CHATEAU WEDDING by Tess Thompson

This is a short and sweet story of the wedding between Stone and Pepper. If it could go wrong it certainly did with this wedding. But Pepper being who she is managed to put things into perspective and carry one.

This is a short story about a wedding taking place in Paris. It’s one of the Cliffside Bay short story’s and will show you how strong a young woman can be in the face of adversity. The love of her life only wants what she wants. Everything to be perfect. And perfect it will be as long as the two of them get married and make a life with their friends and family all there.

This is not a stand alone book. You need to read this series as I know you will love it. Each book is about a different couple and a couple of shorts thrown in to keep the romance going. It’s a sweet story of a couple finally getting to where they belong. Together forever.

A true love story.

I gave it 4 stars and loved the book. Thank you to Tess Thompson for this ARC. This is my own honest review.

A LIGHT IN THE HALLWAY by Amanda Prowse

Amanda Prowse writes books that take your heart on a journey. This was a very sad story of love and loss. When Nick’s wife dies he has to figure out a way to make a life for him and their son Oliver. Oliver is 18 and getting ready to leave for university. That means Nick will be alone and he doesn’t know if he can do alone. Kerry was his wife since they were 17 years old.

Nick has a lot on his plate with in-laws, friends, a job, a son who is leaving and a special someone that may help him over this hurdle in life. Though to me four and a half months is not enough time for grieving this story is not about my life. It’s about Nick’s and his wife was sick for a long time. Can he possibly find love and happiness with someone else. Can Oliver accept another woman so soon after the loss of his mother? Oliver is a great kid and makes his dad very proud. He doesn’t want to accept Beverly at first and tends to run to his Auntie Di way to much but he’s pretty level headed so things may work out ok.

I have read a few of this author’s books and truly loved them so much. While this one was by far not my favorite it was very good. It has all the feels in it, laughter, tears, heartache, but it was a bit long to me. In some places I found myself wanting it to move on already. But overall it truly is a good story. It was well written. The characters were likable and the two storylines were great. One being Nick as a kid and the other Nick as a grown up. The things he went through during 1992 then jumping to after he is grown and what he goes through losing his wife. It was done beautifully. I enjoyed reading the antics of the young boys and what all they did and went through. The true friendships that led them into adulthood. Nick is very likable and so are his friends and family.

I have to thank #NetGalley, #AmandaProwse for this book. This is my own review.

I gave it 4 stars and recommend it to all. Be prepared for a very good read.

JILTED: NICO AND SOPHIE by Tess Thompson

Another trip to Cliffside Bay... It’s always an experience that I look forward too.

Since she was a very young girl Sophie knew who she was suppose to be with when she grew up. She knew who her soulmate would be. Not his name, but exactly what he looked like down to his dog. Sophie had grown up with two loving parents who doted on her and loved her no matter what. They had adopted her when she was just a baby.

Nico was a broken man. He didn’t know what it was to be loved so unconditionally and completely so it was quite scary for him to believe that Sophie or anyone could do that. His life growing up was quite unpleasant and didn’t have the love that he definitely deserved. His engagement had fallen apart when his fiancé left him for her best friend. He has definite trust issues.

Love lives in Cliffside Bay. Everyone there is happy and carefree in their own way. These two will go through a lot to find true love but in this area it has to work out. They can travel the world and still come back to Cliffside to be home again. Theirs is a love story that a lot of us may can relate to. Finding that special someone and fighting for it. Never giving up. Never letting anyone make you feel differently about the love of your life.

I love the characters in this series and maybe have a new favorite after reading this one. I absolutely loved Judi. She is one heck of a woman. What she does for Nico and Sophie is beyond just being a friend.

This book has some laughter, anger, scary parts and mostly lots of kisses and love. It’s perfect just the way I read it. It’s such a good love story and is so authentic in the way it’s told that you will feel like you are right there. Or at least feel.. It’s a true love story from start to finish. A touching story of two people who may not have been if not for the unrelenting love that one young lady has for someone who thinks he is to old for her. Sophie just doesn’t give up. She knows who she was meant to be with and with someone’s help goes for him with all she has.

I have to give this awesome book 5 stars and a high recommendation. Thank you to Tess Thompson for the ARC. This my own feelings and thoughts about this book and in no way reflects anything else.

Isn’t love grand!!!!

ONE FOR THE BLACKBIRD, ONE FOR THE CROW by Olivia Hawker

I’ve read some books this year that absolutely took my breath away. THIS TENDER LAND by William Kent Krueger, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens and now this beautiful book, ONE FOR THE BLACKBIRD, ONE FOR THE CROW by Olivia Hawker. All new authors for me.

This book will take you to a place where things are truly hard yet also simple. Hard work for everyone involved yet the beauty is so great you will fall deeply in love with the time and place. Things grow then die. It’s the circle of life truly.

Cora and Nettie Mae are neighbors. Cora has four children while. Nettie Mae has only one. They are not friends at all. Actually Nettie Mae despises Cora and with good reason. But as they decide that the only way to survive the winter is for them to merge families they get to know each other in different lights. In small ways. In ways that they both suffer yet thrive. From their families they learn how to get along. How to work together for the good of each and for the good of their land. With no husband around to help they rely on each other’s oldest children, Clyde, Nettie Mae’s son and Beulah, Cora’s daughter. They have to grow up on the fast time during these hard times and make the best of what life has granted them. Cora has three other smaller children while Nettie Mae only has the one son. She lost other children along the way and it made her hard. She hardened her heart in many ways because of what life dealt her. But through the laughter of children maybe she can learn to open up a bit. Even if it’s just a tiny bit.

This book is told from mainly Beulah’s POV but also from Clyde, Nettie Mae and Cora. Each has their own story or way of thinking. Beulah is a very sweet young girl of just thirteen who knows and loves the land in a way that no one can understand. She has a way about her that scares Nettie Mae but ultimately eases some of Nettie Mae’s harshness too. This young girl will get under your skin. She will make you believe in things you never thought about before. She just has a special way of telling things, of seeing things, of hearing things that no one else can. She can explain these things in such detail and liveliness that you can truly feel it. You will love this girl truly. Clyde is a young man who has to grow up quickly after his father’s death. He has to take on the running of no only his farm but of the Bemis’s farm also. He’s a hard worker and he never complains. He just does what he has to do. When him and Beulah start working together she helps him see things that he never saw. Helps him do the things that he finds very hard to do. Like when it’s time to kill the lambs for the meat they will all have to have to survive the winter. She has a way with all living creatures and with Clyde by her side they can do anything it seems. These to are a force of their own and no one will stop them from succeeding.

This is the story of two families who have to survive a cold harsh winter that came way to soon. They have to get along in one home. Under one roof that is filled with some very tense moments. These two families will become a part of you. The land will become a part of you. You can feel the cold. The animals. The crops. The things these families endure. From hard times to happy times you can feel to your bones. This is a beautifully written book that will make you believe in a happy ever after and it’s by far not a fairytale. But a life of hardships, friendships, love both young and old. Of life on a farm. From death to new life. It will make you cry in places and feel full in others. I had so many feelings reading this book that it’s hard to describe. Just know you will feel it all if you give it a chance. It’s just a beautiful book. One that you will fall in love with. One that is so hard to put down for anything. It’s a story of hope when you thing all is lost.

I believe this is just about the most perfect book I have read in a very very long time. I felt it in my heart. The author’s notes at the end even made me cry. What a great author. I love cats to by the way!!

Thank you to #NetGalley, #Lakeunion and #AmazonPrime for this book. This is my complete and honest review.

It’s a huge 5 stars from me and so worth many many more. I highly recommend this book. I can’t say it enough. I highly recommend this book.

HEART THIEF by Taylor Dean

I’m always happy to read a book by Taylor Dean. Her books are so uplifting and filled with love. She has a writing style that keeps you wanting more. This book is no exception. It’s so good you won’t want to stop reading.

“It’s you, Mila, you. You’re the love of my life, the one I want to marry, the one I wnat to have children with. I know you think your life is over, but you once told me you had another dream besides the piano. And I want to give you that dream. A houseful of children, made by me and you.”
(I love this)

Mila had two dreams. One playing the piano and the other having a family. A man to love and many children.

Take a man and woman who may be in love. What if everything you think you know about him is based on lies? What if it’s some cruel kind of joke? Can you forgive a man who treats you like you are more his property than his girlfriend? The love of his life? This is what I see in Ryker and Mila’s relationship. He’s more of a mama’s boy who thinks he has to have Mila no matter what. But is he right for her?

Along comes Zane and Mila loses her heart for real. At least she thinks so. He’s the exact opposite of his brother, Ryker. He knows humor, he loves to dance, he knows what love is and he knows how to show it. Or is he too just after the girl because his brother has her? Can Zane be to good to be true?

These are a few of the decisions Mila has to figure out. Through many ups and downs she is torn. What she thinks is true may not be. These brothers are so messed up. So torn apart. They have been lied to for most of their lives by the ones that should have loved them unconditionally.

Love can be such a wonderful thing. The things that go along with it can be also and will be if it’s the right person. I completely understand why Mila could not stay with Ryker. He seemed so cold and calculated and serious all the time. He was not with her completely. His heart was just not there. Yet he didn’t want his brother to be with her. These brothers have so much to overcome. Many years of confusion and bitterness between them. Is Mila the prize or is she truly for one of them?

Taylor Dean outdid herself with this book. I loved it so much. As with all of her books there is a lot going on. Love, laughter, seriousness, tears, lots of tears at times, a cruel stepmother in this one and two half brothers who could have had such a good life together. Been there for each other to the end. Maybe, just maybe, it’s not to late.

This is a 5 star book from and I highly recommend it to everyone.

WILDFLOWER CHRISTMAS by Grace Greene

This was the perfect ending for the Wildflower series. If it’s the ending. So many answers and so many people coming back into each other’s lives with this series. I was so hoping the one person who was missing would be found. It was just the perfect Christmas book and I’m not huge on Christmas books. Christmas has many heartaches for me and this book sure made this story magical in many ways. Proves that sometimes a lonely Christmas is not the thing you need.

Kara found that having a big family around for Christmas was the best thing. The best way to celebrate the holiday. With friends and family around and maybe the spirit of her father she had a happy Christmas. A lot happens in this novella and it’s all good. From a scare to new found family this book keeps you in a very upbeat state of mind. I honestly loved this book very much. Gave me a bit of hope for the upcoming holiday.

Family is always very important and if you have a good family don’t take them for granted. To find the one you love is an added bonus too. This book gives a lot for a short story. Lots of love, hope, tears and laughter. Many friends who are there for each other no matter what. The descriptions are so well done you feel like you are right there. The bridge over Cub Creek has become a place I love to visit. I can hear the water streaming by and the sounds that go along with it. From the smells of winter flowers to the sounds of wildlife. From the people who have welcomed Kara with open arms and made her feel a part of their lives. This is one wonderful story of love, loss and found again.

Thank you Grace Green for this beautiful story of a Christmas that may have been lonely....

It’s a 5 star and highly recommended book from me. I loved it from start to finish.

TRUELUCK SUMMER by Susan Gabriel

I actually read this wonderful book a few years ago. I have no idea why I didn’t post a review but here it is now.

This was a very fun book. It was funny and series. It was a true Southern Fiction book that keeps you turning the pages throughout. I loved how the children got along and interacted during a time when racism was at it’s worse. Ida Trueluck is Trudy’s grandmother. She came to live with her son and his family even though she would much rather have stayed where she was. Trudy’s best friend Velvet are inseparable and do almost everything together. When Trudy is almost hit by a bread truck a black boy,  Paris, saves her life. They become instant friends. They go through many adventures together but one that could land them all in trouble for sure is to take down the Confederate flag that flies atop the South Carolina State House... Can they do this? Will Ida help? If she doesn’t they sure can’t do it alone.

This book is such a good one and will take you deep into the heart of Southern racism and understanding. The friendships between children and the innocence and caring of children toward each other. It’s a book that will definitely make you believe that things can get better. It’s a very good read. One you won’t forget. Through all the ups and downs these children go through you will laugh, shout, get angry and shed tears. Overall it’s truly a heart touching story of a summer of learning.

I loved this book so much.
It’s a huge 5 star read and made me want more of Susan Gabriel’s books. I highly recommend this book.

DAISY’S FORTUNE, by Susan Gabriel

This is the third book in the Wildflower Trilogy. First came The Secret Sense of Wildflower and was Louisa May’s(Wildflower) story. Second was her daughter’s, Lily’s Song and then this one. The perfect ending to one of the best series I’ve have read. The whole series will have you feeling things you may not expect. From laughter to tears. Lots of tears though. Innocence lost, family found. Each person, Wildflower, Lily and Daisy were thirteen in their stories. They each had things to overcome but also had a love that defied the odds.

(My thoughts are like a wheel stuck in the mud that keep turning and digging itself deeper.
“For years I though it was my fault. But what I’ve learned from my fifty years of living is that sometimes bad things happen, and you didn’t do a single thing to deserve it or bring it on.”
All we need is one person willing to hold us. One person who will see our shame and love us anyway. Perhaps even love us more.
In many ways, Daisy’s fortune has been my fortune, too.) From this book these are some of my favorite lines.

This book will touch your heart is so many ways. The innocence of a child. The wonder of life. The courage of the elderly. The love that you feel do deeply between the three people in this story and series. It’s a deep love that no one can destroy. Learning to trust that you will be ok. You will survive the worse things that can possibly happen to you. The loss of family. The secret sense that lets you continue to hear their voices. Know that they loved you so very much.

This book definitely made me shed lots of tears but it also made me feel calm. I could picture the mountains, the trails, the people. Even the ones you sat in judgement of others. A friend who is not and never was truly a friend at all. A stranger who came and made a home there but was not the evil person you fear him to be. The beautiful flowers everywhere. Even the peace you feel in the cemetery finally. It’s told with such depth and love. You don’t mess with a mother’s protective side when she would do anything for her child. You step back and let it go.

This book made me look at growing old in a different way also. All the memories you have. The things you did in your life. The regrets and the wonders. The family you have and will see again someday. Maybe.

This book takes you to a place where things are much simpler and love abounds. Not just the love of a man and woman but the love of a family. The love of three generations of women who would and did do all they could for each other. Overcame such horrible things in life and came out much stronger.

I enjoyed this book as much as the other two and maybe just a bit more. I loved all the characters in this one with the exception of one woman. She was not nice at all. This book is so well written and the time frame is perfect for it. The setting, the descriptions are so realistic. You will feel right at home.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. But be sure and read the first two so you will completely understand what this one is saying. This is truly a perfect series.

ALL ABOUT EVIE by Cathy Lamb

This is my very favorite book by Cathy Lamb. It’s such a good and magical book. Of all her books, even ones I have yet to read, I can’t imagine any being better.

This book is so full of love. It’s full of so much laughter and so so many tears. It’s telling basically two stories at once in a way. One set in the 70s and the other years later. The story of Evie and her mom, aunts and sister. Then the story of Betsy, Johnny and the daughter they had to let go of. The hell they lived in for loving each other enough to do anything for the other. Johnny’s little sister, Tilly, who was so sweet and also went through so much as did Johnny, at the hands of their horrible, awful, mean, cruel, sick, crazy dad.

This book had me laughing so hard on one page then crying my eyes out on the next. It is truly a beautiful yet sad and happy story of love, loss and finding again something you need more than anything else in the world. What Johnny and his sister went through with their dad was beyond horrible. He was the meanest man I have read about in ages. How can any parent be so cruel to their flesh and blood?

Betsy loved Johnny more than anyone in her life. She had what in my opinion were the worst parents ever. Her dad was a “preacher” and her mother a sorry excuse for a human being. Now if you have read this you may think she had no choice but I beg to differ. I would have died before a man would have hurt my child like he did Betsy. He was beyond cruel. He was one crazy bible thumping hypocrite who needed to be beat to death.

Evie had wonderful parents and a sister who was her best friend. She also had premonitions that left her anxious and depressed. Sometimes she could stop something tragic from happening and at other times there was nothing she could do to stop things. She lived in guilt thinking she had let her best friend down. Her friend from school. Evie’s family lost their dad and husband in the war so it was just the mother, Poppy, and the aunts Iris and Camellia and Jules. Jules is a character herself. The funniest are the mom and aunts. They will have you rolling with laughter. But Evie’s life is not so cut and dry either. She’s madly in love with Marco the town vet but because of a premonition she won’t go out with him. She loves him from afar.

There are many animals in this story and you will love them all. Their stories of how Evie rescued them will bring you to tears also but knowing they are happy and so well loved will make your heart swell with joy. One story truly broke my heart so bad but it had to be told and it was in it’s way beautiful.

This book is written so perfectly. Filled with such emotion. Gives you so much love, laughter, sadness and many tears. The characters are so wonderful and lovable, with the exception of one jerk who you will hate terribly bad. At least I did. You’ll know who he is when you meet him.

This is a laugh out loud, cry ugly tears book. It will keep you turning the pages wanting more and more of each story. It’s told from Evie’s story and from Betsy’s story. Both have so much heartache and so much love. This is a wonderful book even through the tears. I absolutely positively am happy I read it.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Kensington for this truly awesome book.

It’s a 5 star book from me and I most highly recommend it to everyone who loves a good laugh, cry and a touch of magic.