Honeysuckle Dreams (Blue Ridge Romance #2) by Denise Hunter

 

After Brady Collins’ ex-wife dies, he receives devastating news—his nine-month-old son Sam isn’t his son at all. And Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents want custody of the child. Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. But regardless of what any blood test says, Sam is his son, and Brady will go to any lengths to keep him.

Brady’s attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiance.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and after a happy accident she’s finally offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

 I love Denise Hunter's books.  I'm always on the lookout for the next book coming from her and I feel like a lucky girl to be able to read and review them. I got a glimpse of Brady and Hope in the previous book in this series so I knew that this was a story I wanted to read.  

Brady and Hope have been great friends for quite awhile.  When circumstances lead them to a marriage of convenience, they decide to do it because they they do love each other in a friendly, respectful sort of way, and they both love Sam.  Of course marriage leads to a new awareness of each other and what better way to start off a romance then with friendship, right?

Hope makes the road a bit bumpy and I'm not sure I completely understood her one-eighty turn around in personality and nature.  There were some valid reasons for reluctance and hesitation but her reactions were so extreme and out of character for what I knew of her up to that point.  I didn't really like Hope in those moments but all's well that ends well, I guess.  :)  There is something to say for facing fears and standing and fighting.  Thankfully there was Brady.  He was the solid, steady one.  I loved him from the very beginning and I loved him all through this book.  How can a girl resist a guy that fights for his son?  Even when he finds out his son isn't his by blood?  A girl cannot resist that.  Honestly.  That is a guy worth keeping.

As always, Denise Hunter knows how to bring her characters to life.  They feel human and challenged like we all are.  Hunter doesn't shy away from the gritty and messy yet always balances it out with the perfect amount of love and hope.  

Content:  mention of intimate relations outside of marriage with no details, depression, death.  Christian fiction.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request.  All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is releasing on May 1st.

 

The Lemonade Year by Amy Willoughby-Burle

Nina’s once-sweet life has unexpectedly turned sour. Her marriage is over, her job is in jeopardy, and her teenage daughter is slipping away from her. Then her father dies and issues with Nina’s mother come to a head; her estranged brother, Ray, comes home; and her sister, Lola, is tempted to blow a big family secret out of the water. They say the truth will set you free, but first it will make a huge mess of things.

All Nina’s got left is her final photography assignment shooting images for the book 32 Ways to Make Lemonade. Well, that and the attention of a younger man, but Oliver’s on-again-off-again romantic interest in her ebbs and flows so much she is seasick. And then Jack, her ex-husband, shows up, wanting to get back together.

As Nina struggles to find a way through her complicated relationships and to uncover her true path, she discovers just how valuable a second chance at life and happiness can be.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I have some mixed feelings about this book.  There were a lot of great moments for the characters in this book, moments of profound realizations causing personal growth and change.  But, there was so much to muddle through.  After the first third of the book, I will admit to skimming a fair bit, especially during the reflections, memories or fantasies.  I could glean what I needed to quickly and move on to the more important moments.

This story is told from the first person with Nina being that character.  Everything is as she sees and feels it.  Usually I love first person because it allows for such an intimate, emotional connection.  I didn't feel that as strongly in this book even though it seems like I should have.  Nina just didn't feel really personable.  I felt sympathy for her losses and I appreciated when she owned up to her part of the mistakes, but I didn't love her.  I didn't feel emotionally connected to her.

All the characters in this book were dealing with lots of baggage, emotional struggle and dysfunction which made it hard to find and feel that balance of joy that is necessary for me as a reader.  But, so much of this book is true to life.  Life is hard.  Rarely does it turn out like you hope it will.  The struggles sometimes seem to outweigh the joys but the trick is, as this book says, to keep going.  You can change how you look at things and you can adapt to new circumstances.  Thank goodness for second chances.

3/5 stars

Content:  talk of infidelity, mention of sex outside of marriage, some references to alcohol and drug abuse, miscarriage, death, dysfunctional family relations.

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

 

Perfectly Misunderstood Book Blast! Enter to Win $50 and Books!!

Jayden Valdez is an overachieving intellectual. Mike McGinnes is Franklin High School’s dumbest jock. Even though they barely know each other, she finds his personality repulsive and he thinks she’s got a giant stick up her you know what. Mike and Jayden are surprised and annoyed when their teacher pairs them together for Spanish tutoring. Both feel it’s a complete waste of time, since nobody could learn from a person who bugs the crap out of them. Not to mention that their reputations might be ruined if people realize what they’re doing. But it doesn’t take long for Jayden to discover that Mike has a secret—he isn’t the person he appears to be. Much to her dismay, Jayden finds 'Secret Mike' strangely attractive. And for some crazy reason, Mike is amused by Jayden’s clever insults and witty banter. Suddenly, they have a much bigger problem than their mutual disdain. What started as irritating tension is beginning to feel more like romantic tension and acting on it would be a very bad idea.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

Excerpt:

(Mike): Jayden’s glare intensified, and I could tell she was sending me mental death threats. Eventually, she gave up and sat down across from me. “Was that so hard?” I asked.

“About as hard as you head.”

“I have harder parts than my head,” I countered. Her eyes grew wide at the implication. I let her stew for a second before lifting my sleeve and flexing my bicep. “You think that’s hard? You should see my abs.” I’d said it as a joke, but it was basically true.

She was surprised for the briefest moment, then she grunted. “How Cro-Magnon of you.”

“Your grunt suggests you’re familiar with the genotype on a personal level.” I smirked.

Jayden’s eyes narrowed. “At least I’ve evolved. Your face suggests that you haven’t yet.”

I tsked in good nature. “Your face might be prettier than mine, but your manners prove you haven’t evolved as much as you think.”

 

About the Author: Robin Daniels is a sixteen-year-old trapped in a middle-aged body. She's married to an amazing guy and has five cute but crazy kids. When she's not chasing children or writing books, she's coaching volleyball or working on her blog. She tries to read as much as possible, but often gets distracted by Netflix. Robin's favorites include napping, dessert, pedicures, Christmas, Arizona winters, and Diet Coke.

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Daniels/e/B001KMMURI

Website: https://www.robinsbooksandblogs.com/

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Giveaway Details: Runs the whole month of April. Winner will be selected on May first and receive signed paperback copies of all 4 books in the series, along with a $50 Amazon e-gift card. Physical copies are only available for a winner in the US. For a winner outside of the US, e-books will be substituted for paperbacks.

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