Rumor Has It. Jill Shalvis

Rumor Has It
Jill Shalvis
Published: Berkley 2013
Format: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pages:281
Source: Own book

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

My thoughts
This book is part of the Animal Attraction series, and I think it is my very favourite series by Jill Shalvis.  Rumor Has It is another excellent book in the series and I enjoyed it.  I liked Kate very much, and her being a teacher added that little piece of interest to it for me.  Griffin was a rather intense character with a back story of his own that added interest to the book.

Kate is the family mainstay.  Her mother has died and she keeps an eye out for her Dad who has not coped all that well, her sister Ashley - a teen, and her young brother Tommy who always insists on being either one hero or another.  She has the opportunity of a year's study in Science away from the area, but believes her family won't cope without her.  We all believe to some extent that we are our own versions of the Greek god, Atlas.  Part of this story is the tussle Kate has with letting go and choosing something more.

As I began this book the first thing I noticed were the sentences.  They were so nicely varied and fluent.  Normally I take this for granted in a published book, however I had just come from reading a book where the sentences just did not have that fluency.  I had spent time rearranging sentences, thinking - they could have been made more interesting this way. With Rumor Has It, after appreciating the first page and the fluency of the sentences, I sunk gratefully into the book and enjoyed the story and the characters!

The Hero by Robyn Carr. Review

The Hero by Robyn Carr
Harlequin Mira

 27th August 2013

Pages: 384
Format: e-arc
Genre: Contemporary romance
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads.

In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees to a place where they would be safe and secure.  She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is certain it can't be worse than what they have left behind.  Her plan is to escape to somewhere they can be invisible.  Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town, with a willingness to help someone in need.

Spencer Lawson knows is widowed and has a young son. He's not looking for anything else. Instead he has thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point's high school football coach. Tough and demanding on his team, off the field he is gentle and the kind of man who might heal Devon's heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it..... and sometimes you find a hero.

My thoughts:
Firstly I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a day.  Devon's story was really interesting and she was every bit the heroine in this story.  A young mother in need of people to support her at a crucial time in her life, she arrives in Thunder Point where she is taken in with open arms.

Yes Spencer does get involved with her, we met him in the previous book, and on the whole he comes through for Devon.  However, in my opinion he is not the hero in this book.  Someone else is!

Cooper and Sarah also feature in this book and their story is carried through to an interesting conclusion.  I had expected a little more to happen with their relationship, before lose ends were tied up.

I was delighted to see Rawleigh Goode come more to the fore and take on a more significant role.  He has become a favourite character of mine, so the way the book played out with his story, was a very satisfying aspect for me.  Certainly hidden dimensions to this guy.  For my pickings - he is the hero of this story!

I liked the little bit of action at the end of the book, it just gave the story a little more to the quiet small town story.  It also gave the hero time to shine, although in my opinion he was very much the hero from the get go.

In conclusion I am a big Robyn Carr fan.  I like her characters, her settings and her plots.  She has a mix that when I sit down to read one of her books, I know I am settling in for an entertaining read.

A Turn in the Road

Title: A Turn in the Road  (Blossom Street #8)
Author: Debbie Macomber
Published: Mira. 2011
Format: Paperback.
Pages: 390
Genre: Contemporary

Summary from Back of Book.
In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She's heard he's alone, too…...

Bethanne herself needs time to reflect, to ponder a decision she has to make -  whether or not to reconcile with her  ex husband, Grant, her children's father.

Meanwhile, Annie's out to prove to her onetime boyfriend that she can live a brilliant life without him!

So there they are, three women driving across America. They have their maps and their directions—but even the best-planned journey can take you to a turn in the road. Or lead you to an unexpected encounter—like the day Bethanne meets a man named Max ...

My thoughts:
Again another enjoyable book by Debbie Macomber.  Bethanne, Ruth and Annie have a very interesting  journey across the USA.  En route they meet some interesting bikies who help them out when they are stranded because their car conks out.  The women's reaction and distrust of the men, especially that of Ruth was entertaining and humorous.  

Bethanne has changed over the years since Grant walked out on her, and I like the way she holds to the newer self.  Annie too learns a little about self hood and standing on her own two feet. Ruth finds all she is looking for and more.  I was very happy with the decisions that they all made.  

I found the story a little slow at times, and must say I prefer the books when some of the other characters from Blossom Street are more than glimpsed.  However a worthwhile read and it almost brings me up to date with this series.

Summer On Blossom Street.

 

                                                             TBR Challenge.
Title: Summer on Blossom Street.  (Blossom St. #6)
Author: Debbie Macomber
Published: Harlequin: Mira
First published: 2009. This edition 2011.

Summary.
This book continues the lives and stories of many of the Blossom Street characters from previous books.  In my opinion this book is best read after the  others have been read.  However it could be read as a one off if one wished. 

Lydia, the owner of the wool shop decides to start a group - Knit to Quit.  Joining it is Alix who is trying to overcome her smoking addiction, she wants to start a family with Jordan but firstly she needs to beat her addiction. There are two new characters - Phoebe who is getting over a relationship gone wrong, and Hutch who is taking up knitting on the advice of his Doctor as knitting is a way to de stress! He is the owner of a chocolate factory and is being sued by a woman because the chocolates made her fat!

Anne Marie (book shop owner) and her adopted daughter Ellen also feature in this book, Ellen has as one of her twenty wishes wanted to get to know her unknown father.  There is a number of twists and turns to this and it makes for an interesting addition to the book.

Lydia and her family also feature strongly in this book.  Lydia and Brad are wanting to adopt a baby.  Instead they are asked to foster for awhile a twelve year old girl - Casey.  There son Cody is none too pleased with this and so there is tension in the household.

My thoughts.
I enjoyed this Summer on Blossom Street, I have liked all the Blossom Street books so far and was nudged into reading the remainder of the series when a new one was published this year.  I have them all lined up on the shelf ready to go!  I have listened to the audio of the previous ones, however this one received so many poor narrator reviews I decided to buy the actual paperback.

It is a story that explores such issues as stress, addiction, infidelity, adoption, foster care and ageing.  These issues are all set in the context of family, friends and community.  The characters face down challenges that are thrown at them and they make decisions and grow - or not, as the case may be.

One of the issues - that of foster care touched by heart.  Into Lydia's family comes Casey, well used to the foster care system - being passed on from one family to the next, never belonging anywhere.  It reminded me of a superb book I read earlier in the year, One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, ( a Middle Grade book.)  This book explored in depth the experience that Casey has in Summer on Blossom Street. Each book ends differently, yet both explore the same depth of relationships in family and the response to an outsider entering over the threshold.

I liked the quotes at the beginning of some chapters, most by actual people with urls given to reach their websites.  Obviously Debbie Macomber loves knitting.  I liked the first quote in the book because it referred to New Zealand yarn!  ( I live in New Zealand).  I have been able to knit since I was a child and still do, so this book hasn't set me off on a big "I want to learn to knit," splurge as a quilting book might, however it did awaken old interests.  I also liked that there is a pattern given for  a scarf at the beginning of the book.

To finish - a cosy read, something to take my mind off the daily challenges of my own life!

I read this book as part of Wendy's TBR challenge - this month's challenge was to read a book by an author that you have more than one book of theirs in your TBR pile.

The Wanderer Robyn Carr

The Wanderer.
Robyn Carr
Published March 2013.
Harlequin.
384 pages.


Goodreads Summary.
Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands. 

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful. 

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

A new series begins by Robyn Carr.  I loved her Virgin River series, and was loathe to leave the place.  This place didn't quite wow me as much as Virgin River, but I think it will grow on me.  I enjoyed the story and the characters were believable and endearing.  The romance side was slow to get going but I rarely rate a book on that alone.

It will be interesting to see how this series develops, and I am sure the reader will meet Cooper again as hopefully he will play a role similar to Jack in the Virgin River community.  I will have to wait to find out!  Waiting eagerly!  I am a sucker for Robyn Carr books. Love just about all of them.

Reflection Point Emily March.

Reflection Point  (Eternity Springs #6)
Emily March
Published March 2013.
368 Pages.
Ballantine Books

Goodreads Summary.

Savannah Moore arrives in Eternity Springs alone, determined to put her troubled past behind her. Her handcrafted-soap shop fits right in with the magic of this warm and welcoming community—but the sexy, suspicious local sheriff promises to upset her hard-won happiness.
 
Zach Turner knows this woman means trouble: Maybe to his town. Possibly to his friends. Definitely to his heart. Something about this simmering Southern beauty does crazy things to his committed bachelor status, taunting him with possibilities far beyond his dedication to his sometimes dangerous job. So when Savannah’s dark past follows her to town, wreaking havoc with both their lives, Zach will fight for all he’s worth—for a love he can’t afford to lose.

I always enjoy this series and this one was no exception.  It was the turn of Zach this time, the local sheriff.  He is teamed up with innocent but convicted ex convict Savannah.  Many of the characters from previous books have a small part to play in this book as well.  

I liked these characters, and hopefully Gabi, a new deputy, working with Zach will get her own story.  A few new other characters were also introduced and perhaps they will have further parts to play in future stories.  There was one small surprise I actually didn't see coming at the end. 

I enjoyed the role that Savannah's brother played in this book and he added interest to the story, as well as playing a substantial part in the plot.

I thought the story ended too abruptly, I like things all tidied up, but as a reader was left slightly hanging.  However I know these things are sure to be tidied up in future books. I just don't like that way as much.

If you like small town communities and haven't tried this series - try them.

Beach House No. 9

Beach House No. 9.
Christie Ridgway.
Kindle Edition 384 pages
Published January 2013
Harlequin

Goodreads Summary.
When book doctor Jane Pearson arrives at Griffin Lowell's beach house, she expects a brooding loner. After all, his agent hired her to help the reclusive war journalist write his stalled memoir. Instead, Jane finds a tanned, ocean-blue-eyed man in a Hawaiian shirt, hosting a beach party and surrounded by beauties. Faster than he can untie a bikini top, Griffin lets Jane know he doesn't want her. But she desperately needs this job and digs her toes in the sand. 

Griffin intends to spend the coming weeks at Beach House No. 9 taking refuge from his painful memories-and from the primly sexy book doctor who wants to bare his soul. But warm nights, moonlit walks and sultry kisses just may unlock both their guarded hearts....

Firstly I was reading this as part of the TBR challenge, new author to me.  However just seen the date so it doesn't count!  Should have checked more closely.  

However that said, Christie Ridgway is a new author to me and I will be reading more of her books, starting with the next one in this series.  I enjoyed it.  It has great characters - a fun family, a crusty old man next door and two main characters that are placed in opposition to each other, with a satisfactory outcome at the end.  

I liked the pyschological aspect to this novel, with the exploration of PTSD that the journalist/writer was suffering from.  A good read.

PerfecTiming

Perfect Timing
Catherine Anderson
Published February 2013. Signet.



Goodreads Summary
Tragedy has struck the Harrigans—Quincy’s beloved sister-in-law Loni is gravely ill and nearing death. Quincy, like his brothers, feels helpless to save her, and the clock is ticking. Then, with perfect timing, a winsome red-haired woman named Ceara O’Ceallaigh mysteriously appears on Quincy’s property and insists that Loni can be cured. Only Quincy, she says, as the sole remaining Harrigan bachelor, can make it happen—by marrying Ceara.

Catherine Anderson plays around with this novel and adds some time travel.  A little like  a Nora Robert's story where she uses the 'beyond the real, into another dimension' style of story.  As I enjoy Nora Roberts when she writes with this sense of fun, so I enjoyed this one by Catherine Anderson.  Okay, I love all of Anderson's novels!

Whenever I read her books, I get carried away from the world of work and stress. It is a cosy family oriented read with lots of drama along the way.  It's good to catch up with other members of the family and they all certainly pull together in this one. (Quincy is the final brother of the series to become settled down into a family of his own).

Do you need to suspend belief of what is possible - of course.  A delightful character that enters this story towards the end - Stormy - certainly is going to push your buttons if you aren't prepared to just take the story as it is revealed.  I thought she was a delight and I wish there were going to be more stories about this family just to meet up with her some more.

If you like Catherine's books, I believe you'll like this one.  I have finished this and put it back on the shelf. I intend rereading this whole series again all in one go at some time.  I know it will be hours of 'lost in a book' time.  

Animal Attraction

Title: Animal Attraction
Author: Jill Shalvis
Animal Magnetism Series #2
Published: Berkley 2011
Pages: 293

Goodreads Summary.
Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there's nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade's strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

I loved this one, full of fun, warmth and.... the cutest animals.  As well as loving the caring veterinarian - Dell, and his office manager - Jade, those animals were just so cared for, and did I say cute.  Peanuts the parrot was loads of fun and Beans the kitten was an added bunch of warm fuzz.

Dell and Jade are both attracted to each other, however their past holds them back.  Dell helps Jade overcome her previous bad experience and well.... Jade does her own healing of Dell too.  All in all, a very satisfying, light read.

I am looking forward to reading the next one in this series.

Chance of a Lifetime

Title: Chance of a Lifetime   (Harmony series #5)
Author: Jodi Thomas
Published:  Berkley, January 2013
Pages: 323

Goodreads summary
Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony's library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adam. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before..

This is a series about a small town with many lovable and engaging characters.  I would rate it a 3.5, however I am rounding that up to 4.  

I liked Rick, who grew as a person, through the trials and tribulations of engaging with someone who is out to kill him, for reasons unknown and unfathomable.  I kept  saying to myself who could be the attacker?  However Jodi Thomas did drop a few clues and while I had a slight feeling of being 'let down', it was plausible and 'small townish.'   I hope we hear more about Rick and Trace in books to come.  I would love to see Rick involved in a 'meaty' law case!

Emily's story was heart wrenching, and it was wonderful to see her grow in trust of Tannon Parker, a long time friend, from whom she had become distanced.  

There were a few of the 'locals' that made welcome appearances. I loved Beau's little update and the classy night time mystery blonde that he links up with.  I would have liked to have seen more of Ronny and seen  more of her mystery 'night ride'. I hope its a teaser for future explorations.  

All in all a slow, satisfying read.

Personal Challenge 2013: Books published in 2013.

Lucky in Love

Audiobook: unabridged
Hachette. 2012

Author:  Jill Shalvis
Narrator:  Suehyla El Attar
Lucky Harbor #4 

 Goodreads summary:
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine...

I really enjoyed this listen.  Suehyla el Attar read the book well. It was the first one I had listened to her reading. I would certainly listen to another one that she read. I am sorry to see she isn't reading #5 of the series.

Jill Shalvis writes an enjoyable contemporary and I think so far, this would be my favourite one of the series. Mallory and Ty were great characters, and as well I have to say I developed a soft spot for Mrs Burland the town 'difficult old lady!' 

 I liked how Mallory developed from the 'good girl' who always smoothes things over for every one, and can be relied on to do all the extra bits called upon to do; into a tougher version of herself. 

The chocolate quotes beginning each chapter were fun.