My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank

I have loved novels by Dorothea Benton Frank and was so happy to see her daughter, Victoria, write a novel, too. She did not fail to tickle my fancy. In My Magnolia Summer, a New York chef returns to her family on Sullivan’s Island when her beloved grandmother is in a car accident and in the hospital. Maggie (Magnolia) is shocked to learn her mother, Lily, was not only in the car but has also drastically changed the family restaurant. Maggie has to cope with her alcoholic mother and her younger sister, Violet, as she struggles with the accident, her work in New York, the family restaurant and so much more. Life seems to be throwing one curveball after another to this family. Great book.

 

My Heart Will Find You by Jude Deveraux

 

What a fabulous book! The story of Etta going through time to find Max and of her life in 1871 Kansas is great-humorous and lovely. It is all so weird how it comes about through dreaming and becomes ever more exciting when she dreams of Max and of everyone in Garrett, KS. People in her real time exist in her dream time and it is up to her to make sure things happen in history along with her and Max becoming in love.

The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan

 

If you love cute witch romances, you will love The Witch is Back. The characters are alive with emotions, friendship, caring, and love. The relationship of Bastian and Emma is fraught with past experiences, distrust, and love. I really loved the book.

Summer Roommates by Holly Chamberlain

 

The lives and problems of four women strangers blend and form experiences as they spend three months together. One woman has rented out her bedrooms for the summer with thoughts of someday creating a type of community. Each woman comes with an assortment of baggage they hope the summer away will solve.

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos

 

An edge of your seat thriller that will raise your heartbeat. Past Russia espionage collides with the present as a Russian assassin goes after men involved in an incident in 1957 looking for a traitor to Russia. The traitor had a job to do and failed. You will never see the ending coming.

The Witch Whisperer by Barb DeLong

 

Meet a witch with her magic gone haywire, a recluse witch whisperer, and two familiar animals in this sassy novel. Go through a portal to a dangerous land and meet two faen determined to help the whisperer obtain the herb he needs to cure the haywire witch. Along the way, sparks fly. Cute story with romantic tones.

Love Like This by Cynthia Newberry Martin

 

Finally reaching empty nest status, Angelina and Will have differing ideas on what it means. To Angelina, it is freedom away from all the pressures of motherhood and a time, at long last, to breathe. To Will, it is a time to spend time with Angelina to be together without kids. He quits his job and learns of their different needs. Such an interesting and involving story of finding true north amid a time of confusion.

Montana Cowboy Bride by Jane Porter

 

The odds against Briar Phillips when she finally meets her brother Cade. He is not very warm to her and leaves her tremendously disappointed. Having nowhere to go and pregnant, she tries her brother again hoping to really connect. on the ranch where Cade works, she finds a temporary home and the handsome Jet. Things unfold with Jet and ranch owner Mrs. Warren but Briar has to be honest to everyone.

A Lakeside Reunion by C. Chilove

 

The ugliness of the past and a rekindling of love cross the pages in this intriguing story of families embroiled in a longtime battle. The battle ruined the love of Duncan and Chareese. With her at long last return, they find the love had endured, along with the ugliness that separated them. A truly deep and emotional story on many levels.

Serendipity by the Sea by Jennifer Vido

 

Serendipity: a chance encounter that turns your life upside down for the better. Such is what happens to Knox when he returns home to take care of his uncle. His encounters with his old flame, Cate, rekindle all his old feelings for her. She is love-struck by him again. All is not sunshine and daisies as Knox has to decide to stay or chase his career away from Cate and the island he loves.

The Billionaire Cowboy's Proposition by Kris Bock

 

Loved the story of Cody and Mallory. They went to high school together and were never boyfriend and girlfriend although they secretly liked each other. He has been gone from their town Of Last Stand and is back itching to find his passion. She is a high school teacher and also teaches drama. Her passion is to renovate the town’s dilapidated theater and he joins the crew. It is a slow burn romance, very engaging and delightful.

Battle of Hearts by Stella Holt

 

In DC there is a scandal brewing and Ainsley Nash, newscaster, is in the process of chasing the details. Her father, a senator, in fear for her life, calls for her protection. Rory McGuire, SWAT team leader gets the assignment and not happily so. Ainsley resents his presence but he grows on her as much as she grows on him. Romance is in the air and his protection is primary but he cannot say Ainsley is not really the primary.

Every Wish Way by Shannon Bright

Imagine receiving the chance to be granted three wishes and what you wish comes true. It happens to Inza and what she wants is the perfect man. This is a crazy good novel and so enjoyable. Reading about Beckett (the wish granter), Iza, and Darcy (the wish granted) is so engagingly irresistible.

 

Play to Win by Jodi Slaughter

 

Miri and Leo were young and in love. Times were tough leaving Leo feeling as if he was a poor provider for his wife. The sadness and shame of it caused him to run far away from his only love, Miri.

Eight years later she wins the lotto and the law said he could sue her for half the money. Calling Leo back home causes turmoil for both Miri and Leo. 

A wonderful story of identifying personal truths and unsure desires.

The Beauty of Rain by JamieBeck

 

An extremely lovely and deep story which encompasses the topics of grief, suicide, and family relationships. Initially, it is not an easy, cheerful story but one of deeply personal struggles, decisions, and fears. Along the way, through the story is the depth of relationships and the failures they often involve.

Wanderlust by Elle Everhart

 

Such a fun novel-except for the true to life sections on how social media can ruin everything-not fun. Enthusiastic Dylan is the perfect foil for posh Jack. She is crazy funny even while dealing with some awful online comments. Jack is mostly serious unless Dylan cracks his code. Loved it.

All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer

 

Relationships can be easy but many times they are difficult with learning required on both sides. So are the relationships in All the Days of Summer. A son, his girlfriend/fiance, and his mother struggle to find balance. Theirs is a relationship of misunderstandings, anxious emotions all building over one summer in Nantucket. Growth is needed on all sides.

A tender story of families learning that all is not what it seems.

The Heirloom In by Olivia Miles

 

A very touching story of how the lives of three sisters were torn apart by a betrayal must find a way back after fifteen years. Leah, the oldest, divorcing her husband, with two daughters and no clear view of the future. Sadie, the middle sister and the cause of the betrayal, lost with no home, no job, and no money. Emma, the youngest, who never left their home and felt trapped by her lack of choices. All three reunite when their Aunt Vivian dies and her large Victorian home is now theirs. All three lives are upended and solutions are not easy to come by.

Monopolove by Mia Heinzelman

 

Monopoly lovers-get your board out and get ready for a game of love and competition. The game of Monopoly, a business in need of money, and a pair falling in love. Competitors join forces to play a game of strategy, miscalculations, and love. Cute, cute story.

My Stepmother's Secret by Emma Robinson

 

Beautiful and oftimes sad tale of a woman’s lying husband and of the secrets her father kept from her. The story of Gabbie’s teenhood of school bullying is set against that of her husband’s addiction to gambling. She struggles with holding information from her daughters as a way to protect them-much the same as her father did to her. A thoroughly engaging novel.

South of Happily by G. A. Anderson

 

Katy Kiss is going through a very rough time. Her husband is a verbally abusive slob who cannot hold a job. Her divorce lawyer friend tells her to get therapy before filing for divorce. Her parents are a mess. Through it all, Katy is Katy and stronger than she thinks.

Just A Little Hook Up by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

 

A whirlwind of enticing proportions swirls around Jessica when she out bids a scheming, petty rival for her longtime crush, Derek, at a bachelor auction. Little dows she know that love and a series of dastardly moves by her rival will ensue. Spicy and sexy with affirming nods to curvy bodies.