Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Seth Webster misses his wife but doesn't know how long he'll get along after losing housekeeper after housekeeper. Judd and Jason, his twin boys, don't exactly help matters. Then Mrs. Merkle arrives and the boys dub her Mrs.Miracle. She gets the twins into ship shape. On the other side of town, Reba Maxwell takes over the christmas pageant at church. Being around kids might just be what her heart needs. Could these two find what their hearts need and get healing?

Ms. Macomber presents a sweeping romance full of heart. I loved how clean it was and the focus was on the lives that need help. She knows how to write mischievous characters that just make you laugh. I was truly impressed with how the story flowed and that there were true conflicts. The characters weren't perfect but that was fun as well. It made them easy to relate to.

Seth is really grieving four years later after his wife died in a car accident. Reba Maxwell is finding it difficult to trust again after she lost her fiance to another woman. Mrs. Merkle seems to have everything all figured out if Seth and Reba could see past the end of their noses. They can relate to each other because of the shared grief. It might just be the one thing that makes their relationship work. As long as they don't let their pride get in the way.

This is one book that I couldn't put down. Debbie Macomber does such a fantastic job with all the characters. The minor ones even have their place. I hope to read another one of hers soon.

Debbie Macomber/ Romance/ 321 pages/ Healing/5 out of 5

I'm not sure when I'll be picking up another book with a sick wee one. Just a cold but got to keep an eye on him. I am watching the movie that was on Lifetime and it's just so-so. They kept a lot of the stuff from the book. I am hoping it gets better.

Dating Games by Leigh Michaels

Rachel Todd is sick of friends wanting to set her up. She would rather stay single. “Crash” McKenna is his family's only client and they want to see him just as happy as they are. Yet if they work together, maybe it will finally get the line of dates off their backs. “Crash” knows their plan isn't all that simple so why is he going along with it?

Ms. Michaels is a fantastic writer. She has this family series that keeps you in stitches. The story moves along at a great pace and the twist at the end is one that I never saw coming. Though I rarely do see them coming in all honesty. She keeps you hoping for the best for the characters even if they are denying it themselves.

Rachel keeps all men at a distance. She knows her career could go somewhere and relationships just aren't her thing. She is a sweetheart but knows something is missing. The thing is the secrets in her past keep her locked away. “Crash” is sick of being fixed up by his family. He longs for his own family but knows that it will come along at the right time. The whole situation he finds himself in isn't how he'd have it happen but he's not about to turn away a gift.

Even though this is the last in the series, I loved it so much! I honestly didn't even know it was part of a series so it had no effect on the book itself. It can certainly be read alone and I'd love to get my hands on the rest of the series eventually. Ms. Michaels writes with such emotion that I had to go back and read the ending a second time cause tears were streaming down my face. The majority of the book was light and had me in stitches. It was nice to know that even older, authors still like to write clean simple romances. So much can be experienced in a simple kiss. I will definitely seek more of this author's work out! I think I found a new favorite author.


Leigh Michaels/New Author/Romance/187 pages/ Family/ Matchmaking/ 5 out of 5

Now off to something different, a Harlan Coben book. :)

Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight

Scotty Templeton loved being a race car driver. But an unexpected ghost threw him for a loop literally. He got injured and had to listen to the ghost or his life would never be the same. Maggie Cooper had her life all mapped out. Yet even her boyfriend felt lacking. When she meets hot headed Scotty, things heat up in more ways than one. The ghost wants something accomplished but Scotty wasn't sure he could keep his hands off Maggie and follow instructions. Each of them is determined who will win?

Ms. McKnight did her research with this one down to the tiniest detail. That impressed me as well as the characters that had me in stitches. From Grammy, Ruby, down to Coop (the ghost) himself. A lot of things were on the line but humor was still there. She played the serious parts very well as making sure that the humor stayed throughout.

Maggie's last desire is to fall in love with a race car driver after all her previous experience hadn't always been so great. Her dad was rarely there or they were on the road with him. Scotty was definitely hot headed but more than anything he wanted that ghost gone. Grammy wanted to see Maggie happy but knew that there was going to be a fight on her hands. Coop wanted to take care of some final things so his family could be set for life.


This book was one fast paced ride! I couldn't get enough of the heat between Scotty and Maggie. Yet I knew there had to be more than just heat to keep the two of them together. Ms. McKnight weaved a story that captured my attention from the beginning. Having chatted with her only made me more intrigued to read this story and am happy to finally take it off my to be read pile. The minor characters have a part to play as well and made the story so much more fun! Definitely an author I want to read more of her work!

Jenna McKnight/ New Author/Romance/ Ghosts/Racing/384 pages/ 4 out of 5

This is a great book and onto my non-fiction for the month!!

Darling daughters by Debbie Macomber

Yours and Mine

Joanna Parsons is a single mother who insists that she will not get married again. Her 11 year old daughter Kristen has something else in mind. With her best friend Nicole's help, she wants her mom to get married to Nicole's dad Tanner. These girls are definitely determined but will it be enough?

This is a sweet story of two hearts that were broken and may just have found the right person to heal them. The girls are conniving but even they have stuff to work through. It's a heart warming story and I couldn't get enough.

Lone Star Lovin'

Cattle Rancher Cody Bailman never thought he'd love ever again. His daughter Heather has other ideas. When Sherry Waterman arrived in town early to check out the place, she never knew that she'd fall head over heels in love with a man who didn't know how to love anymore. Yet Heather thinks she is perfect for her dad.

This is another sweet story of two people who need to learn how to love from the heart. Sherry had seen all her friends get married and wanted her own romance. Cody didn't want nothing to do with romance. Sherry wanted to be swept off her feet and wouldn't take marriage lightly.

I loved both of these stories even though at times I wanted to bang the heads of the people who were getting set up by their daughters. I understand being stubborn and not wanting to give up your freedom but sometimes I never thought it'd happen.


Debbie Macomber/ Romance/ Daughters/384 pages/5 out of 5
This was a cute book off to read a review one!

Fit to be Tied by Karen Kendall

Jen feels so happy now that she's engaged to Tom. But things seem to fall apart from there, her parents are getting a divorce, Tom seems to act caged in, and to top it all off his ex wife shows up at the wedding reception. Jen cannot take much more so she decides the marriage is off! But doubting her decision at her every turn certainly is not helping her feel good. But will she lose her mind as well as her husband?

Ms. Kendall knows how to keep the humor going. There were quite a few moments that I thought Jen was going to lose it but she kept calm. The family dynamics in this story would make any sane person question the reason for getting married. Yet Tom trying to be the voice of reason through it all just isn't enough for Jen.

Jen feels like her world is tipped upside down. Things can't get any worse in her mind. Her wedding day will certainly test her but she must keep up appearances. Tom has never told her about his ex wife and that is going to come back and bite him in the butt. Her parents refuse to be civil to each other. And the best man Chase is being a complete jerk. He loves his womanizing ways! At least the honey moon is looking up right?

This is one book that was up and down through out the book. There were times I was getting really frustrated that situations were more down than up. It was pretty depressing. But Jen had to work through her emotions and figure that no matter what you are responsible for your own future regardless of the actions your family members might take. I really came to love this book by the end. The characters were far from perfect but they had to figure out how to work things out. Definitely an author I want to read more by!

Karen Kendall/Family/ New Author/ Romance/ Weddings/336 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a great book! I am off to read another chunkster!!

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Autumn Nicholson has always had issues with her current boyfriend. The man truly is selfish and definitely is not helping her at all when she needs it. L J is a man who knows what he likes but meeting Autumn throws him for a loop. Yet a lot lies ahead for these two, they have to battle their emotions and an ex-boyfriend who just won't quit. Through it all, they'll come to realize their relationship is not other people's business.

Ms. Yaye writes a book that impresses me throughly. There were times I found it difficult to relate to the characters but then I'm not African American. Through it all, I truly loved how she wrote it and how the characters were butting in often where they didn't belong. It was very close to real life and I couldn't get enough of it.

Autumn likes her simple life though her friends might think she's dull. They liked to butt in. L J was a determined man yet kept things in his past a secret. He just never knew how to tell her and it came back to bite him. Even Autumn's parents tried to butt in as well. Things were up and down, I kept hoping things would work out.

This is a fantastic romance! I was swept away on an emotional ride. These characters were easy to relate to and then there were times I wanted to bonk certain ones on the head. I understand weddings are important but don't be such a bridezilla. I definitely want to read more by this author.



Pamela Yaye/288 pages/ Romance/ African American/ 4 out of 5

Off to read another short and then another Chunkster. :)

Comfort and Joy by Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb, and Deborah J. Wolf

Comfort and Joy by Fern Michaels

Angie Bradford took over her mother's gift wrap business in Eagle Department store, and ever since her and the store chief Josh Eagle have been butting heads and going to court multiple times. The store is failing and so she needs to get things renovated hopefully if Josh will agree to it. But with Josh leaving the store at the first of the year and unexpected snow coming, Angie never expects an miracle to come out of the blue.


This is not my first story by Ms. Michaels and certainly won't be the last. I am intrigued and definitely want to read more of her work. Her characters are full of emotions and stand up for what they believe. If only they can work together and get past some of the issues that hold them back.

A High Kicking Christmas by Marie Bostwick

Kendra Erickson needs a break from Christmas. Being a Rockette for the last ten years has drained all the joy out of Christmas for her. But breaking her leg sends her off to a small town in Vermont, she may just right smack in the middle of a Christmas pageant that needs help. Kendra just might see Christmas in a whole new light.

Re-birth of Christmas in Kendra's heart is such a great story that Ms. Bostwick has won me over. I am so glad I have another one of her books on my shelf cause I want to read it soon! Definitely an author who will warm your heart in every word she writes.

Suzanna's Stockings by Cathy Lamb

Suzanna's life has all been planned out. But waking up floating over her own body wasn't part of it. Now she's in a coma, how she isn't sure and she needs to figure out how to get her life back. Jack Benson never leaves her side but she isn't sure why. Can she figure out what to do in time?

The searching that Suzanna goes through keeps this story very poignant. She reflects on all that is going on around her. Ms. Lamb keeps things focused on everything in this small town as well as the wanderings of Suzanna. A story that will warm your heart.

Family Blessings by Deborah J. Wolf

Things seemed odd when Kacey's mother seemed to stare off into the distance or repeat herself. But when in the middle of September, Kacey visited to find her mother decorating for Christmas something just didn't add up. Reuniting her family isn't going to be easy but their mother is dealing with something serious. It just might bring the family together again.

Heart wrenching is what Ms. Wolf is good at. There is light at the end of the tunnel. This family must come together to let go of the past. It's a journey none will ever forget.


These four stories touched on the hope, love, peace and family that is so much a part of Christmas. I will certainly not forget these stories. I hope to read more by this authors soon.

Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb, Deborah J. Wolf, Christmas story, Romance, Family, 352 pages, 5 out of 5

Definitely a good book to end the year on! I'll post my year's book records tomorrow! Happy New Year!

The Wedding Secret by Michele Dunaway

Cecile Duletsky hadn't been with a man in awhile. Her last boyfriend Eric had turned out to be less thean expected not to mention the relationship flopped. Now going to little sister's wedding, she's not looking forward to it. But meeting one of the groomsmen is about to change her world. She just has no clue how much it will affect her life.

Ms. Dunaway is a fantastic author. I loved this story and how sexy it was. The characters truly must figure out what is important to them. There are struggles ahead and I was curious to see how they'd deal with them.

Cecile is a woman who knows what she wants but never really seems to take the time for it. After her last relationship soured, she decided to focus on her career. Luke Shaw, on the other hand, isn't afraid to throw caution to the wind no matter what. These two have so much in common but can they make it work?

This was a great story just bummed that again it's labeled as a holiday escape but no holidays mentioned really. Ms. Dunaway has captured my attention for sure! I look forward to reading her next work.

Michele Dunaway/Romance/256 pages/ New Author/ 5 out of 5

Okay got a Christmas book up next! So excited!!!

The Exchange by Inga C. Ellzey

Jewelle Dawson needed a break. Being in the witness protection program had been draining. She needs a break and wants to get out. Against the advisement of her friend, she decides to go ahead and go. She knows she will not be watched over but she doesn't think anything of it. Meeting two wonderful men, Max is a playboy gambler and wants Jewelle to come along and take risks with him. While Paul is a laid back kind of guy and just gently woos her. This trip will be one that she'll never forget.

Ms. Ellzey made me laugh. It all came back to mentioning the small town in Minnesota as well as Duluth. Being someone who has been there just made me smile cause it fit so well. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors but nothing major. I was pleased with how well the plot flowed and the surprises along the way. Ms. Ellzey has a new fan and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.

Jewelle is a woman who just wants to embrace life. She never knew how a simple testimony could change her life. Now she wants to take a break from the life she had to start. Meeting other people on a cruise seems like the ideal spot. Little does she know that she'll change lives along the way.

This is a fascinating book that grabbed me from the beginning. It jumped from Jewelle to another character a little here and there. It never bothered me and I felt it flowed pretty well. It was a good well written story that the sequel to come out next year is definitely a must read after the cliff hanger you are left with at the end.

Inga C. Ellzey/New Author/ Adult Fiction/ Romance/ Chunkster/401 pages/ 5 out of 5

I would have posted this sooner but we lost power yesterday and forgot to copy this onto something so I could post it. lol Oh well! :)

Just Like The Ones We Used to Know by Brenda Novak

Angela Forrester loves Kayla like she is her own daughter. But that is not the case, but now Kayla is wanting to know here “real” father. Angela isn't so sure at first and then decides to go back to where it all happened. She just hopes it goes better than expected.

Ms. Novak really gets to the heart of the matter. I loved this quick holiday story. :) So sweet and then full of heat. :) Definitely an author I would love to read more by.


The Night Before Christmas by Melinda Curtis

Emma Roberts was looking forward to helping her family with the Santa Express in her hometown. Now she gets an offer to drive a man to Las Vegas and she isn;t sure she wants it. Simon has the offer of a lifetime but has to scramble to find a driver. Emma may be the perfect one for the job but she just might find a way into his heart as well.

Ms. Curtis writes a sweet romance to life your spirits. Emma is a character you just want to hug. She has beliefs that she sticks to. You get a good glimpse into the life of Emma and her family. Simon may not be as hard of a nut to crack as he thinks.


All the Christmases to Come by Anna Adams

Andrew Durham takes being a single dad very seriously. Now his girlfriend is expecting and he isn't sure what to do about it. He is resigned to lose her because she wants more kids and he doesn't. But something keeps tugging at his heart.

Ms. Adams writes emotions that are so real in her characters. There are unsure people and then there are people who know what they want. You'll see both in this story. It may take an unplanned event to make them all see the same thing.

These three tales were so much fun to read! I couldn't get enough and definitely want to read more by all three authors. I was hooked with each one and didn't want to see any of the stories end. All three authors are truly talented and I am curious to see if they have written other Christmas stories.

Brenda Novak, Anna Adams, Melinda Curtis, Christmas, Romance, New Authors, 304 pages, 5 out of 5

Off to read Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva and hopefully some more writing. :)

Christmas Husband by Mary Anne Wilson

Madison Symthe loves being the voice of Dr. Love. She is able to help people even though she may be pretending on a few things. Now she is asked to be a Christmas present for someone including the husband that doesn't help her out. Now she has to contact an escort service for help, she would rather give up on the whole thing. But when she meets a man after talking to the lady who runs the service, she wonders if that could be the man for her.

Ms. Wilson writes a wonderful romance that heats up. I loved it from the beginning cause the boy really wanted his father around. It truly is a sweet Christmas story that is full of surprises. Ms. Wilson knew how to keep things interesting and keep you wanting to read.

Madison loved doing her job but never felt to take the time to take care of herself. When she is hit with an unexpected situation, I was curious to see how she'd handle things. It certainly was going to show her what she is made of.

This was a cute romance and I really liked it. I definitely would love to read more by this author whether Christmas related or not.

Mary Anne Wilson/New Author/249 pages/ Christmas/Romance/4 out of 5

I finished this one before I left for work. :) I loved this one. Now off to another Christmas book. :)

The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber

A Marriage of Convience

Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have been friends since high school. But they have only ever been just friends. Now Jamie is determined to have a child but she asks Rich to be the father but she has to agree to marry him. Rich wants more than just a marriage of convience for them.

Jamie is just so stubborn but she knows in her heart that there may have been there something all along. Everyone knew that Rich loved Jamie except for him. Can they make things work or will things fall apart?

Stand-In Wife

Paul Manning needs help raising his kids after his wife dies. Leah is more than willing to help she loves the children. But slowly feelings blossom between the two. Can they work it out or will things just fall apart.

Leah doesn’t want to remind Paul of his dead wife. Paul cannot believe he even has feelings for Leah. These two will have to figure something out as the baby Kelsey only knows Leah as her mother.

Ms. Macomber writes great fiction and I am glad that these were re-printed. Definitely a good read. I cannot wait for the next one in the series.


Debbie Macomber/528 pages/ Chunkster/Romance/ 5 out of 5

Okay got behind on my reviews. lol sorry

Doggy Style by Jane May

Miles just wants his pack to be happy. Bob and Jennifer are so right for each other if only they could make up. Miscommunications are keeping these two apart even though at one time they were happy and got Miles. Now he just wants to see them back together but since they won’t do it on their own. It’s time to take things into his own paws.

Ms. May did something different with this story. Animals often play a part but this was amazing. Miles was so fun and I finally got to hear what they are thinking. I wish I had been able to do that with my own pets. Obviously there is more to it than that but I loved how she weaved this story.

Miles is quite the dog. He really just wants the people he loves to be happy. Jennifer is dating a man who is getting divorced as well as she is divorced. Trust issues are a problem for them. Bob just loves the women he is with and hopes she understands things take time to resolve.

This was quirky read that I loved it. It was different than her book Hooked, which I loved as well. Definitely an author who likes to do things differently but that keeps you focused on what you are reading at the same time. She has become one of my favorites and I hope she comes out with something new soon!

Jane May/ 304 pages/ Romance/ Animals/4 out of 5

I got this one done yesterday but was too wiped out to type. lol

Really Something by Shirley Jump

Allie Dean is going back home and it is the last place she wants to go in all honesty. But scouting out a spot for the newest movie might just be the thing that will jump start her career. Though the first person she runs into when she gets into town is also the last person she wants to see. Duncan Henry broke her heart back in high school. He is not used to being stood up and has not had anyone to talk to since his best friend Allison left town. Allie is just after finding the place to shoot and Duncan wants her in his bed. Who will get what they want first?

Ms. Jump does a fantastic job at the whole coming home story line. I loved how Allie just wanted to prove herself and possibly get a little revenge. The characters were all over the board, which made this book come more alive. Even the minor characters were fantastic.

Allie had horrible memories but she knew this would be the perfect spot to film the B horror movie. It was not going to be anything flashy but Allie knew this was the stepping-stone to getting where she wanted. Duncan just wants someone to talk to but Allie seems to be a beautiful woman as well. He just keeps thinking he knows her from somewhere.

This book had me flipping pages fast. I could not get enough. The tension between Allie and Duncan was really great. There was going to be a lot to deal with if Allie would only come forth, but things might go better. She is just nervous. Duncan just enjoys someone to talk to and wishes for more. I just hoped the outcome would be one that would seem real no matter what it was.

Shirley Jump/New Author/Romance/ Family/Relationships/ 352 pages/ 5 out of 5

Off to go do some more writing!

Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes

Tess Redding does her best to provide Southern hospitality. She also manages a magazine called Simply Southern. But when bad boy Flynn Garvey shows up in town again, all her plans seem to be going up in smoke! Someone is sending blackmail notes to Tess and her three best friends and she is determined to figure out who it is. But she may just have to the one thing she never wanted, which is ask for help.

Ms. Jones is a fabulous author. I was completely blown away by her realistic portrayals of small town life. Even the little things had me flipping pages! Her characters just want to be loved and accepted no matter what mistakes they made in their past. That is so awesome! I would love to see more stories with these characters. They were just so much fun to read about!

Tess is one headstrong girl and when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders no wonder she wanted to be in control! It seemed to make her feel better since she never really had that control before. Flynn is something else! That man had some rough issues but he always tried to do what he thought best even if it meant hurting the one person he loved. Wylene, Reni, and Jerrianne were three women who I would love to have for my friends. They are truly wonderful people who believe in themselves most of the time. When all four women get together, nothing else matters at all! I loved learning about their friendships and the secrets that they wanted to keep hidden.

This is one author that I would love to read more about. It was a pretty light book but these women had some pretty weird stuff to deal with in my opinion. Yet it was one of the best books I have read so far this year.

Luanne Jones/ New Author/ Romance/ 384 pages/ 4 out of 5

Just started another romance for review French Kissing by Nancy Warren, which comes out this month sometime. After that another reivew book called Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander.

Race Against Time by Justine Davis

Kit Cameron is trying to piece together the book her father wanted. Though she keeps getting distracted by trying to help whomever is breaking into her neighbors’ houses for food. She wants to help him no matter the problem but the question is if he will let her? Race Barkley has known very little kindness in his life and keeps his secrets guarded. Now having met Kit, he wonders if there is something more he can have with her that is if he can just see past today.

Ms. Davis keeps everything so simple that I could just fall in love with the characters. The situation that they were dealing with was certainly not an easy one. The writing style was nothing fancy but her descriptions really made the story come alive. I am a romance buff and this is one author I would definitely want to read more of.

Kit was in for some shocks to come as she worked on unraveling the puzzle of what her father was working on. She kept saying she was better with words than with science and I could see that. If explained she could follow it, but it was not her forte a bit. Race, on the other hand, was a sponge. He seemed to be able to soak up anything except kindness. With his past still haunting him, it took him forever to be able to trust someone and now that person was gone.

This was a light read even though rather suspenseful. There was not a whole lot to it, which made it go by even quicker than usual. As I said before, this is definitely an author I would like to read more by.


Justine Davis/New Author/ Romance/ 256 pages/ 4 out of 5

I am glad to finally get to one of my own pile! lol Now I just started Palindrome by Stuart Woods and then back to review books.

IOrish Dreams by Nora Roberts

Irish Rebel

Keeley Grant has had a privileged life. Everything she has ever wanted has been hers. Now her father brings Brian Donnelly to Royal Meadows to help train horses. Keeley is not sure what to think. Brian is taken aback by Keeley, not only is she beautiful but she has talent with teaching children to ride horses. He is not sure what to do with her since her position and her wealth should keep him back. Her innocence is what attracts him and he wonders if he could find a place to stay.

I really liked this story not only for the way Brian talked, which did make me swoon. But for the lovely story of two people overcoming the ideals set for them and to make new ones for themselves. Nora Roberts has a wonderful writing style that pleases my heart time and time again.

I loved all the characters. Keeley is a determined woman and does not always like to ask for help. Brian cannot seem to get past the class distinctions that are stuck in his head from being over in Ireland. But it is Keeley’s mother Adelia who seems to be the one to set everything right. She won my heart because she was compassionate and could keep the men in line.

Sullivan’s Woman

Cassie St. John is struggling not only in her journey to get published but to keep a job in general. So when she is asked to pose for Collin Sullivan, she decides to take the job since she could use the extra pay and then time to work on her second book. Everything seemed to point that her troubles were over but just one look and she knew it could only be the start.

This story was endearing for the simple fact that they were not out to jump each other’s bones right away. There was more to it than that and they had a lot of stuff to work through. This was just as wonderful as Irish Rebel. Nora Roberts can captivate you so much.

Having them deny their love was fun to watch. They knew that there was something between them but Cassie didn’t want to be known as one of Collin’s next thing. Collin wanted to keep things professional. Cassie was so sweet and yet had such a temper. Yet Collin could match her with her temper.

Both stories were really good. I really liked Sullivan’s woman better. Though they both had class distinctions, the last story reversed the situation. This is one book that was immensely good with both stories. I love books like this and hope to read another one by Ms. Roberts soon.

Nora Roberts/ Romance/ Chunkster/ 432 pages/ 5 out of 5

Back off to review books!

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts

Tory Bodeen grew up in a small town in South Carolina. Her best friend Hope was murdered and it was never solved. Her father was extremely hard on her and she had to tiptoe around never to get beaten. Now she is back to Progress to set up her own home-design shop. Rumors seem to float around again but she is not determined to let that stop her. She has been running all her life and refuses to stop now. Getting re-acquainted with Cade Lavelle, her best friend’s older brother may not be a good idea but she’ll just have to take that one-day at a time. Tory might just be willing to open up her heart just a little to try. Being back near the place where it happened brings back memories that could be even worse than she ever imagined since the killer is still out there.

Ms. Roberts has seriously out done herself with this book. I loved seeing the story from Tory’s side, Cade’s side, and Hope’s twin sister’s Faith’s side of things. It really gave me a full rounded feeling that I don’t always find with some books. It is certainly not easy to write. This book had me before I even started it. I could not wait to see how everything played out.

Victoria “Tory” Bodeen is a sweet woman. She had a hard childhood and now is learning to deal with the past. It has followed her ever since she left so she figures it is best to just go back to where it started. She knows ahead of time that it’s going to be difficult but there does not seem to be a way around it. Cade Lavelle has always known who Tory is but never really thought much of her. Now that she has finally grown up, he cannot seem to take his eyes off of her no matter what his mother or sister may think. He knows that Tory had nothing to do with his sister Hope’s death and hopes to prove that to her.

I really liked this story and found it a quick read. I love Southern stories and this one just was added to my favorite books list so far this year. I am a huge fan of Nora and I really like her books. Not all of them are predictable and that is what makes her so much fun. I am definitely keeping this book!

Nora Roberts/Romance/ Romance Challenge/ Chunkster/470 pages/ 4 out of 5

I started the movie and noticed some significant changes right away. We'll see how the rest of it goes before I make a final opinon.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Letty Alsworthy is determined to set Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe straight when she catches her sister getting ready in the middle of the night. He shouldn’t marry her sister Mary. Letty must save her family name but in doing so gets mistaken for her sister and finds herself in front of Geoffrey being kissed. The scandal caused by this makes them get married and Letty finds herself near a man who hates her. Eloise Kelly is fighting her own battles with trying to find information on The Pink Carnation and The Black Tulip. She has found things that could change the course of history. Dallying with Colin Selwick, the great-nephew of Mrs. Slewick-Alderly, keeper of important hidden documents. She wants a romantic adventure to call her own.

Ms. Willig is a fabulous writer. This is the third book in the series and both story lines running in this book kept it close to me till I was finished. The history of that time in the 1800’s was so different that it compels me to keep reading. The characters are so similar in both time periods sometimes it just makes me laugh.

Eloise doesn’t want to ask for help in proving what she has found. She wants to find something to shove it in Colin’s face. She feels like forever has passed yet cannot think of any reasons to call him. Yet she cannot help feeling like there is something between them every time they meet. Letty feels double-crossed when she finds out that her new husband has left her behind. She is a very stubborn woman yet she is very sensitive. She knows that she is not the most attractive woman in her mind. Geoffrey is furious when he finds out she has followed him. The man still even resents having to marry her. I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes. I loved seeing past characters come back in this book. It just made me smile. No matter what time period, they certainly know how to get themselves in trouble.

This is one series that never disappoints me. It takes me a few pages to get used to the style of writing that Ms. Willig uses but then it becomes like an old friend. I am so glad I have the next one in the series to read. Book 5 in the series cannot come out soon enough for me. The romantic scenes were wonderfully written. The feelings came across as very genuine once they were realized. The characters may have faults but that is what makes me enjoy them so much!

Lauren Willig/ Historical/ Romance/ 387 pages/ Romance Challenge/ 5 out of 5

Off to another review book and then Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. :) Got a lot of review books on my pile.

Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight

Jared Bennett has been focused on his people’s fight for freedom. Thinking of nothing else, the people around him keep reminding him that he needs to mate. He has the power to overthrow his enemy the key to time. Yet one woman will change his life forever. Kelsey has always known someone was out there for her. Though she never found him. When she meets Jared, the attraction for him is so strong she cannot explain it. She knows he has not told her everything but she has no idea what he is hiding. Could his secrets cost them their future together?

Ms. Knight is a fantastic author. The word she uses to spin her tale is amazing. I was swept up not only in the romance between Jared and Kelsey. I also found the culture of the Refarians fascinating. I am sure there is so much more to learn and I cannot wait! The intricate details were planned and I was blown away by how well she created the alien world. Having it take place in our backyard just makes it come alive.

Jared is a man full of duty and honor to his people. That was so refreshing. He also knew that he could not commit to someone he did not care for romantically. Scott Dillon, his best friend, did not understand that at all. But he had to get over it to support Jared’s decision. Kelsey had so much heartache but knew someone was out there for her. Her friends thought she was silly but she knew it in her heart. That was all that mattered to her. I really felt for Thea since she had this ideal in her mind since she was a child. All the people truly loved Jared and I believed that he deserved their admiration.

This is a series that truly delights from the start. I love Science Fiction and if all aliens look like Jared. They truly sizzle. Yet the people do want to protect Earth and win their world back from their enemy. I was pulled in from the beginning. The emotions are real and the difficulties ahead for Jared and Kelsey are not easy for them to face. I just hope they continue to do well.

Deidre Knight/ Romance/ Midnight Warriors Series/ Paranormal/ 320 pages/ 5 out of 5

I have book 2 Parallel Heat on order. I am so glad my friend from AN2R thought up this challenge. Off to the world of Maisie Dobbs again!