Reunion Pass. Emily March

Published: St Martin's Press
Date: April 5th 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 336
Genre: Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating:
                 

Six years ago, Chase Timberlake bought an engagement ring for his high school sweetheart Lori Reese. Then ... life happened. Chase's adventure photography career took off, Lori's dream of getting into veterinary school came true, and their happily ever after never came to pass.

When Chase's jet-setting life takes a tragic turn, he returns to Eternity Springs a damaged man. Who better to help mend his spirit than the woman who has dedicated her life to healing broken wings? Long summer days spent together rekindles the love that never died and Chase dares to dream of a future he'd thought lost. But Lori can't help but wonder whether this high-flying man really wants a small-town girl with roots sunk deep into the Colorado Rockies. Can she and Chase turn back the hands of time and pick up where they left off -- and give forever a chance?

Reunion Pass - #11 in the Eternity Springs series and every bit as good as the first one and all those that followed. I have often wondered what went wrong for Lori and Chase, both such wonderful young people. Now some years on we meet up again and find out the full story.

I found I didn't want to put this story down, it drew me in right from the beginning. I just totally loved it all. We get to see Lori now all grown up and ready to take on her new professional role. We see Chase with a different girl and about to get married. 

Chase has become a world adventurer, and his girlfriend Lana a TV reality star on an adventure TV series. They enjoy taking risky adventures, however when a snarky demand goes very badly wrong things sure take a twist. It is a very topical happening in today's world, and with a few brush strokes  from Emily March's pen and my own imagination - I am able to see the full horror of it. 

I loved our revisits with some of the other families of Eternity Springs, and of course Celeste is still active and intuitively where she needs to be, to spread her hope and faith in people and outcomes. Healing comes gradually for Chase - just when his family is beginning to despair. The way to healing is perfect and I just loved those additions to the story. Don't want to spoil it here so not mentioning it.

While this is part of a series it could be read as a  stand alone, however every book in this series is excellent and I highly recommend every single one of them. All outstanding. 

Never Too Late. Robyn Carr

Never Too Late
Robyn Carr
Published: Mira
Date: March 31st 2015. 1st published 2006
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 400
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Little Bird Publicity via NetGalley

Clare Wilson is starting over. She's had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even her own son thinks she's given his father too many chances. With the support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she's ready to move on. Facing her fortieth birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom.

But when a near-fatal car accident lands Clare in the hospital, her life takes another detour. While recovering, Clare realizes she has the power to choose her life's path. The wonderful younger police officer who witnessed her crash is over the moon for her. A man from her past stirs up long-buried feelings. Even her ex is pining for her. With enthusiasm and a little envy, her sisters watch her bloom.

Together, the sisters encourage each other to seek what they need to be happy. Along the way they all learn that it's never too late to begin again.

Never Too Late by Robyn Carr is the story of three sisters and second chances.  Clare the middle sister, has finally had it with her husband Roger,  he has cheated on her once too often.  In spite of repeated assurances that he is getting counselling nothing seems to change.  Sarah, the youngest, has let herself go and has thrown herself into her art and work.  Yet when she sees Clare with Sam, a young police officer - about ten years younger than Clare, something is triggered within her and she surprises both her sisters with her step back into the swing of life.

Maggie is the oldest of the sisters, she is happily married, with two daughters.  She is a successful lawyer, attractive and intelligent - like her sisters.  Yet there is one part of her life that she is not happy with, and seeing her sisters obviously becoming 'lucky', she pushes for what would completely make her happy.  Could it be a simple solution - perhaps!

As well as having Sam's attention, Clare is also reconnecting with an old friend - Pete.  Pete is the brother of Clare's first love, but unfortunately he died young.  Pete and Clare have a history though, and its one Clare is determined to face and deal with.  

I liked this book because of the challenges it threw up to the characters and the way they responded. It wasn't only the women who grew and developed.  The men too, had their chance and on the whole took those small steps where it counted.  Roger lost his wife because of his inability to be faithful, however he is strongly motivated to be a good father to Jason their son.  Will he be successful?  Can Sam recognise who he really loves?  Will Maggie's husband recognise her distress and will he step up to the plate?

There is a strong sense of family and the support a good family gives when someone is in difficulty in Never Too Late.  In life we all make mistakes, and the support of family often get us through them. Issues of parenting are explored on a wide variety of fronts.  Strong, honest communication is a stand out point in the book and I believe was a factor in a variety of issues being successfully dealt with.  

Another wonderful Robyn Carr book, I read this book five years ago!  To be honest I remembered very little of it, so it was a very enjoyable read. It makes me wonder whether I should pick up more books on my keeper shelf and reread them!

The Luckiest Lady in London. Sherry Thomas

The Luckiest Lady in London
Sherry Thomas
Published: Headline Eternal
Date: November 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 304
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Own book

Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is The Ideal Gentleman, a man all men want to be and all women want to possess. Felix knows very well his golden image is a hoax. But no one else suspects the truth, until Miss Louisa Cantwell comes along.

From their first meeting, Louisa has mistrusted his outward perfection.

Yet even she could not have imagined that The Ideal Gentleman would propose - to make her his mistress. She cannot ignore the pleasure his touch ignites. Nor can she deny the pull Lord Wrenworth exerts upon her. Dare she get any closer to a man full of dark secrets, any one of which could devastate her?

The Luckiest Lady in London is the first in a London Trilogy by Sherry Thomas.  This book was my first read of this author but it will not be my last.  It is set in Victorian England and mainly features Louisa and Felix, any other character is on the periphery of this - their story.

I loved Louisa, a young woman with a conscience, she must find a suitable husband for herself who will be able to care for her and financially help out with her mother and sisters, one of whom has epilepsy. While Louisa feels she must make a good marriage, and sets about with a list of the things she must do, she is not prepared to sacrifice herself and her happiness.  She has a very good sense of herself and throughly enjoyed her own sexuality. She is also very intelligent and loves books.

Felix has had a tough childhood, his mother did not want to marry his father but was forced into it. From that point on she set out to make her husband's and son's lives miserable.  She succeeded, Felix has put a whole personna around himself as The Ideal Gentleman, he is determined never to feel in need or powerless or vulnerable for anyone.

There is a natural attraction between Felix and Louise and before long Felix is present wherever Louisa is during the London season.  He finds a very able, sparring partner in Louisa, she is no retiring, blushing young lady.  She speaks her mind.  When he propositions her with the offer of her becoming his mistress and being financially safe, she has much to say on the very idea of it.  Before long Felix is thinking marriage and surprises Louisa with a proposal.

It is obvious they are going to live happily ever after, but the push/pull tension of their relationship makes the reading of this novel highly entertaining.  Felix finds himself all at sixes and sevens and in a place he never envisioned.  For Louisa when she discovers something that deeply disappoints her and makes her question the integrity of Felix, she knows she is not prepared to be treated as a 'thing' or to see other people treated in that way either.  

Sherry Thomas' writing is impeccable, so much of the dialogue rings with risqué double entrendre. Very hot without being graphic. The characters are delightful and the setting of the large country house beautiful.  I certainly look forward to more writing from this talented author.

Heartbreak Cove. Lily Everett.

Heartbreak Cove
Lily Everett
Published: St Martin's Press
Date: 3rd March 2015
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Sheriff Andie Shepard may be new to Sanctuary Island, but, like everyone else who comes here, she’s already fallen under its healing spell. Andie is determined to leave her mistakes behind her and make this scenic haven her home. But she just might have to change her plans—as well as open her heart—when an unexpected visitor shows up on her doorstep…

Caitlin is the ten-year-old niece Andie never knew she had. Silent, wary, and shy as can be, Caitlin only responds to the horses that run wild across the island. Andie has no idea how to deal with Caitlin—until Sam Brennan enters the picture. A tall, handsome loner who rehabilitates abused horses, Sam is able to help Caitlin break out of her shell. But that’s not all: He finds a way to touch something deep in Andie’s heart, opening her up to the healing power of love. Together, these three lost souls must face the darkness in their past to build a brighter future. Because here, on Sanctuary Island, anything is possible…

Heartbreak Cove is #3 in Lily Everett's Sanctuary Island series.  It is another small town, contemporary romance, with enough points of difference to help it stand out from the myriad of books that follow this format.  I quickly became engaged and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Andi Shepard is the local sheriff, once a city cop, but now doing her policing in a place she loves. Just when things are going along nicely for Andi some surprises come her way that turn her world upside down.  Caitlin arrives, insecure and untrusting of women especially.  Andi will have her work cut out to gain her trust.  Then Sam arrives back on the island and starts Andi off in a journey of self discovery and reformulating of what she believes.  As well as that the local rich man Dabney Leeds is about to shake up Andi's hold on the sheriff badge.  I really liked how Andi adapted to all these challenges and in spite of her family background comes through for herself, Caitlin and Sam.

Sam arrives on the island with a highly strung horse that needs to be rescued from its abusive owner. Queenie takes up residence at Jo's stables and Caitlin falls in love with her, even though the two are no way ready for each other.  Later added into this mix is another local horse that badly needs Sam's help and attention.  Sam too has a really sad, tough background and he doesn't want this to anyway harm Andi or Caitlin.  What he doesn't figure on is the love they have for him or the sense of pride and community on this island.  Here they value horses, there are a group of wild horses protected on this island, so Sam's work is rated.

Along with all this runs a smaller story of Taylor and Matt.  Previously these two were found illegally hanging out in Heartbreak Cove - part of the wild horse sanctuary.  They had been dealt with by Andi and Taylor especially has changed her wild teenage ways.  She has some skills on computer, and is best friends with Matt who has a girlfriend.  But Taylor wants more.

My prediction of what would happen to the horses turned out to be correct.  I found the ending satisfying, in a slightly Disney or Hallmark movie way.  I did have questions about the way one of the townspeople turned at the end.  Slightly all too cosy an ending. However I love a happy ending for everyone so I am not too upset by it.

I will most certainly be looking forward to Home For Christmas later in the year - which tells the story of Caitlin's Dad.  I am sure we'll see him before too much longer on Sanctuary Island.

One Wish. Robyn Carr. Review and Giveaway.

One Wish
Robyn Carr
Published: Harlequin MIRA
Date: 24th February 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Grace Dillon was a champion figure skater until she moved to Thunder Point to escape the ruthless world of fame and competition. And though she's proud of the quiet, self-sufficient life she's created running a successful flower shop, she knows something is missing. Her life could use a little excitement.

In a community where there are few eligible singles, high school teacher Troy Headly appoints himself Grace's fun coach. When he suggests a little companionship with no strings attached, Grace is eager to take him up on his offer, and the two enjoy…getting to know each other.

But things get complicated when Grace's past catches up with her, and she knows that's not what Troy signed up for. Faced with losing her, Troy realizes Grace is more than just a friend with benefits. He's determined to help her fight for the life she always wished for but never believed she could have—and maybe they can find real love along the way.

One Wish by Robyn Carr is #7 in her Thunder Point series, and hopefully there will be a good number more.  Robyn Carr is a highly skilled writer, and One Wish is a perfect example of how she spins a tale, with characters that I love and care about, issues that are real, and a plot that twists and turns and ultimately works out in the end.

One Wish is mainly about Grace and Troy.  In the previous book Troy lost out in love, but now it is his turn to find the woman that is perfect for him, so long as he can work out what his self worth is and what he has to give to Grace that has real value.  At first take it looks like they are perfectly suited.  Troy is all about fun - his aim is to bring fun into Grace's life and enjoy the outdoor pursuits with her that he loves to engage in.  However Troy does not know everything about Grace and when he learns all there is to know will it make a difference?

Grace might now be the owner of a successful business in Thunder Point but she has rearranged her name a little and likes to live out of the limelight.  She has experienced the tough life of being a top competitor in a sport she loves but left.  Although when the going is tough for her - then instead of falling in a heap - Grace shows her steely strength.  Her father has died, and her mother - well that's an interesting point.  Grace's mother pushed her and lived her life through Grace's success.  Now Grace wants little to do with her.

What I love about these books is that we are given little insights into the ongoing lives of others in the town of Thunder Point who are like old friends.   There is a little cameo of Rawley - loved that! Ray Ann the town realtor has a slightly larger and more satisfying role and we also have introduced her 'niece' Ginger who is dealing with a very heartbreaking issue - but there is nobody more suited to the task than Ray Ann to help her a little.  We even receive a visit from a couple down from Virgin River - no not Jack!  To top it all off there is a wedding thrown in and the population of Thunder Point looks ready to explode!

While I'd recommend the complete series, each book could be read on its own.

One Wish is a romance plus, it is more than a simple contemporary romance, it has depth to it, real issues that real people could face.  There is a side serving of women's fiction thrown in.  For me, my favorite kind of read.

Thunder Point

The Wanderer      #1

The Newcomer    #2

The Hero              #3
The Chance          #4       

The Promise         #5

The Homecoming  #6

      

Can be Purchased                   
Amazon        B&N       iBooks        Indie Bound       Book Depository


Now Closed.  Winner Suko from Suko's Notebook - Congratulations.
Giveaway.

 Little Bird Publicity is kindly offering the chance  to win a copy of One Wish by Robyn Carr to U. S. continental readers.  

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Silver Thaw Catherine Anderson

Silver Thaw
Catherine Anderson
Publisher: Signet - Penguin
Date: January 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 423
Genre: Contemporary romance
Source: Own book

After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. But she’s having a tough time providing for herself and her six-year-old daughter. Writing her secret yearnings on slips of paper and sending them into the wind helps her cling to the hope that things will get better…and that she can find happiness again.

Jeb Sterling has no idea that the handwritten messages he finds scattered across his land are the first hints that his life is about to change. Nor does he understand why he feels so compelled to help Amanda Banning and her daughter when a cold snap leaves them temporarily homeless. Maybe he’s inspired by Amanda’s courage or perhaps by her beautiful brown eyes. Either way, the man who once renounced love suddenly finds himself willing to do anything for the pair. Amanda seems to have given up on her dreams, but Jeb refuses to quit until he makes her every wish come true..

Silver Thaw is the first book in a new series by Catherine Anderson set in Mystic Creek, Oregon. Some authors write great small town stories, Catherine Anderson writes great family stories.  It's her specialty.  In this book she has written the first in what I hope is another long series like her Kendrick/Coulter/Harrigan series.

This story has a very winter setting - which I loved.  I know snow and ice can be very dangerous but to me that's all in the realm of storybooks!  Amanda and her delightful little girl Chloe are hiding out in a run down little cottage where they have escaped to - running from a very abusive husband and father.  Amanda releases her thoughts into the wind and lets them blow where they will.  A new take on a 'message in a bottle'. Jeb and his neighbour have been finding these notes, so when he is out rescuing people in a severe snowstorm he has an eye out for the writer of these notes.

Jeb does find them huddled together and with a series of 'white lies' manages to help them out and ensure that they are safe and warm.  Jeb is of course a wonderful young man with a fabulous house just waiting to meet the right woman and fill the house with the voices of his children.  In the meantime Chloe proves to be a great introduction to what its like to deal with children and  she would be horrified to learn that she might be eating one of the chickens she meets in Jeb's backyard. Chloe also takes over Jeb's mastiff Bozo, and it looks like Bozo may have taken Chloe under his wing too.

Jeb has a wonderful family as well - parents, brothers and sisters who welcome Chloe and Amanda into their fold and are prepared to risk much to keep them safe and relaxed.  Of course Jeb's mother Kate would just love to see Jeb settle down with a woman he loves and she can see Amanda just might be the one.  The romance of course develops and while predictable was delightful and delicious.

However danger lurks as Amanda's husband isn't going to give up easily and he is out there somewhere.

There is nothing I love more than a good Catherine Anderson story and this one is very good. Great characters, endearing animals and a plot that moves along with something happening most of the time.  A well crafted emotionally satisfying read.