Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Thank you for @prhaudio for the complimentary audio book.

Last Call at the Local Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a delightful book set in Ireland. It is the third in her Love, Lists, & Fancy Ships series. Raine Hart a traveling busker who finds herself stuck in Cork, sitting at a pub, missing some of her stuff. Jack works at the pub and finds her. This sets both of them off on an adventure.

There is just something magical about a book set in Ireland and this one had that magic. I enjoyed Raine and Jack with their great banter, romance, and understanding friendship. The story shares what it is like to have ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I learned so much through the characters. The author does an incredible job sharing their thoughts and allowing you to walk in their shoes.

I found myself very invested and enjoyed listening to both narrators Gary Furlong and Karissa Vacker. I found myself finding chores to do to listen just a little bit longer.

I highly recommend Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz. I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review.  

This is an open door romance.

Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a writer, educator, and karaoke enthusiast. Originally from South Florida, she now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She holds an MFA in creative writing from North Carolina State University, where she now teaches First-Year Writing. She is the author of three novels: Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships, and Luck and Last Resorts, and Last Call at the Local.

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain

 

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain is a sweet Regency romance. Diane Boyle is incensed that her name has appeared in a book of wealthy marriageable women. She is so mad she goes into town to confront Mr. Dean the writer of the book. Then a plan begins to form.

I adored this book from the beginning to the end. Diane is a beautiful soul who finds her voice and keeps her kindness in this story. Mr. Dean is a truly great hero who has a genuine heart and is so loveable. The supporting characters were funny, interesting, and added charm to the story while receiving the happily ever after they have longed for. The story was so lovely and the beautiful detailed Regency setting made my day. I enjoyed the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and not judging someone before you know their past.

This delightful story had me laughing out loud, sighing, and enjoy the Regency time period. The author’s attention to detail, the depth of the characters, and beautiful writing made The Ladies Rewrite the Rules a wonderful read. I highly recommend.

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

PRAISE FOR THE LADIES REWRITE THE RULES

“Innovative…The novel’s true strength lies in the friendship between the bold heroines”— Publisher’s Weekly

 
“A fun, light-hearted Regency romp about changing society from the inside.”— Kirkus Reviews

 
“Joyful, warm and witty, this is a delight of a book.”— All About Romance

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

I was born in India and sent to boarding school in England, but my father lost his fortune . . . Oh, wait, that’s the plot of "The Little Princess". I actually grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, a world away from romantic locales like India or Edwardian England. But I could escape to those places in the pages of a book, and I frequently did. When I wasn’t reading, I was inventing witty repartee for my Barbie and Ken dolls while smashing their faces together and making smooching noises.

I also loved period movies and musicals. I memorized the lyrics to every song from MY FAIR LADY and would sneak into my parents’ room at night and sing: “Just you wait, ’enry ’iggins, just you wait!” They would toss pillows at me, but I knew they were totally into it. My writing is influenced by those classic, romantic films as well as the novels of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. My goal is to make readers of my books smile and, even better, laugh.

The feature film MR. MALCOLM'S LIST, based on my novel of the same name, was released in 2022 and stars Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Zawe Ashton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. It is available to stream on any video-on-demand site. 

WEBSITE | X (Formerly Twitter) | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee

The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee is her Debut Novel.  Ruth, Naomi, Martha and Mary Gardin are related by family and the hardships they have shared. The live in Edin, Georgia on the Gardin estate and are part of Gardin Enterprises.  This delightful novel shares their lives, loves and challenges.

I was so taken in by the Gardin family.  This beautiful redemptive story was from the perspective of all four women and flowed seamlessly between each one.  The characters were strong, independent, interesting women who had such depth and were very relatable. Each character grew and changed in the story and I was rooting for each one. The author drew me in and I felt myself making four new friends by the end of the book.  The setting of Edin, GA was lovely and I found myself tempted to plan a visit. 

The Gardins of Edin was a redemptive story that will stay with me.  The characters, setting, and life lessons learned makes for a fabulous read.  I highly recommend The Gardins of Edin. 

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review. 

Rosey Lee writes hopeful stories about complicated families and complex friendships. As a native of the West Bank of New Orleans, Louisiana who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, Rosey’s writing is inspired by the people, traditions, and food that anchor her to the South. She enjoys cooking, listening to live music, and occasional bursts of fanatical bargain shopping.

As a child, Rosey dreamed of a career in writing, fashion design, and acting. She uses the pen name Rosey Lee as she pursues her passion for writing. Her alter ego is a physician who has dedicated her career to individual and community-based approaches to health equity.

Rosey loves public speaking at conferences, book festivals, churches, libraries, book clubs, academic institutions, you name it.  https://www.roseyleebooks.com/  

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is first in her Shanahan Match series. Finola Shanahan believes her place is with the church and not to be a wife after the death of her sister. She has turned, tricked, and forced away many men. Her family has called on the local Irish matchmaker to hopefully help her marry. Riley Rafferty is a successful wagon maker running for mayor. He wants to win Finola’s hand, but does he have a chance?

This was all things sparkly for me. I loved the banter, romance and push and pull between Finola and Riley. The author writes characters who are so fascinating and with great depth. The Irish matchmaker brought some mischief and comic relief to the story. The Shanahan family was so interesting and I look forward to getting to know them better in future books. I enjoyed learning about mid eighteenth-century St. Louis, MO. The ending gives a hint to the next book in the series, and I cannot wait.

Calling on the Matchmaker has great romance, fun banter, and an interesting setting. I found myself turning pages into the night. I highly recommend it!

I was a given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Following Caesar by John Keahey

In Following Caesar the author seamlessly blends history and the sites he is seeing bring you along to explore the Roman Road. Each chapter starts with a historical text that author weaves into the chapter to share about his journey. I found I enjoyed the book when I read a little bit each day. The book shares many travel tips for anyone wanting the travel the roads today. I found the facts about the road itself so interesting. It was fascinating to learn about a road that was built thousands of years ago and could carry 6 soldiers abreast, chariots, wagons, and animals was still here today. I recommend Following Caesar by John Keahey

I was given a complimentary copy and a positive review was not required. 

  

Cyanide and Sensibility by Katie Oliver

Cyanide and Sensibility by Kate Oliver is a delightful Austen inspired cozy mystery and third in the Jane Austen Tea Society Mysteries.  Phaedra Brighton is a college professor of Austen Literature.  Her sister Hannah has just opened up a new patisserie, Tout de Sweet.  Unfortunately, at the opening one of her cupcakes sends a customer to the hospital with poisoning.  Hannah asks Phaedra to help solve the mystery, but is Phaedra or her family one of the targets?

This book had it all for me with a cozy mystery, Austen references, a sweet small town, and a dash of romance.   I absolutely loved all the references to Austen novels and the play on characters’ names from Sense and Sensibility.  My favorite reference was that Phaedra’s cat was named Wickham.  The story moves along well and is truly a delight to read. I found myself lost in the small-town mystery with the delightful characters and wondering about Phaedra’s future.  The ending was very satisfactory and I am hoping there is another book in the series. 

I highly recommend Cyanide and Sensibility by Kate Oliver. 

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

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.

 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

  A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen published by Bethany House Fiction is the second in the author's On Devonshire Shores series. Emily Summer is pining after her old neighbor and lost love. Her family circumstances have changed and now they keep boarders in their seaside home. Recently some of the overflow from the Duke and Duchess of Kent’s household will be staying with them for the winter. Emily meets the Duke of Kent and his much-loved daughter Victoria while out walking.

I was delightfully lost in this story. It was a pleasure to get to know the Summer family better and Emily Summer is a wonderful heroine. I am always so struck by the beautiful writing of author, Julie Klassen. I enjoy her attention to historical details, the endearing characters she creates, and the sweet romance she weaves in to create an amazing story. One of my highlights of 2023 will be A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen. I highly recommend.

I very highly recommend A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen.

I love all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, I worked in publishing for sixteen years and now write full time. Three of my books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park won the Minnesota Book Award, and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards. I have also been honored with the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. I enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.