Between The Pages - Twisted Lies

Twisted Lies 

C.B. Clark 

September 2021 

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity. 

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love? 

Between The Pages 

This story checked off all the ‘must read’ boxes. The west coast setting of Canada drew me in immediately. Athena and Russ have great chemistry from their first meeting, providing a touching romance element. The mystery/suspenseful plot was masterfully written with twists and turns. Just when you think you solved the mystery, the author throws in another revelation. As Athena and Russ dig deeper into the disappearance of her parents, their findings pull the reader in and grabs your attention to the very end. A well-rounded cast adds to the enjoyment, especially Otis, Athena’s loveable dog. Get comfy in your favourite reading spot because once you open this book, you won’t want to put it down. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles

Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles 

Maria Imbalzano 

November 2021 

Competitive, work-obsessed Bella Simonetti has just been fired from her high-paying job at a Manhattan law firm. At an all-time low, she returns home and helps her parents at their small-town gift shop, but the business is failing and may not make it past the Christmas holidays. 

Successful landscape architect Dean Jackson is like a son to Bella's parents. But he's a persistent annoyance to her—he seems to have forgotten his unforgivable blunder thirteen years earlier. 

When Bella transforms her parents' gift shop into a cookie cottage, Dean's generosity and magnetic smile are hard to resist, and those feelings of unrequited adolescent love come rushing back. But can Bella let go of the past and accept Dean for the man he is today? 

Between The Pages 

This short holiday book was a delight to read. Unlike some of the Christmas Cookies themed stories I have read where the romance is rushed and the cookies are barely edible, this book is a star above the rest. The romance is filled with heartbreak, chemistry, and emotion. The cookie theme is well-balanced with cookie baking and the cookies are a significant element in the plotline saving Belle’s parents’ business. Bella’s and Dean’s relationship is realistic and sweet. Though the story is short, the author has a well-developed plot and characters, which allows the read to flow to a satisfying ending. Did I mention how beautiful the cover is too! This holiday romance is a must read. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sundae My Love

Sundae My Love 

Debby Grahl 

June 2021 

Samantha Murray is the manager of her family's ice-cream business. When her former love comes back to town—he almost drowns her. And his idea to build a rival ice-cream shop right next door to the Dairy Delight is totally unacceptable. 

Architect Zack Hunter returns to Sand Lake to win back the woman he loves and fulfill his grandfather's dream of restoring Frontier Town—by adding an old-fashioned ice cream shop. He doesn't count on Samantha having a stubborn streak. 

Samantha is heartbroken over Zack's past betrayal, conflicted over the love she can't deny, and resolved to stop his plan. Zack is torn between his love for Samantha and fulfilling his grandfather's legacy. 

When the situation escalates, ghosts from both Sam and Zack's families decide to intervene-—but will their plot smooth the course of true love or make everything worse? 

Between The Pages 

The cover will draw you in immediately, and the book can be read in a day. Such a sweet storyline. Samantha and Zach get a second chance at love, and while their reconnection is quick, the author does a good job not leaving out any details or rushing their reunion. The highlight of this story was the ghostly relatives, adding a paranormal element. They lurk in the background but are stars on the stage. This book is a wonderful addition to the One Scoop Or Two themed stories and is not only a perfect summer read, but also anytime of the year. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Red Quilt

The Red Quilt 

J.S. Marlo 

November 2021 

A last-minute Christmas trip goes horribly wrong for Eli and his five-year-old granddaughter, Ruby. On their way to a Bed and Breakfast on Prince Edward Island after a kitchen fire forced them out of their house, they get caught in a blizzard and end up in the ditch. 

Retired Military Nurse, Lana, lives on a potato farm with the ghosts of her husband and son. She welcomes into her home the marooned Eli and the young child he raises alone. The storm outside rages on and problems arise as Eli faces the demons and mistakes of his past, Lana becomes entangled in her neighbors’ illegal activities, and Ruby wishes for something Santa cannot give her. 

The resulting mix offers hope for a second chance even as it threatens their lives. Can Eli and Lana survive another storm to enjoy the love growing between them? And will Ruby’s wish be granted? 

Between The Pages 

Love the cover of this book! It draws you into the story immediately, which has a tender and interesting plot. I was also drawn to this book from its setting in Prince Edward Island and Halifax. The author did a fabulous job developing the cast. Lana and Eli are older leading characters, but their attraction is still real and emotional. Ruby is beyond sweet, as is Chewy. The visual is done well, placing you into the snowy winter setting. The plot is superb with several twists, adding a mystery spin with drug smuggling, Lana’s son’s demise, and Eli’s ex-wife. And just when you think all the presents are neatly wrapped up, the author throws in a surprise at the end. A great holiday read. This book is the first in Fifteen Shades, and I look forward to reading more. 

Rating

4.5 Stars