Category: Romance

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

A Very Berry Christmas by Rachael Bloome

Chapters & lattes

Title: A Very Berry Christmas ( A Poppy Creek Novela)
Author: Rachael Bloome
Main Character: Frank Barrie
Other Characters: Beverly, Nate, Juliet, Cassie, Luke, Vick
Rating: 5

Rachael Bloome has done it again with A Very Barrie Christmas! We return to the charming town of Poppy Creek and the unforgettable Frank Barrie. If you recall Frank from the earlier books in the Poppy Creek series, you’ll remember his eccentric nature and his Scrooge-like attitude towards Christmas. However, he has come a long way since we first met him in book one.

In this episode, the Barries welcome guests, making their Christmas feel complete with the warmth of family. This story is heartwarming and filled with the magic of the holiday season, making it the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with just the right amount of romance, humor, and holiday cheer. The descriptions of the festive decorations, cozy settings, and delicious holiday treats made me feel like I was right there in Poppy Creek, experiencing the joy and warmth of the season.

I absolutely adore all the characters. Rachael Bloome has a talent for creating characters that feel like old friends, and this book is no exception. These characters bring warmth and holiday cheer to the story, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy heartwarming holiday stories with great characters who make you feel at home, then A Very Barrie Christmas is a must-read.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Women's Fiction

Christmas on Waverly Lane by Rachel Hanna

Chapters & lattes

Author: Christmas on Waverly Lane
Series: Waverly Lane #2
Main Character: Shelby
Other Characters: Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, Willadeene, Reed
Rating: 5

Rachel has once again delivered with “Christmas on Waverly Lane.” As the second installment in the Waverly Lane series, it continues to captivate. While it’s uncertain if more books will follow, I sincerely hope they do. I’m completely hooked on this community and their friendships, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the heartwarming stories of Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, and Willadeene. Rachel  has a way of weaving together the lives of these characters, making the reader feel as if you are  part of their close-knit community. Shelby and Reed’s Christmas wedding is beautifully depicted, even though it didn’t quite go as planned, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Cami’s journey of starting over is both inspiring and relatable. Lacy’s exciting news and Joan’s preparations for her first family Christmas in years add layers of joy and anticipation to the story. And of course, Willadeene, who has an unexpected and unwanted guest, is always a delight who adds a touch of humor. These women are willing to do anything for each other. Their friendship is one that will endure through the ages.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and holiday cheer. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and community.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction

The Unbound Bookshop by Rachael Bloome

Chapters & lattes

Title: The Unbound Bookshop
Author: Rachael Bllome
Series: Blessings Bay #3
Setting: Blessings Bay
Main Characters: Abby, Logan, Sage, Flynn
Other Characters: Max, Piper, Tyler, Edwin, Nadia, Verna
Stars: 5

“The Unbound Bookshop: Where Stories Set Sail”

Once again, Ms. Bloome has created a fantastic ‘can’t put down’ book with the third installment of the Blessings Bay Series. I always look forward to spending time at the Blessings Bay Inn with Abby and Logan. In this episode, Abby and Logan are content as ever, but as they prepare for their happily ever after, an unexpected guest at the inn has the potential to seriously interfere with their plans. This is a twist the reader won’t see coming.

As Abby and Logan are dealing with their unexpected Guest, Sage & Fynn are dealing with their own drama. Once in a relationship which ended badly years ago, they are thrown together and forced to stay on a sailboat for three days. Flynn’s twin brother died years ago & Flynn blames himself, so he has found it his mission to complete his brother’s bucket list. Sage is now unable to tolerate being in the same room as Flynn, much less spending three days in a space as small as a sailboat.

Every time I read one of Ms Bloome’s books, I say this may be my favorite. Actually, I don’t know which one is my favorite because they are all so good. I guess which one I am currently reading is my favorite. The author just has a way of bringing the reader into her story so they can feel every emotion that the character is going through. You don’t just read one of her books, you feel it.

Any novel written by Rachael Bloome will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with intriguing characters, surprising turns, and gripping resolutions. I’ve read every book she’s written, and I plan to keep reading anything she writes. Although you can read this series out of order, I strongly advise starting from the beginning to fully get to know the characters. Every character in these stories is so endearing that it’s impossible not to fall in love.

“You don’t throw dirt on a diamond”

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

Chapters & lattes

Title: Counting Miracles
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Main Characters: Tanner, Kaitlyn, Jasper
Other Characters: Mitch, Casey
Location: Ashboro, North Carolina
Pets: Jasper’s dog Arlo
Rating: 5

I have read everyone of Nicholas Sparks’ books and this one does not disappoint. This story really touched my heart which seems to happen with all of My Spark’s books.

Tanner, a military brat, was raised by his grandparents abroad for the majority of his life. His mother passed away right after giving birth to him. He chooses to become an Army Ranger in order to carry on his grandfather’s legacy. When his grandmother passes away in Pensacola, FL, Tanner flies home. He has plans to head right back to his post until his grandmother’s last words to him are about his biologial father that he never knew. The only information she gave him was “Go where you belong” his dad’s name and where he might possibly find him. Tanner decides his post can wait and he heads to Ashboro, NC, where his grandmother said, he might locate his father. Little did he know that a car accident in the parking lot of a local bar could change his life.

The other story in this book, is about Jasper, An elderly man who lost his entire family due to a fire at their home. He struggles to carry on without them. He was severly burned by the fire so he stays to himself and rarely wonders out of the area where he lives. Jasper also is having some trouble with pouchers and can’t get law enforcement to help him so he takes things into his own hands which could get him killed.

Mr Sparks always has a way of making the reader feel like they are part of the story. The characters are very well developed and i could feel every emotion that they were going through. I am also a dog lover so Arlo, an elderly golden retriever, stole my heart.

If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks other books, you will love this one. This is a great story of finding faith, family, heartbreak, a rare magical white deer and love in unexpected places.

“Romans 11:36.” (Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything for his glory.)

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, RomCom, Women's Fiction

The Baking Games by Rachel Hanna

Chapters & lattes

Title: The Baking Games
Author: Rachel Hanna
Genre: RomCom, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Main Character: Savannah, Rhett
Other Characters: Sadie, Connor, Maggie, Laney, Leo, Zara, Sophia, Nate, Hank, Bianca, Tanya, Dan, Chef Alain, Tessa, Marco
Stars: 4

This book is a bit different than what I am used to from Rachel Hanna. This is like a slow burn Hallmark type RomCom mixed with a reality show. I have read all of Rachel’s books and I love everything she has written but I must admit, this is my least of hers.

Savannah Struggles to make ends meet. She was raised by a drug addicted mom, and She practically raised herself along with her younger sister. Her mom died when her sister was 12 years old so Savannah took on the job of mom. She adores her younger sister and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She works at a bakery in a grocery store and even though she loves baking, she doesn’t like her job. It doesn’t give her the creative control she craves. She dreams of someday owning her own bakery and earning enough money to finally send her sister to college. She starts to think it is hopeless until her sister convinces her to apply to be on a reality TV show called The Baking Game. When her application is accepted, she is surprised to find an ex-rival along with her ex-boyfriend are also contestants. This causes a lot of friction along the way. This is a baking version of Big Brother ao there is a lot drama and at times sparks do fly.

Even though this was a cute book, it isn’t what I am used to by Ms. Hanna. It was a little confusing that the story was told from two different points of view which was a bit different for me. Luckily it was told whose point of view it was so I didn’t get too confused. It started out good, Savannah is funny, and I immediately liked her and her devotion to her younger sister. I like slow burns to some degree, but this one seemed just way too slow. I didn’t really find myself pulling for them like I normally do in a romance novel. I just couldn’t see the chemistry.

The reality show’s actual baking portion became a little boring with all the recipe explanations and baking techniques. it just seemed to drag on too long. The characters are well developed, and I liked Savannah. She is funny, sweet, loving & loyal to those she loves. Even though she has had a tough life, she is a very positive person and looks at the glass as half full. I didn’t like Rhett at first, but he did grow on me. He has a bit of an unhappy relationship with his parents and a secret he is hiding. I didn’t like Connor at all but we really aren’t supposed to. The other contestants aren’t very memorable, but I did like Maggie.

If you enjoy a slow burn RomCom with a baking themed reality show, then you will probably enjoy this book. Be sure to download the bonus at the end of the book. it gives character descriptions and recipes that were used in the baking competition.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Happy Harbor by Rachel Hanna

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Happy Harbor
  • Author: Rachel Hanna
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
  • Location: Happy Harbor in the Lowcountry of South Carolina
  • Main Character: Josie
  • Other Characters: Kendra, Diane, Walker
  • Stars: 5

If you have ever wanted to live in a setting from a Hallmark movie, then you will love Rachel Hanna’s books. Happy Harbor is no different. I loved visiting Happy Harbor with Josie.

Josie left Happy Harbor and hoped to never return. She has a lot of bad memories from Happy Harbor. She relocated to Atlanta and had a great life until everything starts to fall apart. Dealing with her unruly teenage daughter isn’t making it any easier. As if things couldn’t get any worse, she receives a call informing her that her beloved Nana has passed away. Devastated, she must now go back to Happy Harbor, a place she prayed she would never see again. She is surprised by what her Nana’s will says and finds herself staying in Happy Harbor longer than she intended. She moves into her family’s historical home and starts running the restaurant her Nana owned. She still has every intention of returning to Atlanta once she gets everything figured out. What she didn’t expect is that her daughter would really start blossoming in Happy Harbor and then there is the handsome man living in the guest house. But when her mom shows up it throws a lot of drama in her situation, and she just wants to escape.

I love everything about this book. Josie is great despite her challenges of being a single mom of a teenage daughter and also with the struggles of her past relationship with her mom. Then there is Diane, Josie’s mother, who is doing her best to convey to Josie that she has evolved and is now a different person. There are 3 generations of women living in the same house and navigating what life has thrown at them. This is a heartwarming story of forgiveness, second chances and new beginnings.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance

The Unexpected Inn by Rachael Bloome

Chapters & lattes

Title: The Unexpected Inn
Author: Rachael Bloome
Series: Blessings Bay #2
Genre: Romance
Location: Blessings Bay, CA
Main Characters: Abby, Logan, Evan, Nadia
Other Characters: Max, Clara, Denise, Verna, Serena, Sage
Stars: 5

Since reading the first book in her Poppy Creek Series, I have loved this author. This most recent series, Blessings Bay, does not disappoint. This is the second book in the Blessings Bay Series and I loved catching up with Logan and Abby along with several new characters that were introduced.

The unexpeted Inn leaves you wanting to visit but be warned—you might not want to leave. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. I especially love Max’s story, the foster boy that was introduced in the first book. As he gets used to his new home, could everything fall apart and upset his life!

As Abby is preparing to open her Bed & Breakfast, the first guest, who runs a review blog, arrives early. Could this review end Abby’s career as an innkeeper? Even though Abby is worried about what kind of review her Inn will receive, she is thrilled that her best friend, Nadia, is visiting. Could Nadia find romance and her own new beginning in Blessings Bay?

The characters in this sweet, wholesome small-town romance navigate life and new beginnings in Blessings Bay while taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster that includes laughter and tears. Grab a cup of coffee (or your preferred beverage), settle into your preferred reading spot, and get ready to spend some time lost in this tale of new romance, second chances, and a foster child who simply wants a loving home.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Blue Ridge Breakdown by Rachel Hanna

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Blue Ridge Breakdown
  • Author: Rachel Hanna
  • Series: Jubilee #4
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place:  Jubilee, GA
  • Main Character: Ava, Jack
  • Other Characters: Madeline, Brady, Geneva, Eloise, Burt, Clemmy
  • Pets: Ava’s Boxer Millie
  • Stars: 5

Rachel Hanna never disappoints. Blue Ridge Breakdown is the 4th book in the Jubilee series and I officially want to move to Jubilee. I could not put this book down and I was smiling so much, I thought may face was going to freeze that way. If it is written by Rachel Hanna, I know I am going to read it and get so lost in the story that I will be transported to the destination.

Ava is driving her father’s vintage truck escaping from a bad situation, but she has no idea where she’s headed or what she’s going to do. When she encounters a snowstorm in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she finds herself in a precarious predicament. Her truck stalls after slamming into a snowbank. She has run out of gas and doesn’t have cell service. As if things couldn’t get much worse, her beloved Boxer, Millie, exits her car and darts into the forest as she opens her door to check if she can obtain cell service. As she sits in her truck all alone with no site of any other cars, she is convinced she is going to die at the side of the road in a town where no one knows her. Suddenly, she notices lights, and a truck has stopped behind her. She is simultaneously afraid and appreciative. Is he there to rescue her or does he mean her harm!! A large lumberjack looking man opens the door of her truck, picks her up and carries her to his truck. He drives in silence and takes her to his home in the woods. She finds out this lumberjacks name is Jack and means her no harm. Right now he is her hero for rescuing her. She continues to worry about her cherished Boxer. Although Ava is appreciative of Jack’s assistance, she isn’t entirely honest with him about what led her to Jubilee. As Ava grows more at ease in Jubilee and begins to establish a connection with Jack, her past eventually catches up with her. Will the potential between her and Jack be threatened by her past?

We also visit again with Madeline and Brady as Brady is putting the finishing touches on his new house so he can move in. I just love them and always enjoy seeing what they are up to.

This is a story of new beginnings, finding love in unexpected places, and becoming part of a community. It just goes to show you that it isn’t blood that makes you family. This book will make the reader smile and feel like they are part of the wonderful community of Jubilee.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Sea Glass Summer by Rachel Hanna

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Sea Glass Summer
  • Author: Rachel Hanna
  • Series: South Carolina Sunsets #11
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place:  Seagrove, South Carolina
  • Main Character: Tara, Noah, Julie
  • Other Characters: Meg, Colleen, Dixie, Dawson
  • Stars: 5

This is the eleventh book in the Series South Carolina Sunsets and Rachel Hanna never disappoints. This is my favorite series by this author so I loved catching up with the citizens of Seagrove.

We’re headed back to the small South Carolina town of Seagrove to reconnect with some old friends as well as some new. Tara’s life is spinning out of control. She’s lost her job and her fiancé, and now she’s getting additional bad news. In the midst of all this, she’s been called back to the home town where she was raised to cope with a family tragedy. While there she runs into her childhood best friend, Noah. Noah now owns his own shop where he is Sea Glass artist. The inspiration for Noah’s shop came from his and Tara’s time spent collecting Sea Glass at the beach when they were kidssh. Tara and Noah realize they still have a bond and she is finding some comfort with him. As there connection deepens, Tara is faced with a difficult decision. She has to really thing about what she wants and which direction she is going to choose.

We’re also back in Julie’s life to find out what she’s been up to with Dawson and her family. She’s facing some challenges and because she hasn’t opened up to her family about it, she’s dealing with it on her own. As she is starting to decide what path to take will she begin to open up to her family!

I really love catching up with the residents of Sea Grove. Rachel’s characters so so realistic and well developed that the reader starts to think of them as friends or family. I want to move to Seagrove and be a part of that small tight-knit community. When reading any of Rachel Hanna’s books, the reader is transported to the town where they take place. like It’s like going to the bookstore or coffee shop and having coffee with friends.

if you enjoy a heartwarming romance, of second chances, Love, Family, Friends, Reconnecting, disappointments, forgiveness, new opportunities and a charming small beach town you are going to love this series

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Seaglass from the Past by Kay Correll

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Seaglass from the Past
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #8
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam
  • Main Character: Rose, Aspen, Willow
  • Other Characters: Violet, George, Tara, Walker, Murphy, Trent, Danny, Denise
  • Stars: 5

If you’re a fan of small town romances with tight-knit friendships, you’re in for a treat. Blue Heron is the eighth book in the series and it does not disappoint.

In this episode we’ll learn more about Rose’s past and what kind of secrets she may uncover. We’ll also learn more about Willow and Aspen’s past. They’ll have some surprises and Aspen will finally come to terms with her past and her mother. There’s a wedding, a budding romance, a newfound family, community, and friendship. What more could you ask for!

This book had me smiling the entire way through. It was a great conclusion to an amazing series. These books will have you wanting to move to Moonbeam and be part of this wonderful community. I have loved every book by Kay Corrells that I have read and will be reading more.

Happy Reading!