Deal with a Texas Soldier by Julie Benson

 

A restaurant in peril of closing with partners of opposing ideas and managing style create a story of contention, chemistry and spice.

The Widow by John Grisham

 

An interesting court/lawyer drama. There is a lot of material to cover regarding a small town lawyer, fed up with his work and life, offered the will of a lifetime with future chances of huge payouts. It all goes south when she dies and he is the prime suspect.

Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson

 

A wonderful tale of a couple and father-in-law that relocate from a big city to a small town and of their adjustment to a calmer life. It is a story of finding new friends, new purposes, and a way back to united love.

Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger

 

A twenty-five year old murder is reopened when doubt of the convicted man’s guilt is in question. A crime story at its best.

Something to Look Forward to by Fannie Flagg

 

A delightful novel of short stories about people and their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Full Bloom by Frances Serritella

 

This is an amazing novel with heart and soul along with doubts and insecurities. A seemingly magical, personally curated perfume changes the trajectory of a woman. It gives her so much, yet causes more doubts. 

The ultimate chapters are intense.

Starting from Here by Paula Saunders

 

A teenager in a small South Dakota town yearns to follow her heart to dance ballet. Aided by her ambivalent mother, the girl’s journey is rough and tumble, experiencing life as a small town naive girl. She continues on always with the goal of dancing ballet in New York. 

A story of ambition often thwarted, of a young girl lost and found.

The Hero's Bride by Charlee James

 

Love these SEAL stories. They tie the different SEAL teams together and the women who love and heal them. This story relates the rescue of Thalia and of her connection to Mason. It is an intense story of her rescue from human traffickers and of how Mason protects her. Saucy at times. Love flows.

The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White

 

A heart wrenching story of familial dysfunction beautifully written to evoke emotion toward the characters. Ms. White crafts the story of sisters Phoebe and Addie, their dementia afflicted mother, and Addie’s daughter, Phoebe was struck by lightning at age nine, was revived by a young boy, and began to experience premonition dreams. She has been plagued by a dream of a horrible accident for years. When she returns home, the dream comes back with force. Addie runs from responsibility, endangering her daughter. The mix of resentment, anger, and sister love propel you into a world of deep emotion and conflict. A do not miss novel.

(I was thrilled to get an ARC of a Karen White novel. Her books are so very good.)

Third Time Lucky by Aimee Brown

 

An amazing romance of long ago friends who weathered a tragedy and a deliverance from a life of humiliation. The relationship of Asher and Lucy began again when they ran into each other in Las Vegas on the eve of her wedding. She does not marry the dirtbag and Asher and Lucy stay in contact. This is the delightful story of the changes in their relationship. A very satisfying and winning novel.

The One and Only Vivian Stone by Melissa O'Connor

 

A captivating story of the rise of a comedic TV star in the 1950s and of her life and loves. The story is told through a series of found cassette tapes hidden in the home of a deceased woman by her granddaughter. There is no apparent connection between the star and the grandmother and something is missing for the granddaughter to determine. A very compelling story.

You Had Me at Taco by Candice Y. Johnson

 

The third book in the Taco Truck series is full of love and family. There are trying relationships and newly formed ones. A sweet taco tasty novel.

A Wedding to Remember by Cassidy Carter

 

Wonderful story of love blooming alongside conflict. Love-between rancher Sam and building project manager Natalie. Conflict-she is in Marietta to champion a luxury hotel that is going to drastically affect Sam’s family’s lodge and ranch. Resolution? Read and find out.

A Whisper of Summer Magic by Sinclair Jayne

 

Megan, one of the four Maye sisters, is a savvy lawyer in an envious job. Lately, she has become less and less enamored with her job and returns home to consider a different future. Enter Jackson, a few years younger and a truly thoughtful man. Struggling for peace, Megan begins to fall for him as he is for her. A sweet and wonderful story of family and love.

The Magical Bed and Breakfast by Aimee O'Brian

 

This novel, like the title, is magical. From the shadow of a cat to the connection between Rory and Kate, the pages are filled with magical moments. I was charmed.

Death Watch by Carol Light

 

Spectacular mystery with twists and turns that enhance the plot. Fentanyl deaths center the mystery as the police chief and department work to find the culprit selling the drug. The new tourism manager finds herself in the thick of it while she also struggles with her aunt’s illness.

Swept Away by the Cowboy by Leah Vale

 

Swept Away by the Cowboy 4

Leah Vale

The magnetic forces of chemistry are pulling Laura and Asher together. Her secret about obtaining a bank loan for the stability of the Grit and Grace stock supplier is keeping her from admitting her feelings for Asher because he is the owner of the ranch her group rents. Getting stuck for a night furthers both their feelings to an undeniable level. A great story of independence in need of softening.

Witchful Linking by Jen Lasalle

 

I was fortunate to be able to read the first book of the Midlife at the Magnolia series (Witchful Shrinking), although it is not necessary to enjoy this novel. It is so creative and magical as the temporary Supreme, Simone, is challenged for her position by her mean cousin. The cousin seems to have turned Simone’s Magnolia friends against her. She appears intent to win at all costs, causing many problems for Simone.

(Witchful Shrinking introduces Magnolia House and new temporary Supreme, Simone. Her inheritance of the house comes at a time when her psychologist business, her marriage, and her relationship with her son are all in trouble. The surprising inheritance brings tremendous changes to Simone's life as she learns of her magic and struggles to adapt to the house and to the other paranormal beings who work there.)