Review: We Are Never Getting Together by Janette Rallison

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

In this reverse Parent Trap, two feuding teenagers pretend to be in love to keep their parents apart, but love has other plans. A clean YA rom-com from USA Today best-selling author, Janette Rallison.

Madeline and Cooper have had bad blood since junior year when she beat out his sister for the lead in the school play. Ever since, it’s been one petty escalation after another—plastic-wrapped cars, glitter bombs, and even a derogatory viral video. When their latest prank lands them in the principal’s office with their single parents in tow, Madeline and Cooper are shocked to find that their parents have hit it off and now have plans for a dinner date.

Horrified by the prospect of their parents falling in love, Madeline and Cooper reach a truce. To keep their parents apart, they’ll pretend their feud is over and that they’re in a relationship. They’re positive that by fake dating, their parents will realize their relationship is a terrible idea and stop seeing each other. But the longer their fake relationship continues, the more they discover that there may be things they actually like about each other. How long are Madeline and Cooper willing to keep up the ruse before they have to face the consequences of their actions?

My Review

SO ENTERTAINING!!! I love this author's fresh (and clean) take on the teenage experience. It feels authentic to me, and doesn't delve into unnecessary or dark drama. The pranks Madeline and Cooper played on each other were absolutely hilarious and creative- many mentioned from the past- and some take place during the story. Their journey from archenemies to reluctant conspirators to unlikely friends to something more was so genuine and flowed with the ups and downs of the plot. Cooper's sister, Madeline's bestie, and of course, their dating parents, make a great supporting cast. The growth of Madeline and Cooper throughout the story was compelling as they come to self-realizations and consider what's truly important. Highly recommend to romance readers no matter how long it's been since you were in high school!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Josi S. Kilpack First Love Collection (Timeless Regency Collection)

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

The JOSI S. KILPACK FIRST LOVE COLLECTION contains the brand new historical romance novella An Impetuous Debutante, as well as three hand-picked readers' favorites of Josi's popular Timeless Romance novellas.

An Impetuous Debutante

When Veronica slips out of London hidden in a carriage seat, she believes she is escaping the expectations of society, of marriage to a man who does not interest her, and of a future chosen for her rather than one she has chosen for herself. She does not expect to find herself entangled in secret work for the Home Office, nor does she expect Geoffrey Meyers—the dependable and seemingly unremarkable friend of her brother, who has never once drawn her notice—to be part of it.

A broken carriage wheel, an unintended change of course, and a single impulsive decision draw Veronica into a world far larger—and more secretive, and more interesting—than she ever imagined. Veronica discovers that independence does not always need to be loud, nor is love always obvious at first glance. Perhaps she has underestimated everyone, herself included, and might yet find a way to chart her own course within the margins of her place in the world—and build a life she never dreamed possible.

Til’ All the Seas Gang Dry (Originally in: To Love a Governess)
It has been six years since Dina left London and David and whatever fantasy she had allowed to grow in the months of flirtation that had nearly overtaken them both. Now, David is getting married and he and his fiancé are guests at the home where Dina works as a governess. Convinced the connection they felt was nothing more than childhood fancy, Dina is taken by surprise to find that her feelings have not changed, and, she fears, David’s have not either. Still, she is determined not to interfere with the life he has worked so hard to build … until she realizes that his fiancé is not nearly as committed to him as he is to her. No one will trust her motivations for revealing the truth, not even David, and she could ruin everything she had built here, but if it spares David heartbreak, is it worth the sacrifice?

A Merry Dance (Originally in: Autumn Masquerade)
When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

Begin Again (Originally in: All Regency Collection)
Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart.

My Review

Regency is one of my comfort-read genres, and this collection by one of my favorite authors brings several of her best novellas together! In each story I was immediately drawn to the main characters, able to feel their emotions as they navigate their circumstances. I love that they each feature a character arc that allows each lady to grow with the courageous choices they make and the things they learn. The sweet romance is full of affection and chemistry, bringing a smile to my face with each conclusion.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Whiteout by Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Brace yourself for a snowbound adventure in this 2-in-1 novella collection from your favorite romantic suspense authors as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.

In "Buried in Shadows" by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker didn't follow her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man Cassandra left at the altar to save his life. When an avalanche traps their skiing party in an abandoned lodge, it soon becomes dangerously clear Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he is willing to kill to make her his.

In "Snowbound Secrets" by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.

 

My Review

These two stories were full of action and chilling (see what I did there?) suspense. The first story features a murderous stalker and a large group of candidates on the menu. It was hard to keep track of them all! Cassandra is the self-sacrificing lamb who allowed threats to destroy her relationship with Joel and has been living in isolation- just what the stalker wanted. I didn't really understand why she couldn't trust her sheriff fiancé to protect her and catch the villain. As members of the wedding party are gruesomely picked off one by one, the low-key reactions didn't make much sense to me. We had snippets of the villain's perspective which was creepy but also pulled me out of the connection to Cassandra and Joel. I think the story would have been more effective without it. (3 stars)

 

The second story was more my style, with the focus on childhood friends Maya and Gideon reuniting and discovering their mutual affection quickly developing into romance. I loved their chemistry as they served those around them in the aftermath of the avalanche and protected each other from the mysterious dangers not from the natural elements. I always appreciate when the author of a novella can show their characters strengths and vulnerabilities in a way that is natural but also lets me connect with them quickly and feel fully invested in their story. I would have put this one first in the collection. (5 stars)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Ten amazing books with green covers to celebrate!

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with any fun traditions? I like finding something green to wear. When I was a kid my mom made our family an all-green dinner, which was... interesting ;)

 

Here are ten books I loved and rated 5 stars! I hope you give a few of them a read! Comment if you add any to your TBR or if you've read some of them!

 

Click on the book to learn more about it! 

 

 

 

 

Linking Up with That Artsy Reader Girl March 17: Top Ten Green Book Covers

Review: A Season of Wishes by Julie Daines, Samantha Hastings, Rachel Kelly Stones

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

This Christmas, the best wishes aren't found on a list.

The Trouble with Wishes by Julie Daines
Catherine Haywood is desperate to claim the affection of her long-time friend Frederick Milton, but Frederick only seems interested in courting the new young lady in town. Catherine makes a series of wishes, thinking that is the safer route rather than openly putting her heart on the line. But as each wish is fulfilled, she realizes getting what she wished for is not the same as getting what she wants.

We Wish You a Miserable Christmas by Samantha Hastings
Two secret pen fellows meet only to learn that they already know one another in this Christmas comedy of errors! Miserable Margaret resents Mr. Frank Warner and truthfully he is a little afraid of her. They are thrown together in a Christmas house party in London and spend the season skating, decorating, going to the theaters, and even dancing. Margaret discovers that she isn't miserable after all. And Frank, with her help, finds the courage to believe in himself and work for his own happily-ever-after.

Pranks and Wishes by Rachel Kelley Stones
Elizabeth Quincy will do anything it takes to stop her childhood friend, Thomas Westin, from proposing marriage to her younger sister this Christmas. Thomas Westin has a plan. He’s determined to convince Lizzy to be his bride. Only, she keeps avoiding any conversation related to love. In this friends-to-lovers novella, Lizzy and Thomas must learn to trust themselves and each other to see if their feelings will be reciprocated.

My Review

I'm always so happy to read a new collection from Timeless Regency! This book featured three of my favorite authors, and the Christmas theme was heartwarming. Unrequited love, secret wishes, pen pals in disguise, and a prank gone horribly wrong bring liveliness to these stories and I was engaged the entire time I was reading. They are perfect for busy times of life because I can finish a story with a sweet happy ending more quickly, while still enjoying characters that come to life and a full plot. I love reading these during the holidays and any time of year really! A Season of Wishes made it onto my list of favorites to re-read.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 

Timeless Regency Collection series

 

Don't miss any of the 20 books in this series!

 

Review: Dating an Amish Flirt by Rachel J. Good

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Between heavenly homemade bread, irresistible desserts, and stunning crafts, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmer’s Market provides warm-hearted community—and love’s surprising possibilities . . .

With her sweet nature and delicate beauty, Rachel Glick attracts boys like bees to a flower—despite her best attempts to discourage them. Downhearted since her beloved brother’s death, and isolated as the sole caretaker to her invalid mother, Rachel would welcome the friendship of other girls. But her unfair reputation as a flirt leaves her snubbed. Yet she’s only ever loved Josh Yoder, her childhood best friend. Why he distanced himself from her in eighth grade, she’ll never understand. And now, though he’s been a blessing doing repairs around her farm, he is courting another girl, so there is no going back . . .

Josh has been in love with Rachel since he was a boy. But he can never forgive himself for hurting her—or for the reason behind it. He can only do his best to lighten her burdens and hope others see her good heart. Still, the sight of her fills him with fresh longing, much as he tries to focus on his girlfriend and forget the past. Yet when jealousy flares, igniting trouble, they both must look to faith to do what’s right—and bring joyous futures for everyone . . .

My Review

This has been a fun series to read and see how the lives intertwine in the close-knit Amish community. Mrs. Vanderberg, a local octogenarian with astoundingly accurate insights into the hearts of her neighbors, is known for her matchmaking abilities and uses her wealth and influence to help solve the problems the couples face. With the title, I anticipated this book to be light hearted, and was surprised with how angsty it was. Rachel is the supposed flirt, but she is actually mired in grief and isolated by the gossip and rumors from the other girls. Josh seems to have it all together, but he is a hot mess of guilt and self-punishment. Their thoughts of regrets and anguish get repetitive and I almost gave up on the book, but pushed through and got to the good stuff when Rachel receives an unexpected surprise and then when Mrs. V gets involved. It was frustrating to see Rachel not stand up for herself or communicate with Josh, and Josh was a bit of an idiot with his relationship with Anna Mary. The surprise that draws them together is a turning point and helps them realize that sharing the truth and giving forgiveness will bring healing and joy.  

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Surprised by Love series

 

 

Review: Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Her greatest sacrifice became her greatest legacy.

Zacharias has loved Elisabeth all his life. When negotiations are made for their marriage, the childhood friends trust that their future will be bright. But as their story unfolds in their village near Jerusalem, the life they build together is marked by both the joy of love and the sorrows of loss and longing, for as the years pass by, the steadfast couple is never blessed with the thing they desire above all: a child.

Now beyond childbearing years, it seems that the couple’s righteous desire will never be granted—until a divine promise is made, and they learn that their fate will transcend the bounds of age and mortal comprehension. Elisabeth and Zacharias are destined to play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of ancient scripture, and they soon come to understand that God’s plan is far grander than they ever dreamed.

My Review

I read quite a bit of Christmas themed books this time of year, especially rom-coms. This book, however, has become my new favorite Christmas novel! I loved the story of the early years of Zacharias and Elizabeth, bringing the historical figures to life with personality and details from the era. I can always rely on the author for immaculate research and love the way she weaves it into her stories. It is eye opening to realize how different cultures from the past can be from ours, yet there are universal things we have in common like relationships and feelings. 

 

The second part of the book is so special- the visit from an angel to Zacharias in the temple, his affliction of being struck dumb, and the miracle of John's conception. The emotion of Elisabeth and Zacharias through these events is close to the surface and I felt connected to them and their experiences in a way I never have before. Mary's visit to Elisabeth during both of their pregnancies was an incredible part, as she lived and worked quietly with them, and shared with her family her own angelic visitation and miracles. The scriptures and prophecies are intensely studied by Zacharias and his brother, and Mary gleans this important knowledge from them to prepare her for her role in raising the Savior of the world. Elisabeth and Zacharias rejoice that their son will prepare the way for Christ and also take their roles seriously. The days leading up to the birth of Christ are filled with so much anticipation and hope, it made the Christmas season feel so much more powerful and meaningful to me (and brought tears to my eyes in several places!)

 

I highly recommend this book as *the* must-read Christmas book of the year, and for any time following! What a truly enriching and inspiring experience to read this story. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Biblical Novels by H.B. Moore