The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper

 

An extremely moving novel that at its core is about love and dreams meshing with reality.

Letters to an Alice are delivered to another Alice. The letters from 1985 somehow convey her emotions and situation and lead her on a journey to find the author. More to the center of the story are Alice and her best friend Spence and Mike, the author of the letters, and his best friend Kate. There are similarities in the relationships that unfold as the story proceeds. It is a very stirring and touching novel.

Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey

 

A sweet and engaging story of a second chance after twenty years. The teen pregnancy of Sarah and Hal broke them apart, spurned on by her unforgiving mother. A broken leg forces Sarah to ask Hal for a ride to their son’s wedding in France. Hal has planned out a road trip of camping in his old VW camper which creates fun and adventures that bring them to a different reality even as doubts linger.

The Cowboy's Unexpected Family by Nicole Flockman

 

A lovely and captivating story of romance and family. The family is a big problem for a woman who is meeting her biological mother and three half-sisters for the first time. The romance is between her and a (unrealized yet by him) lonely rancher. Lots of tense situations to keep you engaged.

Siren Says by Jennifer Herrera

 

A very interesting novel of witches and the evil that invades a town once a year, of a woman tormented by her trapped magic, and of her relative witch who says she can release the woman’s magic. Confusing at times, the story leaves the reader to determine what exactly is happening. I liked the premise but the story threads were not tight enough to provide consistent cohesion.

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

 

A splendid novel of opposite sisters and a family heritage mystery. The story takes the reader to a small Irish town, rich in lore and tradition. Sisters Maeve and Therese are impelled by circumstances and their deceased mother’s request to travel to Ireland, their mother’s family’s origin. Along the way, they grow an understanding of each other and research the details of a mysterious family owned portrait. 

Musings by Me

 

Boy, I had a run of boring books that drove me nuts. I love getting into all kinds of books (except psychological thrillers) and actually look forward to escaping into the pages. There's nothing like leaving all the weeding in my yard to jump into a far away place, a cowboy romance, a current issue novel or whatever strikes my fancy. I know this happens and when I used to go to the library, I would check out sixteen books to give me back up for the duds. This, thankfully over, run of yawn inducing novels was painful and made me feel like I was on the path to selecting more novels of the DNF category. It even made even weeding the yard a joy and we are on a half acre of rocky soil and belligerent weeds.  Luckily my terrible choices came to an end and lately I've read some good to great  novels. 

I don't know about you but I give a novel at least five chapters to engage me.If I'm not hooked by then, I'm out. There have been a number of novels that I have struggled through because they are advanced readers copies and I feel compelled to give the novel more time. Sometimes, I'm glad because the story turns around and becomes engaging. Thank goodness because time sure drags when I'm trying desperately to find something worthwhile for my time in the story.

Enough of the griping and on to yet another story to capture my mind and take me away.

Forbidden to the Texas Soldier by Julie Benson

 

Wonderful story of love and spicy romance. Dash, a troubled soldier who survived an incident in Afghanistan and in Service for the wedding of one of his mates. When he meets Lainey, the sister of another of his mates, he is taken by her. Unfortunately, she is his mate’s sister and hands off. That does not stop the chemistry between them. Love is not always easy but for Dash and Lainey it does, until it does not.

The Villa of Secrets by Emma Burnstall

 

A novel of self-acceptance and friendship on a Greek island. Three women all seeking self-betterment meet at a wellness retreat in Greece. Their experiences will draw them close and provide revelations about their lives. An enjoyable novel.