Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel) by Ruth Roberts

After tragedy strikes, Diana Mathison finds herself back in her home town of Magnolia Falls, sharing custody of her baby sister with her step sister. Reeling from the death of their parents, the three sisters have to learn how to lean on each other and live life without their two pillars of strength. Diana is full of doubts in her ability to raise a little girl and run her father’s law firm. The last thing she needs is to have Zack Connelly back in her life. The last time she let him in she ended up hurt and broken hearted.

Zack has given up on true love. It’s not for him and it’s certainly not with Diana Mathison. He came back to Magnolia Falls to heal after losing his sweet wife and their unborn child at the hands of a drunk driver. Hannah never had a chance at the love and happiness she deserved, therefore neither should he. His life plan is to take care of his sister and niece for as long as they need him, and to be the best veterinarian the town has ever had. That’s enough for him…or is it?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Second chance at first love stories are some of the best.  Even though Diana and Zack were more friends who secretly crushed on the other, and not necessarily in love, there was always something there for both of them.  Their friendship ended rather abruptly and in a way that really hurt Diana so now that Zack is back in the same town as her, old feelings are coming to the surface.

Diana has a tragic past and present.  So many heart breaking things have happened in her life but she is so resilient and strong.  I loved the kindness that Diana just naturally had.  Forgiveness to her sister and other high school tormentors seemed to come so easy for her.  I loved that about her.

Sometimes I felt like there was just too much going on in this book.  Was my focus supposed to be on Diana and Zack or her sister and Logan?  Because there seemed to be multiple stories happening and I think I ended up missing that total character development.  Things seemed more glossy and less meaty.  I was also missing the emotional connection to the characters.  There were so many heart wrenching things happening, I wanted to feel more.  

While this book wasn't my favorite, it was okay.  I appreciated that it was clean and I also enjoyed the themes of family and forgiveness.

Content:  Death, bullying, eating disorder

A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore + Giveaway!

Miss Diana Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I love historical fiction and I love regency romance.  This story blends the two genres perfectly and uniquely as this regency steps outside of the normal English setting and into the beautiful lands of Greece.  

You can tell that the author did her homework for this book.  The people, the language, the places all felt substantial and detailed and not light weight.  

I felt so much empathy for Diana Snow.  Her past and her poor heart that held in so much hurt.  How can you not wish for the very best for characters who win over your emotions?

I enjoyed this story.  It had a slower pace to it, more descriptions and more history but it created a very beautiful picture for me.  It gave me a glimpse into a bit of history that I really know very little about.  The last third of the book was my favorite- the plot picks up, the relationships become more concrete, and that was when things really came together for me.

Content:  Clean.  Some mild violence.

*Sept. 5th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/ 

*Sept. 6th: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 7th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 8th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*Sept. 9th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

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King of the Friend Zone (Power of the Matchmaker) by Sheralyn Pratt

Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem.

The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Can a male/female best friendship stay that way through life?  Chances really aren't that good.  One side will probably end up having stronger feelings at some point.  It's just the way things go.  Or, inevitably, one side moves on with a serious romantic relationship and that partner will be jealous of best friend.  It surely makes for a fantastic, classic love story with plenty of drama!

I love this Power of the Matchmaker series.  Each novel is independent yet connected by one character who makes an appearance in all the books.  Pearl is the matchmaker and I particularly loved her in this book.  She was perfect!  The whole kiss cookie was such a fun and creative idea.  LOVED it!

Esme and Hunter have been best friends their whole lives.  They have a history that runs deep and nobody knows them better than the other.  Both Hunter and Esme have had feelings stronger than friendship but neither one is willing to cross over that line to risk ruining the friendship that means so much to them.  It's maddening as a reader!  ha.  

I loved both Esme and Hunter.  Together and apart.  The struggle was real and I was nigh unto pulling my hair out for most of the book!  It was fantastic.  The pacing was good and I was caught up in the struggle for love.  

I also loved that some characters from a previous book by Sheralyn Pratt were included in this book.  Hello, old friends!

Overall, just a fun, diverting read!  It made me crazy, and happy, and swoony.  

Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson + Kindle Giveaway!

Sophie Newton is determined to prove herself to her father, who insists she could never run a successful business. She opens a beachside taco stand called The Sandy Tortilla and plans to make her own way, one burrito at a time.

When she loses her summer help, Sophie rushes to find somebody to help take orders. She finds that somebody in Montgomery Winters, a struggling actor from LA. Mont takes the job; the money's useful, though he finds that his curvy boss is what really keeps him around.

As Sophie and Mont work together, they discover an intense attraction between them. But when Mont's agent calls him about a career-making audition, he decides he must pursue the opportunity, even though he can't get Sophie out of his head. Now, Sophie must choose between chasing after the man she's falling in love with and the business she's fought so hard to build.

* Amazon * Goodreads * B&N * 

This book was perfect for the end of summer.  Set in a cozy beach town, I could practically hear the waves breaking and smell the ocean in the air.

Sophie and Mont are two very strong characters.  I just loved Sophie's determination and desire to make her taco stand a success.  Mont is equally determined to succeed with his acting career.  They were also so insecure in what they were doing- trying to prove themselves.  It made them seem real and vulnerable.

Watching Sophie and Mont dance around the growing attraction between them was so entertaining.  As they get to know each other, you could see and feel their minds shifting a bit to include the other person.  Choices that were so obvious before didn't seem so clear anymore.  

I thought this book was a lot of fun.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end and I'll be on the watch for more from this author!

Content:  Intimacy before marriage, no details- fade to black.  Innuendo.

Elana's work includes the young adult dystopian romance series Possession, Surrender, Abandon, and Regret, published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster). Her popular ebook, From the Query to the Call, is also available, as well as a young adult dystopian short story in the Possession world, Resist.

  

Her newest release is the beginning of a new adult fantasy series. ECHOES OF SILENCE came out with Amazon Publishing on May 3, 2016. See all of her books here.

  

Elana also writes inspirational western romances under the pen name Liz Isaacson. Check out all 5 books in the Amazon #1 Bestselling Three Rivers Ranch Romance series, and get ready for the rest of the series by the end of 2016.

Her newest release is UNTIL SUMMER ENDS, a contemporary romance novel from Cleis Press/Start Media.

Blog: http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/

Website: http://elanajohnson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorelanajohnson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElanaJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/elanajohnson

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Wasted Time by Mya O'Malley

Do you believe that some souls are destined to be together, even through hardship and deceit?

After 9-11, Declan’s heart is torn between wanting to stay with Morgan and needing to fight for his beloved country. Knowing that the future may be uncertain, he kisses his fiancée goodbye and focuses on his mission until that dark day from which he will never fully recover. Injured in Afghanistan, Declan has lost more than part of his leg; he’s lost part of himself, now plagued in grief and guilt. How could he possibly ask Morgan to take care of him for the rest of his life, being nothing but a burden to her? Which would be more heartbreaking, feigning his own death or bringing her unhappiness every day? If only he could eradicate her from his mind and be at peace with his decision.

Morgan prays day and night for Declan’s safe return, but when his letters stop coming, Morgan knows in her heart that she has lost him forever. Morgan has a hard time believing in fate and destiny after her fiancé is taken from her. With Declan gone, Morgan’s hope for true love is destroyed, but eventually she finds comfort in the arms of another, even though Morgan’s new love knows that her heart belongs to Declan.

Will Morgan eventually be able to move on, or will Declan haunt her dreams forever?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If you enjoy watching soap operas, you will probably really love this book.  It had all things soap opera going for it.  Attraction, love, engagement, off to war, injury, she thinks he is dead, he is hiding from her, she moves on, he doesn't.  They reconnect in a dramatic way.  There is cheating, lying and stalking.  I am actually not a fan of soap operas, so this book wasn't my favorite, but there were a lot of good elements.

Two words that describe this book for me would be angst and DRAMA.  Both are very well done in this book.  The drama is like a constant swirl.  There are a lot of crazy things going on.

I really liked Morgan and Declan together.  They complimented each other well.  Even though there was still angst and drama, it felt like a real part of their relationship.  They definitely had a connection no matter what else was happening.  I couldn't help but admire Declan and his sense of duty to his country and the events surrounding 9-11.  He was a fantastic representation of the many men and women who gave so much for our country and our freedoms at that time.  (and still do)  It really leaves me so grateful for such brave people.

Content:  frequent mild swearing, profanity, implied sexual relations with no graphic details, sexual relations outside of committed relationship (cheating) with no details.  PTSD, depression, death, stalking

Between Heaven and Earth (Power of the Matchmaker) by Michele Paige Holmes

Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched.

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single soccer-dad Matt.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Who thought up the idea of this Power of the Matchmaker series?!  Seriously? Brilliant idea.  I love this series.  Each month is a new book by a different author.  All with one minor character included- the matchmaker.  You can read these books in any order- they are meant to stand alone.  I would recommend that you read the prequel novella, Power of the Matchmaker, first though.  It will help you know the history behind the matchmaker, Pearl.

This book.  This one has a different kind of love story.  It's really not like any of the others so far.  I loved the growing friendship between Matt and Cassie.  They help and support each other.  It fills a void for both of them, especially since they both have young boys who need a lot of care and attention.  I loved the sense of family.

There is so much emotion in this book.  I felt Cassie's struggle and heartache and Matt's desperation and floundering.  As a reader, I wanted the best things to happen for them.  I was drawn into this book from the very beginning and it was hard to put it down.  I really liked it!  It is a fantastic addition to this series.

Content:  Clean

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

King of the Friend Zone $50 Book Blast!

 Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem. The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed. Esme thinks Jon is paranoid. The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him. When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance. They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other. Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

   

  Excerpt:

While everyone around Hunter ate and drank, Hunter swirled the liquid in his glass and watched his friends and family interact with Jon. 

 The man was suave when he wanted to be; Hunter would give him that. He wore the right suits, said the right words, and charmed the right people. 

 What a hero. 

 He was also several inches shorter than Hunter, which meant Esme fit neatly against his shoulder as they stood and spoke with all their guests. Esme looked so content as she reclined against Jon, and Hunter wasn’t the only one who had noticed. The last person who had commented on Jon and Esme within Hunter’s earshot had called them “two peas in a pod” as if there were awards to be won in the category. 

 Well, there weren’t. 

 In that moment, Hunter was very glad he hadn’t been drinking that night, because otherwise he might have gone so far as announcing that fact to everyone. There are no awards for being two peas in a pod, everyone. Oh, and by the way, you should meet this guy when he isn’t trying to impress you. He’s a bit of a prick. 

 But, of course, no one wanted to hear that. No one wanted to hear anything from Hunter tonight except for a glowing toast endorsing the golden couple. 

 He still hadn’t written anything, although he had googled a generic speech and printed it out. It was in his pocket now, but he hadn’t practiced it and reading the prepackaged speech was pretty much out of the question now, thanks to his dyslexia. Reading on the best of days usually didn’t go that well for Hunter, but when he was seething mad? 

 Yeah, that wasn’t happening. 

 So he sat and swirled and watched and tried to imagine what in the world he could say that wouldn’t earn him more frowns than his jeans had already earned him. 

 Then it hit him: Why try? Why not be honest? There wasn’t a face at this party that he hadn’t known for the better part of twenty years—well, except Jon. His smug mug was as new as it was unwelcome in Hunter’s book. But everyone knew Hunter and they’d know if he vomited some fake, glowing speech their direction. 

 So why should he? 

 Why not be honest? 

 The idea grew on Hunter as the night went on and the praise for Jon became more and more abundant. The clincher was when Jon’s best man stood up and gave a speech that proved he’d probably met Esme all of once, and everyone in attendance nodded and beamed as the guy praised Esme in the most generic of terms. 

 According to whatever the best man’s name was, Esme was kind and compassionate and a joy to all those who met her. 

 Seriously? The guy had clearly never been within earshot of Esme when an ice cream truck passed in July playing Christmas music. That would redefine the guy’s definition of “joy to all those around her.” Yet everyone ooohed and ahhhhed and clapped until the guy sat and Jon gave his bestie an appreciative slap on the back with a look that said, Well done. 

 Then everyone in the future wedding party looked at Hunter expectantly. It was his turn. 

 In that moment, Hunter had a choice to make. He could either repeat the same lame puffery the best man had, or he could give the speech that had been building up in him like a sneeze all night. 

 Be nice now and freak out later, or let it all hang out? That was the question. And one quick glance at Jon’s arrogant face gave Hunter his answer.

   

 

Author Sheralyn Pratt

Some describe Sheralyn as a girl who's been around the block and worked at every shop. This isn't far from the truth. Writing is what she loves most, however. There's a magical power in stepping into new perspectives time and again, and seeing the world through different eyes. Few things increase empathy more than walking in another's shoes for 100,000 words or so. At least that seems to be the trend so far.

Some random things to know about Sheralyn: * She's a wanderer (geographically) * She can write a novel, but doesn't have the attention span for one page in a journal * She vehemently disagrees with Stephen King's stance that authors should not watch TV * She is pretty much incapable of sleeping before midnight

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/23/16 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