Tag: romance

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gimore

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Yes, I know…I am reading last year’s favorite cozy a little late, but…I finally got around to the first in the series and I must say this is a cozy, charming, funny, mystery with some pizzazz!

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, it could not have come at a better time! After living in Boston for several years working in a corporate office well, let’s just say she needs a break!

Although Jeanie has no idea how to run a cafe, she feels she can get us to speed pretty easy. That was her first mistake. Her second was opening the back door of the cafe when she heard noises where she discovered a man with muscles and many pumpkins in his hands standing there. This is farmer Logan who supplies the cafe with items from his farm.

Needless to say they get off on the wrong foot. But both seem to be interested in the other but too shy to even think it to themselves.

But Jeanie has other problems…someone is trying to sabotage her cafe. But why? This town, Dream Harbor is close knit with very quirky residence, but no one seems dangerous. What she has discovered is most of them are way too kind. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone’s business and is not afraid to butt in! It’s also a place where it seems dreams are meant to come true…usually.

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is adorable. It’s an easy quick read in which you will continually have a smile on your face. It’s a heck of a feel-good story in a town you wish you could live in and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next!

Published by Harper Collins

Food Person by Adam Roberts

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Food Person is a lovely, funny, poignant story about two very different women who after having a love/hate relationship with each other while in the process of trying to write a cookbook together discover not only buried guilt and fears about themselves, but also are able to finally pull up their big girl pants and become the adults they were meant to become. Even if it takes the pain, suffering and heartaches of their pasts to get them there.

Isabella Pasternack works for a digital food magazine. She loves her stories and mostly loves to cook. Sadly, no one at her place of work, including her boss know who she is and when suddenly she is thrown in front of a camera during a crisis, it goes so bad she is fired.

Thank goodness she lives with her best friend Owen whom she cooks meals for in exchange for paying rent. But she realizes she perhaps needs money and decides to bite the bullet and go to her mother. Sadly, her mother has become a bit “eccentric” ever since the sudden loss of her husband, Isabella’s father a few years ago. Unfortunately, her mother would rather go dumpster diving and cook for the homeless rather than help her daughter.

Then Owen drops a great job in her lap. His father has a client; a former famous actress who wants to write a cookbook in order to get her career going again. The money is exceptional, and Isabella jumps at the chance, sort of … until she meets Molly Babcock a self-centered, food hater whose only enjoyment seems to be to do drugs and drink!

Unable to get along, they somehow come to a truce but when Isabella decides she wants to use Molly’s late mother’s recipes in the book, the relationship turns from bad to worse. And that is when both their lives begin to blow up!

How do you mend a broken heart? Well, the book Food Person with its delicious comfort food, creative recipes, snark, while finding love and friendship along the way will make you, the reader, believe anything is possible!

Thank you #NetGalley #Knopf #AdamRoberts #FoodPerson for the advanced copy.

Overdue by Stephanie Perkins

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Overdue is an adorable, funny, heartwarming story about two library co-workers whose lives are both disrupted by their relationships and some personal problems which they can’t seem to resolve for themselves. It’s the tale of two lost souls who are unable to come to terms with how to move forward due to fear of what will happen. But perhaps if they can find each other that could change.

Ingrid Dahl is a librarian who has been living with her college boyfriend, Corey for over 10 years, but when her sister finally becomes engaged, they begin to see perhaps they weren’t meant for each other. So, they decide Corey will move out for a month, they will date other people, and after the 30 days, meet and discuss getting back together. What could go wrong?

Ingrid has been keeping a bit of a secret from Corey. She has had a bit of a crush on her co-worker Macon who himself has just come out of a long-term relationship. Not usually very assertive, she decides to make a move on Macon. Unfortunately, it does not go very well and now they seem to not be friends anymore, while still working together.

But Ingrid has other problems. A job is opening up at the library, a promotion, although comfortable at the job she questions if she should follow her heart and open that bookstore she’s always dreamed of just to get away from Macon, but instead she decides to go on some dating apps and see what’s out there which is not much. And when Ingrid and Corey meet after their month of separation, where they both surprisingly want another month!

It’s during this second month that Ingrid begins to see Macon for who he really is and just what his responsibilities are when he’s not at work. She begins to want to help Macon open himself up to new ideas and he begins to give Ingrid the confidence to make some life changing decisions.

But, with all this happening she still can’t convince him they should be together. Why? That is the question!

Overdue is a lovely romance about two friends who are not only afraid to take the leap to the next level of their friendship but are also scared of the risks in what they want out of life.

Thank you #SaturdayBooks #Overdue #StephaniePerkins for the advanced copy.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

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Aftertaste is an extraordinary novel which encompasses so many genres. It’s a ghost story, a love story, part science fiction but also with a mystery/suspense element. It’s also about food and loss and how sometimes the taste of something can bring up a memory of someone who has passed. It also explores how love can change a person as well as what someone in love would do for the person they love.

Kostya Duhovny’s father tragically dies when he is ten years old. It changes his life forever. His mother checks out of life and lays in bed, Kostya at his young age must fend for himself, sometimes barely eating and being constantly bullied by the other children.

One day when he goes to the local pool, he begins to get this sensation in his mouth of a particular food he and his father use to make together. He becomes aware that perhaps his father is trying to tell him something, but what? He can’t imagine.

Years go by and Kostya begins to get use to this sensation of taste. Always different, never the one he got from his father. Unable to understand why this is happening, waiting for something else to push him to what he needs to know, he continues with life and its struggles. And he truly struggles.

Until one-night years later when he is a bus boy at a bar and someone comes in, and he begins to get the taste for a particular drink. Kostya decides to make the drink and serve it to the person who has just come in. And then he knows what he is supposed to be doing with this gift. He is to reunite the dead with a person they are missing so they can have one last conversation.

Of course, needless to say this does not go over so well when he decides to start his own restaurant! When something happens to his best (and only) friend, he is devastated, but his aftertaste draws him to a girl. Someone whose sister has passed. While trying to help her, they fall in love.

But unbeknownst to either of them there are problems with this gift and the afterlife. Kostya gets himself in trouble in the present but also begins to cause havoc in life after death. Now unfortunately he is the only one who can stop this train wreck his life is on and the trajectory of the afterlife.

Aftertaste is a heartwarming tale with so much love and loss but yet beautiful in a way that cannot be described unless you read this moving, delicious story.

Published by Simon & Schuster

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens

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If I Stopped Haunting You is a very funny “haunting” story with romance in two different dimensions one which takes place centuries ago and the other which takes place in the present. The plot has a wonderful mystery/romance as to why a mysterious woman in white is supposedly haunting this castle. It seems our two main characters are going to find out why, even if it gets them killed!

Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm hate each other. Why? Not sure but both writers, who were at an event together when Penelope suddenly lost her temper, threw a book at Neil and then stomped away. Well imagine not only the uproar in the industry, but Penelope’s embarrassment when she realized what she had done. Not that she regretted it! Of course, since then there has been bad blood between them, and thank goodness they haven’t run into each other …until now!

Unbeknownst to the other they both signed up for a writer’s retreat at a castle in Scotland. A castle which is notorious for having a haunting by a woman. So much so, not even the caretakers will stay, and God forbid you need something…they rarely come back!

Penelope and Neil begin to see each other in a different light and to understand the pressures each is under. They start to have feelings for each other. But of course, both keep them hidden although the other writers, amusing characters in their own right, can clearly see what’s going on.

But there’s more than love in the air! There’s an angry mystical force in the castle and for some reason she has her eyes set on Penelope and Neil! Why is she picking on them? She seems to dislike them for some reason. Especially Neil whom she continually tortures.

As they discover clues to her possible identity and a horrible snowstorm descends upon the castle, and they discover well, each other, it will take everything Penelope and Neil have to come out of this alive!

If I Stopped Haunting You is an adorable funny/romance/mystery/ghost story which will make you laugh but also give you goosebumps. A very enjoyable read!

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin’sPress #ColbyWilkens #If I Stopped Haunting You for the advanced copy.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

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I am truly amazed at how Katherine Center not only comes up with incredibly inspiring, funny yet moving storylines, but also is able to weave such important empowering messages into the plot which only makes the reader empathize so much more with the characters. The Love Haters will inspire you, make you laugh and want to hug yourself.

Katie Vaughn works at a video design company, and she also has a small YouTube channel in which she posts inspiring stories of a day in the life of a hero. But unfortunately for Katie who has had the worst year of her life, it’s about to get even bleaker.

After the love of her life, a musician who suddenly hit stardom and they then became engaged decided to cheat on her with a gorgeous, skinny LA girl, Katie has spent the last year drowning her sorrows in black clothes, lots of ice cream and a great deal of beating herself up. Something her best friend Beanie is trying to help her with.

Now, a co-worker Cole has just informed her that the manager of the company is cleaning house and massive layoffs are coming. He knows for a fact she is on the hit list. BUT he has a job for her in Florida in which she will spend time with a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer named Tom “Hutch” Hutchinson. Now, here are a few important facts…Katie can’t swim and Katie will not be putting a bathing suit on. Of course she takes the job!

Her first introduction to Hutch is spectacular with his Great Dane, George Bailey barreling into her at a pool and causing needed attention to her ahem, backside. Of course, he immediately realizes she can’t swim and insists on giving her lessons. Did I mention Hutch is a sexy god?

But she begins to fit in as a part of Hutch’s family, his Aunt Rue whose housing she is living in as well as her clothing store which she continually brings beautiful bright clothes for Katie, much to Katie’s embarrassment.

She also soon discovers that Cole who got her the job is Hutch’s brother so what’s that about? And Hutch is pretty angry at Katie because Cole was supposed to come to Florida for a family reunion of sorts with Rue.

But when Katie discovers she is being dissed on social media she wants to go back home and hide forever, but it is Hutch who changes her mind, again ahem.

Unfortunately, their developing friendship seemingly ends when Cole decides to make an appearance and tells a few lies, lies Katie cannot at this point shed light on. Now, Katie has once again lost out not only a terrific job but someone she could see herself with.

Take a trip to Florida with Katie and Hutch and of course George Bailey and read about their amazingly funny adventures as a woman who thought she knew everything about herself learns she knew nothing. The Love Haters will have you wanting more of these two pretty dysfunctional people who teach each other lessons about life.

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin’sPress #KatherineCenter #TheLoveHaters for the advanced copy.

The Page Turner by Viola Shipman

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In my humble opinion, The Page Turner by Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) is not only his best work, but the closest his fans have come to just how much his grandmother (the real Viola) meant to him. The story is a true heart and soul family love story! With a bit of mystery thrown into the mix.

Emma Page has just graduated from college. She wants desperately to be a writer. No surprise there, since her family owns a publishing company called The Mighty Pages. But Emma has always felt like an outsider on the ins and outs of the publishing world. She has always left that to her parents and her sister.

She has always identified more with her grandmother, Gigi who was her mentor. Gigi, with words of wisdom had an unheard-of work ethic. She would get up before everybody and work and cook and put in almost a full day before anyone was ever awake. Thus, making a vast fortune.

But Gigi is gone and now her parents are running the show, spending it seems way too much money. When her sister Jess and her parents ask her to join the company, Emma must make a decision feeling as if no matter what she decides, she will once again disappoint.

But when suddenly an author Emma thinks is very shady and sexist agrees to an imprint at The Mighty Pages, she decides she needs to intervene only to be told by her family that he is there to bail the company out as they are bleeding money.

But Emma discovers something which changes everything. Her grandmother had kept a secret from all of them. By signing this deal with the author, they will be headed for disaster. Now Emma must try and fight not only for her family but for her grandmother. How will she be able to convince them she knows what is going on and make them believe her?

Now is the time for the Page family to put all their arguments and jealousies aside and come together not only for their own good, but for Gigi.

The Page Turner is the essence of a family love story. Your heartstrings will be pulled at and will make you truly appreciate the beautiful dynamic of Viola Shipman and Wade Rouse. Please read the afterward by Wade Rouse for even more touching stories of his life with his grandmother.

Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #ViolaShipman #ThePageTurner for the advanced copy.

Saltwater by Katy Hays

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Saltwater is an eerie saga of a wealthy family whose secrets go back generations. Within the beautiful backdrop of Capris in Italy, it tells the tale of deception, greed, jealousy and death. The family, dysfunctional yet able to put on an exceptionally good act until suddenly it all falls apart when another death occurs.

In 1992, Sarah Lingate, writer and wife of wealthy Richard Lingate was discovered dead on a cliff in Capris. Was it suicide or murder? At the time, her daughter, just three years old witnessed the aftermath of the terrible situation. Suspicion immediately fell upon the family/husband of Sarah, but wealth has its privileges but only while it lasts.

Through the years, the Lingates would make a pilgrimage to Capris to go to exclusive parties and make a show that they are still there and even more powerful than ever. Now, thirty years later, with Helen an adult who unfortunately had a miserable childhood and was basically kept hidden and found no joy from her life. She has befriended the family assistant Lorna and they have decided to hatch a plan to figure out what exactly happened to her mother all those years ago.

But something goes terribly wrong, and Lorna disappears. Helen begins to see the cracks in her family…her father, uncle and aunt. She will soon discover the mystery of the Lingate family and all that it encompasses, one tragedy at a time.

The story which is told by Helen, Lorna and Sarah is mystifying and shocking. Family corruption and selfishness will erupt for what? To save a name.

Saltwater is a suspenseful story in which you can’t imagine the twists and turns coming, but when they come, they are paralyzing! Such a good ride!

Thank you #NetGalley #BallentineBooks #KatyHays #Saltwater for the advanced copy.

The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams

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In Ellery Adams latest book, The Little Lost Library, she truly has outdone herself! Between the intriguing story, a mysterious book within the book you will be writing the clues down yourself on paper to try and solve the puzzle! In my opinion this is her best Secret, Book, and Scone novel to date!

It all begins when Nora arrives to drop books of at an elderly woman named Lucielle’s very dilapidated mansion in Miracle Springs. They have had an agreement for quite a while that Nora would bring her books in exchange for some Lucille had in her house. Although Nora has never stepped foot into the house, only being allowed to enter the mud room where over tea, they would chat just a bit.

But unfortunately, on this visit, Nora discovers Lucielle has passed away, at first thinking from old age. The mansion known as Wynter Mansion was involved in a terrible scandal years ago and whatever happened, Lucielle never left the house again. When Nora is able to see the inside, she discovers it is filled with books and papers with practically nowhere to move. Lucille was a hoarder. Within all the mess Nora discovers Lucille has left her a very special book, The Little Lost Library. Why? She makes the decision to take the book before anyone else shows up.

As Lucille’s children two of whom left the area as soon as they were able and one who unknowingly to Nora lived in back of the mansion, swoop in to discover the secrets the mansion holds because they truly believe something valuable is hidden inside.

While the house begins to become decluttered Nora starts to read the book and realizes it is a book of clues she must somehow solve and put the pieces of the puzzle together. But more importantly, she begins to believe Lucille’s death was no accident. That’s when she and her boyfriend who is the Sheriff of the town and her Secret, Book, and Scone Society, her valuable, loving network of friends assist in finding out just what is going on.

Unfortunately for Nora, someone does not want her looking into this mystery. She finds herself in a desperate situation as well as fearing for her life. The more clues which come to light points to not only a terrible dark secret from the past but to someone who wants to hurt her.

What mystery does this mansion hold? More important who killed Lucille.

The Little Lost Library will have you riveted! The twists and turns and clues extremely exciting! And of course, the Society of Women once again remain strong for each other! As in every book there are suggestions from Miracle Books, Nora’s bookstore so keep a look out for any you might want to read!

Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ElleryAdams #TheLittleLostLibrary for the advanced copy.

The Christmas Cookie Wars by Eliza Evans

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The Christmas Cookie Wars is a very funny, enjoyable Hallmark Channel type love story about a widow with two young middle school twins and the principal of the same school who is divorced and has a daughter. The two are very different in how they see the world, and how they parent. What they do have in common is their love for their children, learning how to let go of their pasts and taking a giant leap into what could be their future together. But there will be certain forces who will try and prevent this.

Melody Monroe has young twin boys. Her husband passed away only a few years ago. Her boys are her life. But she sees and realizes that they are beginning to grow up and grow away from her. Although her heart is broken, she understands this is part of the growing process. But it’s Christmas which is such an important time of year for them all as they try to preserve the memories and the traditions of the past.

Jonathan Braxton is the principal at her son’s school. He is very rigid and unfortunately her boys know him for all the wrong reasons. Let’s just say her boys know his office very well and so does she and leave it at that.

So, when Melody learns the school cookie committee has been disbanded thanks to its unpopular/popular chair, which also happens right before their famous Christmas cookie adventures, a great fundraising season, she decides in a moment of insanity to become the new chair.

Thus begins the relationship between the overworked and overstressed Melody and the by the book take no gruff cookie baker extraordinaire Principal Jonathan. Now Melody must work side by side with Jonathan to make sure all the fundraising dates go well which won’t be very easy as it seems someone is not very happy with her taking this position and is trying to make sure she does not succeed.

As Melody and Jonathan discover their attraction to each other, Melody is unsure of her feelings because of her late husband. But as they begin the holiday season and all the activities there becomes a spark neither of them can resist.

Chaos ensues but when something happens and her boys are blamed this may be the final straw for Melody. Can they overcome what seems to be a deal breaker?

The Christmas Cookie Wars is more than just a falling in love, love story. It includes lessons in learning how to deal with loss, change, opening your heart, letting your children grow and begin to learn life lessons on their own. It’s an enjoyable quick read and a very feel-good story.

Thank you #NetGalley #G.P.Putnam’sSons #TheChristmasCookieWars #ElizaEvans for the advanced copy.