for 2022. Love!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed this author in the past, and I am certainly enjoying this author now! They created such a good story, with wonderful characters and a story of intrigue and its own level of passion.
This book had everything. I connected with Katie so much. She gave up what she had to chase her own dreams. In the end what she had was lost, and she never really got over it. Chase was such a sweetheart; his emotions were real and vivid a well. I loved how they never stopped caring for one another but weren’t sure how to really go back all and all. I loved the character development especially with Katie. She changed from the last time she saw Chase. The chemistry and love were undeniable. The hurt and feelings that were felt was real. The passion was very much real as well. I fell in love over and over as I read. Such a beautiful and wonderful read. I am so happy I got to enjoy this! Loved it!
This author always knows how to suck in the reader and hold them there and make them feel a lot of things. I highly recommend this author if you have not read their work already, and I most certainly recommend this must-read book. Its one not to be passed up for any reason! Loved it!
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ten years ago, Katie thought she was doing the right thing by breaking off her relationship with her high school boyfriend, Chase. She thought she was going after her dreams and that he shouldn’t give up his dreams and his scholarship to a different college just for her. After college, Katie got the job she thought she’d always wanted, and while it started out great, a new boss has made her hate the job and question being in the position. When Katie returns home for a wedding, the bride forces the old sweethearts back together as she doesn’t want any singles at her wedding. This causes the couple to rekindle the romance they had shared. When Katie’s mom gets hurt, it makes Katie reevaluate her life choices and what is really important.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Time Around may just be my favourite story by this author to date. It is an emotional journey where my emotions were all over the place. This short story is a sweet second chance romance story and I read it in one sitting. The characters are likeable and well developed. Jane’s writing hooks her readers with her narrative that keeps you engaged all the way through. It is a short story, which makes for a quick and easy read. I wish it were longer.
Katie has returned to her hometown for a wedding only come face to face with her old boyfriend the one she left behind.
Chase has mixed emotions seeing his ex but he doesn’t have time in his life for romance. He has a much higher priority.
I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
‿)づ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE (づ‿)づ
Katie finds her hometown friend’s wedding invitation buried under a stack of mail and makes the last-minute decision to escape her demanding job long enough to attend. She’s given little thought to being “minus a plus one” until the bride suggests she attends with another single. Anticipating polite conversation with a stranger over the plated entrée, Katie agrees… and finds herself face-to-face with her high school boyfriend, who she hasn’t seen since she dumped him after graduation.
Once a shy, gawky teenager, Chase has grown into a strong, handsome man. Yet he never escaped the heartache of Katie’s sharp rejection. For years, he’s distracted himself with work. Now, his time is filled with raising his nephew after his brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident. The last thing he needs is a painful reminder of the past. Yet, thanks to his cousin the bride, the two meet and realize the spark of attraction between them is still burning bright.
But Katie needs to return to her job, and Chase can’t uproot his orphaned nephew. Can the pair reconcile and build a future together?
Jane Suen is an award-winning author who writes mysteries, sci-fi thrillers, short stories, sweet
romance, and crime fiction.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was well written. The book was romantic, sweet, adorable, and cute. Not only was the Romance in this book heart warming, the stories were really good. They have three different sweet romances. All adorable and good. I love that they tie in with each other in some way. If you’re looking for a good story about couples, this is your book!
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who doesn’t love a good small-town romance?
Annie has to change her college plans after her grandma dies and leaves her the family farm and a small fortune. In comes Wyatt who was the most popular boy in school to help her on the farm and well it all starts there. This book is so well written you fall in love with the characters. I want to Live in this amazing small town
Rebecca Steele Finding the Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rebecca Steele Finding the Dream is the second book in the Rebecca Steele series by Joanne Patterson. Finding the Dream is a very sweet romance with some touching moments. Rebecca finds herself in new circumstances and things around her are changing rapidly, except her best friend. She seems to be doing well in her career, but then life turns upside down . Major decisions have to be made, and well, the path isn’t straight. The characters are intense and well rounded. The plot is interesting. I overall enjoyed this sweet romance.
Rebecca Steele Finding the Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow!
It is a very easy light romance that had a few quick twists that fit the story well.
This was the first book I read from this author and I will be looking out for more.
The author made this story very inspiring and realistic.
Becky and Johnny are the journey of this story.
I was surprised that I liked this book because the setting was different from what I usually enjoy.
This is the type of book you read to feel good, refreshing is the best word to describe it.
I am looking forward to book three.
This story made me cry in a few spots it had me day dreaming in between truly living through the pages.
Love and country music officially go together.
So romantic.
Unlikely to Fit by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Continuing with the just what I needed to read! I’ve really enjoyed the characters in this book. It’s all felt so real and so relatable. I flew through this book in no time! I loved reading every page of it. I was hooked from the beginning to end. I felt all the emotions while reading it, happy, sad, funny, etc. I would recommend it to read! I think you’ll love it!
Rebecca Steele Finding the Dream by Joanne Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While the this is the second installment to this series, it is just as good as the first. Before this series I had never read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking into more of this authors work. Their word building is fantastic, the characters are wonderful, and the overall plot and storyline flowed together beautifully. This book was overall a fun, sweet romance, that puts you right in the middle of Becky’s life. Becky is energetic, spirited, loving, and loyal to those closest to her. Meanwhile Chance is a hardworking, sweet, and sexy cowboy who would do anything to make Becky happy. While this book is on the shorter side, and I believe there were scenes that could have been more descriptive. But overall this book was perfect for the short western romance that it was.
Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautiful romance. Annie is such a wild, strong woman that isn’t afraid to be different and I absolutely love that about her! Her granny sounded like such a fun person and she really learned her love for animals and living life to the fullest from her. I really enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the sweet moments of romance and the way that Annie and Wyatt heal each other. Wyatt is so haunted and a shell of who he used to be when he returns home. Luckily he ends up asking Annie for a job and she starts to wriggle her way under his rough exterior from the very first meeting. They’re so adorable as they’re getting to know each other and growing closer. They have a couple of obstacles to work through but the ending is amazing and it definitely made me tear up. This is a book that you won’t want to miss.
Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very sweet romance, with beautiful characters and a plot that flowed perfectly. This sweet romance was absolutely perfect with a small town setting, second chances, chemistry, and so much more I simply couldn’t put it down. While this is a new author to me I simply just can’t wait to see what happens next. Both Annabelle and Wyatt were charming, endearing and loveable characters. The story between these two was so perfect that you can’t help but cheer for them from the sidelines. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As an avid crazy cat lady this story was right up my alley! I enjoyed reading every word and I was guessing right up until the end! Perfectly balanced and a fun read forsure! I wish my cats would be half as helpful! I can’t wait to read more from this series and this was the perfect first book!
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh my word – this book!! I love a good cozy mystery and this beautiful work fell into my lap at the best time. I loved how it started. I was immediately pulled in and immediately connected with our main character. She is sassy and spunky and makes cat costumes – how awesome is that?! Just loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! As a cat lover myself, I have been to cafes with kitties roaming and I could just picture Ellie and the rest of the townspeople enjoying spending time with all the feline characters! Especially Templeton! The mystery aspect was very well written and kept me guessing and turning the pages to find out what would happen next! Can’t wait to read more in this series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love cats and mysteries and finding love in the most unexpected places this is the book for you! By the time I was finished with the books, I felt like I knew each of the cats that were mentioned author Ruth Hartman does very well detailing each cat’s personality without causing you to lose interest! I promise you are going to want to adopt each and every cat at the Kitty Beret Cafe, I know I do!!!!
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First book by this author and I loved it! Between the cats, Ellie the main character, her business and just the whole town feel kept me intrigued and hooked.
I loved trying to figure this out as i was reading and I was way wrong! I hope this is a series as I want more
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman. This is such a fun cozy mystery. Its the story of Ellie Warren who owns a cafe and also likes to re home and help stray cats. The cafe is a cat friendly cafe and the customers love to interact with all of them. Templeton is one of Ellie’s favorite cats and he seems to know how to get into trouble without really trying! When a woman is found murdered right behind her cafe Ellie is thrown right in the middle of the investigation and the woman’s husband comes into her cafe and threatens her! Detective Simon Dare is on the case and he happens to be very cute. Ellie wants to find her own clues to help solve the murder but getting closer to the cute Detective is an added bonus. This fun and funny book about cats, humans and murder is so good. You won’t want to put it down!
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a really lovely book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am a recently converted cat-lover, and I about fell in love with the idea of a cat café. So many lovely kitties in this story, and their owner/protector extraordinaire Ellie Warren is a great protagonist. She has a huge heart, and doesn’t abide people taking advantage of her. I enjoyed trying to put the clues together about the identity of the murderer (I failed!) and seeing how the drama played out. The flirtation between Ellie and hottie officer Simon Ward spiced up the novel as well. A couple of the details of the case were a bit more convenient than I think would happen in real life, but honestly the writing and the story just charmed me. I just read the final page, and I’m still smiling about how adorable this book is. If this sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend it!
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While there were some things I liked about the book, I felt like the story could have better flow, overall. The quirks about the cats and their personalities, as well as Ellie’s little comments about them, were cute, fun, and interesting; I really loved Templeton and all of the shenanigans he pulled. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like most of the human characters felt very realistic or had much depth to them. A group of cat-haters protesting inside a cat cafe didn’t strike me as very plausible, and some of the dialogue between the various characters who seemed to harbor unknown grudges against Ellie seemed stiff and awkward. The mystery did keep me guessing, and I’d suspect someone who loves cats would really gobble this book up with delight; they are certainly the stars of the story. In the end, it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the book to some of my cat-loving friends.
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
To be frank, I only just really became a cat lover over the last couple of years. I grew up always having dogs and have always favored them by far. I picked up this novel initially because I was feeling like I needed a change of pace with respect to the genre I have been quite keen on, and also I thought this was one of the most thought out titles I’ve come across as of late. Mysteries, especially murder mysteries are typically not something I’ve ever shown any interest in before, but I’m quite glad to have started on this Kitty Beret Café Mystery adventure.
Ruth J. Hartman does a spectacular job at setting the scene in which we explore within this novel, and an even better one at allowing the reader to get to know each of the characters involved. Ellie Warren is the owner of the Kitty Beret Café which is what and who the whole plot line revolves around. She is a sweet, single, cat loving café owner and operator that adores her dear fur babies and enjoys supporting and contributing to her community. You can tell right from the get-go that she has a big heart and will do everything she can to nurture and protect her loved ones. Unfortunately, the warm fuzzy feeling you get from visualizing this sweet cat café is short lived, as things start to get sideways for Ellie, and a murder victim is discovered right out behind her business, and she suddenly finds herself in the middle of the murder investigation. How intriguing!
I love the way that Ruth puts the time and effort into bringing new ideas, and scenery into this book, and the way she makes you want to keep reading, because so many questions are left unanswered. I personally look forward to the next Kitty Beret Café Mystery installment, as I want to know more about Ellie, her special furry friend Templeton, her Nana, and the detective that was on the murder case. The only thing I did find, was that there seemed to be A LOT happening at times, and I felt as though I was reading a series, rather than just one book. I did find it took away from the primary plot, but did find it to be quite enjoyable, nonetheless. Keep them coming, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book. Thank you, Ruth!
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hairballs and Homicide drew me in just from the title. The book cover is cute, not intense, so I knew it would be a light hearted mystery. I am glad I took a chance, because this book was great. It was a little cheesy at the end, but it was funny throughout and kept me engaged wondering who the murderer was going to be. The biggest downfall, is I now want to adopt ALL THE KITTIES! I wish this café was in my hometown so I could go and love on all the cats, and people watch all the quirky people that hang out there. I love that the author gave each cat a name and personality, as well as all the café patrons. We got to know several of the townsfolk, and that was fun. Ellie is also such a fun personality, and I hope she has a steamy relationship with Detective Simon in the next book. I look forward to reading more by Ruth Hartman.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy