Category: book review

August 5, 2016

Fresh Brewed Book Review

In Fresh Brewed, Breanna is on a relaxing vacation by the ocean. When she makes up that she is Ethan’s girlfriend and he arrives, she thinks she has gotten everything she ever wished for but is it really?

About Fresh Brewed

Breanna Mitchell is on her way to a relaxing vacation at the ocean. Maybe she’ll even have a beachside fling to help her get over a recent breakup.

But when a tropical storm makes her destination hotel uninhabitable, a chance encounter at continental breakfast delivers a fabulous option—with a catch. She and her friends can stay at a privately-owned, three-story oceanfront home—if she pretends to be the girlfriend of the owner’s heartbreaker grandson, Ethan. Since he won’t even be there, how hard could it be?

Everything is going swimmingly until Bree drinks too much wine and regales the family with romantic tales about her relationship with Ethan. His adorable brother Adam gets suspicious. His marriage-minded grandma gets engagement fever. The beautiful woman next door gets teary-eyed.

And then, Ethan unexpectedly arrives. Suddenly Bree is about to get everything she’s ever wished for—but is it what she really wants?

My Thoughts

Fresh Brewed is the hilarious second installment in The Continental Breakfast Club series. In this book, we find Bree and her friends travelling to the ocean to get away from it all, men, relationships and life in general. A tropical storm almost stops their plans in their tracks unless Bree can pretend to be the girlfriend of Ethan, a total handsome, heart breaker who has never held a serious relationship. Bonus, he isn’t even in the country, so how hard can it be?

That is when it all goes south! Poor Bree drinks too much on the first night (this was too funny!) and instead of helping her own cause may have set engagement fever in the home and causes some suspicion with Ethan’s brother, Adam. On the second day, Bree can’t help but feel the attraction to Adam but she has to learn to hide this attraction even though as the reader you can see that Adam would be just perfect for her, which is so difficult to read through when you want the best for her. Chaos really rains freely when Ethan arrives! Bree just wasn’t ready for her “perfect” boyfriend to appear in real life and neither is Ethan! You can just begin to imagine the hilarious scenes that follow, each one even better then the last one!

Fresh Brewed is as well written, if not even more so, then the Over Easy. I felt immediately drawn into the story and part of it. It is written in a personal way, almost like a conversation with your best friend. You can’t help but love Bree! She is just such a normal girl who gets caught up in a plan that you have never heard of before. You will love each moment in the second installment in The Continental Breakfast Club series.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Pamela Ford is the award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance. She grew up watching old movies, blissfully sighing over the romance; and reading sci-fi and adventure novels, vicariously living the action. The combination probably explains why the books she writes are romantic, happily-ever-afters with plenty of plot – and often lots of laughter.

After graduating from college with a degree in Advertising, Pam merrily set off to earn a living, searching for that perfect career as she became a graphic designer, print buyer, pantyhose sales rep, public relations specialist, copywriter, freelance writer – and finally author. Pam has won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, the Laurel Wreath, and a gold medal IPPY in the Independent Book Publisher Awards. She is a Kindle Book Awards finalist and a two-time Golden Heart Finalist. She lives in Wisconsin where she is working on her next novel. You can connect with her through her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

August 1, 2016

Over Easy Book Review

In Over Easy, when Allie meets the man of her dreams, she thinks this is it. All of a sudden her whole life is turned upside down in a strange turn of events.

About Over Easy

Allie Parker’s had enough. Just because she’s a dog groomer, her overachieving family of doctors and lawyers treats her like a child. She’s convinced that a successful husband is all she needs to change their attitudes. So when she and her friends come up with a brilliant new way to meet eligible men, Allie squeezes into her sister’s stylish clothes and sneaks into continental breakfast at an upscale hotel to find herself the perfect guy.

Before Allie has taken her last bite of syrup-laden waffle, she’s met the man of her dreams. But what she doesn’t know is that he’s a jewel thief who mistakenly thinks she’s his contact—and so does everyone else who’s after his stash of diamonds.

Suddenly Allie’s world is crazily upended. And as she scrambles to prove her innocence and get back to her old life, she discovers happily ever after sneaks up when you least expect it.

My Thoughts

Over Easy is a fun, romantic comedy that will take you through some crazy moments and moments of pure joy and throughout it all, Over Easy is one book you just can’t put down.

Over Easy is so well written, Pamela writes as though you are an active member in the story. As if you are having a conversation with Allie, your best friend, as she relays the story of her life. It made me laugh, made me worried for her and really helped to connect me with her character.

The plot is one you have never read before, which I loved! Who would have thought – finding love at the continental breakfast?? But it was this crazy idea that drags Allie and her friends through quite the ordeal! Allie, who can’t bear the thought of showing up at a family event without a partner in toe (I think so many of us could relate to this!) decides to follow her friends plan to meet a man at the continental breakfast. The man she meets? A jewel thief! At the time, she has no idea but it is later when she begins to be chased by his contacts that his true identity is revealed and leaves Allie desperate for help. In this time of desperation, a special person steps up to help her. I can’t reveal too much but it was an awesome turn of events!

Over Easy is a fun, romantic comedy that you will love from start to finish, never wanting to put it down because you just can’t wait to see what Allie gets up to next!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

July 22, 2016

A Beauty Refined Book Review

In A Beauty Refined, what does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

About A Beauty Refined

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions–both for her and the gemstones–are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

My Thoughts

A beautiful story of a quiet, young lady whose tragic loss of her Mother at a young age has shaped her and her attitudes. The loss of her Mother had left her alone to her Father, and while you can see he loves – his bullying ways and mean manners to others has carved out a very different personality for Phoebe. It hurt to watch her in the beginning when she would rather be quiet then voice her opinions and to never ever show emotion. I can’t even begin to imagine how it would feel not to show emotions – I am a highly emotional person!

When she meets Ian by chance in the hotel’s pool, her life changes course drastically. Her Father has held back the truth from Phoebe since she was a young child and this caused her so much heartbreak, when she realizes the truth we see a new Phoebe. A strong, willful young woman who is ready to fight for what she knows is right.

While a budding romance begins between Ian and Phoebe, I love the story of Phoebe, her Father and her Mother and how it is tied into the romance. This plot actually takes centre stage in my mind and I loved it. It gave the story that much more to it.

A beautiful, well written story of heartbreak, promises, hope and faith. I loved watching Phoebe grow and although the ending has some sadness it is also full of hope for a special future. While this is book two, you will have no problem picking up the story and characters. A great read!

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse Blog Tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book Litfuse Blog Tour.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

July 11, 2016

Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall

On a distant world of forests floating on an ocean around a star, a blight threatens to plunge all life into darkness.

But three friends seek the light.

Together, they will Fall and be lost. And at the very Root of darkness, they will find themselves. But will it be enough to help them find their way home?

About Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall

In the world of Cerulean, light and water flow from the ocean into the roots of the Great Trees, up through the boughs, and out over the lush canopy. But the once vibrant treescape has grown dim over generations of arboreal life, and the creatures of the forest have forgotten the light.

Barra, a young, willful Listlespur, finds her late father’s hidden journal, and reads about the old world and the mysterious plague her father believed destroyed it. He wrote that he warned the Elders. He urged them to take action. Those were his last words.

Together with her two best friends, Barra will explore every bark, wood, and leaf of the Great Forest to relight her world and complete her father’s story, even if she has to travel beneath the Fall.

My Thoughts

A fantastic verbal and visual adventure that you don’t want to put down! Three young friends from different backgrounds come together to discover a secret that Barra’s Father may have died from.

I love Barra’s character – she is brave, full of spirit and life but still has normal flaws that any human child would have at her young age. She tends to make spur of the moment decisions that she sometimes regrets but as she grows on this adventure she begins to see her own flaws and her ability to apologize and learn from her mistakes.

I loved the underlying story of the darkness that slowly took over the beautiful Great Forest. The story is full of beautiful descriptions of this new world that is easy to bring this new land to life once the friends travel beneath The Fall. Their experiences while full of adventure, has some scary moments (nothing too much for young readers) but will definitely keep them guessing what will happen next.

I loved every moment of this book and couldn’t wait to share it with my child! See what he thought below.

The Kids Thoughts

Funny, adventurous and full of bravery. The characters were interesting, funny and human like so that you could relate to their experiences. I loved the pictures that accompanied the story as it helped explain the story even more. I loved the adventure the friends took in The Fall to explore Barra’s Dads journal. It was exciting!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and the author’s website.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Aaron Safronoff is author of the Discovery Award winning science fiction novel, Spire. Since his debut, he’s published a sequel, Fallen Spire, and a novella of literary fiction, Evening Breezes.

Safronoff’s diverse background includes the formal study of computer science, bio-chemistry, and culinary arts. However, most of his career has been in the videogame industry in quality, production, and design.

Today, Safronoff is the co-founder and Chief Storyteller of Neoglyphic Entertainment, and is busy writing his fifth novel, the second installment of the Sunborn Rising series. You can connect with Aaron on his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall Trailer

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

July 1, 2016

Lowcountry Stranger

The memorable Sweeney sisters from Her Sister’s Shoes have returned with more suspense and family drama to hold you spellbound until the dramatic conclusion in Lowcountry Stranger.

About Lowcountry Stranger

There’s a stranger in town. And it’s no coincidence when she shows up uninvited at a Sweeney family wedding. All eyes are drawn to this urchin who seems to have washed in with the tide. Before the night is over, the doe-eyed waif charms young and old with her street smarts and spunky personality. For better or worse, Annie Dawn is here to stay.

As she approaches the next stage of her life as an empty nester, Jackie is torn between expanding her fledgling design business and spending these last precious months with her boys before they fly the coop. Her own worst enemy, Sam is terrified of making a commitment to Eli Marshall, handsome police officer, true love of her life. Her resolve is tested when a ghost from her past shows up after nearly two decades. Faith nurtures her seven-year-old daughter who is recovering from the trauma of her abusive father. Is the threat in the past, or is there more danger on the horizon? The sisters seek guidance from their mother, Lovie, a true Southern matriarch who shows them how to respond to adversity with grace and dignity.

Things are heating up in the Lowcountry. The Sweeney sisters remind us, once again, that being a part of a family is about more than sharing the same DNA.

My Thoughts

My favourite family from Ashley Farley is back and they are just as down to earth, real and full of emotions as the first novel, Her Sister’s Shoes. The novel starts off with Faith’s marriage, where a complete stranger turns up. While they don’t know this young girl, there is something about her that just feels familiar and the family is immediately drawn to her. Especially Faith’s daughter, who had been so traumatized from her abusive Father that she took to not speaking. She opens up to Annie and the family is in shock. The Sweeney sisters welcome this stranger who has no home into their fold and offer her a place to stay in exchange for helping out.

This is when the novel begins to take a turn that constantly keeps you guessing about what is going to happen next and how is Annie tied into the story. You know she fits in somewhere because it is just seems to coincidental but it is hard to figure it out.

While we have the mystery of Annie, we also have the evolving story of Sam who refuses to commit to Eli after she was long ago left at the altar by the man she thought she loved and the Father of her son. She can’t forgive nor let go of this and this has affected her relationship with Eli and even those around her who can’t understand why she can’t let go. But like so many of us, it is hard for Sam to let go of the past, our past can be like a security blanket and if we hide behind it long enough we are protected from anything that could hurt us. But if Sam doesn’t remove her security, she risks losing everything that she truly loves. Sam is so loveable but at times you want to smack her in the head and say wake up! Her past comes full circle in an incredibly shocking twist in this novel!

And in another shocking twist in this novel happens with Faith and her new husband (can’t tell you what happens but trust me you will be in for a shock!). You feel for Faith as she just doesn’t get a break. She deserves so much happiness after all she has been through but again fate isn’t quite kind to her. But through it all, she remains stronger and more determined then ever before. I found myself quite proud of her and how she has grown!

I love how this story is about family, hope, forgiveness and love. We have a family that is real, that argues, that makes mistakes and have to find their way through the dark. The emotions are raw and real, making it so easy to find yourself in the sisters. You may find yourself laughing along with them, feeling their pain and wanting to give them a little shake to wake them. I found myself not wanting to put this novel down. It is so beautifully written, draws you into the very raw and real story and leaves you craving more. A beautiful novel of family and the bonds that tie them together. A definite must read!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. If her story stays with you long after you’ve read the last word, then she’s done her job.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She wrote SAVING BEN in honor of Neal, the boy she worshipped, the man she could not save.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two college-aged children. She grew up in the salty marshes of South Carolina, but now lives in Richmond, Virginia, a city she loves for its history and traditions. You can connect with her on her website and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.