Monday, July 31, 2017

Keeping Kinley by Annette K Larsen

Keeping Kinley by Annette K. LarsenKeeping Kinley by Annette K. Larsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Kindle Scout
Genre: YA Fiction

Book Descripition:  "Rylan made me feel like things were possible. Like I was possible, and he was possible, and we could be possible together."

Kinley is content tending her apple orchard, until a chance meeting with a childhood friend changes her priorities. Spending time with nobility is not socially acceptable, but Rylan rejects the norm. He pursues her with an easygoing charm, though she doesn’t dare hope that their relationship will be a reality.

When Kinley’s livelihood is threatened, any thoughts of a relationship are set aside as she’s thrust into Rylan’s world, where commoners and nobility don’t mix. The Rylan she encounters there is not the quirky and carefree friend she thought she knew. Can she trust what her heart has told her and believe in him, or will she be forced to accept that her dreams are only that—dreams?
 


My thoughts: I have loved every installment of the Dalthia series. This is book five and is not about a noble. Kinley is the younger sister of Gavin, who we met in Just Ella. This is a series that focuses on a family in a past, make-believe time period. Each book can be read on it's own, but I loved having old characters show up, so I would recommend reading all of them.

Kinley is a spirited young woman who thrives on taking care of her orchard. She is thrifty and industrious, she is not afraid of physical labor and enjoys having a good time. She is the perfect match to the stuffy, bookish young gentry that she is introduced to when she worked at his house as a maid. This book takes place five years after they met.

The trial for both is their different economic stations. The upper class do not want to accept a common laborer into their ranks. The divide goes both ways. The laborers are proud and do not want to accept charity from nobility.

This is a fun story about what you would do for love. It is a story about perseverance and treating others as equals regardless of financial station. I would say that you could add that appearances could be deceiving.

This is a great book for anyone who loves the fairy tales of the common girl and the noble. It is clean with some kissing. It would be appropriate for teens on up.



Online Purchase Links:


Annette K. LarsenAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho. 

Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me.

I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can.

I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen

Friday, July 28, 2017

Book Spotlight ~ "Beyond" by Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin


Beyond


“Dangerous. Wrong. She could be so close to finding out who I really am, and I don’t want to think about how badly that could damage her. If I have any conscience,
I’ll turn and run. But I can’t let her go.” 

Presley Hale has no idea the guy she just told off in the school parking lot died in a drowning accident four months ago. Why would she? It’s not like she knows she can see the dead. Stunned by Presley’s sixth sense, Landon Blackwood rethinks his planned departure and begins tracking her to find answers to their mysterious connection.

When their complicated relationship turns dangerous, they learn that tampering with the boundaries of death comes with consequences. Can Landon save Presley from the insidious spirits who have marked her for death, or was their love doomed from the beginning?




BEYOND - instagram 1.jpg




Enter the Goodreads Giveaway for this book.  It ends in 3 days!

Goodreads


Online Purchase Links: 

Amazon * B&N * Book Depository * Books & Things


****I have not read this book, but I have checked out the reviews.  It looks fantastic.  There isn't a review below a 3!  Most are 4 and 5 stars.****

BEYOND - instagram 2.jpg
Visit the Author's on their Facebook Page.















Friday, July 21, 2017

Lies and Letters by Ashtyn Newbold




Lies and Letters by Ashtyn NewboldLies and Letters by Ashtyn Newbold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook from publisher for review purposes.
Genre: Clean Regency

Book Description:  After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.



My thoughts: Charlotte and Clara were unfortunate to be raised by one of the most horrible mother's I have ever read about. I don't think that woman had an ounce of nurturing or cared for anyone other than herself. She used her daughters in her scheme of making her life better. Even going so far as to cause contention and favoritism between the two of them.

As the book begins, Charlotte is following in the footsteps of her mother. She has been groomed to fulfill this role and doesn't know how wrong or horrible she is. She lies about her sister and puts her down at every opportunity. When their family honor is disgraced, the mother doesn't even care enough to go with her daughters into exile, she cares more for her own comfort. While at the time of reading the situation, I was mortified, I quickly realized what a blessing it was for the girls.

The girls learned to respect each other and find common ground and compassion, it was amazing! I didn't like Charlotte felt beholden to continue in her flirtatious and unkind ways to secure a financial match. I loved watching her learn form a mother figure what love is. An amazing family took them under their wing and the girls softened and grew character.

The love interests for the girls have their own secrets and burdens. It takes a lot for the characters to grow enough to appreciate what they have before them. I don't want to say much, because the growth and understanding is remarkable and makes this book a wonderful read.



Online Purchase Links:



Ashtyn NewboldAbout the Author:   Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family.
Visit the Tour Stops:

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Book Review ~ Grace in the Mirror by Kristy Tate

Grace in the Mirror by Kristy TateGrace in the Mirror by Kristy Tate
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook from eBooks for Review
Genre: YA Twisted Fairy Tale

Book Description:  Fairy tales can come true. But it’s terrifying when it happens to you 
Grace James thinks having to wear a hand-me-down uniform while trying to fit into her posh new school in glitzy Orange County is bad, but being followed to class by seven little angry men is worse. The dwarfs believe that Grace has stolen the magic mirror, and they want it back. 
Opponents become allies and soon Grace can’t tell who is friend or foe and what is real or merely a fairy tale, so she cooks up a scheme that will take her back home to Oregon where life made sense—away from her stingy grandparents and her miniature stalkers. But a frantic cast of fairy tale characters have plans of their own that may or may not include a happily ever after.



My thoughts: This is a cute book where the modern world and the fairy tale world collide. The characters from the fairy tales are trying to recover one of their items, the magic mirror.

The book had an interesting plot line. The situations that Grace found herself in with the fairy tale characters were amusing. The book flowed at a good pace, there were a few times where I found myself confused, I felt as if I were missing a plot point.

This is the first book and I would be very interested to see what comes next for Grace.



Read it for #FREE on Kindle Unlimted.



Kristy TateAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Dr. Seuss was my first love. When my mom left me in the children’s section of the library I’d find Horton and the Cat. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. Eventually, I read about Narnia, Oz and Green Gables.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Year I Dated the Internet Book Blast (by Stacy Lynn Carroll) with a giveaway!


 


  The Year I Dated the Internet by Stacy Lynn Carroll With her 30th birthday fast approaching, Chelsea Wilson decides she is done being single. She is going to be married by the end of the year if it kills her. And sixteen first dates might just do that. With no male companionship, other than her cat Daughtry, Chelsea reluctantly creates an online dating profile. She begins meeting all kinds of men in a world now full of man buns and skinny jeans. While trying to find one good man, she ends up with four. How will Chelsea ever decide? The best part is she doesn’t have to. It’s up to you. In this romantic comedy like no other, you, the reader, get to pick who Chelsea chooses in the end. Her fate is in your hands.


 
Grab your copy for just 99 cents from July 11th to 15th



Praise for the Book "I highly recommend reading this book. The story is fantastic, the dates memorable, and the ending is what you decide. I was so happy to choose which guy Chelsea ends up with, I felt even more involved in her story." --Stacy Lybbert, Amazon reviewer

 "Having read plenty of fiction with endings I didn't love, this book was refreshing and fun. And having been married for a couple of decades and out of the dating scene, it was eye opening to get of glimpse of the new world of online dating and how difficult it can be." --Holly Frasche, Amazon reviewer "

There was plenty of humour throughout the story and I shared some of the jokes with friends and family who all laughed as well. I would like to see more books like this. It lived up to its description and recommendation and I'm glad I read it. I would recommend it. It was just what I was looking for: a nice, light read with no heavy stuff." --Autism Mom, Amazon reviewer

 "I especially liked how real and well developed the characters were. The main character has dating experiences that anyone in the dating world can relate with, as well as experiences that no one would want, and ones that are unique to our age of the internet, taking the reader on a ride that is entertaining and heart warming." --Leilani Peterson, Amazon reviewer.

 
Read an Excerpt!
********************

I would rather clean a gas station bathroom with my bare hands than be here right now. I hate blind dates. I don’t know how I let myself get talked into one. As soon as married people find out I’m single, it’s like they feel it is their personal duty to find my husband. You’re single? I have a second cousin who is single. I should set you two up! Does he like the same things as me? Doubtful. Is he attractive? Probably not. Do we have anything in common? No … but you’re single and he’s single so it must be a match made in heaven, right? 

I pick up my glass and take a sip. There’s a huge burst of laughter at the other end of the bar. I look over and see several barely twenty-year-olds in tight dresses with perfect hair and more makeup than I’ve ever worn. They are surrounded by older men who appear to be comedians by the incessant giggling pouring out from them. I watch the men buy another round of shots, followed by more laughter. I feel like an old lady sitting grumpily on my stool, wishing the youngins would keep it down...



********************

 

Author Stacy Lynn Carroll Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English, learned how to western swing, and watched as many of her fellow students became ‘True Aggies’. She then finished her BA at the University of Utah where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college, she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. She and her husband have four children, two dogs, two rats, two fish, and a partridge in a pear tree.


  amazon or paypal

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 7/23/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Song of Copper Creek by Kristen McKendry (Blog Tour + Giveaway)



The Song of Copper Creek





The Song of Copper Creek by Kristen McKendry
Rating:  4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: LDS Women's Fiction


Book Description:  It's been more than a year since she lost her family - a tragedy that has left Grace Whitaker a shadow of her former self. Unable to move on surrounded by so many memories, she makes the desperate decision to return to her childhood home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. There she hopes to salvage the broken pieces of her life - but what she finds is the promise of peace and healing in an unlikely place.

Copper Creek Farm is part of a Canadian historical museum, offering glimpses into 19th-century pioneer life. Yet the farm offers much more than that - it is a place of second chances. For Grace, the opportunity to work the land alongside the loving Whelan family is the first step toward healing. But she isn't the only broken soul seeking hope on the farm. Grace is joined by a young man in trouble with the law, as well as the Whelans' son and grandchildren, who are struggling through their own heartbreak. Together, these survivors discover the strength that can be found in friendship. But when faced with the uncertainty of the future, will they have the courage to move beyond the past to forge new lives for themselves?



My thoughts: This book was a pleasant surprise for me.  It is always an adventure when you pick up a book.  I'm not sure what I expected, but this book captured my attention.  At times I could imagine myself there with the characters, seeing the scenes play out in front of me.

Living life after loss is hard.  I found empathy for Grace.  Her thoughts and feelings came across  the pages. If you are looking for a book that offers more than an escape from your life, this would be a good one to pick up.  







Online Purchase Links:



About the Author:  Kristen McKendry began writing in her teens and her work has been published in Canada and the U.S. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader. 

Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada. She's also the proud grandmother of the world's cutest kids, Rowyn and Eòghann.

Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction. 

Monday, July 10, 2017

Tour Grand Finale for "The Charm Offensive" by Cari Lynn Webb (with a giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Charm Offensive
By Cari Lynn Webb

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below...

Launch - Author Interview

What motivated you to write THE CHARM OFFENSIVE?

We moved often when I was a child because of my father’s job and now with my husband, we’ve continued to relocate around the country. I’ve been fortunate to live in both small towns and big cities and I’ve discovered there’s something to love about each place we’ve lived. There are so many wonderful romance series set in small towns and I wanted to write a series about characters who live and work in a big, vibrant city. San Francisco has always been one of my favorite cities and when the idea for The Charm Offensive came up, the City by the Bay seemed like the perfect setting. 


Sophie Callahan was the first person to pull at him in places he thought only the music could reach. But, unlike the symphony, he wasn’t interested in becoming a patron of Sophie Callahan’s.

Brooke Blogs - Charmed At The Movies

To celebrate the release of my July book, The Charm Offensive, it’s time to break down charm and figure out what it really takes for someone or something to be charming. And to kick off the blog tour week, let’s talk about those movie characters that’ve charmed us.


"This story is filled with heartwarming characters and twists and turns. And along the way, Sophie and Brad rise above the bad luck in their lives to find each other, fall in love, and claim their well-deserved happily ever after. What a great story. It will warm your heart. It left me smiling happily at the end. I would definitely recommend THE CHARM OFFENSIVE to anyone looking for a heartwarming romance."

Deal Sharing Aunt - Interview

2. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have a collection of unpublished books that span several romance categories: historical, paranormal and contemporary. We just moved into a new house last week and I came across my very first manuscript in one of the attic boxes. I took it out, dusted it off and repacked it into a sturdier box for safe-keeping. That one is definitely for my eyes only.

Hearts & Scribbles - Pets That Charm Us

My heroine, Sophie Callahan, owns a pet store called The Pampered Pooch in my July release, The Charm Offensive. Pet owners can find everything they need for their favorite four-legged family members from dog food to cat beds to every sort of toy. City dogs can also enjoy play dates in the Pooch’s day care. Sophie can’t refuse shelter for abandoned kittens, puppy surrenders or rescues of any kind. She makes use of her foster families and her kennels to house all of her furry friends until she finds each one a forever home. 


"Overall, I would recommend this book to romance readers and young adults. It’ll put a smile on your face, and probably make you thankful you don’t have the relatives that Sophie does! Just make sure you are ready to meet Ella. I promise you that she will lift your spirits."


Her father had taught her not to trust as a child, and she prided herself on being more open and less closed off as an adult. Until one phone call from her father had made her suspicious of everyone, including herself. One phone call had made her doubt that decency existed.

Becky on Books - Excerpt

“I lied.” His voice was low, as if dredged through the darkness. “I do want something from you.”

Sophie watched him and waited. The attic closed in as if embracing them, but a shiver shifted through the air, rippling across her skin. “What?”

Brad tugged her against him. “This.”

Paulette's Papers - Charmed I'm Sure

I asked my two teenage daughters about the things that make a good first impression. Here’s their list:
1. Someone who can make you laugh
2. Someone who is upbeat
3. Someone who is sincere


"Really good characters grab our attention with a promising plot from the beginning. I was a bit thrown by the writing style where we would get a subtle hint of knowledge on a character without giving us details several places throughout the book that kind of left us guessing … but overall, it was an enjoyable read with a happy ending to be enjoyed by all."

Mel's Shelves - The Charm Factor

The definition of charming according to Merriam-Webster is “extremely pleasing or delightful.” I’ve been around people I’d describe as charming and they’ve been more than simply delightful. They usually seem to have some intangible quality that is hard to describe, but so very compelling. You want to be around charming people perhaps because they make you feel like instant friends. Charming people make everyone feel better for being around them.

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

Brad’s strong hand engulfed Ella’s as if he’d been holding the girl’s hand since she’d learned to walk. Simple, easy and natural like a father with a daughter. He never flinched. Never pulled away. Just moved closer to Ella’s side. A band twisted around Sophie’s chest as if a professional linebacker had tackled her to the ground.

"The family issues were awesome in the book. They are relatable and honest. Brad is a great hero. He had to figure out what was most important to him and he did. Sophie…she had to grow on me and she finally did. "

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"What I loved about this book is that two people with a lot of insecurities and emotional pain are able to open their hearts and find love. The supporting characters are people you would like to surround yourself with (well, most of them). This is a patchwork family. Broken people, who aren't related, coming together to make a whole."


"This was a really sweet story. I really liked the story line. . . . I think this is a great book and recommend it to other readers."


"The characters in The Charm Offensive are so well-written and believable. Sophie’s niece, Ella, is such a sweetheart with a huge heart. I love Evelyn and how she becomes involved in their lives. The fact that Sophie has a pet store is just awesome! I want a bookstore, but having a pet store would be my second choice. If you love sweet romance, you’ll love The Charm Offensive."


"The Charm Offensive is sweet and witty and brimming with love and, yes, charm. Sophie, Brad, and Ella make quite a team, and their interactions will put a smile on your face and in your heart. The writing is smooth and draws you in at once, and I hope The Charm Offensive’s universe becomes a series – there are other stories to be discovered with the supporting characters."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

A warning flared inside him, telling him these memories belonged to Ella and Sophie, not him. But he barreled on past the exit-now sign flashing in his mind, very much determined to add to their memories. Yes, Sophie’s stove was more vintage than practical. He’d bet the temperature in the oven hadn’t been calibrated in over two decades. And if he guessed correctly, only two of the four burners worked. Yet he wanted to make dinner here with them. Against all good sense and logic and rationale, he wanted to experience prepping and cooking in this kitchen with this family.


"I absolutely adored Sophie and Brad. Even though Brad had a pretty huge hidden motive in getting involved with Sophie. . . . An excellent heartwarming read. I loved it."

Book Lover in Florida - Big City Charm

There’s a long-standing debate about small town living versus big city living, tiny houses versus sprawling estates covering acres of land, neighbors or no neighbors. Depending on my mood (or how much teenage drama is coursing through our house), I’ll voice my preference for one over the other. However, Sophie Callahan and Brad Harrington, from The Charm Offensive, would choose a life in the city every time.


"Cari Lynn Webb has written a fantastic romantic story with precious main characters. I instantly fell in love with The Charm Offensive. It's indeed incredibly charming. It's also sweet, entertaining and delightful. I loved that there's so much eye for detail, even the large number of pets all have their own distinct personalities. Cari Lynn Webb has paid attention to everything and her story has warmth and cosiness in abundance. The Charm Offensive is a terrific feelgood story and I highly recommend this gorgeous loving book."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Charm Offensive
by Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
July 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Winning her over means winning everything

Sophie Callahan is PI Brad Harrington’s best lead to tracking down the man he’s been hired to bring to justice: Sophie’s own thieving father. But when Brad arrives at The Pampered Pooch, just behind a litter of stray kittens, the pet-store owner is the big surprise. This scrappy, huge-hearted woman with charm to spare gets to Brad in a way no one has ever been able to before. She spends her life finding—and making—homes for others: abandoned pets, her young niece. He’ll have to tell her why he’s really here. Which means he’ll have to choose between his sail-away dreams and the chance to build a forever home—with her.


About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a Baubelle Expandable, Inspirational Charm Bracelet and signed copy of Make Me a Match (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and ebook of Make Me a Match (open internationally)
- Ends July 14th

Saturday, July 8, 2017

A Holiday in Bath (Timeless Regency Collection)

A Holiday in Bath by Julie DainesA Holiday in Bath by Julie Daines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to review.
Genre: Regency Novella Romance Collection)

Book Description:  From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A HOLIDAY IN BATH

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixsen


My thoughts: I do not think you could go wrong to pick up any book in the Timeless Romance Collections. It really doesn't matter which genre it is in. They are all excellent. This book happens to fall into the Regency collection, a particular favorite genre of mine.

This collection contains three books that are set in Bath, England. There are scenes that you would expect, going to the Pump Room and partaking of the waters, trips to the Dr, older ladies who like to help younger ladies in the romance department, etc. But this book also unique content. I enjoyed that it wasn't all about nobility. Yes, some of the main characters were members of the gentry, but romance was not centered on wealth and power. (Although it was mentioned.)

The surprises for me was the young lady coming to Bath to testify in the murder trial against the man who killed her parents and narrowly missed raping her. (It doesn't go into detail, she tells non-graphically what happened to her.) A son chooses to become a Dr instead of fulfilling his family expectations for a career in the Church. And last, a grandmother encourages her granddaughter to kiss, but not go too far in enjoying the pleasures of a potential suitor. Like I stated above, it was unexpected, but a lot of great entertainment.

This book will leave you giggling, feeling outraged, and hoping that the characters will overcome their obstacles with the one they love.



Online Purchase Links:
Get a copy for your reader for $4.99.


Friday, July 7, 2017

The Charm Offensive by Cari Lynn Webb (Blog Tour + giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Charm Offensive
by Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
July 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming


My Rating:  4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to Review


Book Description: Winning her over means winning everything

Sophie Callahan is PI Brad Harrington’s best lead to tracking down the man he’s been hired to bring to justice: Sophie’s own thieving father. But when Brad arrives at The Pampered Pooch, just behind a litter of stray kittens, the pet-store owner is the big surprise. This scrappy, huge-hearted woman with charm to spare gets to Brad in a way no one has ever been able to before. She spends her life finding—and making—homes for others: abandoned pets, her young niece. He’ll have to tell her why he’s really here. Which means he’ll have to choose between his sail-away dreams and the chance to build a forever home—with her.



My Thoughts:  This is a sweet book. Two people who have been hurt by their family learn to trust and love.

Sophie is amazing. She is an entrepreneur. She helps animals in need, but her greatest attribute is that she is the caretaker of her disabled niece. Her niece was born premature and is basically blind. Sophie has been the constant in this young girls life. She has cared for her and protected her when her sister has been out finding herself and being a negligent mother.

Brad comes from a family where there wasn't a lot of affection. He has been hurt psychologically in his work field, and doesn't trust himself to love. He is investigating Sophie's father and doesn't need the distraction of his budding feelings for her.

What I loved about this book is that two people with a lot of insecurities and emotional pain are able to open their hearts and find love. The supporting characters are people you would like to surround yourself with (well, most of them). This is a patchwork family. Broken people, who aren't related, coming together to make a whole.

The book is clean with kissing.






Online Purchase Links:



About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.
Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a Baubelle Expandable, Inspirational Charm Bracelet and signed copy of Make Me a Match (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and ebook of Make Me a Match (open internationally)
- Ends July 14th