Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Review: Ace High by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers


 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
 
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Synopsis

Sometimes second chances are waiting when you least expect them.

Lars Jackson isn’t purposely hanging around Lost Creek to see Kellie Prosper more. All right, maybe he is. She’s single now, and well, he knows she’s been through a lot. Maybe he can be a listening ear. Something more would be a dream of his, but he’s good at waiting. Before Kellie’s divorce, he’d just kept his focus on his bronc riding career. But now . . .

Kellie Prosper is busier than she’s ever been. Running the Broken Hearts Ranch, bringing on new clients, and balancing all the changes in Lost Creek. At least her brother Ryan is there to help, though when Lars Jackson, one of the Original Six, starts hanging around more, Kellie feels . . . She doesn’t know exactly what she feels. But appreciation is just the beginning.


My Review

We finally get Kellie's story in this final book of the Lost Creek Rodeo series! She has provided wisdom, support, and friendship to the women of the previous books, and her own struggles have been hinted at. It was heartbreaking to learn what she was going through, but knowing that Lars was waiting in the wings had me full of anticipation for her to discover the potential for romance there. I adore a good friends-to-lovers story! Lara is such a good guy, he just wants Kellie to be happy, and to bring her happiness. He becomes a huge support to her, and it was gratifying to see the way she reciprocated. Absolutely loved it! A strong finish to the series!

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.



 
Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances











Review: Half Hitch by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly


 
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.com http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

A Wyoming cowboy surprised by love meets a young widowed Rodeo star who isn’t ready to open her heart.

Broken Hearts ranch is working its magic again with young Hazel Winters, still paralyzed by grief at the loss of her husband. She finds hope and healing with Kellie Prosper and the other women at the ranch, but more than that, she finds an opportunity for new love. But is she well enough or brave enough to accept it?

Eric Davis is happy to return to Lost Creek with his best friends in The Original Six to support the Christmas in July Rodeo the town hosts every year. He expects to rope some calves, help out with chores at the ranch, and celebrate Christmas in the Texas heat. What he doesn’t expect is to fall in love with one of the guests at The Broken Hearts Ranch.

Read book five in the Lost Creek Rodeo series to find out if Eric and Hazel can find the love they’re both craving.

My Review

The formula for this series seems to be for a woman to come to Broken Hearts Ranch to heal, and fall in love with one of the cowboys from the Original Six. However each individual is so different, and Eric and Hazel definitely stand out. I loved that Hazel comes from a rodeo background, and naturally thrives in the ranch environment. It's cathartic for her to return to her roots and with Kellie as her therapist, does the work with her grief and healing that will allow her to move forward. Eric has a vibrant personality and enjoys the limelight, always coming up with interesting content for his YouTube channel. Once he's head over heels for Hazel, it's hard for him to be patient, especially with the ups and downs in their relationship. Another engaging story from the writers of Swoony Sports Romances!

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.



 
Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances






Releases June 2021



Review: A Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Nothing will keep Louisa from her great-aunt's fortune. Except perhaps a phantom who turns out to be a most eligible bachelor.

Although Louisa Banner insists she is not the least bit superstitious, she cannot help her misgivings when her family announces she must spend October with her great aunt in a rundown Welsh castle riddled with tales of ghosts. The family hopes Louisa will endear herself to her aunt enough to win a grand inheritance. Louisa’s only wish is to avoid a run-in with any of the phantoms spoken of by the local villagers. When Louisa stumbles upon a forgotten graveyard, and a man whose name comes directly from a tombstone, she isn’t certain whether to run away in terror or stay and get to know the handsome spirit.

Erasmus Grey is cursed, and not only because he sometimes hears the voices of his dead grandparents. While most men would count it a blessing to be a wealthy, eligible bachelor, Ras is absolutely panic-stricken at the idea of finding a bride. Rather than succumb to the matchmaking mothers of London, he retreats to an old family cottage with no plans to return to Society. Though he manages to keep his presence in the country a secret, coming upon a lovely young woman during one of his rambles nearly undoes all his careful work. But when he realizes Miss Banner thinks him a ghost, Ras wonders if he might have found a way to cure his own fears.

My Review

I loved this slow and sweet romance set in an isolated village by the Scottish border. Louisa is a bit adrift, but eager to please her aunt and quickly becomes accustomed to her newfound independence. I enjoyed her lovely personality that is steady with a good sense of humor. Ras has been considered an odd duck with his stammer and preference for solitude, and it was wonderful to see his personality unfold as he befriends Louisa and they entertain each other while hunting clues for the legendary hidden treasure. The haunting by the grandparents was whimsical rather than scary, and their vibrant personalities shone through as they subtly encouraged Ras in his endeavors. Ras and Louisa have charming chemistry and their gentle romance was a pleasure to 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.




Don't miss the other books in the Seasons of Change series . . .








Monday, August 30, 2021

Review: Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves by Saundra Dalton-Smith



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob us of our potential or our dreams. In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows women how to break free from seven mental ties that hold them back, including striving for perfection, comparing themselves to others, all-or-nothing attitudes, and more. Through case studies and inspirational writing, she encourages women to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a balanced life.

My Review

This book is just what I needed at a time in my life where I feel frustrated with how certain things are going. Halfway through the third chapter I was already feeling emotional burdens lift and the ability to feel hope and empowerment. I love the author's compassionate and encouraging voice and her wisdom and advice that I know to be true, but needed someone else to tell me again. I appreciate the gospel foundation and scripture references that enhance the lessons and themes. The seven areas she focuses on are are ones that everyone can reassess and seek alignment with truth rather that the lies and half-truths that are all-too-easy to believe. My print copy is covered with highlighter, and this book will be one I refer back to in the future as I continue to grow and embrace freedom. This would make an amazing book club pick with the potential for discussion. Highly recommend!

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.



Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Texas SEAL's Surprise by Cari Lynn Webb


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Texas SEAL's Surprise
(Three Springs, Texas #1)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 216 Pages
August 24, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

New town…

New set of problems

Suddenly single—and pregnant—Abby James hopes Three Springs, Texas, will give her the fresh start she craves. But five minutes in and she’s already clashed with a former Navy SEAL on horseback. Wes Tanner might be devastatingly handsome, but Abby has no time for romance. Especially with a man intent on leaving town. Abby wants to plant some roots…and falling for the tempting Texan could upend all her plans!

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“This is your first flat tire ever.” Surprise filtered through his voice.

Abby nodded.

And her first time ever in Texas.

And her first time ever being face to horse with a real cowboy.

And her first time experiencing such an overwhelmingly instant awareness of a man. That was merely a by-product of the full sun beating down on her, burning her nose and scrambling her common sense.

Besides, she’d left her broken heart back in California. Another relationship was the last thing she’d come to Texas for. 

Other Books in the Series

Trusting the Rancher with Christmas
(Three Springs, Texas #2)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 26, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A visit for the holidays

Brings love for a lifetime

Cattle rancher Evan Bishop is desperate for Paige Palmer’s help. The veterinarian is in Three Springs for the holidays, but the single dad hopes she has time to save his ailing livestock. Paige is up for the challenge, though not quite up to resisting the cowboy’s rugged charm and his darling devotion to his little girl. Can Paige learn to trust the rancher before the countdown to Christmas ends?

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, book chair, two backlist books (winner’s choice) and summer goodies (AKA candy)

US only
Ends September 8, 2021






Sunday, August 29, 2021

Review: Christmas on the Ranch by Arlene James, Lois Richer



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis

Cowboys for Christmas

The Rancher’s Christmas Baby by Arlene James

The quiet holiday season Dixon Lyons had planned is abruptly derailed when his long-absent mother appears at his doorstep with a baby and stunning beauty Fawn Ambor. Soon Fawn’s generous heart and endearing belief in the strength of family and forgiveness have him wondering if this might just be the Christmas he needs.

Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined.


My Review

This is a sweet compilation of two contemporary holiday stories set on ranches. I didn't really feel an emotional connection to the characters, but it was pleasant to read about them and the way the Christmas spirit helped them overcome their difficult circumstances and hope for a brighter future. Dixon and Fawn develop feelings for each other rather quickly, but their relationship plays second fiddle to Dixon's reconciliation with his mother, overcoming his feelings of abandonment, and bonding with his new baby sister. 

Over in Montana, it's Elizabeth that struggles with deeply rooted issues left by her emotionally abusive ex-husband. Add a puppy, young daughter, thoughtful cowboy, and gruff rancher, and she has no choice but to embrace her new life and community. She gets the opportunity to encourage Brett as well when he has a tough decision to make. Overall, a heartwarming 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.