Showing posts with label 5 Stars 2022. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 Stars 2022. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Between The Pages - If Ever In Love

If Ever In Love Ann Trader 
January 2023 

Camden, South Carolina 1783 

Colonial Captain Harry Fleming wears his passions like badges of honor, a man considered by most as smart, decisive…even impulsive. With the Patriot victory and his fighting days behind him, his homecoming sours when he discovers his homestead in shambles and childhood sweetheart married to his cousin. 

Most comfortable in breeches and with her trusty hound by her side, Olivia Parr is a half-white/half-native healer…a resourceful woman and no man’s puppet. Yet when her path collides with the dashing captain, his charm makes her dream of a life and home like none she has ever known.

Loathe to become a hermit, Harry proposes a marriage to Olivia based on devotion. Will she wager her heart to a man hardened to love? As unresolved feelings linger and enemies plot against them for greed and gain, will they risk all and unveil the truth of what lovers must do…if ever in love? 

Between The Pages 
This historical story captures the attention in the first chapter. The storyline is exceptional with the author scripting a well-developed plot from beginning to end. At over three-hundred pages, this book is long, but the read is smooth and has no dragging scenes. Olivia and Harry are great lead characters, but there is also a huge cast with so many likable characters and a few villains. The author gives each character a uniqueness, so you don’t get confused by who-is-who in the large cast. The settings are well described to place the reader in the story. If you like to get lost in historical romances, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. I look forward to the second book in The Carolina Patriots 1783 Series. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Between the Pages - The Officer’s Dilemma

The Officer’s Dilemma 
Janice Carter 
December 2022 

An impossible choice… 

Or a new adventure together? 

Zanna Winters has five months to plan the rest of her life—including the impossible choice of whether to leave Lighthouse Cove and her family’s hotel behind. Unfortunately, Naval Officer Dominic Kennedy’s return to their small town is complicating that plan. Because now Zanna must tell Dominic the truth: they’re having a baby. Neither planned for a life in Lighthouse Cove…but is love enough to bring two wandering hearts home for good?

Between The Pages 
This book was a sweet romance, and perfect for reading during the holidays. The author’s writing voice draws you into the story, which has an interesting plot containing several twists. There is plenty of drama between the main characters as well as the secondary cast. It was fun returning to Lighthouse Cove to catch up on previous characters and to see the development of the town. Dominic was a great leading hero. Does he sail away and leave behind the woman of his dreams and his baby? I recommend reading this delightful book to find out. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Between The Pages - The Summer of Sorrow and Dance

The Summer of Sorrow and Dance 
Liz Flaherty 
October 2022 

In the midst of a summer of change, they’re both searching for an anchor. 

Dinah is a mom, a giver, and a doer, so she’s used to change, but this summer is kind of overdoing that. The diner where she’s worked for half her life is closing, her college-age kids aren’t coming home for the summer, and a property on nearby Cooper Lake is calling her name, bringing long-held dreams of owning a B & B to the fore. Newcomer Zach Applegate is entering into her dreams, too. 

Divorced dad, contractor, and recovering alcoholic Zach is in Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, to visit his brother and to decide what’s coming next in his life. He doesn’t like change much, yet it seems to be everywhere. But he finds an affinity for remodeling and restoration, is overjoyed when his teenage sons join him for the summer, and he likes Dinah Tyler, too. A lot. 

Dinah and Zach each experience sorrow and tumult, but go on to dance in the kitchen. Together, they have something, but is it enough? 

Between The Pages 
Book three in the Second Chance series is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon reading. The author has a skilled writing voice for mixing a wholesome romance with family drama. The plot drives the pages of Dinah and Zach both finding new chapters in their lives and discovering how they balance each other. The family bonds are the highlight of this book, and the author masterfully draws you in with emotional elements of vulnerability and independence. A loveable dog and a cute kitten add to the enjoyment. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Between The Pages - Meringue Snowflake Magic

Meringue Snowflake Magic 
Tena Stetler 
November 2022 

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist. 

Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he. 

When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic? 

Between The Pages 
Mix a holiday romance and paranormal elements with a cookie contest and you have a winning recipe. While in witness protection, Wynter is placed in Raven’s Hollow and is quickly placed under the protection of Blaze, owner of the Dragon Fire Pizza and deputy sheriff. Their chemistry is instant and steamy. The plot contains a bit of mystery as well as a town filled with all sorts of paranormal creatures that come together to protect their new resident. This captivating storyline is a perfect afternoon read. The cover is beautiful, and the delicious pages include Christmas magic, pizza, cookies, and two tasty recipes. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Between The Pages - The Lady of the Mirrored Lake

The Lady of the Mirrored Lake 
Jennifer Ivy Walker 
January 2023 

Hunted by the Black Widow Queen, Issylte--a healer with the verdant magic of the forest--must flee Avalon with the two finest knights in the Celtic realm, both wrongly accused of treason. The trio travels to Bretagne, where Issylte heals a critically injured wolf and obtains fiercely loyal, shapeshifting allies. 

In mystical Brocéliande, Issylte becomes a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and otherworldly mate of the Blue Knight of Cornwall, discovering with Tristan a passion that transcends all bounds. When she becomes the Lady of the Mirrored Lake, sworn to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess, Issylte must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in its murky depths. 

As a nascent evil emerges in a fetid cave, Issylte and Tristan must face a diabolical trio that threatens their lives, their love, and their kingdoms. 

Enchanted. Enflamed. Entwined. Can their passion and power prevail? 

Between The Pages 
This is the second book in The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven series and begins where the first book ended. While I enjoyed the first book, this story held more interest for me because the plot highlighted more of the relationship between Issylte and Tristan who are the stars. Their connection is powerful and unwavering. Several interesting aspects propel this story, especially when Issylte is gifted new powers and the ceremonial bond between her and Tristan. There is a huge cast of characters, so I recommend starting with book one to become familiar with some of the names. Filled with magic, evil, fairies, wizards, and plenty of knights and princesses, this book is long but has a well-developed plot, which ends with an imminent battle to take place in the third installment. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Between The Pages - Burying The Dead

Burying The Dead 
Kerry Blaisdell 
January 2023 

Sometimes the only way to stop the world from going to Hell is by working with Demons. 

Hyacinth Finch has one goal: Save her nephew Geordi from the Hell Demon who kidnapped him. But to succeed, she’ll have to work with his demon Mafia relatives, which she swore she’d never do. Worse, she’ll have to make another deal with the High Demons who murdered her. But Geordi's life is worth it, even if she loses her own humanity in the process. 

Meanwhile, Hyacinth’s ghost boyfriend Eric is wasting away, after being ejected from his “borrowed” body. While digging in his past for something to make him fight for survival, she uncovers secrets that could destroy their relationship. Moreover, her feelings for Geordi’s demon cousin Jason are stronger than ever, though every morally impossible choice she makes drives him farther away. Can she save Eric and Geordi, without losing herself—and Jason—forever? 

Between The Pages 
Book four in The Dead Series is otherworldly fantastic. Hyacinth is a wonderful commanding female lead, but the author supplies a superb secondary cast with spirited minions, a handsome hero - Jason, and the cutest little guy - Geordi. The cast is so large, I recommend reading this series in order to learn who is who, but the books do read well as individual titles. What did I like? Everything! Ms. Blaisdell is a master storyteller. So many twists and turns have you sitting on the edge of your seat, pulling you deeper into the depths of Satan’s lair – which in this story is pivotal and interesting. What didn’t I like? Nothing, other than wondering how to save Jason. Every character has their own ghostly and demonic objective, leaving Hyacinth - and the reader - questioning who to trust. Be prepared to enter an engaging, absorbing, page-turning paranormal world. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Friday, November 25, 2022

Between The Pages - Desperate Hope

Desperate Hope 
Susan Leigh Furlong 
December 2022 

Revolutionary War soldier, Gavin Cullane, has desperate choices to make. He vows never to give up the fight for American freedom, but his role as colonial liaison between the Americans and the British brands him a seeming traitor to his own country. When he discovers the woman he loves is part of George Washington’s secret spy chain, his only choice is to expose his own lies so she can escape. 

Tansy Carter risks her life to send messages to George Washington from the captured city of New York. When she is discovered, she must flee the city, and trusting her life to the traitor, Cullane, is the desperate chance she must take.

Will their freedom come at the cost of their love?

Between The Pages 
This historical romance was a compelling read. The author blended actual events of history with fictional aspects, developing a seamless plot. Opening the story with a bang – literally during America’s Revolutionary War, the pages combine action, courage, and emotion. These elements propel the story further into the book without pausing. The characters shine, from the leads of Gavin and Tansy to Tansy’s family and other cast members the author introduces along the way. The scenes with the children were enjoyable as was the character, Brian. There were many points of view in this story and some changes happened without a break, but it didn’t deter the read. The plan the characters build to survive comes with many twists, and they take the reader on a visual journey and the kindness of humanity. If you’re a fan of historicals, I recommend grabbing a copy of this book. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Friday, November 18, 2022

Between The Pages - Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished 
Sophia Ryan 
September 2022 

By-the-book ER nurse Alicia Stone can spot trouble a mile away. The sex-in-combat-boots bleeding all over her porch radiates with it. Her plan to bandage him up and show him the door goes awry when a blizzard traps them in her cozy mountain cabin. 

Until FBI Agent Nick Navarro can confirm the identity of the siren who saved his life, his mission is to keep his identity secret and his hands to himself. With a soul crafted by angels, a body crafted by devils, and a brand of TLC that could tempt a corpse, she’s making it difficult for him to accomplish that mission. 

Alicia’s patient is secretive and cocky, sweet and sexy, and very likely a criminal. As the temperatures tumble, so do her defenses, even though she knows that falling for him will put more than her heart at risk when the bad guys who shot him show up to finish the job. 

Between The Pages 
This suspenseful romance is riveting from the very first chapter. The author’s writing of text and dialogue immediately pulls you into the well-developed plot. The flow is seamless from page to page and chapter to chapter. A snowy setting in New Mexico has the main characters, Alicia and Nick (aka Rey), isolated and stranded in a mountain cabin. She’s cautious and he’s dangerous, yet they still form a close bond. They have instant chemistry, which soon has steam sizzling on the pages, however, the author does a great job of building their relationship, making their attraction and heat more believable. Secrets, emotional ups and downs, action, and an adorable dog add to the enjoyment of this must read book.

Rating 
5 Stars

Monday, November 7, 2022

Between The Pages - Last Stop, Wylder

Last Stop, Wylder 
Barbara Bettis 
October 2022 

Gunman Morgan Dodd is headed to a new life in California, where no one knows his name. Or his reputation. Just one last job to raise money for his fresh start—gunhand for a railroad agent in Wyoming. Easy enough. Until he meets the woman who could change everything. 

After ending her engagement, Emily Martin longs for independence. She sets out for Wylder, Wyoming, to help her brother with his newspaper. But when she arrives, she finds he’s off investigating a story. Well, then. She’ll simply publish the paper herself until he returns. Emily’s prepared to face challenges, but not the dangerous stranger who ambushes her heart. The same man hired to destroy her livelihood. 

When a common enemy threatens, Morgan and Emily must find a way to defeat danger and save their budding love. But a gunman’s word is his bond, and a lady’s trust can shatter. 

Between The Pages 
This is a charming story. The heartwarming chemistry between Morgan and Emily is wonderfully written. Their slow but steady romance has you rooting for this couple to get their happy-ever-after. The setting is pictured very well. A secondary cast adds to the enjoyment of the story. This historical western even has a bit of mystery tied into the storyline, making it an interesting page-turner. The plot includes the liberation of women voting and how it’s received in a small town. This is a great book to spend an afternoon reading on the sofa. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Between The Pages - Christmas At Tall Pines

Christmas At Tall Pines 
Darlene Deluca 
November 2022 

A blizzard at Tall Pines mountain lodge puts Melanie Beck within arm’s reach of an old high school crush and in danger of losing both her idyllic Christmas and her heart. 

Melanie Beck is searching for an idyllic Christmas like the ones her small family used to have. Traveling solo and still grieving the loss of her parents, she’s counting on cozy Tall Pines Lodge tucked into the mountains of Utah to provide the elusive holiday feels with merry music, stunning decorations and traditional Christmas feast in a beautiful frosty setting.

But a blizzard turns the winter wonderland into a hazard, and a chance encounter with a now-famous high school crush has her reeling with emotions she’s never quite gotten over. 

Tyler Shaw, a Hollywood heartthrob and silver screen star, is so over a grueling film schedule and persistent paparazzi. In disguise and using a fake name, he comes to Tall Pines to escape the spotlight and get some much-needed rest. He’s hoping the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing at the nearby slopes will give him the reboot he’s looking for.

Instead, he’s stuck at the lodge and is shocked to run into an old high school friend that he left behind more than a decade ago. He’s even more surprised to discover how much he’s missed her. As their past and present collide, can an old flame ignite some Christmas magic? 

Between The Pages 
This story was a delightful read. The setting, though storming, was charming inside the lodge from the decorations to the music and holiday cheer, as well as the fireside warmth. Melanie and Tyler have great chemistry. The storyline is realistic with a budding romance colliding with being in the spotlight. A bit of family drama adds interest to the read. A great read to get into the holiday spirit. This book would make a good Sunday evening holiday movie special. Grab a cup of hot cider and get cozy by the fire with this heartwarming story. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Between The Pages - Sound of a Wylder Silence

Sound of a Wylder Silence 
Marilyn Barr 
October 2022

Ikshu Sagebrush lives in the shadows of his mystical brother, loudmouth sister-in-law, and the trauma he endured. When a chance meeting with a Christmas angel makes him consider stepping into the light, Ikshu calls to the spirits of his ancestors to help restore his voice.

Ava Wylder is no angel, but her wicked ways are the catalyst Ikshu needs to face his inner demons and build a life. She would gladly trade her family’s wish for her to become a lady of a manor house in New York for the natural beauty of Wylder and a simple existence with Ikshu. When their families and community status step between them, she cannot fight for their love alone. 

Will Ikshu find his voice to make his intentions known, or let true love slip through his fingers?

Between The Pages 
I absolutely adored this book. As a fan of Ikshu in Dance to a Wyler Beat, I was excited to see him get a story of his own, and the author did not disappoint with Ikshu’s captivating story. Ikshu is a quiet soul and an artist but haunted by his childhood. Ava is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong and determined yet afraid to stand up for her future. Ikshu and Ava are the perfect match, and their romance is endearing. The author’s voice provides a stunning visual of the landscape, placing the reader within the pages of the story. There were so many scenes filled with humour and fun, leaving you laughing out loud. There is also a deep emotional tug as Ikshu faces his demons. As in the first book, the spirit guides, teachers, Nartan, and Olive were greatly entertaining. This historical western, with a touch of paranormal, deserves more than five stars. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Friday, October 7, 2022

Between The Pages - A Glimpse of Music

A Glimpse of Music 
Sydney Winward 
June 2022 

If fate gives you a third chance, would you take it? 

Joel Harrington has been in love with the same woman for as long as he could remember. But he had to watch her court his best friend, and then marry his king. Now that she’s once more unattached, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers for a third time. 

Darkness torments Nyana’s memories, and even after her cruel husband is killed, he still haunts her from the grave. When her past refuses to leave her alone, it puts not only her, but her daughters in danger. She has no choice but to lean on the man she has called a friend for the past eight years, a friend whose charms she tries hard to resist. 

But along with the growing threat to her family, she keeps an even more dangerous secret—a secret that could change her life forever. 

Between The Pages 
This fairy tale/fantasy book is an exceptional read. I enjoyed everything about it, from the outstanding characters, the setting, the action, and the sucker-punch of emotion. The emotional content hits hard and causes more than one tear. The author's superb storytelling voice draws you into her magical world and holds you with a tight grip. The well-developed characters of Joel and Nyana are intriguing. Both suffer scars from their pasts and only together do they finally heal. Joel steals every scene. He is a caring and supportive husband and the perfect father for Nyana’s two girls. The secondary cast members are equally enjoyable. This enchanting story will cast a spell on you from beginning to end. This is my first read by Ms. Winward. I am hooked and anxious to read more from this author. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Between The Pages - Break Heart Canyon

Break Heart Canyon 
Gini Rifkin 
September 2022 

Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land. 

Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about. 

Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts? 

When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Only daring and blind trust can save them. 

Between The Pages 
Love the cover and the story! Ms. Rifkin immediately draws you into the pages of this book. The storyline is so masterfully written, you’ll want to continue reading until the very end. Una and Ryker are captivating, as is the whole cast. Whiskey Jim and Una’s assortment of animals are stars as secondary characters. The legend of the tribes and Heart Break Canyon is fascinating. With a punch of drama, a hint of mystery, a little action, and a surprising twist, this book is a must read. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Between The Pages - Wishes Under a Highland Star

Wishes Under a Highland Star 
Mary Morgan 
December 2022 

As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart. When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret. Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle? 

Between The Pages 
Not only does the stunning cover of this holiday, highland/medieval story grab your attention, the story will capture you in the very first chapter. I always enjoy reading Ms. Morgan’s books, and this book is superb with a story that will make you swoon. Alex MacFhearguis is not only a ruggedly handsome warrior, but he is also a charming hero. And Aine is his perfect match. I loved everything about this story – the plot, the beautiful scenery, the holiday theme, the chemistry between Alex and Aine, as well as the full cast of characters. Would I highly recommend this masterfully written book…Aye! 

Rating 
5 Stars

Monday, August 22, 2022

Between The Pages - The Mayor’s Baby Surprise

The Mayor’s Baby Surprise 
Anna J. Stewart 
April 2022 

Could a surprise baby 

Lead to a forever family? 

Ineffective, shortsighted and self-centered—that’s what top family lawyer Leah Ellis thinks of Gil Hamilton. And that’s why she’s vying for his position as mayor of Butterfly Harbor. But when a six-month-old baby is left on Gil’s doorstep, he turns to her for help. Gil’s dedication to baby Eli shows Leah she was wrong about her rival. But can he win her vote for a future together? 

Between The Pages 
What a way to end a series! Ms. Stewart invited readers to Butterfly Harbor with book one, and I’ve been visiting and thoroughly hooked ever since. Leah’s and Gil’s doubtful romance was icing on the cake. They are the perfect combination. Add a baby into their run for mayor and you have an ending that will make you want more. Emotional, heartwarming, smiles, laughter, and tears are a few words to describe this touching story. I am beyond sad to learn Butterfly Harbor has come to an end. I feel part of this town and have become friends with its residents. Their bond of family and friendship will truly be missed. I can’t recommend this series enough. I hope somewhere down the road Ms. Stewart will grace us once again for a walk with the butterflies. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Between The Pages - Worth The Risk

Worth The Risk 
Anna J. Stewart 
December 2021 

She’s playing it safe… 

He’s anything but! 

Famous race car driver Declan Cartwright is only in Butterfly Harbor to recuperate from a devastating crash. But when food truck operator Alethea Costas literally falls into his arms, he realizes the sleepy seaside town has more to offer than he imagined. Alethea is drawn to the charming daredevil despite her cautious nature. Can he show her that taking a chance on life—and love—is worth the risk? 

Between The Pages 
This heartwarming story is engaging from beginning to end. The title ‘Worth The Risk’ is spot on. Alethea and Declan have instant chemistry, and you’ll root for a happy-ever-after, but Aletha is risking her heart, and Declan’s drive for racing risks his own health and future. Filled with a good punch of emotion, the author’s delightful storytelling will make you smile, laugh, and keep you engaged through every chapter. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Between The Pages - Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss

Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss 
Cherie Colyer 
August 2022 

Roman Briggs has built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life. 

Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier. 

Peyton's left with one question. Why didn't her magic show her him? 

Between The Pages 
This enchanting read is perfect for a summer afternoon. The well-developed characters are stars in this book, from Payton and Roman, to the secondary cast—especially the sweetest little boy-Travis, and Jinx-an adorable pup. The plot holds your interest with instant chemistry between Payton and Roman, as well as their breakup from the past. There’s even a bonus twist of a mysterious mermaid. While some novellas are rushed, the author does a great job creating a smooth read from beginning to end. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this magical romance story. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Between The Pages - A Widow's Vow

A Widow’s Vow 
Rachel Brimble 
September 2020 

From grieving widow... 
1851. After her merchant husband saved her from a life of prostitution, Louisa Hill was briefly happy as a housewife in Bristol. But then a constable arrives at her door. Her husband has been found hanged in a Bath hotel room, a note and a key to a property in Bath the only things she has left of him. And now the debt collectors will come calling. 

To a new life as a madam. 
Forced to leave everything she knows behind, Louisa finds more painful betrayals waiting for her in the house in Bath. Left with no means of income, Louisa knows she has nothing to turn to but her old way of life. But this time, she'll do it on her own terms – by turning her home into a brothel for upper class gentleman. And she's determined to spare the girls she saves from the street the horrors she endured in the past. 

Enlisting the help of Jacob Jackson, a quiet but feared boxer, to watch over the house, Louisa is about to embark on a life she never envisaged. Can she find the courage to forge this new path? 

Between The Pages 
The first book in The Ladies of Carson Street, a historical romance, is a must read. The want of better lives, trust, and friendship. The well-developed cast makes this story come to life on the pages, from leading characters Louisa and Jacob, to Nancy, Octavia, and Doreen. Emotion packs a punch in this book. Not only is Louisa’s past heartbreaking, but her friends, Nancy and Octavia, have hidden secrets. But Jacob was the scene stealer. He’s a great leading hero with emotional baggage and a huge gentleman’s heart. The plot is a captivating page-turner you won’t want to put down. I can’t wait to read books two and three featuring Nancy and Octavia. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Monday, July 11, 2022

Between The Pages - Reinventing Riley

Reinventing Riley 
Liz Flaherty 
May 2022 

He’s afraid a second time at love wouldn’t live up to his first. She’s afraid a second round would be exactly like her first. 

Pastor Jake McAlister and businesswoman Riley Winters are in their forties and widowed. Neither is interested in a relationship. They both love Fallen Soldier, the small Pennsylvania town where they met, even though Rye plans to move to Chicago, and Jake sees a change in pastorates not too far down the road. Enjoying a few-weeks friendship is something they both look forward to. 

However, there is an indisputable attraction between the green-eyed pastor and the woman with a shining sweep of chestnut hair. Then there’s the Culp, an old downtown building that calls unrelentingly to Rye’s entrepreneurial soul. And when a young man named Griff visits Jake, life changes in the blink of a dark green eye. 

Between The Pages 
The second book in the Second Chances series is another inspirational, sweet romance. I enjoyed Pastor Jake’s character in the first book, so I was excited to read his story. The author packs a punch of emotion between the pages. Jake and Riley embark on a delightful friendship filled with chemistry. Their characters grow both separately as they overcome pain suffered in their pasts, as well as together as a couple. The author does a fabulous job of placing the reader into the story with a few interesting plot twists. Will Riley stay or leave Fallen Soldier? Will Jake leave the Little Church in the Woods? I recommend reading this book to find out! 

Rating 
5 Stars

Monday, June 20, 2022

Between The Pages - Her Cowboy Wedding Date

Her Cowboy Wedding Date 
Cari Lynn Webb 
June 2022 

Could this cowboy…Be her wedding date? 

Maid of honor Tess Palmer has two weeks to plan her cousin’s wedding. She will do anything to make the ceremony perfect…even if it means wrangling best man Carter Sloan’s help. The cynical cowboy would rather focus on his business than wedded bliss, and widowed Tess isn’t looking for a second chance at love. But could planning a trip down the aisle bring the two of them together? 

Between The Pages 
This contemporary romance had an emotional punch. After reading books one and two in this series, I couldn’t wait to read about Tess and Carter. I felt at times Tess obsessed over her cousin’s wedding a bit too much, almost as though she was trying to fix mistakes she’d made in her past. However, Carter balanced Tess with perfection. He was a dashing cowboy. The family bonds in this story are exceptional. We get to see Tess’ sister and cousin happily in love with their significant others. As well as a deeper look into Carter’s family, focusing more on his relationship with his grandfather and his brothers, and a new addition when his uncle arrives looking for a lost recipe. This story will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear, and crave some chocolate. While this book stands well on its own, I recommend grabbing the first in the series to learn the backstory on the cast. I hope another book is in the works for the Three Springs Texas series because Carter has a few brothers who deserve their turn in the spotlight. 

Rating 
5 Stars