Review: My True Love Gave to Me by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!

Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.

A fun, quirky read that is short enough to squeeze into even the busiest holiday schedule.

My Review

This short and sweet novella is just right for the holidays! I loved Simeon's creativity in demonstrating his love and devotion to Anna. His whole family is involved and pretty soon the whole town too, and Anna takes such pleasure in figuring out the daily gifts. I bet the author had a blast coming up with ways to turn The Twelve Days of Christmas into historical Texas-themed items! Anna and Simeon's relationship is already established and strong when the story begins, but I would have loved a bit more development of their romance. I think I felt the lack because Simeon had to stay away from Anna while she gave her new suitor a chance (which he never really had). Overall, a delightful and uplifting Christmas-themed 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.

Review: Not on Your Life by Jenessa Fayeth

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Maddie:

How did I become a washed-up lawyer at the ripe age of twenty-six? I’ll tell you.

Connor Freaking Quinn. AKA, the devil himself.

When he shows up at my new job to apologize, I’d just as soon torture him than talk to him. It’s entertaining, but it doesn’t change the past. And that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last four months. I have to get back into law.

The problem is, the longer I’m away from the courtroom, I can’t help but realize I prefer a much different court.

Connor:

The reason for our feud?

It’s simple, really. I need a distraction, and fighting with Maddie is the perfect way to keep my mind off the stress from the last couple years. Messed up, I know.

I’ll admit, I took it too far. I didn’t mean to start that rumor, but I ruined her life anyway. I have to fix things for her.

If only she will talk to me. I miss her cute glares and snide remarks—maybe I should consider therapy.

The guilt isn’t the only thing keeping me around, though. And the longer I try to get her to talk to me, the harder it is to stay away.

My Review

The best thing about the enemies to lovers trope is the potential for amazing tension, and this book delivered! It was fun when Connor realized before Maddie that he had fallen for her, but was tormenting her for attention since he didn't feel good enough to win her on his own merits. Their office competition came to an ugly end when Connor inadvertently gets her fired... but that's not the end of their rivalry. These two are crazy with each other! And for each other- but it takes much longer for Maddie to get to a place where she can trust him. When she's his personal trainer at the gym? Comedy gold. I loved the banter and chemistry these enemies-to-lovers shared and the growth they both go through on their journey. This was such a fun 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 first book in the Never Say Never series . . . 

Review: Cursed by Elizabeth Adams

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Darcy family has a secret…

 
For generations, they have been plagued by a Curse. They cannot undo it. They cannot cure it. They can only endure and hope Fate has mercy on their tortured souls.

Hertfordshire is a peaceful county, until Netherfield is suddenly filled with eligible bachelors. Or perhaps not so eligible…

Elizabeth Bennet would like a wealthy husband as much as the next lady, but this may be more than she bargained for.

My Review

Confession: I spent the summer binge-reading Pride & Prejudice variations. It all started with the previous book in this series, Think of Me. Then I just couldn't get enough of them! After all the books and novellas read and authors tried out, Elizabeth Adams is still my favorite. And now we have a new addition to the Collection of Unusual Tales- Cursed. I love the creativity and twists the author adds that puts our dear Lizzy and Darcy in new situations that they navigate with their same personality traits that make them so beloved. There's a hint of the paranormal with the curse that plagues the Darcy family history (and Darcy himself), but the setting and characters are grounded in Regency reality. I adore the loyalty and protective nature of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy is moody as ever, with an added reason to be cranky. Elizabeth is sassy and a little impulsive, but also thoughtful and compassionate. I loved seeing how the curse would affect the impressions Darcy and Elizabeth have of each other, and interfere with their journey to happily ever after. A must-read for fans of Austen and retellings of the classics!

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 stories in A Collection of Unusual Tales . . .

Review: Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Sometimes all it takes to start a fire is a single match. . .

Owen Larrabee is not my soulmate.

He wasn't when I confessed my love to him on his wedding day, and he isn't now. I should probably say that I wasn't the bride when that happened. I don't have the best timing.

He’s got a temper, he's moody, and he has a history of being misunderstood and making big mistakes.

I, on the other hand, make pumpkin cupcakes, spend my Friday nights curled up with a beloved romance novel and long to be kissed in the rain.

Owen is my best friend’s older, off-limits brother and the only boy I ever thought I loved. Which is laughable because he only ever saw me as his kid sister’s dorky friend.

But that was a long time ago. And I’m over him.

Mostly.

Until he comes back to Harvest Hollow like some kind of hero, showing up just in time to pull me out of my burning house and make me feel all the things I told myself I’d never feel again.

But I have questions. Why is Owen back? And does he remember our secret friendship or the day I’ve spent the last eight years trying to forget?

I know better than to get hung up on Owen again. Especially now, when he’s sworn off relationships and thinks romance is a farce. And I’m something of an expert—at least to the people who listen to my podcast, The Hopeful Romantic.

Never mind that nobody would guess their local bookshop owner is the one doling out popular weekly relationship advice.

Never mind that I’m basing all that advice on the hundreds, (thousands?) of romance novels I’ve read over the years and not on personal experience.

And especially never mind that Owen is making me question everything I believe about all of it.

Can’t Help Falling is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, opposites attract sweet rom-com with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

My Review

I absolutely loved this book full of humor and heart! This author always brings the feels for me, even in her more light-hearted plots. So much to love here- Unrequited love, best friend's brother, friends to more, bookstore owner, firefighter, secret identity! I loved being able to read Owen's perspective as he comes home and faces his past, unexpectedly but inevitably falling for Emmy, despite her (hilarious) awkwardness and attempts at avoidance. He is so compassionate to her and shows through his actions and words that he understands and validates her feelings from losing her home. The small town setting is so fun, and the friends and family were vibrant and had depth as they root for their new favorite (potential) couple. Owen grows and softens as he is influenced by Emmy's views on romance and love, while he balances out her fictional romance knowledge with some real-life loving that is less about show and more about intention. I just loved their angst and chemistry!

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 Sweater Weather multi-author series . . .

(click photo or here to go to the books!)

Review: Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Before Rosalind weds, she wants to experience ten things. Meeting Charlie wasn’t on her list.

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her time. As a child, Ros created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

My Review

Regency bucket list! Ros knows she's about to lose her freedom when she marries, and hopes to experience certain things before the wedding. While her accomplishment of some of these brings humor to the story, it is her feelings of being caught between her own heart and the expectations of her family and society that made the story so compelling to me. Charlie is drawn in to the endeavor and encourages her independence, helping her see that she is more than what her marriage will do for her family. Their romance felt forbidden since she is promised to the duke, so I'm glad they spent the majority of the story as friends with attraction and deepening feelings. The character growth and relationship dynamics Ros has with her family and friends made this book a pleasure to read, and one I plan to read again!

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: The Art of Drawing Poses for Beginners by Ken Goldman, Stephanie Goldman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

With a wealth of illustrated graphite portrait references and step-by-step pencil lessons, The Art of Drawing Poses for Beginners will help you master drawing realistic human figures in a range of different positions.

This helpful 128-page guide reveals the process of drawing the human figure as it pertains to anatomy, proportions, volume, mass, gesture, movement, and expression. From there, discover how these characteristics come together using light, shape, line, and form to accurately depict the human figure in a variety of everyday poses. Step-by-step drawing instructions and techniques demonstrate how to capture realistic poses as they differ from one person to the next across a range of human characteristics.

In section 1 of this book, learn the tools, materials, and techniques used in drawing before diving into the basics of portraiture and human anatomy. In section 2, practice a variety of basic stationary poses before moving on to the dynamic poses in section 3. Section 4 covers expressive portraits and conveying mood and facial expressions. Finally, with lots of examples, section 5 covers many of the artistic compositions you can use when drawing people.

Packed with helpful illustrated references, hundreds of tips, and loads of expert instruction, The Art of Drawing Poses for Beginners is the perfect resource for artists of all skill levels—and one that will be referred to over and over again.

My Review

It's been a long time since I've drawn people, but it was my favorite subject when I was in my college art classes. This book was a wonderful review and would be perfect for beginners as well. The information is presented well, with plenty of visual examples. There is such a wide variety of poses- both stationary and dynamic, with a range of age, gender, and ethnicity. The focus is on technical methods and techniques used, and unlike other art books I've recently read, it does not address the why, or the purpose, of this type of art-making. I did appreciate the advice on the last page about creativity- to sketch everyday, to practice sketching from the work of Old Masters and other artists, and speed sketching from life. This book has made me excited to start drawing again, and provided ideas, exercises, and tools that I can use as I begin to practice.

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: Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town. 

My Review

Ever since reading the Little House series and my dad's Louis L'Amour paperbacks, I've loved reading westerns with romance! This is an exciting hidden identity story with John going undercover in the small town to investigate the anonymous warning of a plot against his life. I really felt for Liesl and her difficult circumstances of realizing how corrupt her father and his friends are. I admired that she did what she could for the locals, and didn't let that feeling of powerlessness descend into hopelessness. She finds a hero in John and I was in anticipation of when they would be able to confide their secrets in each other. When John is ready to call in reinforcements, it made me realize how much we take our instant communication and quick travel for granted! Back then it took days, even with the telegraph. I love the way John falls for Liesl and is so protective of her and the town.

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 Savage Wells series . . .

Review: The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook by Susan Mulvihill

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If you’re tired of battling blight on your tomatoes, losing your basil to downy mildew, and watching deer raid your vegetable garden, you’ll find all the answers you need right here.

In The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook, author and veggie-growing guru Susan Mulvihill of YouTube’s Susan’s in the Garden is ready to set you up for long-term success in the vegetable garden. In these pages, Susan hands you all the info you need to stand firm against plant diseases, viruses, disorders, stressors, and even animal pests, and to do it without having to turn to harsh synthetic chemical products. All-natural solutions to your worst gardening woes are featured in an organized, problem-by-problem manner that makes this a quick and useful reference for both beginner and expert gardeners. This book is a wonderful companion to Susan’s previous book, The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, which covers organic solutions for managing insect pests common in home veggie gardens.

In this book, not only will you discover how to get your plants off to a healthy start, you’ll also find out how to properly identify plant pathogens, how to troubleshoot problems like pollination issues and weather-related disorders, and how to prevent ailments such as fruit cracking, leaf roll, and blossom end rot.

In addition, Susan hands you natural solutions to:
- Over 28 bacterial and fungal diseases, including nasties like powdery mildew, potato scab, and leaf spot
- Limit damage from plant-eating animals, including birds, chipmunks, rabbits, groundhogs, gophers, deer, and 8 other critters
- Manage a dozen physiological disorders common to the veggie garden, including bitterness, bolting, and sun scald
- Prevent problems before they occur using the many strategies detailed throughout these pages
 

Keeping vegetable plants healthy and productive is no easy task. An extensive quick-reference chart is included to help with identification and to direct you to the best possible solutions based on both the symptoms you see and the vegetable those symptoms have appeared on. This truly is THE guide every vegetable gardener has been waiting for!

My Review

This is a wonderful resource for vegetable gardeners! I appreciated the introduction of getting off to the best start possible with good habits and preventative measures of location, timing, spacing, support, watering, and feeding your soil. The troubleshooting section addressed common issues such as weather and bugs. I appreciated the organic and sensible strategies to combat these problems. The book covers diseases common to each vegetable with a quick reference table, and then disease profiles with further information, what to look for, and possible solutions. I'm looking forward to planning my own garden and am glad to have this helpful book to turn to.

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: John Eyre by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a supernatural Victorian gothic retelling of Charlotte Brontë's timeless classic.

Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he’s ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John’s new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.

Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn’t on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she’s powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly-disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn’t quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.

From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer?

My Review

The perfect book to read in October! It was delightfully mysterious and spooky, with all the Gothic vibes of Jane Eyre and sinister thrills of Dracula. I enjoyed the gender swap, making John the tutor and Mrs. Rochester the estate owner. Their two stories are told in a staggered timeline, with slowly-revealed details of Bertha's ordeal shedding light on the present circumstances John finds himself in. I loved how his relationship with the two boys grew and how he brought healing and light to the gloomy home. John advocates for them to Mrs. Rochester, despite her strong edicts. They soon realize that they don't need to be at odds with each other since they both are trying to protect the boys. Her unexpected arrivals and departures from Thornfield Hall brings a sense of uncertainty, and the story grows more intense as the mystery unfolds. The story reflects parts of the original story of Jane Eyre, but the author's twists and additions made it such an imaginative and creative retelling!

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.

Extras

Be sure to check out the author's Pinterest board for the novel!