Review: This Bright Beauty by Emily Cavanagh

This Bright Beauty by Emily Cavanagh

Published: March 1, 2018

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Format: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Franci and Lottie may be identical twins, but that’s where the similarities end. Franci has always been the stable one, while Lottie has bipolar disorder, constantly battling depression and mania. After years of taking care of her sister, Franci moves across the country to build a life for herself. Now, all the two share is distance.

But when Lottie gets in an accident, Franci reluctantly steps back into her familiar role as protector. She returns to find her sister’s life in complete disarray and makes a shocking discovery: Lottie has an infant daughter she never told Franci about. Although Franci swore she wouldn’t get sucked back in, she can’t leave the baby alone in Lottie’s care.

As Lottie further unravels, a secret is revealed that she has kept since childhood—one that has the power to reframe the sisters’ entire relationship, forcing Franci to ask herself if the secret was too much for Lottie to bear. Was the accident really an accident, and who has been protecting whom all these years?

My Thoughts

In This Bright Beauty twins, Franci and Lottie have had a lifetime of sorrow. They lost their mother after a freak accident and now their father has Alzheimer’s. Franci seems to have the perfect life with a loving husband and twins of her own, she seems to have it all. Lottie, on the other hand, has always had the bad end when it came to life. She is bipolar and it has affected her life in so many ways, she has been with her boyfriend for many years and he and Franci see to it that Lottie is on her meds and does what she has to do to stay stable.

However, everything came to a halt years ago when Franci and Lottie have a falling out and years have passed since then and they haven't even talked until one day when Franci gets a call saying Lottie has been in an accident and she needs to come to look after the baby. Franci is shocked because she never even knew her sister had a baby and when she comes to help she’s even more shocked to find out she and her longtime boyfriend have ended their relationship and the baby isn't his. During their time together they clash and during these times is when secrets are revealed some that will test their relationship like nothing has before. I liked the relationship between the sisters and how while one clearly took care of the other, one knew why more things than the other did.

What I really liked was how in depth they went into Lottie’s disorder. We saw its highs and lows and how it played with her mind and how it changed who she was. It gave us a good look into how this disorder not only affects the person but those around them. This story was touching and emotional especially the ending and it brought me to tears. Its a story of sisterhood and how loving someone with mental illness is a daily struggle and how it can take its toll on everyone. This is definitely one story that will pull at your heartstrings and is well worth the read.

Forever Yours ft. Author Laurie Winter

 

   

Winner Takes All by Laurie Winter 

Storm Thompson wants to be anywhere but Liberty Ridge. Especially since his hometown also contains his childhood nemesis, Colleen Gardner. With a young daughter and mentally ill mother to care for, he struggles to simply make ends meet. Every day, his goal of owning an organic farm slips further out of reach. Psychiatrist Colleen Gardner has her sights set on starting a retreat to help veterans suffering from PTSD. She's done well but her small town fundraisers just aren't enough. "The Great American Scavenger Hunt" TV show offers a million-dollar prize, and Colleen and Storm are selected as competitors. Both resolve to do whatever is needed to win, even using the other to get ahead. Storm and Colleen compete to fund their dreams, but their already tattered relationship becomes more strained. Only one will win the money. But will love prove the ultimate prize?

   

The Great American Scavenger Hunt

Day 1

Storm stood on the stairs of the US Capitol Building, and the weight of his travel pack dug into his shoulders. Before sunrise, all the contestants were bussed seven miles over from their hotel in Arlington. A few other contestants started conversations, and his minimal replies made clear he wasn’t here to make friends. Colleen ignored him, which was good. Her mere presence provided enough distraction.

He had a good view of her down at the other end of the line. How could she stand upright underneath the weight of her pack? The thing looked as heavy as her. He’d bought his at the secondhand shop in Liberty Ridge. Colleen probably shopped at a high-end outdoor store that carried the latest gizmos and gadgets. Her pack and its contents might cost the equivalent of a small country’s GDP.

When he’d seen her yesterday at lunch, he almost didn’t recognize her. Her short hair looked amazingly sexy. This morning, she wore a tousled look, like she’d just rolled out of bed, which she likely had being that the clock just struck seven-thirty am.

The host of the show, Burt Blackstone, walked before the assembled group. He stood medium height, with a trim build, and a head of closely cropped, salt-and-pepper hair. Today, Burt wore khaki shorts and an orange button-up top. “I want to wish every one of you good luck. We’ll start filming shortly. I’ll go over the rules once more, mostly for the audience’s sake. Then, I’ll give the signal, and you’ll be off.”

A low murmur drifted over the group.

Storm shifted the weight of his travel pack and mentally walked through his plan. He held a red envelope, which was identical to the ones given to the other contestants. Let’s rock and roll.

   

   

"The journey they take physically and emotionally is one that sucked me and wouldn't let go until the book was done. Thank you for writing such a wonderful book!" Goodreads review    

 

Author Laurie Winter 

Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. Fans of Brenda Novak and Debbie Macomber will likely enjoy Laurie Winter's books as well. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

   

 

   

Giveaway Details 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/11/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

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Release Blitz: Notes of the Heart by Charli B. Rose

Notes of the Heart
by Charli B. Rose
Series
Lyrical Odyssey #2
Genre
New Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Independent
Publication Date
January 10, 2019

Their hearts were in harmony… until the music faded away.

Izzy ~
Since childhood, our relationship grew from a single note to a full symphony. Two years ago, when I needed him most, he went radio silent. Starting over and rearranging the lyrics with someone new just hasn’t been the same. Beckett has my trust and friendship, but not what he wants the most: my heart. I have a second chance at love, if only my heart can change its tune. But before it can, that old song resurfaces…

Dawson ~
Falling in love with my best friend was wonderful. Until I lost her as I chased my dreams. My dreams have become my reality, and I have it all, except the one thing I want: Izzy. Every song I perform is a reminder of what she inspired. Without her, the music that used to flow freely has died. If I can convince her to be my song, my heaven, my everything once more, then maybe I won’t feel so lost. But her heart is singing a new tune, and I may be too late.

Can Dawson make Izzy see the classic anthem was better than a one hit wonder? 

NOTE: This is part TWO of Dawson and Izzy’s story. Part ONE of their story can be read in Beats of the Heart.

Purchase Your Copy Today!

Amazon  |  Get Book One for Just $0.99!

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 About Charli B. Rose

A Southern Girl with a Love for Words

As an avid reader, I’ve always felt deeply about the written word. A couple of years ago I started freelance editing for indie authors. One of my clients encouraged me to pursue writing because she thought I might have a gift. Once she opened that door in my mind, the ideas have not stopped flowing. And I’m loving it.

I spend my days working in a genetics lab and my nights editing and writing. I’m also a wife to a wonderful hubby who encourages me to pursue my dreams and a mom to a sweet, funny, eight-year-old boy.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

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Review: Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan

Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan

Published: February 7, 2017

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Format: via Kindle Unlimited [audiobook]

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

When struggling novelist James Hernandez meets poet Louisa “Lou” Bell, he’s sure he’s just found the love of his life. There’s just one problem: she’s engaged to his oldest friend, Rob. So James toasts their union and swallows his desire.

As the years pass, James’s dreams always seem just out of reach—he can’t finish that novel, can’t mend his relationship with his father, can’t fully commit to a romantic relationship. He just can’t move on. But after betrayal fractures Lou’s once-solid marriage, she turns to James for comfort.

When Lou and James act on their long-standing mutual attraction, the consequences are more heartbreaking—and miraculous—than either of them could have ever anticipated. Then life throws James one more curveball, and he, Rob, and Lou are forced to come to terms with the unexpected ways in which love and loss are intertwined.

My Thoughts

This is a love story of sorts, in the beginning, we met James and Rob who are the best of friends and one day James goes the visit Rob and Rob tells him he has met someone and she’s the one. The One is Lou and James can't believe his friend is in love but as soon as James meets Lou he knows why. He instantly falls for Lou and he knows this isn’t right but Lou is the one for him. He knows he can't do anything about it so he stays away knowing if he’s near her he won't be able to help himself. Soon Lou and Rob get married and Rob is devested he goes on with his life meeting other people but in the back of his mind, Lou is always there.

Rob and Lou after years of marriage start to have problems and Lou goes to James for comfort and after Lou finds out she’s pregnant and its James since she and Rob have separated. James is thrilled wanting to be with Lou but she decides they can co-parent since she doesn’t want to rush into another relationship.

In the beginning, we know James is telling a story to someone but we don’t know who well we soon find out it's their daughter and while I won't tell you everything that happens it’s a very heartbreaking story. While Lou and James never get together they have built a family in their own way and when something happens that family means everything.

This is a story of love and family and in the different forms, they come in. That true love can be romantic or friendship and to receive love is something we should be thankful and grateful for. This is one novel that while it's sad it shows us what really is important in life.

Review: The Sometimes Sisters by Carolyn Brown

The Sometimes Sisters by Carolyn Brown

Published: February 27, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Format: audiobook via Kindle Unlimited

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

When they were growing up, Dana, Harper, and Tawny thought of themselves as “sometimes sisters.” They connected only during the summer month they’d all spend at their grandmother’s rustic lakeside resort in north Texas. But secrets started building, and ten years have passed since they’ve all been together—in fact, they’ve rarely spoken, and it broke their grandmother’s heart.

Now she’s gone, leaving Annie’s Place to her granddaughters—twelve cabins, a small house, a café, a convenience store, and a lot of family memories. It’s where Dana, Harper, and Tawny once shared so many good times. They’ve returned, sharing only hidden regrets, a guarded mistrust, and haunting guilt. But now, in this healing summer place, the secrets that once drove them apart could bring them back together—especially when they discover that their grandmother may have been hiding something, too…

To overcome the past and find future happiness, these “sometimes sisters” have one more chance to realize they are always family.

My Thoughts

The Sometimes Sisters is the story of sisters who come together after the death of their grandmother. They all would spend the summers together growing up with their grandmother and now that she has passed they come back together after many years to sort out her affairs. Each has their notions about each other but none of them know how the others are actually really living. They all agree to stay for awhile and work at her business but little do they know she wanted them there in hopes they would reconnect and finally act like sisters. There isn’t any real reason why they aren’t close but in spending time together they do eventually bond.

I really enjoyed this novel of love, family and family secrets. I loved how in the beginning they didn’t get along but let someone else hurt one of them they all came to each other's rescue. I loved the sense of community the small town had and how their grandmother's longtime friend, who they considered an uncle was there to guide them and to make their grandmothers wishes a reality. While the journey of the sisters was a wonderful thing to see what I really loved was the story of their grandmother. We see how after her death she confesses who her true love was and why she couldn’t live her truth. She lived in a different time and she didn’t want people to get hurt.

This was a wonderfully written tale of love at all levels and how the journey is well worth it in the end. It's about how family is the most important thing, and that no matter how much time has passed you can indeed go home again. Do yourself a favor and seek this read out it's an emotional read that you will LOVE!