Between The Pages - Christmas at Solace Lake

Christmas at Solace Lake 

Jana Richards 

October 2023 

It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.

An emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover a series of thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime. 

Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others? 

Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.

As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?

Between The Pages 

This is the fourth book in the Love at Solace Lake series, but you don’t have to read the previous books to read this one. This story stands well on its own with a budding romance between Drew and Celeste, who are strong leading characters. The rest of the cast is enjoyable, especially Celeste’s daughter, Hope who is so sweet, I would have liked to see her in more scenes. The author wrote a compelling story filled with heavy emotions of family drama, loss, and insecurities. Also written well was the discrimination of race and disability. Added to the romance is a little mystery of someone stealing and hacking into the lodge’s computer. The mystery was a fun bonus and propelled the read to a satisfying ending. The beautiful cover and story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

Rating 

4.5 stars

Between The Pages - Take A Chance On Me

Take A Chance On Me 

Jana Richards 

November 2018

Darcy fell in love at first sight. And then she discovered Nick's plans for the Victorian mansion... 

Teacher Darcy Ferris loves travel almost as much as she loves her Toronto neighborhood. But no matter how far she roams, she always returns to the genteelly shabby Victorian mansion where she grew up, the last place her father lived. Darcy’s world is turned upside-down when the Victorian is slated for demolition. 

Since the death of architect Nick Cummings’ mother, his father has retreated from his real estate development business, and from life. In a desperate attempt to interest him in something once more, Nick buys a beat-up Victorian mansion and draws up plans to replace it with a Victorian-inspired condo. He hopes his father’s old spark will return if he helps him build the new condo. But he doesn’t expect such opposition from his new tenant, Darcy Ferris. Nor does he expect to fall in love with her. 

Nick and Darcy must come to terms with the past before they can forge a future together. And they’ll need to take the biggest chance of all – on love.

Between The Pages 

This story is packed with emotion. The characters are well-developed and interesting. Both Darcy and Nick have complications within their families. Darcy’s relationship with her mother is strained and the author pulls you into their history filled with drama and disappointment. Nick changes his professional life for his father and it’s enjoyable to read about their relationship building. And speaking of buildings, the authors provided a good visual of the Victorian mansions. The plot is solid, and a little pug named Stanley shines as the star.

Rating

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Strong Enough

Strong Enough 

Jana Richards

June 2022 

Charlotte Saunders has a full life—a rewarding career as a nurse, meaningful volunteer work at a dog shelter, and family, friends and pets she adores. But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t forget the horrible event that’s haunted her for ten years. 

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Damon Greyson now helps others who have suffered trauma. His experience and intuition alert him to trouble in Charlotte’s past, and he wants to help her, if only she’d let him. 

As they work together to help veterans suffering from PTSD and neglected dogs needing loving homes, their feelings for each other deepen. But when the trauma from Charlotte’s past roars back to life, both are forced to confront their painful histories—or die trying. 

Between The Pages 

This contemporary romance is a hit on many levels. Packed with a solid punch of emotion, holding the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The well-developed plot is heartbreaking as you feel the anguish both Charlotte and Damon suffered in the past. They are a captivating couple. Add in the dogs, and I was hooked. The realistic scenes of animal hording and over-capacity shelters pulls the heartstrings. The author is a master storyteller. The family drama and twists hold the reader in a tight grip. You’ll smile and shed a few tears. This is the fourth book in the Masonville Series, and even though I’ve read books 2 and 3, Strong Enough stands well on its own. I could brag more about this book, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers. I highly recommend reading this story. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Unexpected

Unexpected

Jana Richards 

September 27, 2021 

Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife's parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor. 

Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She's intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They're determined to show the world, and the girls' grandparents, two loving parents. 

Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie's efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other. 

Between The Pages

I love the cover and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters are well-developed from the main characters to the secondary cast. I wanted to knock some sense into Ben - who has huge trust issues, but the author does a good job of making his character infuriating and likeable at the same time. Jamie is a wonderful leading lady. The cast is equally enjoyable from brothers and sisters, to Ben’s girls – who are adorable, and Jamie’s scene-stealing pets. The family drama grabs the attention and keeps you turning the pages. The misunderstands within Jamie’s family is emotionally charged, and once you learn about Ben’s history, you’ll understand why he overacts the way he does. This book is an emotional ride from start to finish. I highly recommend this third book in the Masonville Series, which reads well on its own. I hope another book is in the works. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - To Heal A Heart

To Heal A Heart 

Jana Richards 

June 2020 

Garrett Saunders' world changed two years ago on a road in Afghanistan. Back home, he feels like a stranger. As he struggles to find his place in the world, he meets a horse destined for the slaughterhouse and a woman bent on rescuing the strays of the world, including him. 

Blair Greyson moves to Masonville to look after her ailing grandfather and give her rescue horses a home. Right away she butts heads with a surly former Marine. Despite a rocky start, they come to an agreement: Blair will board Garrett's rescue horse and he'll help with repairs around her farm. 

Garrett finds purpose working with Blair—and falls in love with her. But she's hiding a secret. Can she forgive herself and accept Garrett's love, or will she let guilt and regret continue to rule her life? 

Between The Pages 

This story is a wonderful and tender romance. The main characters are perfect for each other, both with their own haunting pasts. Their easy friendship soon turns into something more, leading to some sizzling chemistry. There’s an equally good supporting cast, many of which have their own stories to tell (hopefully in future books). The horses and dogs were outstanding highlights. The author does a great job of mixing witty banter into an emotion-filled story line. The bond of family and friendship is heartwarming, and some scenes will bring a tear to the eyes. This story is as ‘right as rain’. 

Rating 

5 Stars

One More Second Chance

One More Second Chance 
By Jana Richards
February 2015

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy. 

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay. 

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever? 

Between The Pages 
A beautiful setting and an engaging story line. The main characters are well-written with so much emotion and depth. You’ll sympathize with Julia and fall for Alex. The scenes with Julia’s daughter and Alex were very sweet. The secondary characters are just as interesting, giving this story a captivating plot. The author does a great job of placing the reader in Lobster Cove and making them part of the community. This is the second book I’ve read from Lobster Cove and I look forward to reading more in this quaint little town.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Always A Bridesmaid

Always a Bridesmaid
By Jana Richards
January 2014

Dani Dipietro has always considered herself an ugly duckling in a family of swans. She's the bridesmaid her friends count on, but never the woman any man wants for his bride. So she plays the funny girl and guards her emotions, and her secrets, closely. When Zach Morrison was dumped at his wedding, Dani was there to help him through the humiliation. A year later they meet again and once more Zach needs her help. To fend off the unwanted attentions of his former fiancé, he asks Dani to pretend to be his girlfriend. They play their roles a little too well, and make believe turns into reality. But their relationship comes crashing down around them when Zach's trust issues cause him to accuse Dani of cheating. Telling the truth means Dani will betray a friend, something she will never do. But keeping her secrets means she may be destined to remain a bridesmaid forever.

Between The Pages
A sensitive plot line well-crafted by the author. Entertaining characters packed with humor and emotion. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable. The cover doesn’t do the story justice. This is the third book in the Left at the Altar Series.

Rating
3.5 stars

There Goes The Groom

There Goes the Groom
By Jana Richards
May 2013

Eight years ago Tony left Olivia at the altar. He was sure she didn't really want to marry him. Now he's back, and they're forced to work together.  Coming home isn't easy for Tony, because his father wanted him to work at a trade instead of going off to college. Their relationship is still unsteady. Even before Tony's return, Olivia began questioning the depth of her love for her fiancé, a man she chose because he was safe and reliable. Yet the last thing she wants is a loveless, faithless marriage like the one her parents suffered through.  

When Tony, who never stopped loving her, insists her fiancé is the wrong man for her, Olivia sets out to prove him wrong. But the sexual chemistry between them is still strong, and so are her feelings for him. Even so, how can she break her engagement, hurt her fiancé as she was once hurt? And how can she trust Tony not to abandon her as he did before?  

If anyone does the jilting this time, she will.

Between The Pages 
An entertaining romance about second chances. The characters are engaging and the storyline is well-written. The author does a great job of leaving you guessing ‘who will be left waiting at the altar this time?’ This is the second book in the Left at the Altar Series.

Rating 
3.5 Stars

Her Best Man

Her Best Man 
By Jana Richards
February 2007

Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare: being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiance has sent his brother Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. There is nothing like a romantic cruise to bring two people together, particularly when they are pretending to be honeymooners. Sarah discovers she is in love, real love. She believes Will cares for her too. But will his loyalty to Brad stand in the way of their happiness? Can she convince Will that he is her best man? 

Between The Pages 
A fun story that will make you laugh out loud. Will and Sarah have such a strong chemistry, you’ll be rooting for them to get together on the first page. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable. The cruise setting creates an adventure of a rocky romance. I’m looking forward to reading more Left at the Altar series.

Rating 
4 Stars