Ashley
This is the first book I've read by Langley Gray and I'll be reading more! The SantaConviction was a nice cozy mystery to read this time of year. I had an idea of who the killer would be, but it's still interesting to see how the story unfolds
Marcy is staying with her cousin, Holly, and working to earn money for college. Her childhood celebrity crush, Gabriel D'Angelo, is in town and Holly finds a way for Marcy to meet him. Only when she does he is dead. And Holly gets pinned for the murder
Logan is former military and Gabe's security. Eager to find the murderer, he teams up with Marcy to find out what really happened.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Four friends decide to open a bookstore together. Each brings their own strengths to the business and each from a different upbringing. Throughout the story each one is faced with a hardship that could potentially squash the bookstore dream and their friendships are put to the test.
We get POVs from each of the four characters throughout the book. The story is written in journal form, so it makes is easy to follow a timeline and the transition among the characters.
This book wasn't the lighthearted read I was expecting it to be. I do recommend reading it. It was well written and a wonderful story about the importance of friendships.
Check TW. This book deals with heavy topics such as an abortion, gambling addiction, racist comments and a child's illness.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Narrator: it did take a little bit or me to figure out if the voice fit the character, but the narrator chosen ended up being a good choice. There were several characters to voice and the narrator did a good job.
Story: This wasn't the right book for me, but it does include several elements I think others will enjoy.
This story overall was an enjoyable read. There were funny moments, action and a bit if suspense, which drew me in. While everything in the story was reverent to the overall story, it did feel like it was longer than it should have been. A scene or two could have been cut and still achieve the ending and effect the author intended.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.
Love is What You Bake It is the first in the Meraki Series.
In this story we follow Kalley and Max. Max has just moved back home trying to start over. He walks into Kally's bakery, The Coffee Klatch, after reporting a missing license plate. The two don't get off to a good start, but it doesn't take long before things fall into place. Each has their own secret. Will the other person accept them after revealing?
I love how Greek culture was represented in this book and how the author shows its importance to the main character and to her family. From the dishes they baked to traditions the author did a great job of not just including, but also explaining what it represents.
Kally and Max's past do touch on hard subjects, but the author writes in a way that it doesn't bring a reader down. I liked the way Kally's past relationship was woven throughout the story. Gradually telling the story and how it brought her to where she is.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. It had a lot of love in it. Not just with the main characters, but love within a community, friends, family and culture. And who doesn't love bonus content? Thank you for the recipes!
Thank you Effie Kammenou and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this book. I'm excited to read and share the second!
Honey Harvest is a cute story for kids! This story goes through the process of making honey and how to be safe in the process. It is told in a way that is simple for kids to understand. I love that his is a teachable moment from parent to child.
The illustrations are colorful and bright.
This is the perfect book for discussing how honey is made.
Thank you Elissa Kerr and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Falling in Love is everything you need for a sweet cozy romance this fall! Perfect for any Hallmark and Gilmore Girl fan!
If you like...
✔️Small Town
✔️Instant Love
✔️Puppies!!!
You'll enjoy Falling in Love.
While it felt mostly like a light and fluffy romance, the story got me teary eyed as Beth begins to face her past. Evan is the guy we all want. The characters in the story are loveable and have great chemistry together.
The story felt it progressed too quickly. I would like to have had more depth to the story. However, I didn't feel like the author left anything out. All the elements were there to make it an enjoyable read.
Overall I enjoyed Falling in Love and look forward to the rest of the series. The author set up the next book nicely at the end.
Falling in Love is the first in the Freedom Valley series. The paperback book is out now! E-book will be released this Thursday! More on this series is coming soon!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review the book.
Love By Design is the second book in the Meraki series by Effie Kammenou.
Mia gets hired at a luxury magazine run by Nicholas and his sister. Mia has admired Nicholas from afar for years and will now be working directly with him.
Nicholas has faced so much loss in his past and has closed himself off from loving again, but Mia changes all that.
They have a hard time working together in the beginning, but soon they realize fate has brought them together.
While I enjoyed book one of this series, book two was even better for me. The author truly loves her heritage and family and it shows through her stories.
My favorite part of this series is the continuance of the grandparents storyline. If you've read book one it wasn't complete, but it is coming together more through book two.
The story transitions from present to past events and the author executes it beautifully. It is easy for the reader to understand what is going on.
While it is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. The story includes enough information from the first book to get an idea of what happened.
Thank you Effie Kammenou and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
If you are looking for a way to get your child interested in reading this is a great book!
Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Crown Jewels is a unique and must have book for kids. The author took this story one step further and made it interactive for kids. The story will engage kids through various types of puzzles within the story helping Bones and Catson solve the mystery.
Thank you Tim Collins, Buster Books and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review Sherlock Bones.
Nick has moved back home to run the family business after his dad retires. His ex-wife's younger sister is living next door. Both are hoping to obtain a piece of land that will be determined through a bet.
I wasn't sure about this book at first. Nick is Melanie's ex brother-in-law and that is the part of the story I didn't care for. Personal preference. It wasn't that it was written weird, but the idea just isn't for me. Outside of that I enjoyed this book.I like the author's writing style. The story is well written, the characters are likable. It is set in a small town so this has community support and rumor mills.
Overall this is cute, lighthearted story. I would read another book by this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed this book so much! Books from this era can be boring, but the author kept my interest the entire time.
At a masquerade ball Sorcha is approached by “Midnight Jack” asking about a letter that was passed to her. She denies it, but they share a kiss and go about their night. Later that night her family is stopped by a highway man and items are taken.
Marcus is helping his spymaster brother find a letter that reveals information about gold. He believes the woman at the masquerade ball has the letters and is helping her own cousin. Does she know anything?
The two become more acquainted when Sorcha and her family are invited to Marcus' family estate for a few weeks. From there Marcus is determined to find out more about Sorcha's cousin and his role in the spy game, but in the process falls for her.
Eventually everything comes together when Sorcha and James are taken by the spy Marcus was looking for.
I can't wait to see what happens in book 2!
Thank you Gemma Sydney and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this book.
After reading this story I am at a loss, but I have so much to say about this story. It is beautifully written, but hard to read. I felt sadness, hope, fear, I think every emotion reading this story.
This story follows Lim Mei Mei (Ah Mei) in the early 1930s. Without her mother's knowledge she is sold to a wealthy family to become their new mui tsai (translated little sister) after an incident with the previous one. She is to care for their daughter.
Ah Mei wonders what happened to the previous Ah Lian, but no one will discuss the situation with her. It is after an incident with Madam Number One's mui tsai that she sees how Ah Lian's story unfolded.
The story deals with heavy topics. Please check before reading. The story gives just enough detail to convey the message, but isn't graphic. The topics are sadly relevant to today.
The author states at the end of the book that this story is a work of fiction. She has included historical facts, personal family lore and history as well as research. Reading the notes at the end gave a deeper understanding of the story.
Thank you Eva Wong Nava and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
This author has become an auto buy author for me. She does a wonderful job telling a story, bringing in culture history and bringing characters to life.
Full Moon Over Freedom is the follow up to After Hours on Milagro Street, which was a top read for me in 2022. This story focuses on the eldest Torres sister. She moves back home for the summer to try and sort out her divorce and make a life for her and her children, but her ex is making it difficult. The guy she fell in love with years ago is back for the summer as well and the two work together on a project.
This story gives dual POV through third person, which I enjoy when reading. I love the way the author writers her characters making them seem real. Their lives and experiences are easy for readers to relate to and sympathize with.
I highly recommend this book and the series!
It does read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I adored this book! If you want a feel good romance look no further.
This story is told in dual POV with both a male and female narrator. Both narrators fit their perspective characters and did a good job telling the story.
This story was the perfect amount of sweet romance without being cheesy. I've been to Belgium and I especially enjoyed when it was mentioned. Belgian chocolate is delicious! The characters were lovable and I couldn't help but cheer for the main characters.
This is the perfect book for Valentine's Day! Or any day you need a good romance.
Dreamscape Media, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
The Waterman follows Terry Stubbs and Jake Harvey. These men are strangers to each other and have not crossed paths, but they have the same dreams and carry around the same token. Terry obtained his from his grandfather after his passing and Jake's appeared in the back of his new company car. Neither of them know what the tokens are or why they are having these dreams. It is after Terry's mother finishes the research left behind by her father that we learn more about the tokens, the dreams, and what connects Jake and the Stubbs family.
The Waterman starts off slow, but does pick up and is worth reading. The author puts so much detail and thought into this story, but in a way that wouldn't bore or make the reader feel lost. Definitely recommend.
Thank you Robert Derry and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Callie and SJ are my new favorite Freedom Valley Couple!
SJ and Callie were inseparable in high school. First loves and planning forever, but Callie's father threatens SJ. SJ leaves without warning. Twelve years later they are both back in Freedom Valley fighting for their place in their community and for each other.
This story has wonderful characters. I enjoyed how the characters came from different walks of life and showed a side to them that society may not see.
SJ deals with PTSD due to his time in service. To me the author doesn't go in depth, but gives just enough to show what the character is going through. She handled it well.
The main characters from previous books are not mentioned as much in this story as previous stories. While I adore those characters I enjoyed getting to know new characters such as Goldie and Sam in this story.
The author keeps these stories lighthearted and closed doors, but I can still feel the heartbreak and happiness through her writing. It isn't fluff.
This is book five in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is my favorite from the series.
Check TW. Book deals with abuse and the author puts a disclaimer at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Read for FREE in KU here: https://books2read.com/FVS5
I loved this story!
This story isn't the typical fake dating story I've read in the past. It has a cultural element to it. The two main characters keep getting set up by their families (not together). Neither wants to be set up so they enter their relationship hoping it will stop their families efforts. I read the struggles they face as trying to break away from arranged marriages and living more modernly within their lives. Jiya doesn't want to be just a housewife. She has her own career goals unlike the women in her family.
There is a great cast of characters throughout the story. From the supportive siblings to the overbearing parents to the fun grandmother. This story was great from start to finish and I had a hard time putting it down.
If you are a fan of Sonali Dev, you'll enjoy this story!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
What do dogs dream of? Siggy dreams of being a soccer star. There are a few bumps in the game, but he doesn't give up.
This story shows kids not to give up. Between an injury and fowl play the game wasn't going well, but that didn't stop Siggy. love the parts in the story you could sing to.
The illustrations are beautiful and I like how the words are in differ fonts giving it a playful feel.
Thank you Brian Frederick and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review Siggy the Soccer Dog.
Trigger Warnings: self-harm, suicidal feelings, gambling, alcoholism, depression, severe OCD and eating disorders.
This story was an excellent example of showing kindness because you don't know what someone else is going through. The author mentions never telling anyone in her family and it seemed like very few outside the family knew what was really going on.
It is also an example of how communities need to work harder to get resources people need. The author discusses how it was weeks, months before she could get the services needed for her sons. And recovery is expensive.
This was hard to read. As a parent I can't imagine watching my child suffer in this way and only being able to do so much. But how would I handle it all in the same situation?
Thank you Emily for sharing your story so that others will know they don't feel alone. You have been hit so hard with all of this, but your story can help someone else.
Thank you Emily J. Johnson and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall I enjoyed this book. The plot itself was good. However, parts felt repetitive. Details about the incident were mentioned more than needed and in way that felt forced for us to know and remember.
The book was longer than it needed to be. There felt like a huge gap in the story after the fire before anything relevant happened again.
Sunflower wasn't as central of a character as she needed to be or what I thought she should be. She came in what felt like late into the story and while she uncovered clues and help unsolved it, I felt like there could have been more.
I didn't like that Clara couldn't understand Lucas' job in Melbourne. It was easy to understand and explained well early one, but somehow she couldn't comprehend it.
I haven't read the first in the series, but I feel like there is a backstory with the characters like Clara and Adam's relationship that I don't feel like could be fully covered or covered well in the first book.
I didn't know if David and Isa could be topped, but Brooks and Molly's Story might have. Very close!
I couldn't put it down! I smiled and laughed throughout the book I liked the dual POV and the flashbacks to their college days. I love that he wanted to her to be happy on her worst days (if you've read it you know). Brooks shows that if a guy wants to he will.
I've enjoyed all four books in the Under Kansas Skies series. The series gets better with each couple.
You do not need to read them in order, but I do recommend at least reading book three to understand the bet.
Thank you for the ARC!
This review is for The Sweet Spot by Anne Kemp
3.5 stars
This was a sweet short story that made me laugh and smile through the story. I would have liked the story to be a little longer because it felt like something was missing, but for the purposes of this collection I understand why it may have been limited to what it was.
This wasn't a cheesy romance, and the characters are fun and loveable. If you want a sweet, short story this is a good choice.
Thank you Anne Kemp for the opportunity to read and review The Sweet Spot.
Lily is passed up for a promotion and her boyfriend sees this as an opportunity for her to move with him to Singapore. He tries to talk her into a life she doesn't want.
Lily visits her aunt for her birthday, who she helped in her floral shop growing up. They come across an empty rental space in town. After going back home Lily decides to leave the city for the small town to open her own flower shop. Will it be hard? Yes. But Lily is ready to tackle the challenge and make it work.
While the story was mostly about Lily and her new life, it also focused a little on Andy and his past. I can see what the author was doing with his part, but it didn't fit the overall story the way I believe she intended it to. His story was his own and didn't tie in with Lily's. I didn't feel the connection between Andy and Lily other than being friends. Their relationship didn't have a progression you would normally read about.
The story could have been shorter, but overall it was a good story. There were a variety of characters and the author did a good job of developing them. You got a feel for the small town and all it had to offer.
This story does mention heavy subject matter. Please check for trigger warnings.
Thank you Lisa Darcy and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read this book!
