Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente

 

An undelivered and returned to sender letter draws three grieving persons together on a journey across the country to deliver the letter to the intended. The story is a heartfelt and tender look at grief which has impacted two sisters (one fourteen years old) and a stranger on this quest. Along the way, feelings are evident as healing begins. Add in an unexpected romance and it is a very touching and often uplifting novel.

Just as a side comment, if you have ever experienced the type of grief that steals your Joy and strikes at any moment months or years later, the emotions of the characters will ring very true, as they did for me.

To Vex and to Hex by Neena Noon

 

A romance sparked by magic, vexes, and spice. A relationship starting with contention and distrust is so cute and often funny. Lucy and Grayson are at different ends when it comes to his grandfather, the owner of the bookstore where Lucy is manager. He has not communicated with his grandfather for twenty years and during that time, Lucy has become very endeared to the grandfather. Grayson wants to correct the distance and envies Lucy’s relationship. Sparks and chemistry between them muddies the water. 

Six White Horses by James Robert Daniels

The injustices and horrors of crimes and of racism are recounted in a story of a Texas Ranger, a Reconstruction Quaker school teacher, and the trial of a murdering gang in Corpus Christi. The dialog is reflective of the time as is the furor of racist mobs and the inequality of justice. A great historic novel.

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

 

The tumultuous and very challenging and changing lives of teens at a prestigious private high school is the setting for the novel. Characters from The Academy novel continue into their senior year joined by some new students and staff. The engaging story flows similar to Elin Hilderbrand novels and utilizes dialog, thoughts, and the voice of a narrator. 

You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue

 

Fun and engaging novel. So enjoyable to read as the pages are filled with oddball neighbors in a brownstone in Calgary. Main character, Moma, has her own definitions of each resident as she has never interacted with them. When she is tasked with being the temporary manager, she reevaluates her definitions and finds there is more to the people than she imagined. Plus, there is a budding love with Sami, the restaurant owner next door. 

Murder Bites by Mimi Montgomery

 

A funny cozy mystery about a dog crazy town, a group of critical dog moms, a savvy septuagenarian crime reader, an outcast woman, and murder. The outcast woman is cast as the villain by the town because of her outspoken behavior. She teams up with the septuagenarian and antics ensue as they set out to solve the murder.

The Cowboy and the Princess by Leah Vale

 

Cuteness is all through this charming romance between an ex-special forces cowboy and a princess on a Wyoming ranch. She is as awed by the beauty of the area as he is of her. His duty is to protect her and enlivens the definite chemistry they share.