It's been a while!

It's been a year since I have posted any reviews, I haven't been reading as much as I used to. I apologize for this. I'm hoping to get back into reading more. I love reviewing and giving my honest opinion on the books that I read. I have also been in the mind set of actually finishing some books I have started writing (been at least 8 years), and adding another to the list. Fingers crossed! Thanks for sticking with me!
Colleen

Sleepless Beauty/E.M. Tippitts

Synopsis: 

     "Chloe could have had the perfect childbirth…If only the baby hadn’t come two weeks early
If only Jason wasn’t working overtime to save his new television series
If only the television crew wouldn’t antagonize the archaeologists working next to the set
If only the archaeologists hadn’t found that dead body
If only the main suspect wasn’t the beloved boyfriend of sweet Lizzie Warner, a girl who deserves to have it all…
Chloe’s first week of motherhood isn’t going at all how she hoped, so she is determined to solve the murder, no matter what it takes. Perhaps then the second week can be magical."

Review:

     This is book 6 in the "Someone Else's Fairytale" series. Chloe finally has baby Vanderholt! It is actually taken place in less then a 5 day time period for this whole book (There is to be another one!) so things move quickly, and anxiety ridden for poor Chloe. Emily has also brought in Lizzie Warner from another spinoff of this series called "A Safe Space". So you move forward a little with Lizzie and Devon's story. (Kyra also makes an appearance with her relationship status). You get a little more of Steve (Jason's little brother) and his lawyer talents as well as some brotherly back and forth that we haven't seen in previous books.
     Everyone seems to come to Chloe to solve their problems, and why not? She seems to have put herself in that position, being someone that can be trusted, isn't judgemental (on the outside) and cannot seem to let her natural instincts of being a forensic scientist pass. To have a friend like that would be a treasure indeed. To be that person though, is costing Chloe her beauty sleep. Then add her precious baby Bethany and the first days of motherhood, she's a wreck.
     You also get a look into Jason's pilot series at the beginning of each chapter. You get to see him being a doting first time dad, as well as a tag a long in Chloe's investigation.
     To get into the mind of Emily (the author) would be something! She always has the most interesting plots and fascinating information I wouldn't even be able to know or think of on my own! She is an amazing writer and person in general. Thanks Emily!
    

Road to Gretna Green/Lucinda Brandt, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore

Synopsis:

                 SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant
"When widow Helen, Lady Dysart, returns to the English border town of Carlisle for a family wedding, she decides to confront local physician Royston Meredith, the man who broke her heart. Royston has loved Helen since they were teenagers. He thought the feeling mutual until she up and married the local MP. While everyone around them hopes this reunion will see Helen and Royston sort out their differences, of more immediate concern is Royston’s youngest sister Grace, when she elopes with the steward’s son. Helen and Royston dash after her, determined to save her from scandal and an imprudent match. But in saving Grace the couple may very well be saving themselves.

                   FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines
Richard Arden needs a wife in order to collect his inheritance. Eliza Barnes needs to escape an arranged marriage to the odious Mr. Barrington. When Richard overhears Eliza’s plight at the coaching inn, he does the most reckless thing he’s ever done—he proposes to a woman he’s never met before. What begins as an easy solution leads Richard and Eliza on a journey across the country with Mr. Barrington at their heels, complicated even more when their fake engagement leads to feelings that are very real.

                  A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore
Unfortunately, Bridget’s marriage is over in four hours due to her husband’s tragic death. Fortunately, Bridget is now free from her distasteful marriage of convenience. When her year of mourning passes, and she meets her former husband’s cousin, Bridget discovers that her difficulties are far from over. Lord Hugh Wilde blames Bridget for his cousin’s death. But when Bridget’s sister elopes to Gretna Green with a man of questionable reputation, Lord Wilde is the only one who can help, and they both have to set aside their pride to rescue the errant sister."

Review:

     Just the words Gretna Green led me to believe that these stories would have scandal and intrigue in them! If you don't know about Gretna Green it is just over the border into Scotland where, if you wanted a quickie marriage/elopement, that would be the road you take.
     Pride, anger, misunderstandings and some comedy are throughout these three novella's. Romance of course! They are all greatly written, and I have enjoyed other books by each author. I took this book in stride and read one story a night for three nights, took me about an hour and a half to read each book. I couldn't start one and not finish it.
     Great Characters and story lines!

Searching for Irene/Marlene Bateman

Synopsis:

    "Anna Coughlin is a modern 1920s woman armed with a college education and a partiality for numbers. Now, within the walls of a fantastic castle-like mansion in the hills of Virginia, her skill will be tested as never before. Hired to serve as financial advisor to wealthy Lawrence Richardson, Anna finds the welcome she receives anything but warm. Lawrence’s handsome but antagonistic son Tyler wants nothing more than to send her packing. The household staff isn’t much better, but who can blame them, considering the way Lawrence’s last advisor, Irene, disappeared . . . Convinced that one of the enigmatic members of the household had something to do with Irene’s disappearance, Anna doesn’t dare trust anyone—not even temperamental Tyler Richardson, who, despite her best intentions, is beginning to steal her heart. A series of frightening incidents ensnare Anna in a maze of intrigue, putting her life in peril. But even as Anna begins uncovering the secrets hidden within the mansion’s stone walls, she harbors a secret of her own. Now, the only question that remains is whether she will disappear as mysteriously as Irene. . . ."

Review:

    This is a great who done it mystery novel. The more Anna digs into Irene's disappearance, the more danger she puts herself in. Anyone who lives in this mansion is a suspect. It seems to Anna that the police aren't doing their job in finding Irene, and whom ever she disappeared with. Anna then takes the job into her own hands!
    Mystery, Romance, and Drama are battling each other in this novel. It is close to 300 pgs, yet once you start reading it, it keeps you in the story and you wont want to put it down, even down to the last page. I was only hoping for an Epilogue to get a little more of what happened after.
   
Links:
Amazon: https://goo.gl/zAQVFd
Goodreads; https://goo.gl/avXj2E
Marlene’s website: www.marlenebateman.info
    
    

Whatever After/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Chloe’s got it all: a happy marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, her first child on the way, and the chance to be the maid-of-honor in her best friend, Lori’s, upcoming wedding. The stresses of the past year are behind her… almost.

    Chris Winters, Chloe’s half-brother, still isn’t in jail, even though he’s the main suspect in a double homicide. The police don’t have enough hard evidence to charge him with the crime, but Chloe is certain it was him. After all, he tried to kill her when she was a child.

    When Chris begins to stalk Lori, Chloe is furious and decides it is past time he was locked up for good. She has the best security team money can buy, yet she knows they’re missing something, and mistakes in this business can be deadly. The deeper she digs, though, the less the facts add up.

    Chloe’s got mere weeks to figure out how to keep her best friend safe, save the wedding from disaster, and get Chris back in jail where he belongs. That is, if she can gather enough evidence before he strikes again."

Review: 

    This being the 5th book in it's series, answers questions we have been waiting for, yet leaves us with a new round of questions by the end. Which leaves us with hopefully book number 6 in the wings.

    Still the main focus is on keeping Chloe safe from her brother Chris who now is the focus of murder and stalking.
    Chloe is still as tough as ever, and will put her life and her unborn baby's life in a bit of peril by the end of this book.
    Friendship is the root of this story. How far will Chloe go to keep her best friend and her wedding safe?
    All of the characters are strong in their own right. I know I want their a happily ever after. I'm ready!

Condemn Me Not/Heather B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem."

Review: 

     Susannah in her old age has been condemned of Witch Craft. This book takes you from her early years, where she meets and falls in love with her new neighbor George. Then you find her in a prison cell at an old age, being put on trial for crimes she would not/could not commit.
     A love story is where Susannah's life begins, and that love stays with her even through her last days. That is what gets her through the trials she finds herself in.
     A truly real look into the life of a woman who had the courage to go to her death with her head held high, her thoughts on her family, and the peace that awaited her.
     Another great story taken from history!

For Sale By Owner/Marlene Bateman

Synopsis:

    "McKenzie Forsberg is headed home. She’s quit her big-city job to return to her roots in the small town of Lake Forest. Kenzi hopes to buy her childhood home from her brother, Tom, as a way of revisiting the peace and security she’s been missing in her life. But soon she is shocked to discover that the house has a pending sale, and Tom won’t budge from the sale—not even for his sister.

    Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie’s eye until she realizes that he’s the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home. Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they set their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever?"

Review:

    A boy and girl, friendship is forever right? Until the boy moves away and life takes them both in two different directions. Years later Kenzie and her daughter make a surprise move home with intentions of buying her childhood home.
    Enter Jared and his son, who have already made a deal on the home. When Kenzie finds out, she will do what she needs to, to find a loophole and finally get her home. Meeting each other for the first time, sparks fly (attraction) but must fight it, and let the battle (for home) begin.
    A fun romance with a bit of mystery. If you want a home town feel for your reading pleasure, then this is a great one.

The Moses Chronicles Vol: 3, Exodus/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Let my people go . . .
A plea has been made in behalf of the children of Israel. Now comes the epic climax years in the making—the final showdown between two of the most powerful men in history—one fueled by pride, the other guided by the word of God. Moses has received an extraordinary call from the Lord: he is to lead the exodus of the Hebrew people out of Egypt, ending generations of bondage. And he must return to the land of his birth to boldly petition a man he does not want to challenge . . . or lose to: Ramses—pharaoh of Egypt. Ramses, harboring years of feeling betrayed by his best friend, is determined to stop Moses no matter the cost. He will not yield, even as a dark veil of plagues and pestilence descends over the land of Egypt.
What follows is a powerful chronicle of the struggles of the children of Israel as they traverse uncharted territory, both physically and spiritually. Amid the horrific catastrophes devastating their land and through the dramatic events that follow, the Hebrews must face their fears and their faltering faith. For even in the darkest of times, there are manifestations of the Lord's constant care to inspire their hope for a bright future."

Review:

    This is the last installment of the Moses Chronicles. Finishing this series is bitter sweet. I know the story from the Bible, as do most people, but Heather has taken another historical event and expanded it making those past events come to life.
    Moses is now reunited, not just with his biological family, but the mother who raised him. He has brought his own little family out of the wilderness to do the Lords work. Trials and tribulations run rampant effecting not just the Egyptians, but the Hebrews.
    Moses needs to find his strength and courage to lead his people out of the grip of Ramses. Thank goodness for his brother Aaron and those close to him. Family is a powerful influence.
    Read all the Moses Chronicles, follow the Prophet who led the children of Israel out of bondage and on the path to freedom.

The Soldier's Bride/Rachelle J. Christensen

Synopsis:

    "As WWII ration cards and battle scars become commonplace across America, it seems to Evelyn that even love is rationed out. When she finds a message from her late husband tucked inside a music box, Jim’s words have the power to change her life: Don't die with me.

    Words written out of love, long-lost but never forgotten.
    Grief stricken, Evelyn is unsure of how to honor his request, but she finds the courage to keep on living. Jim’s note urges her to give the music box away to unlock the secret within, and although it breaks her heart again, Evelyn trades the music box for a cradle to hold her infant son. Thus begins the decades-long journey of the music box, mending broken hearts, reuniting lost loves, and giving people the courage to heal themselves along the way.
    This romance crosses battlefields and time as the music box touches the lives of two soldiers, a broken father, a crippled child, a struggling farmer, and a woman once called the soldier's bride."

Review:

    I don't know what to really say about this book......I liked it, but didn't love it. I am not a fan of love triangles, so that was a mark off. I don't enjoy having many points of view and trying to keep up with who's talking and where they were left off. She did space them out and had the chapter marked with the name of who the chapter was focusing on.
    I did love the music box and how it meant something to each person that it was in the hands of. Especially the little messages they left with it before it passed off to the next. This book spanned, I would say about 27 years, most of it in the first few years.
    This book took me through most emotions you could think of. One of my favorite parts was the appearance of the gravestone. Can you guess who's side I was on??!! The story was well thought out and written. Just because I am not a fan of some of the details of the book, doesn't mean I had to hate it. I liked it! I was rooting for the happiness of all, and the joy those received from one little music box, that was made with love right from the start.
    I was given this book for an honest review. I have read other books from Rachelle and plan to continue with many more!

The Magnificent World of Spirits/Marlene Sullivan

Synopsis:

          "Life. Death. Life.
Not everyone who visits the spirit world stays there. The Magnificent World of Spirits: Eyewitness Accounts of Where We Go When We Die, gives fascinating glimpses of life beyond the veil by people who visited the spirit world during the early years of the LDS Church.
Filled with stories of insight and inspiration, The Magnificent World of Spirits is a stirring book that combines documented personal experiences with scripture, commentary, and quotes from latter-day prophets and other leaders. This book will bring you peace as you come to understand what awaits on the other side of the veil. After reading this book, you will never think of life—or death—in the same way."

Review:

    Another look into near-death experiences and a look into the past. If you haven't read the book Gaze Into Heaven, that is fine, this just expands on more experiences. But I would recommend that book as well.
    These experiences were had by people early on in LDS church history. Back then (even today) people have been looked down upon and are called crazy for having dreams, visions, and near death experiences. How do we know that what they saw is worth believing? For me it's what the spirit speaks to me.
    What happens when we die? Well we will all find out when that time comes. These stories shared are personal experiences. They are all different, yet give hope for a life with peace, love, and forever families.

Here is Marlene's Website:   www.marlenebateman.info
You can get your very own copy of this book at Cedar Fort, Deseret Book, or Seagull Book. or Online at:

Amazon:  http://goo.gl/qqI20J

Books and Things:  http://goo.gl/OBNGSR
    

Deliverance/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

     "Moses’s life as he knew it is over. He has chosen to stand for his beliefs at the cost of being cast out of his royal home and family. He is free of the wickedness of Egypt, but peace is not to be found, for Moses is as much an aimless wanderer as those in the nomadic tribe he encounters in the wilderness. Exhausted by long weeks of travel, he nevertheless jumps to action when he observes a group of young women accosted by a band of Bedrayan men at a communal well. These lovely daughters of Jethro are grateful for his help, and their Midianite tribe welcomes Moses with open arms. As he learns the ways of the Midianites, his kinship with Jethro grows—as does his admiration of one of Jethro’s daughters, Zipporah. But when Moses suddenly receives a burning call to free the very people he has long oppressed, will he have the courage to return to the land from which he has been exiled?"

Review:

     This is the second book in the Moses Chronicles. In the first book we left Moses heading for the wilderness. We meet up with him again after he has wandered a few weeks into his journey, which he still doesn't know where he is going to end up.
    Zipporah has lived in the wilderness all her life. That's all she knows. When Moses and her meet, they don't speak each others language, but actions speak louder then words.
    This is a sweet love story, and that is what takes up most of this book (no complaints from me!). Towards the end is when he learns of his great calling, to lead the children of Egypt out of bondage. I am excited to read about the plagues and such in the next book. The end of this one leaves you hanging and wanting more.
    If you love the story of Moses in the Bible I am pretty sure you will enjoy these books, that delve into the truth of one of our most beloved Prophets.

My Wicked Half-Sister/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Chloe didn’t set out to be famous, but her marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, made her a celebrity by association. Jealous and nosy fans heckle her in public and the tabloids portray her as cold, arrogant, and unworthy of her husband. As bad as that is, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

    Her brother, Chris, is being paroled from prison, where he has been serving time for shooting and nearly killing Chloe when she was a child. This is not a situation that she wants splashed all over the headlines, especially because this could incite her brother to try to finish the job.

    When Chloe gets word of a string of crimes that might be tied to her brother, she finds she has yet another enemy: their father, Dr. Winters. He refuses to cooperate with Chloe’s security team and even gives the police a hard time when they try to investigate.

    The one ally Chloe has in her own family is her half-sister, Beth, a public prosecutor intent on bringing Chris to justice. Her approach is so aggressive that everyone from Chloe’s security specialist to the police detective insists that she is doing more harm than good. Beth assures Chloe that her way is the only way that will work, which leaves Chloe to decide whether to trust the experts, or the sister she barely knows. The wrong choice puts her very life in danger."

Review: 

    Are you ready for book four in the Someone Else's Fairytale series?? I have to say that this one wasn't my favorite of the books.
    I've gotten to know the characters even better since starting this series and I am enjoying their growth. Especially where Chloe and Jason are headed! So happy!
    Emily is a great story teller and doesn't leave anything out when bringing her characters to life. She gives them their own stories in fact. I would love to see what is going on in Chris' mind, is he guilty, is he sorry for his past? 
    I will be waiting for book five with anticipation!    

Under the Mistletoe Collection/Various Authors

Synopsis:

    "FORGOTTEN KISSES by Cindy Roland Anderson, costume designer Madison Taylor has no love lost when the male lead playing Sir Lancelot in a TV series is fired. She couldn’t stand working with him anyway. But when she discovers who his replacement is, her heart nearly stops. Caleb Matthews is one of the hottest male actors ever… and not to mention Madison’s former boyfriend. When things got too serious between them, everything fell apart. And now, Madison must play nice or lose her job. She just has to forget all of the reasons she’d fallen for him in the first place.

    THE LAST CHRISTMAS by Annette Lyon, Meredith only has to make it through the Christmas holiday pretending that she and her husband Eric aren’t on the verge of divorce. She doesn’t want to ruin the holiday for her two grown daughters and their boyfriends. But when Eric hurries home after weeks of living in a motel to unpack before their daughters arrive, he starts pressing Meredith with questions about why she filed for divorce. The last thing Meredith wants to do it give Eric a second chance, but it seems that Eric is not willing to let her go without trying to win her back.

    TRUTH OR DARE by Julie Coulter Bellon, After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Cami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Cami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a Christmas miracle for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

   HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST by Sarah M. Eden, Celeste Lagorio has officially given up on Christmas. A single mother, with her children grown and unable to return for the holiday, Celeste determines to take a break from everything. When her single neighbor and almost-best-friend, Mike Durham, discovers her non-plans, they discuss things they’ve always wanted to do, but never had time. Mike and Celeste put together a friendly competition of checking off the things on their bucket list, all the while drawing closer and discovering they have more in common than they thought.

   CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY by Heather B. Moore, Monica is on the verge of buying her dream store, but when she tells her boyfriend, he turns it into an embarrassing public argument. Heartbroken, but determined to follow her dream, she goes to her employer’s Christmas party to play Mrs. Claus, only to be paired with someone unexpected. A young Mr. Claus who is the complete opposite of her ex-boyfriend in all the most important ways. Yet, Monica is not sure she can risk opening her heart again.

   FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE by Jennifer Griffith,  pilot Juliet Law has been in a holding pattern, dating the wrong guy, until she gets a holiday shake-up: old flame Tag McClintock e-mails her to ask for second date—after ten years. Their first date, back in high school, had been an unmitigated disaster culminating with Pepto Bismol and the police. Still, Juliet would have gone out with Tag again the next day—and the next—had he asked. So now that he’s finally popping up in her in-box again, Juliet must decide whether to say yes to the date, even if it puts her at risk of another decade of carrying a torch for Tag McClintock. Will their second date be their last?"

Review:

    Another Anthology to brighten your Christmas spirit. Plenty of mistletoe and holiday fun in these six novella's. These are contemporary romances. Each Author bringing to life their characters in their own way. Family togetherness, Joy, all the Christmas emotions wrapped up in one place.
    Romance, Drama, Comedy, A little bit of action (under the mistletoe), takes me to a happy place. Join me there!  

Autumn Masquerade/Various Authors

Synopsis:

    "A MERRY DANCE by Josi S. Kilpack. When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

    UNMASKING THE DUKE by Donna Hatch. The last thing Hannah Palmer wants to do is flirt with men in a crowded ballroom, but when her sister throws a Masquerade Ball, Hannah can’t say no to the invitation and takes comfort behind a mask. She dances with a charming masked man, matching him wit for wit. When the glorious evening culminates in a kiss, and the two remove their masks, Hannah is horrified to discover the man she’s been flirting with all night is her most despised neighbor, the Duke of Suttenberg. No matter how charming the duke was at the ball, and how wonderful the kiss, he is the last man she’d ever accept.

    WHAT’S IN A NAME by Nancy Campbell Allen. Penelope Timely has a terrible secret. She’s been writing letters to the Duke of Wilmington, pretending to be her ever-proper twin sister, Persephone. Now, the duke has written that he’ll be coming for the Autumn Masquerade Ball and Festival. Penelope will have to continue the charade while the duke is in town in order to protect her sister. The Duke of Wilmington isn’t fooled for a moment, but instead of confessing that he knows about the deception, he finds himself utterly charmed by Penelope and jumps into the game of deception to see how far the twin sisters will take it."

Review:

    All three regency stories that come in this collection are really fun. I have been reading quite a few anthologies lately and I have to say this is one of my favorites. The Characters in the stories are well thought out, and brought to life by great plots.
    It does always amaze me that when one is masked, no one possibly can tell who is behind it, especially if you have known them or glanced at them in the past. But I guess if you don't have the best memory or haven't seen them in a while, it could happen?
    Romance, drama, a little bit of action and comedy round out this Autumn Masquerade. The authors did a great job at keeping my attention, and my love for regency.
     

Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology/Various Authors

Synopsis:

        "The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell:
     Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.                    
           Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts:
    Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
           Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen:
    Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
          Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol:
    Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
            One Winter Night by Heather Tullis:
    Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends"

Review:

    The Echo Ridge Anthology has five stories primed around the Christmas season. The plot is set around Kenworth's shopping center, where most of the characters work. You get glimpses into the lives of a loving community sprinkled with holiday cheer.
    Love (for some) was lost years ago. This Christmas it will be found, but only if the characters are open to the idea that love isn't lost forever.
    Each novella in this collection is unique. They don't stray from the title "Christmas Kisses". Romance, and drama are found in all. If your looking for a holiday read, you have found five! With Christmas coming up, the snow will start to fall, the mistletoe will be hung, the music will be played, and snuggling down with a good book will make your holiday even brighter.

All Hallows' Eve Collection/Various Authors

Synopsis:

    "Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.
 
    Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.
    
     Heather B. Moore's SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.

     Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?

     Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.

     Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years."

Review:

     These Timeless Romance collections have become some of my favorite reads. Each author creating a story that they have tirelessly poured over, and most likely in the end were finally glad to have sent off their final works to readers like myself to enjoy.
    Each story is well written. Read one chapter, or the whole novella, and into the next if you have the time. Some are ghost stories, others deal with curses, nightmares come true, and mystic creatures of the sea. Drama, and romance are just two of the genre's in these novella's. October is the perfect time to pick up this book with Halloween just around the corner. 
     Like with all the other collections I have read, I have my favorites, and my not so favorites of these stories but my favorites could be your dis-likes. Read for yourself, just do it! 

Loving Helen & Marrying Christopher/Michele Paige Holmes

Synopsis:
   
    "Eighteen-year-old Helen Thatcher grew up under the protection of her older siblings, Grace and Christopher. Living in their shadows and keeping to herself suited Helen just fine—until she met widower Samuel Preston. Watching Mr. Preston care for his young daughter and seeing his concern extend to her own family, Helen felt her reserve slipping away, as she learned first to trust him and then realized she had fallen in love with him. But instead of returning—or even noticing her affection—Mr. Preston developed his own tender, and unrequited feelings, for Grace.

In the midst of each silently nursing their broken hearts, Helen and Samuel are faced with a daunting task—reuniting Grace with her fiancé, Nicholas Sutherland. Now it is Helen who must look out for her sister and sacrifice her own fragile heart, as she and Samuel pretend to be engaged. Helen finds the role surprisingly easy to play, allowing herself to imagine that Samuel’s loving remarks are sincere. As the time for their charade to end draws near Helen must summon her courage and tell Samuel the truth of her feelings, or risk losing him forever."

Review: 

    This is the second book in the Heartfire Romance. The first was Grace, which I reviewed earlier in the year. This book follows Helen's journey on the other side of the stone wall. Though it seems like hope may be lost for Helen in getting Samuel Preston's heart, when his lies with her older sister.
    Schemes abound and attachments form for the greater good when Christopher, Helen and Grace's brother, makes his move in steering his sisters in loves direction. 
    Romance, Drama, and a little bit of comedy make for a great read. This has the same timeline as it did in Grace's story but through Helen and Samuel's eyes. I enjoyed it as much as the first.

Synopsis:

    "Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea."
 
Review:

    Christopher is now free to travel to America, When the chance now comes he plans to make a life for himself with only the commitment of owning his own property and making his own way in the world. Then he can think of finding a woman to settle down with and having a family.
    Marsali, who is glad to be rid of the last years with her abusive relatives, shows up on the same ship as Christopher, and is just as happy to leave England behind as he is. But it seems like trouble will always seem to find both of them while crossing the ocean. The only solution, stick together.
    The third book in the Heartfire series brings twists and turns. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to now follow Grace and Helen's brother in his own journey to find himself, and the love that he wasn't searching for but gladly embraced.

The Moses Chronicle, Volume 1, Bondage/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Moses has always felt like an outsider in his powerful Egyptian family, even though his close relationship with Ramses, the prince of Egypt, and their cousin Pentu keeps him entwined in the dealings of royalty. But when their youthful antics get them in trouble, the Pharaoh decides it’s time for all three of them to grow up and own their respective responsibilities. Now betrothed to a woman he cares nothing for, Moses wonders where his life is headed.

    Miriam, a Hebrew slave, lives with a secret she cannot share with anyone. And though it has been eighteen years since she saved her baby brother, she is constantly getting in trouble for spying on him. In a desperate attempt to control Miriam, her older brother, Aaron, and her father look to find her a husband, something Miriam has never been interested in—until Caleb, a young, handsome man, confesses his feelings for her and asks her father for her hand in marriage.
    When Libya advances on Egypt, Moses and Miriam are suddenly thrown together as the Egyptian royals and soldiers flee. Hebrew slaves are forced to defend the kingdom, and Miriam and Caleb are enlisted under Moses’s direction. Moses quickly sees there is more to this downtrodden people than what he’s been taught. When he witnesses the atrocities enacted against the slaves, he realizes he must leave—he must find out who he really is.
    A gripping account of the events that lead to Moses’s flight into the wilderness, The Moses Chronicles: Bondage will take you back to a rich period of history replete with scandal, strife, love, and hope as God prepares a prophet to lead His chosen people."

Review:

    This first volume of the Moses Chronicles sets Moses when he is still living in the palace with his Mother. All he knows is what he grew up hearing, he had no father, the Pharaoh only tolerates him and his Mother because they are family, even that doesn't really matter. He is struggling to find his place, to make a difference to everyone, including the Hebrews. Against his Grandfather and Cousins rules (to keep the Hebrews in the slave category) Moses listens and comes to care for those his family looks down on.
    Miriam knows who Moses really is and is finding it hard coping with the loss of her baby brother. After all these years she is still keeping a close an eye on Moses as she dares, or until she gets caught!
    I liked the plot. Heather mentioned in the back of the book that she had planned to do three books, one with Miriam's point of view then the second with Moses', then third Aaron's. But I enjoyed getting to know each of them in this first book so I got a better understanding of each character in the same timeline. We also get the perspective of Moses' adoptive Mother Bithiah and her struggles within her own royal family.
    Most all of us know the story of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron through the scriptures, but what happened to them before they even knew each other? Before Moses left to find what his purpose truly was? With these books it opens up those possibilities and gives us a better insight on what it would have been like to live as a slave and a royal.

Summer In Snow Valley/Various Author's

Synopsis:

    "*Catching Caytie by Cindy Roland Anderson

On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

*Tin Foil Tiaras by Jeanette Lewis

Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

*A Touch of Love by Cami Checketts

Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.

*First Love by Taylor Hart 

Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet’s not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.

*Romancing Rebecca by Kimberley Montpetit

Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austen and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

*Love in Light and Shadow by Lucy McConnell

Mercedes O’Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn’t see in black and white; it sees light and shadows."

 

Review: 

    If you haven't read Christmas in Snow Valley, you can still get your hands on it through Amazon! Summer in Snow Valley is just as great, in fact, I loved it even more then the Christmas one, if that is possible! So much fun. I loved all the different character's and dynamics that each of the Author's brought to the table.

    You get glimpses of the characters from the Christmas books and can see the progress they have made since their stories took place. You still have Pastor John, along with his nephew Pastor James as a constant in each book. 

    I have to say I did love some of the stories more then some, but they all were fantastic in their own way. Romance, Drama, Comedy are just some of the genres. If you women love Cowboys, Firefighters, Teachers, Businessmen, then you have hit the jackpot! For the Men you have Beauty consultants, Business Women, Childhood sweethearts, Mother's, Cancer survivors. Packed with what the reader wants and for me that is always the happily ever after!

   

Crooked House/Marlene Bateman

Synopsis:


    "Quirky private investigator Erica Coleman is no stranger to murder and mystery—which is why her best friend’s daughter Megan is confident in Erica’s unique ability to unravel a disturbing mystery developing in the ramshackle old house she shares with her college roommates, Liz and Beth. In the quaint historic district of Dover, Delaware, lies Crooked House—an apt name for the once magnificent home. Following an alarming rise in the number of “accidents” surrounding Liz, the girls enlist Erica’s help to stop the mysterious assailant. Soon the mishaps become blatant attempts on Liz’s life, and Erica’s initial skepticism disappears when things go from disturbing to deadly. As she uncovers a tangled web of love, money, and greed, Erica must draw upon her investigative prowess to crack the case before she becomes an unwitting victim herself ." 

Review: 

    I haven't read the first two books of this saga (Motive for Murder, and Death in the Family) but I honestly didn't need to. You could read this as a stand alone and get all the information you need to know about Erica and her background just reading this book. 
    This is a fun mystery with a touch of romance and comedy. Not to mention a good amount of delicious recipe's that I am going to have to make because they sounded delicious! There are some twists and turns while Erica does her sleuthing. One minute you think you know who the murderer is (yes there is a murder) the next thing you know you suspect an entirely different person. 
    Marlene kind of sneaks in some hints throughout the book on who the guilty person is, but you need to pay attention and not second guess yourself. But then again, that is what a good mystery is! 
    You can find this book at Deseret Book and Seagull Book the actual stores. You can also click on these links to purchase online: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crooked-House-Erica-Coleman-Mystery/dp/162108521X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426788931&sr=1-1&keywords=crooked+house+marlene

Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/products/crooked-house-marlene-bateman-95187

Seagull Book; http://www.seagullbook.com/seagull/product/873826.html