Thursday, August 31, 2023

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Other by Bethany Turner


Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner is a fun loving romantic-comedy. Brynn Cornell is a morning show host who has made an error and must go back to her home town to make it right. Sebastian Sudworth is an x-reporter in hiding who used to cover breaking news stories internationally. They both meet in tiny Adelaide Springs, Colorado not particularly fond of the other.

I am a fan of Brynn and Sebastian. I enjoyed their banter, love story, and backstory. The characters in Adelaide Springs were funny, quirky and enjoyable to get to know. It was fun to get a peak into the world of television morning shows and news reporting. The author has an amazing way of bringing in pop culture and making me smile! The lovely setting is in a small town Colorado was fabulous and I just happened to start this while in a small town in Colorado. Destiny!

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Other is a delightful romantic comedy with fun pop culture references, a great small town setting, and sweet romance. It was the reading pick me up I needed. I recommend!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review!

Bethany Turner has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. She stands by this decision. Bethany now writes pop culture–infused rom-coms for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. She lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband, whom she met in the nineties in a chat room called Disco Inferno. As sketchy as it sounds, it worked out pretty well in this case, and they are now the proud parents of two teenagers. Text Bethany any time at (970) 387-7811, or connect with her across social media @seebethanywrite, where she clings to the eternal dream that John Stamos will someday send her a friend request.



Sunday, August 27, 2023

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

 


Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson is third in the Prince Edward Island Shores, but is a stand alone novel. Kelsey Ahern is the high school drama teacher who is losing her job because the local theater was damaged. She decides to do a benefit production to raise money for the theater. Levi Ross is the quiet school facilities director at the high school and agrees to help her. Levi has cared for Kelsey for a long time.

This was a sweet story. Levi and Kelsey were kind, broken, and lovable characters who changed and grew throughout the story. I enjoyed escaping to Prince Island for the conclusion of the series, and the Ross family including Mama Potts get a happy ending. It was a pleasure to visit with the other islanders and see the community support for the Ross family while watching the play, stage, and benefit come together. The themes of family, justice, and forgiving yourself were beautifully woven into the story.



The beautiful setting, wonderfully developed characters, and themes added to this fantastic story. I highly recommend Summer in the Spotlight. I am sad to leave Prince Edward Island, but look forward to the author’s future stories.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters. Visit me on Facebook or twitter. I try to respond to everyone who contacts me.

 






Friday, August 18, 2023

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

 



The All American By Susie Finkbeiner is a truly a story filled with all the emotions and that will tug at your heart. The story is told in dual POV’s by two sisters Bertha and Flossie in the 1950’s. The story artfully combines women’s baseball, coming of age in the 1950’s and the hunt for communists of that time period. (seriously it works!)

The All American
was truly a fascinating read! This character driven story transported me to the 1950’s and allowed me to walk with women in that time period. Women’s baseball has a fascinating history and I was charmed by the support and love they received from their communities. Bertha and Flossie’s father was an author and I enjoyed the quotes from his book, the life lessons he gave his family, and the stories he told as they walked through challenging times. The themes of family, coming of age, and friendship resonated with me.




This is a truly wonderful story with depth, humor, and an interesting look at the history of women’s baseball. The author writes with such heart and wisdom. I very much recommend The All American by Susie Finkbeiner.  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of The All-American, The Nature of Small Birds, All Manner of Things — which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book — and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home.

She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.

Find her at Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.



Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber



                              


Thank you @prhaudio for this complimentary audio book.

Do you love flowers? OR Do you like to get gifts? I am a huge fan of flowers. My brother sent me these. I love how they matched the picture.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber narrated by Therese Plummer. It was a delight to listen to. Joan Sample is a widow who is woken up by a letter from her homeowners association complaining about her yard. Maggie is nursing student who needs to make some changes which include finding someplace else to live.

The author has the incredible gift of weaving a story through every day events into something fabulous. The story dealt with grief in a thoughtful way, had great characters, and themes of growing through hard times and found family. I enjoyed watching all of the characters change and become a better version of themselves. Listening to the audio was fabulous! The narrator made the story come alive and more memorable for me.

Must Love Flowers is a great story with characters that were likable, themes that spoke to my heart, and great dialogue. Listening to the audio made this a better story for me. I highly recommend the audio version of Must Love Flowers.

I was given a complimentary copy of this audio book, and not required to write a review.

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Cover Reveal for Cyanide and Sensibility: A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery (Book 3) by Katie Oliver

 

Cover Reveal!!

Coffee or Tea? Tea is usually my first choice. Something herbal or I am hip on a Honey Citron and Ginger Tea currently. Though a cold coffee drink with caramel is tempting in the summer.

I am excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Cyanide and Sensibility: A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery (Book 3) by Katie Oliver publishing on December 12, 2023 with Berkley. Thank you Austen Prose for my place on the cover reveal team.

BOOK DESCRIPTION 

Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she's quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra's sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business.

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah's new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you've died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally.

When one of Hannah's famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel's assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra's help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

PRAISE FOR THE JANE AUSTEN TEA SOCIETY MYSTERIES

 "A crackling good mystery: like a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen. It’s deliciously written, emotionally resonant, and delightfully engaging. Katie Oliver’s cinematic eye is spot on!"— Laura Childs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series

 “a wonderfully fun and charming modern-day mystery…and packed with clever character references that Austen fans will find delightful.”— Marilyn Brant, bestselling author of Pride, Prejudice, and the Perfect Match

“With the right balance of humor, charm, and intrigue, this contemporary whodunnit had me swiping, swiping, swiping through my kindle until the satisfying end.”— Christina Boyd, editor of Elizabeth, Obstinate Headstrong Girl

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BERKLEY | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB


Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. 

Muskoka Spotlight by Carolyn Miller

 


Muskoka Spotlight by Carolyn Miller is part of her Muskoka Shores series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. Jackie is a compassionate women who works as a nurse at the local nursing home, loves to cross stitch, and has very little thought of romance. Lincoln Cash is Hollywood’s latest heart throb, but he has gotten in a bit of a scrape. He decides to visit his Grandfather in Muskoka Shores at the nursing home.

I greatly enjoyed this a reverse Knotting Hill story. I loved rooting for Cash and Jackie and I am am definitely now #teamCashandJackie. The romance, the setting in the beautiful town of Muskoka Shores, and the smart and witty banter between the main characters made this a perfect read for me. It was fun to visit with characters from the past Muskoka novels and wonder who will be featured in the book.

I believe this is Christian fiction at it’s best. Muskoka Spotlight is engaging, faith based story where all of the characters work through true to life issues. I was drawn in and did not want the the story to end! I highly recommend Muskoka Spotlight.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.

Carolyn Miller is an Australian author of inspirational historical romance, particularly that of the Regency era, and loves creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.

Sunday, August 6, 2023

The Love Script by Toni Shiloh



The Love Script by Toni Shiloh is the first in her new series A Love in the Spotlight. I am so excited about this new series!

Nevaeh Richards loves what she does, making others feel beautiful through hair and makeup. Lamont Booker had a reputation, but has turned himself around. He is trying to walk out his faith, until a photo with Navaeh puts them both in a bad light.

I was so invested in this wonderful character driven story. Navaeh and Lamont were very relatable and loved watching their relationship play out. A delightful cast of secondary characters gave the story depth, humor, and helped me get to know the main characters on a deeper level. The faith based themes deeply resonated with me. Having Hollywood as a backdrop and the perspective of dating under the watchful eye of the world made for an interesting setting.

The author in incredible job weaving spiritual truths with compelling characters into a beautifully written story. I was all in and really enjoyed The Love Script. I highly recommend and look forward to the next books in the series.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, In Search of a Prince, won the first ever, Christy Amplify award. Her novel, Her Christmas Redemption, was a 2023 Selah Award winner. Other novels that have finaled in past awards are Grace Restored, Risking Love, The Truth About Fame, The Price of Dreams, An Unlikely Alliance, and To Win a Prince. You can learn more about Toni at http://tonishiloh.com.