North by Northanger by Rebecca H. Jamison

While Eva Morland waits for her first-ever blind date to arrive, she meets Grant Tilney. Not only does flirting come easily with Grant, he also shares her appreciation for black-and-white movies and vintage diners. After he leaves, she notices that he left his phone behind. Setting out to find his office and return the phone, she knocks on a warehouse door. The man who answers mistakes Eva for a government spy, who’s come to investigate his crime ring. He and his partner force Eva into a car and drive her to a secluded trailer in the country.

Eva’s kidnapping sets her down a path of suspense and romance, as she uses all her wits to escape from the bad guys and prove her true identity. Grant comes to her rescue, hiding her in the cab of his semi-truck, but it seems that the criminals are always a step ahead.

Grant is the only one who believes Eva, but as they journey North, Eva starts to question Grant’s identity and motives. She must discover for herself if Grant is one of the good guys or bad guys. Only then will she know whether he’s worth the risk of her own life.

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This really is just what it is labeled to be.  A lighthearted romantic suspense.  It was probably more mystery than actual suspense and it really was lighthearted even when crazy things were happening. 

Eva is a bit of a character.  She is super smart one minute and then a bit clueless the next.  She is curious and has definite tastes and ideas about things.  I didn't get a ton of personality from Grant but I could give you a description of him.  The connection and emotion was lacking for me in this book- no goosebumps, heart pounding or tummy tingling-  but the story was interesting and sweet and I enjoyed reading it.

I really love this cover.  It's perfect for the book and so cute!

3.5 stars

Content:  mild peril, kissing 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Unforgettable by Rebecca H. Jamison

As teenagers, Celia and Manny planned their future together in the branches of a mango tree. Soon afterward, Manny leaves Fogo Island for college, expecting to marry Celia and take her to America once he graduates. However, during Manny’s schooling, the volcano near Celia’s village erupts, burying her home.

They lose contact with each other, and Celia comes to believe that Manny has fallen in love with someone else. When their lives intersect again, too much has changed for their plans to ever become a reality, yet the promises they made and the desires of their hearts persist, becoming unforgettable.

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There were many things I enjoyed in this book.  The beginning where we get to see Celia and Manny's love bloom was sweet.  I loved the bits about life on the island and how the people there took care of each other- both on the island and as they set up in new, foreign communities.  That island family spirit carried with them everywhere they went.

I love when stories help me to gain a new or better perspective in life.  This one was a good reminder of the struggles of immigrants to a new country.  It increased my compassion.

I'm not sure what exactly was off for me in this book but I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.  Good story elements were all there, I just had a hard time connecting to the writing and sometimes I felt like the story was dragging a bit.  As I said before though, there were many things I did enjoy.  I'd give this a solid 3/5 stars.

Content:  abuse, described (which may be a trigger for some people), mention of affairs with no details, mental breakdown, mild peril, fighting, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Release Day to Chemistry Lessons by Rebecca H. Jamison!

Everyone in Lone Spur knows Rosie will accept even the most unlovable animal into her life. Men, though, are a different story.

Take Destry, the guy who bought the ranch next door. Sure, he’s handsome and wealthy, but he wears flip-flops to work his fields. Not that Rosie should worry about him getting hurt.
Her biggest concern is that she needs to buy her grandfather’s ranch before her uncle sells it out from under her. The problem is that on her teacher’s salary, she doesn’t qualify for a loan. Her long-time boyfriend, Tanner, proposes a solution—they can get married and qualify for a loan together, only Rosie isn’t sure if her heart is with her faithful fiancé, her ranch, or her swoon-worthy neighbor.

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Today is release day for Rebecca Jamison's new book, Chemistry Lessons!  I love when I can review books on their actual release day.  It makes me feel like I'm part of a party.  :)

For me, this book started off a bit slow, a bit off.  I can't pinpoint exactly why that was but I as kept reading, I settled in and got to know the characters more and it felt better.

Destry is all likable, all the time.  The guy is patient, helpful, thoughtful and wealthy.  He is out to help people change their lives.  He was easily the best part of the book.  Always there, always helpful. 

Rosie is so hardworking and determined but she is also very helpful and kind.  Both Destry and Rosie have bits in their past that have been hard- death, substance abuse, physical abuse, estrangement from loved ones- there are all sorts of big issues and problems for both of them.  I felt like these issues stayed on the surface and I never felt the gritty emotions of them with the characters.  I had a lot of questions that never got answered.  I felt like there were some inconsistencies as well.

I enjoyed how the story played out though.  I got much satisfaction in the ending- it always happy when things come together.  The setting was fun and I could easily picture what was happening.  Small towns- gotta love them!  This book is squeaky clean and that is always much appreciated when I read books. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.