Comfort & Joy

 

KRISTIN HANNAH

Edition read: Hardback, Ballantine Books, 2005

How acquired: Bought.

First line: Christmas parties are the star on the top of my “don’t” list this year.

(Synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I went into this book expecting a typical heartwarming Christmas story. You know the type, a character facing a crossroads, maybe not looking forward to all the Christmas holidaying but eventually, through friends or faith or a new love, finding their Christmas spirit. What I got was an incredible story of a woman at a crossroads, anxious to escape her life and finding…herself, her second chance at happiness…

Ok, so it still sounds like a typical heartwarming Christmas story. But it is so much more than that. And so not typical but completely unexpected.

With Christmas practically upon her, Joy, a high school librarian, is struggling to get into the holiday spirit. She’s recently divorced. She and her sister, who used to be her best friend, are estranged after her sister betrayed her in the worst possible way. On the last day of school before the Christmas break, she’s forced herself to go out and buy a tree, but when she arrives home her sister is waiting for her. Horrified at the news her sister gives her, irrefutable evidence of her betrayal (like she even needed more evidence), Joy feels suffocated and takes off. When she finds herself at the airport, she sees on the departures board a town in Canada called Hope. It turns out to be a small chartered plane, and the counter attendant points out the man who chartered it and says to check with him.

“Excuse me,” I say, trying – without much success – to smile. “I need Hope.”

Since there is one empty seat, he agrees to sell it to her.

But the plane crashes in the Olympic rain forest of Washington state. Up until this point, I was already fairly invested. The narration is in first person POV, and is engaging and lyrical. Joy’s account of the plane crash, which she describes second by second in detail, was mesmerizing and gave me chills. She survives the crash, in incredible pain but relatively unharmed, and manages to flee towards the woods just before the plane explodes, briefly losing consciousness. And then upon waking, seeing ambulances and first responders in the distance, she realizes that nobody knew she was on the plane, nobody will be missing her until school resumes after the holidays, nobody will be looking for her. So instead of walking towards rescue, she turns and walks away. This is apparently the point in the story where a lot of readers were turned off. There are a lot of reviews on Goodreads complaining about the implausibility and having to suspend disbelief. But not me. I was right there with her, hanging on her every word, never doubting her for one minute.

While on the plane she read an article in a magazine about a fishing lodge in Rain Valley, and when she realizes she is close by, she seeks it out, only to find it rundown, with a for sale sign. She doesn’t see the owner anywhere, but his son, Bobby, shows her to a room. In the morning, she meets his father, Daniel, who basically ignores her. He spends all his time making repairs around the lodge in preparation for selling it, and Joy finds herself either spending time alone, exploring and taking pictures, or hanging out with Bobby, an unhappy eight year old who misses his recently deceased mother and is angry at his father for planning to move them away. The bond that grows between Joy and Bobby is indeed heartwarming, while Daniel’s gruffness and vacillating between seeming to welcome her and ignoring her begins to hurt her feelings.

But as Joy is slowly falling for Daniel, and finding happiness and contentment at the lodge, the story suddenly took a severe left turn and went off in a direction I never saw coming. And I spent much of the rest of the book on tenterhooks, not knowing whether to be disappointed or hopeful.

To say this book just completely swept me off my feet is an understatement. I loved it. I loved it so much that when I turned the last page, I almost wanted to go back to page one and start over. In fact I’m still tempted to do so, because with the benefit of hindsight I’m sure I would pick up on things that neither Joy nor I could possibly have understood the first time around.

If I could give this book more than five stars I would.

Synopsis from dust jacket:

Joy Candellaro used to love Christmas more than any other time of the year. Now, as the holiday approaches, she finds herself at loose ends. Recently divorced and estranged from her sister, she can’t summon the old enthusiasm for celebrating. So without telling anyone, she buys a ticket and boards a plane bound for the rural Northwest.

Yet Joy’s best-laid plans go terribly awry. The plane crashes deep in the darkness of a forest. Miraculously, Joy and her fellow passengers walk away from the wrekage as the plane explodes. There, amid the towering trees, Joy makes a bold and desperate decision to leave her ordinary life behind and embark on an adventure...just for the holidays.

Following the death of his ex-wife, Daniel O’Shea has returned to the small town of Rain Valley. Now he is a single father facing his son’s first Christmas without a mother. Eight-year-old Bobby isn’t making it easy – the boy has closed himself off from the world, surrounding himself with imaginary friends.

When Joy and Bobby meet, they form an instnat bond. Thrown together by fate, these wounded souls will be touched by the true spirit of Christmas and remember what it means to be a family.

Then a dramatic turn of events shows Joy the price of starting over. On a magical Christmas Eve she will come face-to-face with a startling truth. Now she must decide: In a time of impossible dreams and unexpected chances, can she find the faith to reach for the love she has found...and the new life only she believes in?

Lead Changes

 

RENEE ROJAS

Edition read: Pdf, independently published 2023.

How acquired: Discovery

First line: Her mother always said that she could ride before she could walk.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: The premise of the story is what drew my interest. Kelsie is divorced from a man who is cruel and very controlling. She’s made a life for herself and her son, Ryan, but her ex still uses fear and intimidation to try and control her, constantly threatening to take her son away from her, despite not bothering to exercise his visitation rights. Her best friend convinces her to take a vacation at a dude ranch, where she meets Chance, and begins to find herself again.

At times the writing, and more specifically the dialogue, felt a bit stiff and formal. The characters rarely use contractions when talking, which often disrupted the flow. I think that some authors feel that not using contractions gives a more literary illusion, but most people do not, or I guess I should say don’t, speak that way, and to me it makes the characters a little less relatable. If they were high society or it was an historical time it might feel more natural, but for everyday people in contemporary fiction it can sound awkward.

Regardless, Kelsie is an interesting and likable character. Throughout the book the reader is given glimpses of what her life was like with Tim, as he seemed to love and cherish her until they were actually married, and then skillfully chipped away at her self-confidence, isolating her from her friends and family, making her dread doing anything to anger him and eager to please him and keep him happy. I can’t speak to the authenticity of her character as an abused wife, having never been in her shoes, but she felt real, and her reactions to Tim’s actions felt realistic.

Chance was nice enough, though there didn’t really seem to be much actual chemistry between them. And for some readers, that may not really matter. My reading leans mostly towards romance, and I tend to look for it even in other genres. But while I would have liked for Chance to be more involved, ultimately this is Kelsie’s story, and the focus was rightfully on her and her journey to letting go of her ex, chasing her own dreams, and learning to be happy.

I’m not sure if this is the author’s debut, but she has crafted a nicely plotted story and despite my criticism above, shows promise.

*received a free ARC from the author via Discovery*

Goodreads Synopsis:

Trapped in an abusive marriage, Kelsie Harris had been forced to trade her dreams of professional barrel racing for a life filled with fear and intimidation. Even after her husband files for divorce, the continual chokehold that he has on her and their ten year old son doesn't fade.

But, when Kelsie wins a week long stay at a dude ranch in central Arizona in a raffle, she not only fears stepping out of her comfort zone, but also her ex-husband's wrath for disobeying his demands.

Afraid of trusting others, she has built a wall around her heart that she deems unbreakable. But, as she gets to know Chance Masters, her trail boss for her week at the ranch, she begins to question her belief that all men are cruel and abusive like her ex-husband

In just seven days, Kelsie not only finds her true self again, but is also reconnected with her love for horses. Most of all, however, she becomes faced with an opportunity to love again, and must decide if it is worth pushing her fears aside and take a chance.

Looking for Leroy

 

MELODY CARLSON

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Revell, 2022.

How acquired: From the publisher via Revell Reads.

First line: “Hey, if you want to believe in fairy-tale endings, go for it.”

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I’ve previously read four books by Melody Carlson, but this is the first one I’ve read that was not Christmas themed. I didn’t even read the synopsis first, I saw her name, and loved the gorgeous cover, and that was all I needed to know.

I think one reason her books appeal to me is they aren’t always about young twenty-somethings. Brynna and Leroy are closer to my age. Not that I don’t mind reading about younger characters, but I guess I just appreciate a good romance with characters a little easier for me to relate to.

Brynna and Leroy had met at a summer camp the summer before college. They spent all their time together, and after camp was over they wrote letters. Until Brynna wrote Leroy that she wasn’t going to write to him again. Now, some thirty years later, Brynna is an elementary school teacher, and divorced. One of her colleagues has planned a camping trip, and talks Brynna into joining her. Where do they end up the first night? At the same camp where Brynna met Leroy. As those memories come back she tells her friend, Jan, and Mike, who they meet at the camp, about Leroy, and Jan and Mike decide that Brynna needs to look for him.

Throughout the entire book, I pictured Leroy as Mark Harmon. You know, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. (From NCIS, for those of you who don’t know.) He’s a widower now, running the family vineyard with two of his daughters and his son-in-law. The story really got going when Brynna arrived at the vineyard, and found herself agreeing to take a job in the office, as Bree. That whole situation was almost a little ridiculous, but I still loved it. And loved Sophie, the daughter who hires her. They develop a wonderful friendship, and watching that happen was heartwarming. Since Brynna used her nickname with Sophie, and still carries her married name, Leroy, having only seen her from a distance so far, has no idea who she really is. It was amusing watching Brynna avoid him, though I began to wonder if their paths would ever actually cross!

Brynna and Leroy were both wonderfully written characters, as were Leroy’s daughters, especially Sophie. I saw a couple of reviews that described Brynna as being easily led or not having a mind of her own, but I disagree. Yes, her friends did push her into searching for Leroy, and pushed her not to give up, but when she truly did want to just give up, they supported her. And then she doesn’t give up, and I think she was actually very courageous to stay at the vineyard in the office job and face Leroy. If I were in her position, I don’t think I would have had the guts. Actually, I don’t think Jan could have even talked me into going on the camping trip with her in the first place!

The ending was, of course, a little predictable, as well as a bit abrupt, but the journey there is what matters, and it was an immensely enjoyable journey.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: It's official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly 30 years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard--in Sonoma. She doesn't even remember his last name. Jan insists they look for him, and the search begins.

Beyond the slim chance they'd ever be able to find him are questions that have haunted Brynna for decades, including What is the point of digging up the past? and Can Leroy ever forgive me for losing touch?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you on a trip to rediscover the carefree days of youth and, just maybe, to get a second chance at love.

A Country Kind of Love (Huckleberry Ridge, Book One)

 

K.T. RAINE

Stats for my copy: Kindle edition, 2022.

How acquired: From the author via BookSirens.

First line: “Take the next left,” Cody commanded, pointing for emphasis, his tone making it clear just how much the ten year old relished calling the shots.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I loved the previous book I read by this author (HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL), so I was excited to see this one available on BookSirens. I requested it immediately, and then I forced myself to finish the books I was already reading before starting this one. It was worth the wait.

The story opens with CeCe and her ten year old son, Cody, arriving in Huckleberry Ridge, where they are moving into a rented duplex. We quickly learn that CeCe is running from something, but we don’t know who or what. Cody is not thrilled about the move, but CeCe is hopeful that they can have a good life in this small town. She’s a little nonplussed when she meets her landlord, Shane, and realizes that he is a cop, and that he lives in the other half of the duplex. At least he’s nice to look at!

Shane has his own baggage. He’s a widow, still missing his wife and gently wallowing in guilt over her death. He’s attracted to CeCe, but as far as a relationship, he’s a bit in stasis. Meanwhile, his son, Dillon, and Cody become best buds right away.

When I reviewed HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL, I wrote “This is a breezy, fun and heartwarming story, with well written characters…”. I hate to repeat myself, but that description also fits this book perfectly. I loved CeCe, and I really loved Shane. A law enforcement hero is one of my catnips. While fear has driven CeCe to move 400 miles across the state, she is still strong and resourceful, determined to protect her son and create a good life for him, for both of them. Looking out his window shortly after CeCe arrives, Shane sees her look at her phone and can tell from her body language that she’s upset or afraid. He doesn’t know if she’s in danger, or if she’s on the run, but his protective instincts come out. When her car has a flat tire, he wants to hurry over and help her change it, but he forces himself to stand on his porch with his coffee, strike up some conversation, and wait for her to ask for his help.

Did she know how to change a tire? Based on the majority of stranded female motorists he stopped to help, the odds were about 80/20 against her. It was actually one of the most rewarding parts of his job, the look of relief on a woman’s face when he pulled up in the Tahoe, something about the uniform eliciting trust. It was a lot more satisfying than busting bad guys.

I mean, who wouldn’t love Shane?! I enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and how happy Cody seemed as he hung out with Dillon instead of staying inside with video games, and how Shane’s family, who all live right there in the same little area, welcomed CeCe and Cody into their community. Oh, and CeCe sitting on her back porch talking over the fence to Shane’s sheep!

A sweet, sometimes emotional, story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. I hope there will be many more books in the Huckleberry Ridge series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookSirens and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: After single mom and reporter, CeCe Bixby, has her name leaked in connection with a dangerously controversial story, she and her young son flee 400 miles from Boise to small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho for a fresh start.

But life’s never simple, and CeCe is dismayed to find her troubles have followed her. Help may come in the form of her handsome, state-trooper landlord, Shane Wickham, and his surprisingly supportive family. But does she dare share the truth with him?

Running for Cover (Heroes for Hire, Book 1; Love Inspired Suspense)

 

SHIRLEE MCCOY

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Love Inspired Suspense, 2010.

How acquired: Via Book Mooch.

First line: Pain.

(Goodreads synopsis below)

My thoughts: In 2013 I read UNDERCOVER BODYGUARD, the sixth book in this series, and in 2014 I read NAVY SEAL RESCUER. I must have liked them, since I added the series to my list of series in progress, and hunted down and collected copies of the first five books, plus books eight and nine. So after finally getting around to starting at the beginning with book one, I looked up the two I’d read, only to discover that not only did I not write any type of review on either book, but I didn’t even add them to my Goodreads shelf. Maybe I wasn’t really using Goodreads a lot yet, even though I’ve been a member since 2008.

That being said, I loved this first book. Page one throws us right into the action, as Morgan wakes up on her kitchen floor, in serious pain and lying in her own blood, while two men are tearing apart her gallery downstairs. Meanwhile, Jackson is in town for a wedding, looking for a last minute wedding gift, which brings him knocking on the gallery door and right into the action, and subsequently appointing himself Morgan’s personal bodyguard, against her wishes.

Morgan’s backstory was heartbreaking, abandoned by her mother as a child, never feeling like she really belonged with her adoptive family. Divorced from a cheating husband, who then murdered his business partner and went to prison. Now there are men after her, demanding a disk that belonged to her ex, of which she knows absolutely nothing. Jackson has his own baggage, blaming himself for his sister’s death two years ago, believing that he should have been able to save her from her abusive husband.

Jackson was such a great character. A private investigator, and former police officer. He sticks to Morgan like glue, even buying a last minute plane ticket and flying across the country with her, without a suitcase or anything, determined to protect her and keep her safe. When she gripes at him and tells him she doesn’t need him, she can take care of herself, he just smiles and follows along behind her.

Fast paced, with plenty of suspense, some edge of your seat moments, and of course the requisite happy ending. I would have liked to immediately start the second book, but alas, I still have boxes of books in my garage that haven’t been unpacked since I moved, and no idea which box it is in, so it’ll have to wait a bit. But I’m eager to continue the series.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Morgan Alexandria moved to Virginia to escape her past...but her past isn't ready to let her go. Thanks to her ex-husband's shady dealings, someone's after her, and if it weren't for Jackson Sharo, she might already be dead. Can Morgan trust Jackson? Maybe not. The former big-city cop is practically a stranger. But trying to handle everything on her own just leads to new disasters. And without Jackson's help, she could find herself running right into a trap....

A Secret Splendor

 

SANDRA BROWN

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Mira, 1983. Previously published under the pseudonym Erin St. Claire.

How acquired: Received from a BookCrossing member.

My thoughts: First off, this review will be full of spoilers.

Second, I generally love everything Sandra Brown writes, though I am partial to her mystery/thrillers. Of all her books I’ve read since being on Goodreads, I’ve given them either four or five stars, with the exception of STING, which I disliked so much I only gave it one star. So this is my first time giving her three stars.

Third, I work in the adoption and surrogacy fields. I’m always a little leery of reading a book with an adoption plotline, for fear it will be shown in a negative or unrealistic way. But A SECRET SPLENDOR is the first book I’ve come across with a surrogacy plotline. And that’s where all my issues lie.

Arden was in a bad marriage to an OB/GYN. After running his practice into the ground and going into debt, her husband agreed to find a woman to be a surrogate for a rich couple, who were paying him $100,000.00. The woman he finds? His wife, Arden. She’s reluctant, but then agrees on the condition that after the baby is born, she gets half the money, a divorce, and custody of their son, Joey, who was ill. I can’t for the life of me remember what was wrong with him, cancer or something. So her husband takes her to his clinic and inseminates her with the client’s sperm.

Arden would be what is now referred to as a traditional surrogate, in that she is the biological mother of the child. Traditional surrogacy is not practiced very often these days. In fact, in the state where I live, traditional surrogacy is not legally recognized, and is treated by the court as an adoption. But at the time this book was written, there probably weren’t many laws regarding surrogacy. Although even if there were laws, the way Arden’s husband handled this situation was probably illegal anyway. My state did not have any laws on the books until 2019.

Fast forward to after the divorce, and Joey dies. Distraught, Arden begins thinking about the other child she gave birth to, and decides she needs to find him or her. She never met the rich couple, and did not see the baby after it was born. She doesn’t even know if it’s a boy or girl. Well, by chance she sees a famous tennis player on TV who looks familiar, and then suddenly remembers a couple she saw when leaving the hospital, who were surrounded by paparazzi, and she realizes that the tennis player is the father. I kept hoping that when she got to know him she would learn that he was not in fact the father, but no, her instincts are correct. He’s now a widower, and the child, a boy, is 22 months old. Every time Arden thought about needing to see her child, I wanted to say he’s not your child, he’s their child.

Anyway, she finally manages to meet the tennis player, Drew, and starts dating him. And of course they fall in love with each other. Pretty soon she’s married to him and “step-mother” to the child, Matt. And she keeps thinking she needs to come clean and tell Drew who she is, but she puts it off because she doesn’t want him to think she only married him to be with the child. Also because she’s a cowardly liar.

And then the ex shows up, and blackmails her, and at first she gives him money, but then she finally gets a backbone and tells him she’s not paying anymore and she’s going to tell Drew the truth, but she goes shopping first, which gives the ex time to go to Drew and spill the beans himself. And of course Drew is furious, and storms out to go do his tennis stuff, and Arden gets angry that Drew is angry, even though he has every right to be angry, and just before he comes home a week later she packs up and leaves.

Of course, in the end, Drew tracks her down and they talk it out and profess their love and get their happy ever after, while I’m just frustrated, because the synopsis doesn’t say anything about surrogacy, just that there are “half-truths, secrets and unspeakable lies” surrounding Matt’s birth, so when I started this book I had no idea what I was in for.

To her credit, I really liked Drew. Sandra Brown has an uncanny ability to write wonderful heroes and I always fall in love with them (except the hero of STING, who I just could not feel any sympathy or empathy for). And I do like her writing. So the book still gets three stars from me.

Accidentally Family (Pecan Valley, Book One)

SASHA SUMMERS

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Entangled: Amara, 2020. 

How acquired: Fresh Fiction Box Not to Miss subscription box

First line: Today was always going to be a life changer, Felicity knew that. 

(For the Goodreads synopsis, scroll to the bottom of this post.)

My thoughts: The downside to reading a recently published first book of a series? Having to wait now for the next book in the series! I loved this book. I don't even know what to say in this review without just gushing about how wonderful this book is. 

Ok. So Felicity and her son have just watched her daughter graduate from high school. Her ex was a no show to the graduation ceremony, but for good reason – he's in the hospital after a car accident, which killed his girlfriend and injured his toddler son, Jack. And then he dies, but not before extracting a promise from Felicity to take and raise Jack as he has no other family. 

That's the start of a book that's just packed with characters and plot lines, all integral to the overall story and seamlessly woven together. Sometimes when there is a large cast of characters it can be a little confusing in the beginning, but I never had that issue here as they were all so well written. The POV switches around also between the characters, but at the core of the story are Felicity and Graham. Felicity and her ex and Graham and his wife were good friends before Felicity's divorce, and before Graham's wife died. Graham is a doctor, and he and Felicity reconnect at the hospital, and quickly renew their old friendship, except this time that friendship begins to blossom into romance. But they both have busy lives and family issues getting in the way – Felicity preparing to take Jack home when he's released from the hospital, to her own son's dismay, and Graham dealing with his teenage wild child daughter who's been acting out since losing her mother.

Not necessarily a romance book, but if you like small town contemporary character driven family relationship stories with a couple of romances thrown in, this fits the bill. I hope there will be another Pecan Valley novel soon!  

Goodreads synopsis: Welcome to Pecan Valley, where the town may be small but the townspeople will always lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. Where good times, good humor, and good people will always lead to happily ever after.

Life for Felicity, and her teen children, is finally back on track. After her divorce, she wasn’t sure if her sweet family would ever be the same. But things are good––right up until her ex’s spirited toddler lands on Felicity’s doorstep. If the universe is going to throw lemons at her, thank God she has her best friend, Graham, to help her make lemonade out of them. How did she never notice how kind and sexy he is?

Graham is still recovering from his wife’s death years ago and trying to help his teen daughter get her life together. Who is he kidding? His daughter hates him. Forget lemons––he’s got the entire lemon tree. So when Felicity suggests they join forces and help each other, he’s all in. And suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her as more than just a friend. Too bad their timing couldn’t be worse…

Because life rarely goes as planned. Luckily there are many different kinds of family to hold you together and lift you up...plus maybe even a little love between friends.

Cowboy Commando (Special Ops: Texas, Book One; Harlequin Intrigue No. 1123)

JOANNA WAYNE

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Harlequin, 2009.

How acquired: Bought.

First line: “Welcome home, cowboy!”

(For the Goodreads synopsis, scroll to the bottom of this post.)

My thoughts: I enjoyed this older Harlequin Intrigue. Cutter is a former Navy SEAL who misses his military days and feels a little lost now that he's back in Texas. He's half-heartedly job hunting and staying in his aunt's condo. She lives on the family ranch and would welcome Cutter back, but he isn't sure that ranching is for him. He comes home one evening to find Linney in his kitchen, with a small child who she admits that she “sort of kidnapped”.

This is an Intrigue, so there's a mystery – the child's mother, and Linney's best friend, recently drowned in her own pool, and Linney is convinced that her abusive husband killed her. Problem is, said husband is a cop, and Linney can't get anyone to take her seriously.

This is the first book I've read by Joanna Wayne, and I like her writing. Linney is a little foolish, determined to prove her friend was murdered but not going about it in a very sensible way, letting her emotions drive her. But she's goodhearted and worried about little Julie's safety. Cutter is reluctant to be pulled into Linney's investigation, but once it's clear that her life is now in danger, Cutter is all in, and not about to let anything happen to Linney, or young Julie.

There's a little history between them, a few days spent together several years ago, after which they didn't see each other again, and they both harbor bitterness toward the other for walking away. Those pesky misunderstandings, always driving a wedge between lovers.

The mystery was well plotted, with a surprise twist at the end. And of course, being a category romance, there's a happy ending. My only complaint is the cover photo. At no point in the book do I recall Cutter climbing over rocks shirtless. And why must cover models always have hairless chests?

Goodreads synopsis: On navy SEAL missions Cutter Martin had been a warrior. But when it came to Linney Kingston, he was just a red-blooded Texas cowboy with bad luck at love. Linney had walked out on him six years ago. Now she was back—with a motherless child and a crazy story.
Linney's theory of murder and scandal was as preposterous as her body's traitorous response to Cutter. Still, when she was shot at, the cowboy came to her rescue. Cutter—her hero. And the only man who could break her heart again. Trusting him a second time was more frightening than the killers stalking her every move….

Finding Home on Winslow Island (Winslow Island, Book One)

CHRISSY ELLIOT

Stats for my copy: .pdf review copy

Publication date: Kindle edition, 7/31/20

How acquired: Received for review from BookSirens

First line: If romance had a color, glitter would be it.

(For the Goodreads synopsis, scroll to the bottom of this post.)

My thoughts: I requested this book from BookSirens because, like the last book I reviewed for BookSirens, it sounded like a light, fun, romantic comedy, and like that last book, it delivered. From that first glitter filled meet cute to the happy ending. I love small town stories, and the small town in this book was on an island, which was a bonus.

Tessa and her son live with her mother and help run her bed and breakfast. It wasn't Tessa's dream, but she had promised her father that she would take care of her mother after he passed away. She dreams of buying a dilapidated house that she fell in love with, and having her own art studio. But the bed and breakfast is barely breaking even, and she can't abandon her mother.

Parker is a busy doctor with a soaring career at a big city hospital. He rarely comes back to Winslow Island, but his mother is planning a party for his father's birthday. Which just happens to fall during the island's annual Matchmaking Festival.

From their first meeting, Tessa and Parker are at odds with each other. Parker ticks many boxes for me – he's gruff, direct, rude, arrogant. All of which annoys Tessa, almost as much as her attraction to him does. But of course that's just the exterior, hiding the real Parker underneath. His heart was broken in the past, and now it's locked up tight. Neither he or Tessa are looking for a relationship, and Parker has no intention of sticking around anyway.

I really enjoyed this book. Full of amusing supporting characters, and lots of fun banter between Parker and Tessa, as well as between Tessa and her sister, Gabby, and Parker and his brothers. The Matchmaking Festival was an interesting setting, and Tessa roping Parker into participating in a speed dating event was one of the highlights of the book.

Breezy writing, fun dialogue, the story is sweet and heartwarming. The romance is clean, albeit with some steamy kisses. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Goodreads synopsis: Join the residents of Winslow Island for a fun-filled, opposites-attract, sweet romance - full of piggyback rides and scrumptious baked goods.

It might be Winslow Island's annual Matchmaking Festival, but Tessa has more important things to worry about, like how to keep her mother's bed and breakfast in business.

Parker's life is as precise and planned as the surgeries he performs. He's on track for a career-making promotion - if he can improve his bedside manner.

When his mother plans a family celebration for the same weekend as the Matchmaking Festival, Parker suspects he's in for a series of sneaky setups. But with his promotion fast approaching, he has no time for distractions - until Tessa crashes into him in a shower of glitter, wreaking havoc with his plans and his heart.

With a temper as fiery as her red hair, she's a distraction too tempting to ignore.

Tessa is determined to resist Parker's charms - even if his smile makes her toes curl. He's only on the island for five days, and she won't risk a broken heart. But with the festival in full swing, resisting Parker is proving harder than she expected, especially when he becomes the key to saving her mother's business.

Can Parker convince Tessa that he's worth taking a chance on, or will his career-focused heart drive them further apart?

Whether you are fans of the Gilmore Girls or the Golden Girls, you'll fall in love with Winslow Island.