REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Love At The Salted Caramel Cafe

 Good moring, friends!

I had a very enjoyable day yesterday at my 'local' Starbucks with a Caramel Macchiato and this week's novella.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Sierra Blake has returned home to Mill Hollows, Virginia. She's lost her job as a hotel marketing executive. She knew getting romantically involved with the son of the franchise owner was a bad idea. Turning down his marriage proposal left Sierra updating her resume and needing a change of scenery. Returning to the small football-loving town located in view of the Blue Ridge Parkway is definitely a change of scenery from the sultry heat and water sport enthusiast city of Tampa. Wes Carter is new to Mill Hollows and stirring up more than sediment and rocks for geology sampling upon meeting the beautiful Sierra Blake at the Salted Caramel Cafe. Renting the cabin next door to the Blake family gives him views of the Roanoke Valley and reasons to contemplate leaving behind his days of suitcase living. Fall in Virginia isn't the only chill in the air. The last time Sierra saw her younger sibling, Roxie, the two didn't exactly leave each other on the best of terms.

Reading Love At the Salted Caramel Cafe was a trip back to my ancestral home for me. My Daddy and his family going back generations were from the Blue Ridge Mountains & the Roanoke area. Think Walton's Mountain and that was where my family lived.  I was blessed to live in the area briefly and experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall. I called a little community called Rapidan home. While the town wasn't as big as Mill Hollows, there was an old mill along the creek across from the Civil War era home we lived in. I'd love to visit again. 

One of the key points I loved about this book was the immediate connection I could feel between Wes and Sierra in the very beginning. That kismet feel when you meet 'the one' for the first time. Both had their relationship obstacles so when the time came, Wes and Sierra had that feeling of coming home. Besides that, a complete stranger on the trail saw the love blooming between them. Their instant love was tangible to those around them. 

My quill rating isn't just about my connection to the story, but overall about the almost-flawless writing and putting me in the location as well as the little moments between Wes and Sierra as their atraction grew. Sometimes you just know where you're supposed to be and who you are meant to be with. 

I'm giving Love At the Salted Caramel Cafe ...

All my best! 

~ Angela

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Angie Ellington

Good morning, friends!

I'm a bit behind again this morning. I've been sorting through Fall & Halloween decor. Trying to make the house look a bit less scattered and a lot more cozy. Also, because this is the waxing moon, I'm trying to acquaint myself with what I want to acquire for future coziness. Are you decorating for fall? Halloween? Please let me know in the comments.

This week's author is Angie Ellington:

Here's a bit about Angie:

Angie Ellington's sweet romances are filled with summer breezes, lemonade, hot cocoa, and snowy settings. If you're looking for a book that gives you the feel of gently rocking in a hammock or snuggled under a blanket by a cozy fire, Angie's books can transport you there. She also includes inspirational messages of hope and confidence, includes fun side characters to adore, & sets her books where family and friendship are at the core of finding one's happily ever after.

Her book, Autumn at Apple Hill, has recently been adapted as a Hallmark Channel Original Movie of the same name, and her book, Dancing by the Moonlight, is currently in development for a tv/streaming movie.

I look forward to reading this book, as well as finding the movie. Speaking of movie's I'll be posting my thoughts on movies transitioning to Hallmark movies on Thursday.

In the mean time, please click on any of the links below to learn more about Angie Ellington

WEBSITE   TWITTER-x   IG   BookBub  GoodReads

LinkedIn   SubStack   Imbd   YouTube  

Amazon Author Page 

I'll be back tomorrow for my review of Love At The Salted Caramel Cafe. 

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends.

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning!

Flying in a bit late today but finally feeling more normal. Those sugar spikes are horrid but they don't come often. Just didn't take care of myself at conference last week like I should have. I'll have a conference post next Thursday.

In the mean time, I'm all about spooky season:

Courtesy of dipakpatel on Pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - October's Kindest Secret

 Good morning, everyone!

First, my intent was to get posts uploaded while at the conference. I had horrid internet. I only work from my laptop for these posts and I couldn't get more than a single bar WHEN I could connect at all.

Also, through the conference, I wasn't able to eat on my schedule or properly so my sugar spiked. My Tuesday morning, I was ill and I slept all day Wednesday. That's what I have to do after one of these episodes. Thankfully, they don't happen often. I'm closer to myself today and diving in. Not hard, but at least trying to catch up. 

Which brings me to today's review:

AMAZON

BLURB:

A joyful surprise can hide a painful truth—and Naomi Mercer is done trusting what no one will explain. 

October has painted Gracefield, Tennessee, in copper and gold, and caterer Naomi Mercer has one important assignment: plan a secret Pastor Appreciation Lunch for the man who helped her family through its darkest season. The trouble is that the church has paired her with Gideon Hale, the dependable carpenter who once disappeared from her life without a word.

Gideon believes faithful love means serving quietly and protecting other people’s burdens. Keeping one celebration under wraps should be easy. Instead, covert orchard runs, after-hours meetings with Naomi’s sister, a mysterious envelope, and a treasured recording from Naomi’s late mother make every good intention look like another betrayal.

As their hidden preparations grow increasingly complicated—and increasingly funny—old affection begins to return. But when an autumn storm threatens the lunch and Naomi receives an offer that could take her away from Gracefield, both must decide whether a second chance can survive without brave, honest trust.

To be honest, I found the reading slow and the whole premise of a 'surprise' a bit broken up. First off, the whole organized method, right down to measurements of table placing was a bit much. I've never seen anyone organize something so detailed. Planners, notes, etc I can see (and use) but everything else pulled me away from where the author wanted to lead. 

As I read, I felt as if I were reading an AI story similar to what I listen to on YouTube. Not just in the detail but how the wording is presented. I'm NOT saying she used AI, I'm just saying that was the overall feeling. I want something I can immerse myself in the story. October's Kindest Secret was not that story for me.

But here's the good news. Arabella can write tension. Not 'sexual tension' per say (since it is a Christian story at it's core) but the slow move from 'how can I work with him' to "we make a good team, don't you think."

I enjoy Amish and Christian romances from the 'clean/ sweet' perspective. If you like being led by bible verses throughout the story, then this book is for you. 

I'm giving October's Kindest Secret...

.5

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Arabella G. Hamilton

 Good morning, friends!

I'm just back from the Ozark Creative Writers Conference. Fabulous weekend of celebration and meet-up with friends I only get to see in October.

Today, I'm sharing the talent of Arabella G. Hamilton.

Arabella G. Hamilton is a beloved voice in contemporary Christian romance, crafting stories that explore the beautiful intersection where love meets divine purpose. Her novels are known for their emotional depth, genuine faith elements, and the hopeful message that true love flourishes within Christian principles.

Drawing from her deep understanding of human relationships and spiritual growth, Arabella creates characters who face real-world challenges while discovering God's plan for their lives. Her work offers clean, uplifting romance that honors both the complexity of human emotions and the transformative power of faith.

When she's not writing, Arabella enjoys quiet mornings with her Bible and coffee, tending to her garden, and spending time with her local church community. She finds inspiration in everyday moments of grace and believes that every love story is ultimately a reflection of God's love for us. 

Residing in a charming small town that inspires her close-knit fictional communities, Arabella is passionate about encouraging other writers and frequently speaks about the importance of faith-based literature.

"I believe every love story is a small miracle, and every heart that finds its home in both human love and divine grace is a testament to God's beautiful design for our lives."

I'll be back tomorrow with my review of October's Kindest Secret. In the mean time, you can find more about Arabella by clicking on the links below. 

Goodreads   Audible

Amazon Author Page

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, everyone!

All my best!

~ Angela