REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Pumpkin To Talk About

 Good morning!

I have a spicy read for you this week.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Mike Page fled Ironwood Flats, Texas the moment he tossed his high school cap in the air and never looked back. But when his little sister, Annie, is suddenly left raising two kids on her own, one desperate call brings him right back to the one place he swore he’d never return. Now, stuck playing uncle, Mike’s in for more than he bargained for, especially since it means surviving the town’s infamous Halloween celebrations—his personal nightmare.

Belle Allen has always been a bit eclectic. As Ironwood Elementary’s quirky part-time librarian by day and bartender by night, she has finally found her rhythm. That is, until Mike, her high school nemesis, walks into the bar bringing painful memories back with him.

Old wounds run deep, but so do new sparks when they keep bumping into each other. As they’re pulled together by chance encounters and unexpected chemistry, Mike and Belle realize they’re not the same people they were in high school. But just as they start falling harder than autumn leaves, reality hits—Mike’s heading back to Indiana after Halloween.

Can they admit they’re bewitched with each other? Or will the spell of their romance be broken?

Notice, the blurb gives no indication of actual sex taking place in the story. I've been really careful about catching those ahead of time. The only indication is in one of the keyword categories. Pumpkin To Talk About hit #182 in the Love/Sex/ Marriage. 

However, the author does open up by telling us there is sex and where we can find it in the book, you know in case you're a teen just looking for the dirty parts 😉. She even tells us we're welcome to skip over that part and keep reading.

Well, I didn't skip. I could have. I could also have decided those parts were not what I signed up for when I borrowed the book. The story kept me sliding pages and wanting to see these two work things out. The parts weren't that bad and didn't detract from the story. Instead, they enhanced the fact that Mike and Bella had some unfinished business and needed to work through things. I am glad I didn't. As you know, I'm all about second chances. They're the theme I follow when telling my own stories. 

I'm glad I kept reading. Aside from Halloween being my favorite holiday and I love a storyline that includes kids. What made this interesting is why the story had two kids, they weren't part of the relationship between Bella and Mike. The kids were Mike's neice and nephew. They added a fun aspect to the story I wasn't expecting. 

I'm giving PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT...

.8

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Pumpkin Spice for Autumn

 Hi friends!

I have a fun review today. But first, here's the book:

AMAZON

BLURB:

Love can happen to anyone, anywhere, and in any season. It’s Romantically Seasonal...

They were gods.
They were celestial beings.
They were mythological creatures.

It didn’t matter what they were called. Names were merely a reflection of the current age and occasion. Throughout time, there was only one constant: a strong dedication to their own worthless pride.

Wars were fought... humans suffered... tricks were played... and all in the name of competition; a way of determining a hierarchy amongst themselves.

The strong thrived. The weak suffered.

Cupid shed his stereotypical persona to bring about the bet of the century. For once and for all, he was going to prove helping people fall in love was, is, and always would be, the hardest job.

Four challengers stood at the plate, ready to swing. But would they actually find a way to bring about the romance of Valentine’s Day in their designated seasons?

In book three of this four part series of standalone books, pumpkin spice is in the air. It's the Grim Reaper's turn and he has his own plans for this season. Can love conquer when costumes and curses threaten any hope for a happily ever after?

For lack of a better word, I found this story ENCHANTING. I have never read a book with such an adventurous spirit for a romance. And yes, there is romance. There are two romances in this book, though you don't see the second one coming. PUMPKIN SPICE FOR AUTUMN is probably the most fun book I've read in a long time. I may have to get the rest of this series at some point.

I'm giving Pumpkin Spice for Autumn...

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Where Hearts Heal

 Good morning, friends!

Looks like we might have gotten a spot of rain overnight and I do mean 'spot'. The map shows the rain passed through but not a bit of dampness on the concrete. I'll have to water the garden this morning.

This week, I inadvertently picked up another novella by Kathleen Ball. I do love her stories. I think she's becoming another favorite author.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Sold to settle a debt… she never chose this life.

When Willa Portman is taken to a saloon as payment for a debt she didn’t create, fear becomes her constant companion. Alone and desperate on the Texas frontier, her future seems sealed—until one man steps in and changes everything.

Justin O'Connor is a rugged cowboy determined to build a life in the growing settlement of Everheart Ridge. He never intended to interfere, but when he sees a frightened young woman being forced into a life she doesn’t deserve, he can’t walk away. In a land where survival is never guaranteed, doing the right thing may cost him everything.

Brought to Everheart Ridge, Willa is given something she hasn’t known in far too long—safety. As the small western town struggles to take root, she finds herself drawn into a world of hard work, quiet kindness, and the possibility of a new beginning.

But healing takes time… and trusting a man—no matter how gentle—may be the greatest risk of all. 

In this sweet historical western romance, love grows where it’s least expected, and two wounded hearts must learn that second chances are worth fighting for.

Kathleen Ball knows how to not just tell you a story, but put you there. 

Justin is a remarkeable human being. Atrue gentleman. Personally, I thought the author gave him too much patience with Corrine. So did Willa, for that matter. I'm pretty sure that Miss Priss would have been subjected to a bit of water just to see if she'd melt into the background. Even when presented with the facts she would never be head of Justin's household, she still kept living in her dream world. 

Willa came from a hard life. She was good at finding metals in the tunnels but she was a quick study in manners and propriety in Justin's home. That said, my only issue with this story was how she seemed to change from the Willa that Jusin and Tessa kept telling her to 'just be yourself' to sounding like she wasn't much below Miss Priss with a more refined speech. This gave me the impression of she grew up overnight. I know the author wanted us to understand that Willa was the perfect mate for Justin, I just felt as if the mannerisms were a bit rushed. I would liked to have seen that come in a bit earlier in the story or possibly an epilogue - A year later when Justin and/ or Tessa remark how much she's changed since becoming the lady of the house.

Of all my favorite parts of the story, I'm in love with Mr. Ornery. I'm not giving anything away, but you'll see. 

I'm giving Where Hearts Heal...

.8

Remember to check out the links to Kathleen Ball's pages:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS   

AUDIO    BOOKBUB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE   

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - A June Bride

 Good morning, readers!

We're stepping into June all about the brides. This week's novella was interesting. Let's get into the book and the review.

AMAZON

BLURB:

The reality show ended with an engagement, so why doesn’t this feel like the fairy tale she thought it would be?

The Rejection Connection hardly sounds like the place to fall in love, but Wynne Hardy walked off the reality-TV set with an engagement ring. And in the whirlwind of publicity and preparation that follows a TV-bride-to-be in her fifteen minutes of fame, Wynne barely has time to consider how she really feels about her new fiancé . . . to say nothing of how she still feels about her ex.

As the wedding plans develop, so too do Wynne’s doubts: Is she in love with Andy? Or is this really about Callum—the ex-boyfriend who sent her onto Rejection Connection in the first place? A nationally televised snub might be the best revenge . . . but is it a good reason to get married?

When Callum resurfaces at the worst possible moment, Wynne can’t help wondering if she’s made a huge mistake. Is her marriage a publicity stunt? And what happens when the cameras stop rolling, and she has a husband she barely knows?

A June Bride is Book 7 in the A Year of Weddings series. 

I've never been a fan of reality TV, unless it's a cooking show (those are a little harder to script, I think, though not impossible). But as this story brings to light, most of it is scripted for ratings. Meredith brings that to light when, as her Marathon Mom fame is dying, she steps onto Wynne's wedding dress train for a shot at a new run; a way to keep herself in the spotlight. Wynne doesn't see this at first. She's too caught up in her upcoming wedding to her chosen one on the reality show, The Rejection Connection. But was she really 'rejected'? Or did she misunderstand why Callum walked away? 

The evolution of this story was smooth, believable, and worth the read. Once you read the book, please leave a comment either here, or in your own review whether or not Andy was really in it to find a partner or was he also riding the reality train?

I'm giving A June Bride...

Remember, you can find out more about Marybeth Whalen and her books by clicking any of the links below.

WEBSITE

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Farmer's Bride

 Good morning!

Was nice to curl up and really enjoy the book yesterday. I needed the break. The canning is done until fall, so that's one thing off my plate and I can get back to writing.

In the mean time, I have a soft romance for you today. This book was special. One of the reasons I love to read novella's because they show the author's true artistry in telling a tight, well-structured story. This week's book is a great example of Christine Sterling'stalent.

AMAZON

BLURB:

She offered herself as a bride, to save her future—and his heart.

Elizabet Garrett is out of time and out of choices. Cast out by her brother’s growing family, she knows the early American frontier offers little mercy to an unmarried woman with nowhere to go. When she witnesses a wounded farmer being rejected by his mail-order bride, Elizabet does the unthinkable. She steps forward and offers herself as the substitute.

Peter Arkin has learned not to hope. Finding a wife on the frontier isn’t easy when you have a disability. He has survived loss, injury, and a bitter struggle with anger on his isolated homestead. When his carefully arranged mail-order match fails, the last thing he expects is a stranger’s brave and desperate proposal. Elizabet never intended to fall for the rugged man behind the scars, but her past threatens to follow her into marriage.

Peter starts believing in love again, but his temper and self-doubt could destroy the fragile bond they’re building. Can two wounded hearts find healing, faith, and love on the unforgiving frontier, or will fear cost them everything?

Set in the small town of Flat River, Nebraska, this heartfelt and uplifting historical romance is perfect for readers who enjoy 1800s western frontier stories filled with strong pioneer women, rugged men, and the courage it takes to choose love. If you love clean historical romance rooted in faith and hope, with frontier hardship and a love which grows stronger through God’s grace, then read The Farmer’s Bride today and discover why readers keep coming back to Flat River.

I loved multiple things about this story. First and foremost a disabled hero. It isn't often we see disability featured, especially in a historical. He was so sweet. Elizabet helped him see he wasn't incapable of a lot of things, including love, just because he was missing a leg. They were both bruised from various occurrences in their past. They found each other when they needed to someone to help them heal. 

As for Elizabet. I loved her character. The fact that her brother acted the way she did. Elizabet left to begin her new life with Peter with a small carpet bag holding her meager possessions. I won't give anything away but safe to say, Peter had much more restraint than I would have. 

The Farmer's Bride is Book 1 of 7 in the Flat River Matchmaker series. Christina said we'll see some of the characters make appearances along the way. I want to read the others if for no other reason than to find out if Elizabet's brother comes to his senses. 

You'll find a complete list of the series on...

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/351177-the-flat-river-matchmaker

I'm giving The Farmer's Wife...

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - May Flowers

 Good morning, readers.

If you're looking for a quick read during your coffee break, today's book is for you.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Love blooms after the rain…

Aria Garcia is a fifth-grade teacher in Vermont, who likes to keep her private life private. Her co-workers are curious as to who is sending her flowers almost every single day. Aria has never felt the way she does with Damian Rossi. He makes her feel safe and, most importantly, loved.

With each new bouquet of flowers from Damian, Aria falls deeper in love. After a month of sneaking around, Damian is ready to show off his love for Aria. Will Aria be able to find the courage she needs to let go of her fears?

Stories don't come any sweeter than this. Don't be deceived by the length. A lot is packed into the forty-seven pages! 

First, Aria Garcia is dealing with past emotional trauma, making her afraid to fully step into a relationship with a guy that seems beyond perfect.

Next we have Damian, who from what we see from Aria's point of view seems like the perfect guy. Maybe too perfect. 

When Damian puts the brakes on their private relationship, Aria is forced to confront her dad. Later, seeing Damian in his sister's flower shop and how she and her husband interact she realizes something important. 

I saw something in this story I wish a dear friend of mine would understand. We have to let go of whatever happened in our past if we're to truly live in the present. Most of the time we can't do anything about what lives in our brain like the boogey man, orchestrating our every decision in the present. Talk about the situation with whomever was involved. Resolution or not, only you can decide what your true future holds - the happiness you deserve.

The only thing that confused me in it's inclusion was the Cinco de Mayo situation with her class. I couldn't pull it together. Maybe I missed something. So, if you read this book (and I hope you will), please let me know in the comments what you saw.

I'm giving MAY FLOWERS...

. 8

Remember to check out Eden Larsen's Good Reads and Amazon Author Page.

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Lucky In Love

 Good morning, readers!

No, this is not a repeat post nor is it an April Fools joke. Today's book really is titled "Lucky In Love".

AMAZON

BLURB:

She trusts lists. He trusts luck. The town is about to test both. 

Molly O’Rourke runs her bakery—and her life—the same way: carefully planned, perfectly measured, and safely predictable. Surprises are for other people. Preferably far away from her ovens. 

So when a broken neon LUCKY sign, a last-minute festival crisis, and a charming traveling repair contractor all arrive at once, Molly knows one thing for certain: 

The universe is up to something.

Declan Byrne fixes problems for a living. Loose wires, broken generators, collapsing setups—he’s seen it all. What he hasn’t seen is someone quite like Molly: steady, capable, and determined to keep chaos at arm’s length… even when he keeps showing up inside it. 

Between glitter catastrophes, parade emergencies, and one almost-kiss that changes everything, Molly starts to realize that not all surprises are disasters. 

Some might be exactly what she didn’t know she needed. 

Lucky in Love is a warm, funny, feel-good romantic comedy novella 

I really enjoyed this story. First off, it's short and I love novellas. They fit in my reading time, time I can immerse myself in a story without feeling like I'm letting something slide. 

I also loved the characters, including Molly's assistant.  Declan was that quiet, solid man every woman needs in their life. They had chemistry but let it slowly come to the surface. Brynn brought this about without giving us filler just to make a wordier book. Like Molly, the author took care of business with efficiency and care.  My other favorite character was the Mayor. If you're a Good Witch fan, then I think you'll agree there are definite similarities in the mayor characters. As soon as she all but burst into the bakery, My mind started running pictures of the Mayor from Good Witch. Let me know in the comments below if you had the same experience.

I'm giving LUCKY IN LOVE...

In the mean time, please remember to check out Brynn Winslow's links below and her other books on Amazon.

INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela