Review: The Heart of Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Life is good for Caroline Whittaker. She has loving, supportive parents, she’s embarking on a promising career as a cardiac surgeon—her lifelong dream—and her boyfriend is about to propose. Nothing could be farther from her radar than a visit to Holiday, Alabama, population 767.

Tired of living in his father and brother’s shadows, Charlie Armstrong has moved from his hometown and is living the bachelor life, indulging in his love of sports and putting all of his resources and passion into his “boys,” the high school football team he coaches. He doesn’t see a reason to ever move home again—until a stranger beats him to it and an odd series of events leads him straight there, to his father’s house in the heart of Holiday, with some of the town’s quirkiest residents settled in for an extended stay as well.

Charlie has long since given up figuring any of them out, but the new woman in town is another matter. She’s a mystery worth solving, and he’ll do whatever it takes to unravel Carol’s secrets, help her heal, and prove that he’s as good at love as the rest of his family.

My Review

I didn't read the synopsis before starting this book, so I was completely taken off guard by the scene that makes Caroline have to go into Witness Protection. She is absolutely devastated and thrown by her abrupt change in circumstances, and it makes me wonder what kind of counseling services are available in real life to victims like her. The small town welcomes Carol as the new librarian with open arms, and it was heartwarming to see her make new friendships despite her reticence. As a medical professional she can't help but get involved when she sees others in crisis, and her skills only make Charlie more curious. I loved their dynamic and the way they complement each other. The pace of the book continues steadily with their romantic chemistry and some suspenseful tension as Carol's past comes to haunt her, and the resolution give her the opportunity for new choices. This is the third book in the series and could easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first two books in order since the characters and plot in them are more connected.

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 Holiday Harbor series . . .

 

Review: A Midnight Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

At the Midnight Masquerade, hearts and affections may be revealed . . .

A Double Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns
Arthur, Lord Claremont finds himself unexpectedly in need of an heir, but loathes the idea of putting himself publicly on the Marriage Mart. When a masquerade provides the opportunity to survey the crop of eligible ladies whilst in disguise, he cannot resist. Phoebe Cartwright was forced to live with her aunt during her mourning for her father. Unfortunately, it was during the Season when her cousin was to make her debut. Fearing competition, her aunt tries to keep her hidden away. However, when her cousin becomes ill, Phoebe finds herself pretending to be her cousin at a masquerade. Arthur finds his ideal bride at the masquerade, but appearances can be deceiving.

Their Masked Secret by Jen Geigle Johnson
A duke’s ultimatum carries power. James Holbrook and his fellow lords in London have one more ball before they must tow the line and find wives, wealthy wives—One more chance to be frivolous, to flirt, to outrageously flaunt themselves about without a care until the dawn when they can never do so again. With masks on, everything will be done in complete anonymity. And even though James has reservations about such a jaunt, he agrees to at least keep the others’ secrets.

Meredith attends the ball with great trepidation. How will she see through the duplicity of the marriage mart and find a man sincere enough to marry her for who she is? She doesn't expect to. And she doesn't expect to fall for one at her first ball, without even knowing his name. How will the two navigate the ensuing weeks of secrets, misunderstandings and prejudice to eventually fall in love without their masks on?

Masquerade A-la-Mode by Annette Lyon
When Charles Ballam returns from war, his former commander, Doughty, is determined to see him happily wed—the least he can do after Charles maimed his hand saving his life. The first attempt leads to a humiliating spectacle involving Charles’s injury. He’s loath to ever attend a ball again. Doughty convinces him to try a relatively new, scandalous method: lonely hearts advertisements.

Mr. Amesbury doesn’t approve of such things, but that doesn’t stop his daughter Clarissa or her companion, Mary, from reading them secretly and then strolling past meeting places in hopes of finding the individuals mentioned in them. When an advertisement with striking details appears, Clarissa is certain that the man behind it is one she could have a love match with. She answers, suggesting they meet at an upcoming masquerade. But identities aren’t what they seem, and her future happiness—or spinsterhood—may rest on the man who placed the advertisement . . . or on his mate, who assumes his identity. Instead of being the man of her dreams, he may be nothing more than a deception.

My Review

A Double Masquerade (5 stars) was my favorite of the collection, with Phoebe in the background of her cousin's Season while she finishes her mourning, a bit like Cinderella in how she's treated. The swap for the masquerade is fun for Phoebe since she gets to wear the beautiful costume she helped design, and participate in the dancing incognito. The banter between her and Arthur is sweet and sincere, and I loved that they are a perfect match for each other. I also appreciated that they were able to get to know one another in a natural way in the days that followed, strengthening the foundation of their love.

 

Their Masked Secret (3 stars) features the famed Vauxhall Gardens as the location of its masquerade, with Jamie being pushed into finding a wealthy bride, and Merry wary of fortune hunters. The premise was set up well, but I had a difficult time connecting with Merry and Jamie's insta-love during their little adventure. The ensuing hunt for identities afterwards was anticlimactic, but it was humorous to find them at odds with each other and then later so sappy.

 

Masquerade A-la-Mode (4 stars) had an entertaining twist- the couple finds each other through a newspaper advertisement! Charles is a wounded former soldier, and these heroes always melt my heart. His friend makes it his duty to see him happily wed, and they get a bit creative in their methods. Clarissa and Mary are both likeable ladies, and I enjoyed their friendship. They push societal boundaries a bit by reading the ads and looking for real love stories to unfold before them. When both sets of friends meet up to discover if there is potential for romance, their own stories unfold, but not in the way they anticipated! 

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 Timeless Georgian Collection series . . .

Review: Betting on the Best Friend's Brother by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

I don’t want a dating coach. Especially not one I’ve been in love with since junior high.

My roommates say I’m a workaholic. But when my boss temporarily suspends my extra lab time, my best friend and bossiest roommate makes fixing my love life her summer project.

My love life is non-existent, but makeover schemes and blind dates with her weird library patrons are not the answer. When she takes drastic measures and calls in her brother, Joey—one of Austin’s hottest heartthrobs—to consult, it’s my worst nightmare.

I fell for Joey when I was fourteen, and no other guy has ever measured up.

I’ll do anything to keep Joey from finding out—including putting up with a bombshell transformation—if it hides my true feelings when he looks at me. He rejected me once, and it nearly broke me. I’ll never give him that chance again.

Opposites attract in this swoony romcom. A brilliant geneticist versus a hotshot trendsetter she's secretly loved more than half her life. Dive in for meddling roommates, quirky neighbors, Ahab the cursing parrot, found family, a sneaky matchmaker, and makeover shenanigans.

My Review

Wow, such a fun book with humor, banter, awkwardness, and sweet romance! I liked how we see Ava in all her dysfunctional workaholic glory, and we slowly learn how and why she became that way. Her best friend and roommate Ruby is helping her find more balance in her life and relationships by pushing her out of her comfort zone- for her own good, of course. Joey getting roped into the makeover as a flirting coach sets the scene for lots of great interactions, and forces him to take a second and third look at Ava. I appreciated that it's less of a makeover and more of her getting back to herself and putting effort into her presentation and being present and caring about making connections. Naturally there has to be some bombs in the dating experiment, and Joey contrasts nicely against them... once he gets a clue and starts to pursue Ava. They have great chemistry, and he helps Ava come to terms with some of the deeper emotional weight she is carrying. I love it when rom-coms have layered 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.

Check out the other books in the Betting on Love series . . .

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.