Review: Just Add Mistletoe by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

She’ll do anything to stay invisible to the male eye. But he can’t seem to notice anyone else.

Lori loves the holidays, and if her holiday store isn’t a huge indicator, she dresses for each season. It makes her happy, and no man, so far, has been interested in her idiosyncrasies. But that doesn’t matter since she’s sworn off dating because of a series of flops. She’s more than content, or at least that’s what she thinks, until Malcom moves across the street from her. Literally. In a construction lot where he’s taken up residence in a trailer.

Lori decides his housing choices are none of her business—but the two keep crossing paths and discover they have plenty in common. And all the things they are opposite in only add fuel to her attraction. Besides, he’s not put off by her broomstick earrings, autumn leaf sweaters, or mistletoe hairband. The only catch is that he’s also sworn off dating. One of them will have to cave first.

My Review

I love the Everly Falls series! It's easy to like the main characters, the small town vibe is sweet, and the drama in the plots are low-key yet hold my attention while the romance blossoms. (I think the first two should be read in order but the third and this fourth book can be read in any order). Just Add Mistletoe sounds like a Christmas themed book, but it encompasses Halloween and Thanksgiving too. It was fun to picture Lori with her holiday outfits and holiday store! Malcom's employment in town is controversial at the city council meetings, and Lori helps him navigate the small town politics. They both aren't interested in dating, but their friendship and attraction leads them to rethink that status... Another wonderful romance that I just didn't want to put down!

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 previous books in the Everly Falls series . . .

 

 

 

Review: How to Raise a Happy Cat by Sophie Collins

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

How to Raise a Happy Cat focuses on the happiness to be found in the person/pet relationship and includes dozens of ideas for activities and hacks you can build into daily life with your pet, from spontaneous play and activities to making them the perfect sleep spot.

We know how important happiness is for ourselves but when it comes to pets, making sure they’re happy – as opposed to obedient, say – is often underrated. Yet there’s plenty of fresh science that shows that a happy, engaged pet is easy to live with and creates happiness in its owners, too.

How to Raise a Happy Cat shows what you can learn from your pet’s behavior and body language, offer a mass of practical ways to raise your pet’s happiness levels, and show you how to connect with them in the way they’ll love best.

Building on recent scientific developments into animal behavioral science, this book's methods aim to increase inter-species understanding and encouraging the behavior you do want, while discouraging the behavior you don’t.

Divided into 6 chapters, each of which contains plenty of easy-to-follow activities which owners can carry out themselves, this book will become an invaluable resource for building and strengthening the bond between human and cat.

Sections include: 

How you can get to know your cat better;
How to develop happiness in different areas, from exercising to playing; 

A guide to different stages in a cat’s life and at how to tailor activities to a kitten or to an ageing cat

Perfect for cat owners who want to get to know their feline friends as individuals, this indispensible book offers a new angle that gives owners lots of customized ideas for having fun with their pet, as well as explaining behaviours that they may have previously found baffling.

My Review

While this book is wordier than I anticipated, it reads as quickly and easily as a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. The sections are not overlong, yet cover a vast array of topics. It is a wonderful resource for cat owners to empathize with their pets and provide for their range of needs. I enjoyed perusing the book and learned new insight into my own cats and important information that will be invaluable in the future.

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: Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Sensible and cautious, Naomi Coblenz lives to help everyone else be happy—particularly when it comes to her twin sister, Ruth. So Omi certainly can’t admit she’s always loved handsome Bo Helmuth, since he and Ruth have begun courting. To look out for her sometimes-thoughtless sister, Omi even poses as Ruth on a ride home alone with Bo. But it doesn’t take Bo long to see the truth—and really notice Omi for the first surprising, hopelessly-wonderful time . . . 
 
Bo thought he was in love with the vivacious Ruth. But he can’t stop thinking about Omi’s kindness and understanding, especially since she refuses to hurt her sister. And he can’t figure out a way to tell Ruth they aren’t really suited for each other. His only hope is that his ever-resourceful Dawdi and Mammi can help faith guide the way—and at last claim a happy ending for all.

My Review

I can always count on Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish romances for a few laugh out loud moments as well as low-key drama and angst. Naturally a story with twins will have an identity swap, but I admired that Omi didn't want to do it and felt bad about deceiving Bo. She has loyalty to her sister, although it was frustrating that she didn't recognize that Ruth didn't have the same devotion to her. It felt easy as a reader to think what she should have done instead, but Omi has a strong desire to keep a good relationship with her twin. Forbidden romance blended with family dynamics brought the conflict, and only Bo's meddling grandparents Anna and Felty had hope for straightening it all out. I just love those two!


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 amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

 

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Joseph, Where Are You? by Sandra Meaders

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Discover early Church history with prominent members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like Joseph Smith, Jane Elizabeth Manning, and Brigham Young. This inspiring book will help children develop a love for Church history.

My Review

With the church-wide study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I think this is a wonderful book to help young readers visualize some of the historical figures we will learn about. Not only leaders of the restoration of Christ's church, but regular members who made an impact through their faith and example. The illustrations are colorful and delightful, and the information shared is perfect for both junior and senior Primary-aged children. Even as an adult I learned some new things about our church history!

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.

Giveaway

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

A second chance with your first crush.

Doesn’t happen often.

For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.

Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.

When Liam’s family moves away, Liam and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how— with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.

Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.

Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.

Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.

And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.

Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.

When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly hot Liam.

Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.

The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.

Christmas With a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

My Review

This author's books never disappoint! I love the natural and deep way we get to know Liam and Olive and connect with their emotions. Their charmed childhood relationship developed complications as they became older, families grew apart, and romantic rivals interfered. It was alternately fun and frustrating as Olive helps Liam break out of his grumpy self, misunderstandings and regrets are revealed, and their simmering attraction blossoms into a lovely romance with a sweet childhood friendship as a foundation. It was all too easy to fall in love with the tree farm and Olive's creative ideas to give it one last glory season. This is a story I'll be reading again in the future!

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 Christmas-themed books by Courtney Walsh!

 

 

 

Review: The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Lenora Worth

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Christmas miracles abound in this trio of stories that celebrate holiday blessings with three Amish families who discover the season’s sweetest gifts . . .

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Holden, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be possible . . . 

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . . 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . . .

My Review

This is a sweet collection of heartwarming stories perfect for any time of the year! My favorite of the three was the last one by Rachel J. Good. I was intrigued by Mark's past as an Amish rock and roll star in the region, and his current situation busking with a handicapped man. He's reunited with an elusive admirer Joline, who had been on her own journey of rebellion and faith-seeking. After reading this novella I found the original story of the Amish rock band and the community center Joline's family established with the help of a wealthy local patron. I really enjoy this author's writing style and her characters.

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 & Review: Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

 

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

My Review

I was curious to see how a blend of two different fairy tales would work, and the author totally pulled it off! For me it was because she took elements from each story and worked them into the new setting, and didn't try to closely retell either story. That way it is fun when you notice a subtle nod to the fairy tales or see how a plot line relates to one or both stories. Letty has been isolated with her grandmother and "pet" wolf, but it has strengthened her and prepared her for the fight to reunite with her mother. Philip admires her from their first meeting, and his regard grows as they get to know one another in tension-filled circumstances. I enjoyed the pace of the suspenseful story as they journey towards Letty's future but also the danger that threatens her, with various roadblocks that must be overcome with their combined skills and faith.

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 previous books in the Texas Ever After series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.