Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe by Alison Sherlock

 

A feel good and sweet romance blooming over the summer at a family lodge on the lake.

The Witch and the Gatekeeper by Leigh Ann Edwards

 

The love between gatekeeper Cian and witch Eilis is strong but so many personal issues keep him from the commitment of marriage. Situations keep arising that test their faith in the love they have. Dark forces surround them and threaten their love and their lives.

A thrilling witch/demon novel in keeping with Ms Edwards’ writing.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

 

If you have never read any books by Annabel Monaghan, start with Dolly All the Time. Ms. Monaghan’s are so incredible with characters to love, plots to captivate, and feelings that flow from the page straight to your heart. Dolly All the Time is about Dolly and wealthy Stewart. They run into each other when she stops to change his flat tire. After conversing for a while when he remarks about the awful day he has had and the fact that his fiance cheated on him, he gets the bright idea to ask Dolly to be his fake girlfriend. He will pay her $60,000 to do it. It is enough money to fix Dolly’s father’s roof and she agrees. The fake relationship spins into more than either of them anticipate. The story is so very good.

Patsy Hits the Road by Christine Walker Bos

 

This is a truly engaging novel about 75 year old Patsy who takes a road trip along the old Route 66 to Colorado with her best friend Rosa. Patsy’s husband died the year before of cancer. Because of all the memories, Patsy sold everything before embarking on a trip and is intent on visiting places he wanted to see. Along the way, she distributes some of his ashes as a final resting place for him. Rosa flies home from Denver and Patsy has a trip of discovery and destinations.

Vanished by Anna J. Stewart

 

The crime saga of Circle of the Red Lily continues in this thrilling novel. The life of Mabel is about to change when she meets Pual, an investigative lawyer called to L.A. from New York. His roots are in L.A., a place he vowed never to return. Among the threats to Mabel whose sister was tortured and killed by the Circle, they find themselves tightly drawn to each other. The death threats of the evil Circle swirl around them with no leads to solving in sight.

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff

 

A story of the progression of relationships of a mother and father and of their daughter and her husband. The beauty of this novel is in the descriptive and emotional relating of these relationships in extreme flux. The mother and father, older in age, are facing a diagnosis of drastic change and proportions. Their daughter and husband are struggling with a destroyed house, betrayal and years’ long lack of deep communication. The story unfolds through recounting events and present unraveling. 

Don't Fall in Love with Me by Paige Toon

 

A beautiful love story with the twists and turns of a new relationship, the bothering of an old one, and a history between families. The triangle of a relationship among Etienne, Gracie, and Jackson is one for the books. Gracie has been in love with Jackson since she was fifteen but he saw her as a friend. Newly divorced, they are both in France to work on his family business. She meets Etienne, a man now but once a boy she spent a summer with long ago. The two of them conspire to make Jackson jealous and to desire Gracie. Fate has other plans. Terrific novel.

Her Guardian's Salvation by Charlee James

 

A remote desert home inspection turns into treacherous danger for Ivy, a home inspector. Fleeing from evil men  and caught in torrential rain leads her to a remote cabin. Inside the cabin is Jude, former SEAL and current agent on the hunt for child kidnappers-the very men Ivy is running from. Intense chemistry abounds as they protect each other.

Unearthed by Anna J. Stewart

 

What a thrilling crime novel, plus spicy romance. The dangerous hunt for the reasons who is behind a series of murders going back 30 years. The mystery turns deadly and serious enough to send chills down your back. 

Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde

 

For me, Come Back to the World is a “Wow. Just wow” novel. The relationship between recluse author EL Swann (Ella) and journalist Amelia, an EL Swann specialist is fraught with tension, filled with awe and truth. Amelia’s son, Jaden, is a breath of fresh air with his simplistic and deep musings. The novel ranks with the best I have read.

Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore

 

A perfect beach (or anywhere) read for those who enjoy family drama at its best. Three sisters are called to the family beach house for a reunion with their father, or so they think. Each woman carries with her huge personal problems along with mourning the death two years prior of their beloved mother. As they reconnect, argue, and relive their last years, the reader is invited to share the drama.

The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang

Terrific scary book concerning a gigantic jellyfish off the coast of Maine. Dr. Jo Ness is an expert on jellyfish. She is haunted by the diving death of her best friend and co-worker. Her former best friend calls her to come to the small Maine island to investigate and analyze the gigantic jellyfish that lives in the cove. Islanders that see it are trapped on the island by an ocean force that stops anyone from leaving. A chill evoking book.

 

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

 

A very, very emotional and deep book. It looks at death through the perspective of Death, called Travis. The vignettes of the dying are touching, so much so that your heart breaks. When he is engaged with eight year old Layla, her mother Dalia, and baby sister Neda, his concept evolves as he finds himself becoming attached to some new and different emotion. Beautiful prose throughout. 

Sheriff's Honor by Jill Sorenson

 

A rousing book filled with romance, crimes, and fears. Wade is a deputy sheriff new to Lost lake. He is in the grips of trying to get his mother to rehab. Living with her is Mary, hiding from a powerful, abusive ex. Chemistry and spicy scenes play against each other against a long ago crime to solve and deeply unsettling family problems. A worthwhile read.

A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

 

A gentle and touching romance that will reach inside you, sharing the doubts, care, insecurities, love. The relationship of Savannah and Finn is told with a loving hand, expressing all the personal motives and feelings.

A lovely novel.

A Little Bit Country by Jacinta Peachey

 

Very endearing story of new love beginning and of a moving and caring community. The two people are both striving for viable businesses and clash at first. She has been wounded by a fraudster father and ignorant mother. He was hurt deeply when his long term relationship ended. Chemistry is present but stops keep showing up.

Make Me Yours, Cowboy by Kristine Lynn

 

An inviting story of two people in need of rescue that find it in each other but obstacles of heart need to be overcome. Highly seasoned scenes.

Lady X by Molly Fader

 

An absolutely incredible novel. Moving and heart shattering, two stories play against each other, each filled with personal agony. The story of Lady X is of three friends in New York at times of sexual harassment running rampart. The other story is one of the friend’s daughters, who was struck by the shocking behavior of her actor husband. The women of both stories bravely rebelled against the behavior of the men.

Jackson by La Quette

 

A spicy, building romance set amid a crime to be solved before someone dies.

Wildflower Season by Laurie Beach

 

I loved this story. The characters were full of life and Southern flavor. The story ties people together by birth, friendship, and distance in time. It has so many moving and intersecting parts that work so very well together.

Double Happiness by Molly Eng

 

A story of two people learning to restructure their lives from stressful work and finding an unexpected love. I honestly did not connect very well with the story and felt it dragged somewhat.

The Cowboy Contract by Paula Altenburg

A very engaging story of a singer forced into doing country music by winning a contest is thrown into an old West tourist town to learn how to be a cowboy. He is placed in the town doctor’s home for lodging and finds he is attracted to her and she to him. She is stuck in the town for five years because they paid her college loans. Things get interesting when she learns information about her lineage and when they are tasked to play parts in a scenario for the visiting (and paying bucks) for a sheik.

 

Main Characters by Bobby Palmer

 

It took me a while to get immersed in this book and it was worth the wait. The story of Seb and Clara was engaging and peppered with outsiders’ takes on them, viewing them with an inquisitive, if not nosy, eye. The relationship is defined by what others see and analyze with all their assumptions. Interesting in a weird way.

The Great Outdoors by Kayla Olson

 

A winning story of a woman’s daring move way out of her comfort zone. It becomes an exploration of who she is at the core of her being as she begins a hardy group led trek through the rugged Sierra Nevadas. All she feels she needs for life is challenged as the trek continues. Along the way, she finds herself more than interested in one of the guides and he with her. 

The Mountains We Call Home by Kin Michele Richardson

 

An absolutely wonderful and engaging novel. It is touching, sad, hopeful. The continuation of the story of Cussy Jackson is not an easy read due to her circumstances. It is a tribute to her dedication, determination, and faith in her husband. It is so captivating that I finished in one sitting.

Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow

 

Exciting, magical, and romantic. The magical world is threatened by surges of magic from unknown reasons. Gwendolynne Chan and her veterinary college nemesis Harrisford Briggs find themselves working together to figure out the source of the surges. Tons of magic, a snarky familiar cat, and more. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

A Texas Soldier's Vow by Julie Benson

 

A darling and delightful romantic story. The “no lovers long term” life of a former soldier is completely upended when he volunteers to help a veterinarian in her practice. She has been very self-reliant for herself and her daughter since her divorce. His gentle manner breaks through her defenses and his.

June Baby by Shannon Garvey

 

A deeply moving and emotional exploration of the thoughts, feelings, and sorrow of a young woman over one summer on Block Island, RI. The tragedy that brings her to the island where she spent summers after her mother’s death brings all of her sadness, joys, and insecurities to fully surface as she faces an uncertain future.

A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity by Rachel Linden

 

Charming and delectable. A story of daring destiny at the likely cost of losing true love in the process. Emmie comes from a line of women who experience visions of their true purpose in life. The confusion of Emmie, the receiver of the vision, is at the heart of the story-a heart that is gentle and kind but at a loss for what it truly wants. A very delightful story.

The Woman Who Turned Her Life Around by Fiona Gibson

 

Such a winning story of second chances for two once band members. Their first love ended badly and time marched forward until the death of the third member. She leaves a note and Polaroid camera to them requesting they revisit their tour. Battling fears of old, they embark on a journey of memories.

The Rodeo Cowboy's Redemption by Kyra Jacobs

 

An irresistible second chance romance between long time friends whose first chance ended before it could actually begin. 

Healing Hearts at Forever Cottage by Jill Steeples

 

A very sweet and lovely later in life romance. The story is filled with friends and family and with the ups and downs of life.

The Child We Lost by Sheila Norton

 

An extremely heartfelt and emotional story. A woman grapples with the appearance of a boy that looks exactly like the twin son who died. His twin sister claims to see him every Friday at school. As the mother investigates the boy, she becomes obsessed with him and with learning who he is. The woman’s family tries to deal with the repercussions of her behavior. Woven into the story are the troubles of her mother.

The Apothecary's Dark Fate by Sarah Fischer

 

A story that is as exciting as it is magical. Throw in some spicy romance and the story creates a love potion. 

A wicked witches’ coven is at work with their collective power, kidnapping the girlfriend of the governor’s son. Her sister and agency detective race against time to stop them. Potions, spice and excitement galore.

Summer Skies over Starr's Fall by Kate Hewitt

 

A captivating story of love and fears holding it back. She has created a protective shell around herself to protect her parents from the nosy people of Starr’s Fall. They have both been ill for years. He has been recovering from an ugly divorce and is the parent to a typical moody teenager. The chemistry for the adults is surprising for both and is calling for many changes if it is to survive and thrive.

Raven of the Sea by Stacey Reynolds

 

A romantic and spicy story of a young woman crushed by the deaths of her parents and a handsome, moody Irish man who both buy the same cottage. She has vowed to never fall in love because of the devastation it can bring. He was badly burned by an annulment and is  not ready for love. His big family embraces her which is what her heart needs. The ups and downs, emotional baggage and Cupid all play a role in this captivating story.

What Tomorrow Will Be by Julianne Maclean

 

An enthralling novel of the emotional journey of a woman who suffers a heartbreaking loss at nineteen and later finds love again. The dawn of a new life does not end with finding love but continues with joy and difficulties. I was so captivated with the story that I could barely put it down to go to bed.

One in a Million by Della Galton

 

An extremely emotional story about an alcoholic’s journey to acceptance of her disease and to finding a way to recover and heal. The story takes the reader through blackouts, memory failures and devastation as she finally comes to see how the disease is ruining relationships and herself. It is a beautifully written devastating narrative that will grip your heart.

The Bachelor's Winning Bid by Nicole Flockman

 

The sweetness of Sunny Bloom is just what Thorne Westbrook needs. Little do they know that his surprise bid for her at a bachelorette auction would lead to something far bigger than either of them could imagine. Sweet and a tad spicy.

The Cowboy's Least Likely Bride by Megan Crane

 

Such an engaging story. a young woman finally takes the bull by the horns and goes after the man she has loved forever. His eyes are finally opened to the woman she has become. Life for both of them begins at last.

These Immortal Vows by Kelsey McKnight

 

Vampire Ruairidh and Blood Familiar Cassandra are caught up in searching for the ones who are killing vampires and familiars at an accelerating rate. They are risking their own lives to uncover the perpetrators. 

The Viscount's Duty by Kristin Vayden

 

A story of forbidden love in the gossip driven Regency era. She is to be betrothed to the older brother of the man she finds she is in love with. He has been taken by her forever. Will the ruthless older brother stand in the way? Will love triumph over duty?

The Girl with Nowhere to Go by Louise Guy

 

An extremely emotional story, the kind that breaks your heart while it is also uplifting. It concerns the topics of death, suicide, and abandonment tempered by new friendships and bonds. A very worthwhile read.

Harriet in Waiting by Rachel Del Grosso

 

A gripping and emotional story of a wife blindsided by her husband and left to grapple with the emotions of herself and of her fifteen year old twin daughter and son. Her emotions are raw and true as she struggles to make sense of it all.

The Cowboy's Comeback by Nan Reinhardt

 

One of the sweetest books I have read in a while. The ruined relationship of Cassie and Bo takes center stage as, after five years apart, they come face to face. It is time for them to either clear the air and face their emotions or to run for cover and continue to hide. The choice is theirs alone.

An American Scandal by Theresa Howes

 

An 1895 era story reminiscent of Jane Austen. Love crises caused by match making blunders, the plight of prostitutes in New York, and the cruelty of high society join together to form a captivating story.

The French House Share by Gillian Harvey

 

A delightful story of a young woman finding her true self in Versailles, France. A cast of wonderful characters fills the pages along her nervous and insecure journey.

The Inn at Penglas Cove by Lauren Westerwood

 

The past and present collide when a woman inherits an inn in the Cornish countryside from an unknown aunt. Strange events start happening, her teen son disappears for hours exploring the network of old caves beneath the inn, and love springs from an unexpected source. Creatively written and filled with lore and family history.

How to be Fabulous by Carmen Reid

 

Fashion, fiascos, and family define this novel. They all weave together to tell of the months leading up to a high fashion and carefully curated charity event. It is organized by an ambitious woman who is also in the grips of family drama on a daily basis. A novel topic, fun at times and slow at others.

The Kindness of Strangers by Emma Garman

 

A terrific old style mystery with many multilevel characters and interesting life roads.