Review: Because You're Mine by Rea Frey

Because You’re Mine by Rea Frey

Published: August 6, 2019

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

Single mother Lee has the daily routine down to a science: shower in six minutes. Cut food into perfect squares. Never leave her on-the-spectrum son Mason in someone else’s care. She’ll do anything—anything—to keep his carefully constructed world from falling apart. Do anything to keep him safe.

But when her best friend Grace convinces her she needs a small break from motherhood to recharge her batteries, Lee gives in to a weekend trip. Surely a long weekend away from home won’t hurt?

Noah, Mason’s handsome, bright, charismatic tutor—the first man in ages Lee’s even noticed—is more than happy to stay with him.

Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.

But not all is as it seems. Noah may be more than who he claims to be. Grace has a secret—one that will destroy Lee. Lee has secrets of her own that she will do anything to keep hidden.

As the dominoes begin to fall and the past comes to light, perhaps it's no mystery someone is gone after all.

My Thoughts

Because You’re Mine is like no other psychological thriller I have ever read before. It all starts out simple: Lee who has a child, Mason, on the autistic spectrum has her life on a strict schedule because of him but she wouldn't have it any other way, he is her world. However, she misses having a relationship and soon finds herself with a crush on her son’s teacher, Noah and she can't help herself and she has to tell him. With her crazy routine her best friend, Grace, demands that Lee join her and their group of friends on a girls getaway and even though Lee doesn't want to let her son she knows she needs and deserves it.

Grace has been a savior when it comes to Lee and her son. She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for and she has a bond with Mason that can't be explained. She helps with Mason when she can and she even has become his legal guardian if anything happens to Lee. But Grace has a secret she has been hiding from Lee one that can break her heart and end their friendship. However Grace isn't all she's cracked up to be, she isn't so nice and innocent either and her secrets are ones that can destroy a friendship and other things beyond anyone’s imagination.

Noah seems like a nice and sweet guy who loves and cares for Mason. He is patient with him and teaches him that he can live without limitations. However Noah has some things in his past that he tries to forget but like all things his past is about to catch up to him and what he has done, and he is about to pay for.

This novel is told in past and present chapters and the characters are so rich with layers that continue to peel and give us a storyline I NEVER saw coming. We have all these characters and how the past relates to the present. And the ending? WOW!!! Is all I can say, that ending is what made me give it five stars. The last few chapters when everything wraps up and comes to a head is what made this book for me. I never saw that ending coming and it totally shocked me, which I loved! This novel took it to a place I could have never imagined! Simply put if you want fast-paced interesting read definitely check out this one, you will not regret it.

Review: Gone Too Long by Lori Roy

Gone Too Long by Lori Roy

Published: June 25, 2019

Publisher: Dutton Books

Format: via audiobook

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

On the day a black truck rattles past her house and a Klan flyer lands in her front yard, ten-year-old Beth disappears from her Simmonsville, Georgia, home. Armed with skills honed while caring for an alcoholic mother, she must battle to survive the days and months ahead.

Seven years later, Imogene Coulter is burying her father--a Klan leader she has spent her life distancing herself from--and trying to escape the memories his funeral evokes. But Imogene is forced to confront secrets long held by Simmonsville and her own family when, while clearing out her father's apparent hideout on the day of his funeral, she finds a child. Young and alive, in an abandoned basement, and behind a door that only locks from the outside.

As Imogene begins to uncover the truth of what happened to young Beth all those years ago, her father's heir apparent to the Klan's leadership threatens her and her family. Driven by a love that extends beyond the ties of blood, Imogene struggles to save a girl she never knew but will now be bound to forever and to save herself and those dearest to her. Tightly coiled and chilling, Gone Too Long ensnares, twists, and exposes the high price we are willing to pay for the ones we love. 

My Thoughts

Gone too Long is the story of how the Ku Klux Klan still has a very strong hold in the South.  It focuses on Imogene and her family after the death of her father. There is a mystery about a ten-year girl who went missing after the death of a teenager years ago, but Imogene has no idea how much her family is involved in this event.

Imogene is trying to get over a very hard tragedy in her life, the death of her husband and child. After the funeral of her father, she realizes there is someone in the basement of an old shack on the family property and when she discovers its a young boy her mind races as to who he is and more importantly who had him down there. She first thinks her father had something to do with it, but as she slowly unravels the truth she finds out there is way more to the story than she ever thought possible. Once the truth is revealed she must decide to do the right thing, which might hurt her family or make sure justice is served no matter the price it might mean to her life. Gone too Long is a story that shows us that the mean and sick dealings of the Ku Klux Klan are still very much alive and how these teachings are still going on. Imogene was raised with these teachings but knows that they are wrong and these are very bad individuals. She knows what is right and what is wrong and she knows she must do everything she can to make sure the past doesn't repeat itself.

This story is about survival and for standing up for what's right. Imogene is a survivor in all forms, she overcomes the death of her husband and child and learns that the person she thought was her father really wasn't, meaning she could escape her past and help her family live a new life. This is a page-turner one that has you wondering what will happen next. I love how most of this novel is told through Imogene and we can see how she sees her family and their connection to the Klan from the inside. This is an interesting story with a few storylines that all tie in at the end, with an ending that was surprising. This is one read that had me from page one and kept my attention until the very end.

Review: Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Published: June 11, 2019

Publisher: Atria Books

Format: via audiobook

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

In her most ambitious novel yet, Jennifer Weiner tells a story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world? 

My Thoughts

Jo and Bethie are sisters but their lives followed different paths. Bethie is the wild child, growing up in the free lovin' 60s she enjoyed and partook in all that the decade offered. She was the one who always gave her mother trouble but no one really knew why. What was it in Bethie that made her this way? We see why later in the story, how she experienced some pain and tragedy in her childhood. 

Jo, on the other hand, had her secret knowing very early on she was gay and in love with her best friend but decided to never let anyone know. She went on to get married and have children, never letting her true self be happy and living the life she wanted and deserved until later on in life.

We see both these sisters lives evolve and how they each went from kids to adults and trying to find their niche in this world. Neither one had an easy life, both having hard lives and never really coming into their own until they were grown. This book was rich in storylines, the way we see these sisters go through decades is amazing and seeing them struggle at times pulls at your heartstrings.

Mrs. Everything is a well-written story with its focus on family, love and coming into your own with elements of feminism. I loved that it has strong female characters that many of us can relate to, and while some of the topics touched upon in this book can be tough to some, I believe its things that can help some people also. This is one book that I highly recommend for anyone who wants an honest to god amazing read.

Cover Reveal: Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn

About WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS

A gift of warmth to heal two hearts…

Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heartbroken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects―like making a quilt for a wounded warrior.

Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker.

Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn’t immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she’s turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah’s presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he’d left far behind on the battlefield: hope.

This heartwarming sweet romance includes a free quilt pattern from the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a new original Hallmark recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

Release Blitz: Beautifully Damaged by Laura Pavlov

Today we have an exciting release day blitz from BEAUTIFULLY DAMAGED by Laura Pavlov! 

Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

Beautifully Damaged by Laura Pavlov

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Beautifully Damaged

Peyton Kroft was his forever, until the unthinkable happened. Walking away all those years ago had been the right thing to do. But, a decade later, he was ready to put the past behind him. Moving to San Francisco and hiring his first love, the city’s top designer, was a good place to start. Seeing her again stirred up feelings he thought he’d long buried. He wanted her. Just one taste of those sweet lips. The girl like a light leading him home. She’d found a way back in somewhere she could never stay. And, the worst part—he liked her there. ~~~ Jackson Vance broke her heart. He took half of it with him on his way out of town. Picking up the pieces hadn’t been easy, but more than nine years later, Peyton is living her best life. Coming face to face with her first love is not on the agenda. Emerald green eyes that see straight to her soul. Jackson Vance is beautiful, broken, and everything she’s ever wanted. He’s not a forever guy—but when their lips touch, it feels like forever. History has a way of repeating itself. The past still hovers like a dark cloud. But every dark cloud has a silver-lining.  

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Exclusive Excerpt

He leaned close to her as she pulled her purse strap over her shoulder in a huff. “Is someone jealous?” She clutched her chest in dramatic fashion. Her reaction was worthy of an award-winning Broadway performance. Making all sorts of breathy noises, sure he understood how appalled she was. He rolled his eyes as they walked toward their gate. “I’m not the slightest bit jealous of your voluptuous vixen.” “Sure, you aren’t,” he said with a chuckle. This type of banter needed to stop. Starting something with Peyton wasn’t an option. He’d come here to make amends, not fan the flames. She seemed happy, and he needed to let her be. But, he was so drawn to her, like a powerful current he couldn’t swim against. Always provoking, and stirring, and challenging him. “You’re so full of yourself. I’m in an amazing relationship with a wonderful man. He’s about to be the freaking mayor of San Francisco for God’s sakes. I’m hardly jealous. I happen to care about you because you’re my friend, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.” “You’re worried about me, huh?” “Did I stutter?” His laugh echoed and they continued walking. The masses of people moving through the airport were on a mission to get wherever it was they were going. “Let me get this straight. You’re worried the voluptuous vixen is going to hurt me? Physically? I sure hope you’re right.” His night with Lana was a bust, mainly because he couldn’t get the jealous pain in the ass walking beside him off his mind. “You’re disgusting. Forget it.” She wrestled her bag from his hand and walked ahead, her suitcase thumping behind her. Fucking adorable. Angry and feisty. He played with fire, teasing her like this. Choosing to argue about ridiculous bullshit instead of pressing her up against the wall and covering her mouth with his like he wanted. He didn’t know how not to want her. Nor did he know if it were even possible. 

  

About Laura Pavlov

Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to a couple crazy Yorkies. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after.  

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Cover Reveal: The Kissing Game by Marie Harte

Today we are sharing the cover for an upcoming standalone title from Marie Harte. THE KISSING GAME is a fun, contemporary romance title you won't want to miss! Be sure to follow Marie for exclusive updates about the book and preorder your copy now. 

The Kissing Game releases February 4, 2020.

Join Marie's Reader Group for Exclusive News!

The Kissing Game by Marie Harte

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Book Blurb

"I bet you a kiss you can't resist me." Game on. Rena Jackson is ready. She's worked her tail off to open up her own hair salon, and she's almost ready to quit her job at the dive bar. Rena's also a diehard romantic, and she's had her eye on bar regular Axel Heller for a while. He's got that tall-dark-and-handsome thing going big time. Problem is, he's got that buttoned-up Germanic ice man thing going as well. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Rena's about ready to give up on Axel and find her own Mr. Right. At six foot six, Axel knows he intimidates most people. He's been crushing on the gorgeous waitress for months. But the muscled mechanic is no romantic, and his heart is buried so deep, he has no idea how to show Rena what he feels. He knows he's way out of his depth and she's slipping away. So, he makes one crazy, desperate play... Praise for Marie Harte: "Blends humor, heart and heat to deliver a top of the charts performance."--Night Owl Romance, 5/5 Stars, Top Pick! for Zero to Sixty "A blazing hot, emotionally intense love story...from an author on the rise."--Kirkus for A Sure Thing "Funny, addicting, and full of hot sex scenes."--Booklist for How to Handle a Heartbreaker "Another exceptionally red-hot romance by Marie Harte with a strong yet sweet hero!"--Fresh Fiction for Just the Thing

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

 

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. 

Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

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Release Blitz: In Case You Didn't Know by Samantha Chase

It's time to go back to Magnolia Sound! 

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW by Samantha Chase is out now - lovers of small-town romance won't want to miss this one!

About IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW

Golden child Mason Bishop has finally had enough. Tired of bearing the weight of his parents’ expectations, he’s determined to break free and forge his own path. It’s time for him to go after the things he really wants—including the girl he never forgot.

Scarlett Jones is done being ruled by her insecurities. She’s ready to be seen as something other than one of the guys, and she’s done thinking she’s not good enough for the social elite—especially the Bishops.

When he runs into Scarlett at a concert, Mason believes it’s fate bringing them together. But fate only gets you so far. If he wants a real chance with Scarlett, it’s going to take a whole lot of charm to convince her he’s worth it.

Add IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW to your TBR!

 

Get your copy of IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW today! Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | GooglePlay | Audible

   

Don't miss the rest of the Magnolia Sound series!

Sunkissed Days | Remind Me | A Girl Like You | In Case You Didn't Know

About Samantha Chase

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. 

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Review: A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell

A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell

Published: July 23, 2019

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis

There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.

Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aiden, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.

As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aiden's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder.

My Thoughts

Caroline has the perfect life, husband, child or at least she thought she did. It was all perfect until her husband shows up to her party with other women. She thinks her marriage is over and one night she goes out and drinks too much and ends up sleeping with a stranger. However, when she thinks back she realizes she has seen this guy before, in fact, he is the guy who has been standing outside on the beach in front of her house for a couple of days.

Aiden has been working at the local bar and when he sees Caroline he is smitten, to say the least. They end up sleeping together one night and ever since he has become obsessed with her. He becomes controlling and will do anything to protect and have Caroline in the end. Caroline wants to try and save her marriage but when she tries to break things off with Aiden things don't go so smoothly. Aiden doesn't take no for an answer and begins to stalk her, her ex and even her daughter because he thinks something isn't right. But when his past comes to light things don't look good for Aiden and he starts to look like he is the one causing trouble.

Is Aiden the bad guy or is a victim in all this? Who’s the real mastermind behind all the crazy things going on? Does Caroline have a real reason to fear Aiden or is there something more? There are so many questions to ask and each one gives us clues to what is really going on.

This is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. This story has mystery, some sexual tension and best of all you don't know where it’s going. In addition to the twist and turns, there is the game of who’s playing who. Just when you think you have things figured out you are thrown for a loop. This is one read that will have you by the seat of your pants until the last page is turned. A Stranger on the Beach is one read that is well worth the read.

Book Blitz: Meant to Be by Nan Reinhardt

Meant to Be by Nan Reinhardt
(Four Irish Brothers Winery, #2)
Published by: Tule Publishing
Publication date: July 18, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Can a near-tragedy help two best friends realize they’re meant to be so much more?
Best friends since grade school, high-powered Chicago attorney, Sean Flaherty, and small-town mayor Megan Mackenzie have always shared a special bond. When Sean is shot by a client’s angry ex, Megan rushes to his side, terrified she’s about to lose her long-time confidant.
Upon his return to River’s Edge to recuperate, Sean discovers that his feelings for his pal have taken an undeniable turn for the romantic. While Megan struggles with an unfamiliar longing for Sean, she worries that he may be mistaking a safe place to land for love.
Can Sean help her realize that they are truly meant to be so much more than friends?

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EXCERPT

Meg was afraid to ask, but she did anyway. “What happened?”
“Sean’s been shot.” Sam crumpled back into the booth, sobbing.
Megan gasped as bile rose in her throat. She couldn’t even comprehend Sam’s words. Sean was shot? The invincible Sean Flaherty? Her buddy? Her best friend? His handsome face flashed into her mind—the lock of dark hair that invariably fell across his brow, the blue, blue eyes that sparkled sapphire with wit or turned dark navy with emotion, that killer smile, those amazing Flaherty dimples… impossible!
“What?” She sat down across from Sam. “Shot?” She could hardly catch her breath. “When? Where?”
Sam grabbed a napkin from the dispenser on the table and swiped at her eyes. “I–I don’t know much. Charlie Smith at the firm said it happened right outside the courthouse in Evanston early this afternoon. Some crazy woman. The wife of his current client. They took him to Northwestern; he’s in surgery right now.” She took a shaky breath. “Conor’s driving up to meet Aidan and Brendan at the airport, then they’re heading to the hospital.” She covered her mouth with both hands as if that could stop her lips from trembling, then shuddered. “Dear God, Meg.”
Megan closed her eyes, trying desperately to banish the dreadful pictures in her head—Sean on a gurney, pale and bleeding—and replace them with ones from the last time she’d seen him—grinning and pouring sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve.
They’d hugged each other at midnight because neither of them had had a date, and Sean had pressed his warm lips to her forehead. “You’re the best, Megs,” he’d murmured and held her close to his brawny chest for a long moment. She felt the even beat of his heart under the navy sweater he wore—the one she’d knitted for him for Christmas that made his eyes look deep blue.
“I’m going up there.” Megan stood and gazed at Sam. “I have to, Sam. He’s my oldest and dearest friend. Maybe there’s nothing I can do, but I can spell the guys at visitation and maybe, I dunno, give blood or something. I just know I can’t stay here. I’ll go crazy. I have to see him.”
Sam stared at her silently, then sighed. “Come on. Let’s trade cars. I don’t trust your old beater to make it to Indianapolis, and you sure as heck can’t ride Big Red all the way to Chicago.”

            Author Bio
Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today-bestselling author of romantic fiction for women in their prime. Yeah, women still fall in love and have sex, even after 45! Imagine! She is a wife, a mom, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. Nan has been a copyeditor and proofreader for over 25 years, and currently works on romantic fiction titles for a variety of clients, including Avon Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kensington Books, and Entangled Publishing, as well as for many indie authors.
Although she loves her life as an editor, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. Her latest novel, Meant to Be, Book 2 in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series from Tule Publishing releases on July 18, 2019. A Small Town Christmas, which is the first book in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series from Tule Publishing, is available now, and she is currently hard at work on Book 3.
Visit Nan’s website at www.nanreinhardt.com, where you’ll find links to all her books as well as blogs about writing, being a Baby Boomer, and aging gracefully…mostly. Nan also blogs every sixth Wednesday at Word Wranglers, sharing the spotlight with five other romance authors and is a frequent contributor the RWA Contemporary Romance blog, and she contributes to the Romance University blog where she writes as Editor Nan.

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Blog Tour: Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa by Nancy Naigle

Today we have the blog tour for CHRISTMAS IN EVERGREEN: LETTERS TO SANTA 

by Nancy Naigle! 

Check out this sweet new Hallmark holiday romance and grab your copy today!

CHRISTMAS IN EVERGREEN: LETTERS TO SANTA by Nancy Naigle

Genre: Holiday Romance

Publisher: Hallmark & Crown Media

About Christmas In Evergreen: Letters to Santa

Return to Evergreen, the town where Christmas wishes come true… But only if you know what your heart really wants.   When Lisa takes a last-minute Christmas trip to her hometown of Evergreen, she finds that the historic general store has closed. The place was a beloved local tradition, and she decides to use her skills as a professional retail designer to bring it back to its former glory. She charms a local contractor, Kevin, into working with her, and the pair find themselves facing one surprise after another.   One of the biggest surprises of all is finding the mysterious 25-year-old letter to Santa that never made it to the North Pole. Who really wrote it, and will its request come true at last? And will Lisa and Kevin figure out what they’re truly wishing for?   This sweet small-town romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Incredible Apple Dumplings.  

Excerpt

The closer she got to Evergreen, the heavier the snow. That added to Lisa’s happiness. Maybe there would be a snow angel in her future. She hadn’t made one since... It had definitely been way too long.

She took the Evergreen exit from the highway, reducing her speed on the quaint country road while still belting out fa-la-la-la-las. Up ahead, a red truck with pine trees in the back stood at the stop sign. She pulled up behind it. After a moment, when the truck hadn’t budged, she rolled her window down and peered around it. That’s when she realized the hood of the truck was up.

Aw, man. She leaned her head out the window. “Are you having trouble with your truck?” “It’s not my truck,” a man’s voice said. What kind of answer was that? “Is it stolen?” A dark-haired man with what looked like a day’s worth of beard poked his head around the truck. “No. It’s on loan from a friend,” he said with a smile. A very attractive smile, Lisa couldn’t help but notice.

The truck had to be an early ’50s model. Nice. She could’ve done without the gaudy wreath on

the back, but it was a sweet ride. Who loaned that kind of vehicle to someone? They must’ve been a pretty good friend.

She didn’t know why she had the urge to tease him, but she gave in to it. “Ohhh,” she said with an exaggerated moan. “You broke your friend’s truck?”

That got a reaction out of the guy. He stepped out from the front of the truck, looking on the defensive. “I didn’t break it, it was already...”

Lisa almost grinned, nearly breaking the ruse, then frowned in an attempt to look serious. “Hey, it looks to me like it—”

He shook his wrench in her direction. “You’re just messing with me.” His smile registered in his eyes as he laughed.

Busted. “I am. I am.” She flung open her door and got out. “No. Seriously. Can I do something to help?” He eyed her cautiously as he wiped his hands on a red shop rag. He was wearing a green down jacket, and he didn’t seem the least bit worried about dirtying the off-white sweater beneath it. “How are you with old engines?”

“Astonishingly good,” she admitted. Years of hanging out with her grandfather every summer in his garage while he worked on his old cars had paid off.

The old truck looked to be in great shape. It had either been kept in a garage and treated with white gloves, or there’d been one heck of a restoration on it. The flame-red paint job was so perfect it looked like it had just come off the line.

He looked unsure whether to believe her. “Really?” “Yeah. May I?” She took the wrench from his hand, noticing that his shiny red toolbox was from about the same era as the truck. Nice. “Thank you.” She leaned in to look under the hood. “All right. What have we got here?” She reached in and gave something a tap. “Have you tried this?”

“Yep.” The motor was clean. Someone took superb care of this ride. The spark plugs didn’t appear corroded or oily, but she tapped on the spark plug wire just the same. “How about this?” “Twice,” he said. “Hmm. I bet you haven’t tried this.” But before she could give the battery cable a good jiggle he said, “Yes. I tried that too.”

“Ah, but...” Lisa reached in to the engine and cranked the wrench against something that seemed a little stuck. “Let me just...” She got it to budge, then stood back. Handing the wrench to him, she asked, “Do you mind if I try to start it?”

“No, go for it.” “This is a beautiful old truck.” She crossed in front of him, opened the driver’s door and climbed in.

“Yeah, isn’t it?”

She closed the door. On the seat of the truck was a clipboard with an employment application for Banford Logging, Inc., already filled out. The guy’s name was Kevin Miller. He looks like a Kevin. In the passenger’s seat, a wooden crate overflowed with fresh vegetables: collards, sweet potatoes, eggplant, carrots, zucchini and peppers. They made her a little hungry for a good stir-fry. “All right.” She leaned forward and twisted the key. The engine struggled.

“Hold on a second,” he said. “Yep.” She took her hand from the key and put both of her hands in the air.

He did something under the hood, then stepped out where she could see him. “Okay. Try it again.”

She turned the key and the truck started right up. “Hey! Look at that!” She rested her elbow out the window. “Teamwork.”

“Yeah.” He walked over to the driver’s side of the truck. “Although I contend that I did most of the work, and most of that before you got here.” He leaned against the front fender, just behind the cute little round side mirror.

“That is fair. However.” She raised a finger toward him. “Had I not come along, you’d still be standing here with your little feet in the snow.”

“Also fair.” His friendly smile sent a zing right through her that could’ve melted that snow.

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About the Author

 

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began writing while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Her many books include The Secret Ingredient, Christmas in Evergreen, and Christmas Joy and Hope for Christmas, which were adapted into Hallmark movies. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, horseback riding, and enjoying the occasional spa day. A Virginia girl at heart, Nancy now calls North Carolina home.

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Review: Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Published: June 18, 2019

Publisher: Little Brown and Co

Format: via NetGalley

Rating: 4/5 

Synopsis

Welcome to the most tumultuous summer of the twentieth century! It's 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Every year the children have looked forward to spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket: but this year Blair, the oldest sister, is marooned in Boston, pregnant with twins and unable to travel. Middle sister Kirby, a nursing student, is caught up in the thrilling vortex of civil rights protests, a passion which takes her to Martha's Vineyard with her best friend, Mary Jo Kopechne. Only son Tiger is an infantry soldier, recently deployed to Vietnam. Thirteen-year-old Jessie suddenly feels like an only child, marooned in the house with her out-of-touch grandmother who is hiding some secrets of her own. As the summer heats up, Teddy Kennedy sinks a car in Chappaquiddick, a man flies to the moon, and Jessie experiences some sinking and flying herself, as she grows into her own body and mind.

My Thoughts

I’ve always been obsessed with the 60’s it was a fascinating time in history so when I heard Elin Hilderbrand newest novel was focused during that time I knew I had to read it. Summer of ‘69 focuses on The Levin family. We met Jessie who is thirteen and this is the summer when everything changes for her. We get the stories of her siblings Tiger who is in Vietnam, oldest sister Blair who is married and pregnant but doesn't know if she still wants to be and is struggling with her husband who wants her to be a housewife while she loves her independence. Middle sister Kirby who is in school but is drawn to protests and the civil rights movement and wants to make a change in this world. All of this while the world is changing and with historic moments thrown in Summer of ‘69 is one year no one will ever forget.

Jessie is the main voice of this novel, it's her coming of age story of a girl who is simply trying to figure out this thing we call life. She doesn't want to spend her summer in Nantucket with her grandmother but she is forced to by her parents and while there she learns a lot about growing up and falls in love for the first time. She is dealing with grown-up issues and is hoping her family can survive all that is happening during this crazy summer. The family is on edge hoping Tiger can make it back home and that the war will end. That takes a toll on everyone but especially their mother and that takes a toll on her marriage. This novel focuses on everything from love, marriage, family, to the war.

Summer of ‘69 is a compelling story of family, secrets and is a coming of age story that also spotlights the historic moments in history that take place during this time. It's an interesting story one that spotlights every member of the family but never makes you feel overwhelmed by all the characters. Every character has a distinct voice and their stories are all very interesting. While this is a departure for Elin Hilderbrand I loved this read. Her dive into historical fiction was great and I loved it. This is another winner from her and one novel that makes for the perfect summer read.

Book Blitz: Summer Bucket List by T.K. Rapp

 

Summer Bucket List by T.K. Rapp 

Publication date: July 15, 2019

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Recently graduated from high school, Holland Monroe had no expectations for her last summer before heading off to college to be anything but ordinary.
Until she got a job as a waitress at the local country club to make extra money for school.
Milo Davis was smart, cute, and absolutely not interested in Holland. At least that was what she believed. But the day she started working at the restaurant, everything changed.
Finally together, they were left with only three months to spend time together before she moved away.
Good thing they decided to make their time as memorable as possible.
But will they remain friends? Or will checking off items on their summer bucket list lead them to something they didn’t expect — Falling in love.

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EXCERPT

He took a tentative step toward me and I remained fixed in place. Curiosity would not let me walk away, though that was exactly what I wanted to do. He stood across from me, the annoyance and disgust erased from his face. Milo shoved his hands into his pockets and when he looked up at me, he looked—uncertain.
“I didn’t know how to talk to you,” he finally said.
“You don’t seem to have a problem now,” I snapped. “In fact, I sort of wish you’d go back to ignoring me.”
“If that’s what you want…”
“No, Milo, that’s not what I want. I want to understand.”
“You’re not really that naïve, are you?”
“Forget it,” I said, turning around to walk back to my car.
“I never talked to you because I didn’t know how to,” he said, but I kept walking. “Because I liked you.”
That was the thing he said that got me to stop moving. In fact, I was pretty sure that I heard him wrong, so I slowly turned around to give him my attention. I didn’t know what to say.
“I didn’t know how to talk to you without sounding like a moron, so I just…didn’t…talk. You really didn’t know?”
“You said it yourself: you didn’t talk to me. So your silence spoke volumes for you.”
“I wasn’t trying to be a jerk the other night. I just didn’t know what to say to you.”
“I didn’t know what to say to you either. Every time I’ve tried to talk to you, it’s like talking to a brick wall. No matter how hard I try or how nice I am to you, you just ignore me.”
“That was never my intention,” he said apologetically. “I really just didn’t know what to say.”
We stood in silence, each really hearing the other. His confession began to ring in my ears, and I was thankful for the darkness so he would not see my flushed cheeks.
“Did you mean what you said?”
“Which part?”
“That you liked me?”
He shifted his stance before facing me again. “Yeah. I did…I do.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Milo was completely opposite of Blake, or anyone else I had dated. He was not the center of attention, and he was not cocky. He was shy and unassuming, and for so long I had wanted to get him to open up and let me be his friend. I never expected him to open up so much that he would reveal that he had feelings for me.
“If you aren’t busy, do you want to go get something to eat? Maybe we could actually talk or something?”
“Are you asking me out on a date?” I asked.
He looked away for a moment, and when his gaze connected with mine, his smile grew. “Yeah. I guess I am.”
I felt nervous and excited at the same time, and then complete disappointment.
“I can’t. Not tonight,” I said.
“No. It’s fine. Short notice and all. Hell, you might be dating someone anyway.”
“I’m not,” I said a little more eagerly than I realized.
“Maybe another time,” he said, taking a few steps backward. “Have a good night, Holland.”
As he turned around, I slowly did the same, but then my feet stopped moving.
“Do you want to come with me?” I asked hopefully. “To Meg’s?”

Author Bio:

T.K. Rapp is a Texas girl born and raised. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from Texas A&M and it was there that she met the love of her life. He had a contract with the U.S. Navy that would take them across both coasts, and ultimately land them back home in Texas.
Upon finally settling in Texas, T.K. worked as a graphic designer and photographer for the family business that her mom started years earlier. She was able to infuse her creativity and passion, into something she enjoyed, but something was still missing. There was a voice in the back of her head that told her to write, so write, she did. And, somewhere on an external hard drive, are several stories she started and never finished.
Now at home, raising her two daughters, T.K. has more time to do the things she loves, which includes photography and writing. When she's not doing one of those, she can be found with her family, which keeps her busy, hanging with family and friends, and mostly relaxing. She is a lover of raunchy humor, gossip blogs and a good books.

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