I always find it a treat to read a Joycelyn Green book. She's written on many different subjects, and I've found them all fascinating. Taking place in I always find it a treat to read a Joycelyn Green book. She's written on many different subjects, and I've found them all fascinating. Taking place in 1926 New York you get a real feel for the sights and day to day activities of the time period. The author really brings this Central Park series to life. I'm not a bird watcher but I do enjoy seeing pretty birds when I'm out and about. I learned so much about birds from this book, the information was fascinating. Due to a recent death a wealthy family leaves a vast bird collection to the American Museum of Natural History. Elsa Reisner, Ornithologist is tasked with finding a magnificent bird collection in the spellbinding Gothic mansion. While searching secrets are revealed. You can feel the tension rising as you read, very intriguing and suspenseful. There is so much going on in the book, things I've never seen mentioned in a historical fiction book before. Our main character had polio as a child, and it has affected her mobility. There is an aging gardener with a special needs daughter. These are good people, people who are there for Elsa. The focus is on Elsa as she does a very important search and the consequences of this search. The book had me spellbound as I read. Recommended.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Reading the author's books is just like being on a special holiday. I always enjoy them and look forward to a new one with anticipation. This one has Reading the author's books is just like being on a special holiday. I always enjoy them and look forward to a new one with anticipation. This one has the inclusion of some of her Hedgehog Hollow and Bumblebee Barn characters returning so that is exciting right there. Warm and delightful, I had a hard time putting this one down. There are some serious subjects discussed but the author does it in a realistic way and I liked this. No one is belittled and the characters rally around to help each other out. I very much love the inclusion of animals in the author's books. I am a big animal person and to have the author encourage others with her books about animals is such a positive thing. One of her series was about a hedgehog rescue and this is about an owl rescue. Owls are so beautiful and majestic, and I thank the wildlife rescues out there for devoting their time and energy to these animals. There were so many informative facts about owls living in the UK in the back of the book so make sure to check this out. The romance is a slow burn and not rushed which is always nice to see. I found the book to be filled with fun and informative facts about owls and gymnastics. As you read you will be taken on a beautiful and emotional journey which you will want the very best for the characters. I connected with the characters right away which made for an enjoyable read. Now I just need to catch up on a few more books by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
I have so many books on my tbr list to come. Sometimes I wish I could read them faster, like this one. Natalie Sullivan lives in a vacation town, AlbanI have so many books on my tbr list to come. Sometimes I wish I could read them faster, like this one. Natalie Sullivan lives in a vacation town, Albany Beach, Delaware. The locals appreciate the beautiful beach area and the dollars the tourists bring in every year. As a local, Natalie is used to the hustle and bustle of the area and this summer her oldest child, her daughter is working a summer job at one of the local hot spot shops. She befriends the new girl, a teen several years older than her and more outgoing. Natalie is happy her daughter is being brought out of her shell. When she gets a look at her daughter's friend a flood of emotions comes rushing over her, see she has a secret she's only told a few people. Namely her husband, parents and best friend. When she was a teen on a summer trip abroad, she got pregnant and gave up her first child in a closed adoption. At the end of her childbearing years, she is regretting this decision and would like to find her daughter. Now she's wondering, is it possible, could it be....... is her daughter's new friend actually her oldest daughter. They do look very similar she thinks. Then the book progresses as the two girls become close friends and Natalie has so many conflicting emotions wondering if it's her daughter as she and the girl become close to the dismay of her daughter who thinks it's weird. She can't tell her daughter her secret, her hormones are raging; and her husband is fed up with how it's affecting the whole family. See, her daughter's best friend is adopted, is it her daughter? When her best friend's daughter decides to try to find her birth mother Natalie is afraid of what the results may be. This book had my emotions all over the place. A sure not to miss tension filled summer read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Over ten years ago Eleanor Brigg's mother died after terrible suffering, this has made her question her relationship with God. Why as such a Godly womOver ten years ago Eleanor Brigg's mother died after terrible suffering, this has made her question her relationship with God. Why as such a Godly woman with her strong faith wasn't she spared from such suffering she wonders. Her faith in God shattered she doesn't believe a relationship with him is plausible. Carter Brunswick owns his family's flour mill in Kalispell, Montana his family does well and is responsible for employing almost all in town. The land needed to grow adequate wheat for as much flour as they provide for not only the state but out of state is monumentous, thousands of acres. Elanor and her conservatist father travel to Kalispel to advocate for the land not to be owned privately but to be turned into a public land for all to enjoy and be conserved for generations to come. This was before the National Parks came about, specifically Glacier National Park. Carter has other things to occupy his mind besides his wheat fields though, the Great Northern Railway due to safety concerns and expenses is ready to pull out and go to a more industrial and profitable area. This will affect the whole town and its employees when they can't get the product shipped out. Despite their differences in opinions and initial dislike for each other Ellie and Carter know they must work together for the benefit of all. I think my favorite character is the mayor's wife. She works so hard to get the couple together and she is so strong and perseveres in helping Ellie find her way back to God. Such a beautiful faith filled story, with so many encouraging elements, Ellie's journey back to God was such a heartwarming read. I did enjoy reading about the conservationist rallying around for large amounts of land to become public lands preserved for all to enjoy. I enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot. I am looking forward to a continuation to this series and a follow up of the situations we encountered in this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the final book in the Berlin Wife's series, and I have diligently read and followed along with it all. Being fascinated with learning about paThis is the final book in the Berlin Wife's series, and I have diligently read and followed along with it all. Being fascinated with learning about past history especially WWII history I enjoy reading this author's books so much for what I learn from them. Exceptionally well researched which I always appreciate she makes the stories come to life on the pages. It's as though she's there back in time and writing about her observations in day-to-day life, amidst the fear, danger, courage, blood, sweat, tears and shocking realizations. I have read most of the books the author has written and was pleased to see a return of characters from other books in the series and even a few characters made it into the book I remember from other series. If I had to choose my favorite characters would be David and Roxie. Roxie has really come a long way from the time we were first introduced to her. Such resilience in the face of darkness. We meet new characters, see failures but despite these, the human spirit is strong. I am so impressed with the way the author portrays each character, so realistically, the struggles and hardships are real. Despite all this I felt the strong family love the characters have for each other. I greatly look forward to reading the new series the author is writing.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Sadie and Ted's marriage needs a sprucing up, together for over decade things just haven't been the same recently. Sadie is convinced renting a huge mSadie and Ted's marriage needs a sprucing up, together for over decade things just haven't been the same recently. Sadie is convinced renting a huge mansion in the middle of nowhere in the Highlands for the Christmas holiday is just what they need. Along with their two daughters the holiday house appears perfect for their little family, and they get inside just as the car runs out of gas and the raging storm starts. Now as I'm reading this psychological thriller I'm thinking, okay this is pretty tame when is the action starting? As you read you absorb the words you're reading and have a belief in them, this is how the story will go, you're walking along minding your own business and then an anchor drops on top of you. You reel back, staggering under the weight of your assumptions and realizes, they're just that and you should never make assumptions as you read because you really never know. Shocking twists and turns, I felt like I am teetering on the edge of a cliff, one exhale too much and I'd be over the edge! A must read not to miss. It took my breath away!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Before I even knew what this book was about, I was drawn to the cover. This is such an eye-catching cover. After focusing on the cover, I'm so glad I Before I even knew what this book was about, I was drawn to the cover. This is such an eye-catching cover. After focusing on the cover, I'm so glad I decided to explore the book further and read the contents. The book is real, transparent and can be a very relatable subject. Intertwined with humor, jokes and good times is a serious matter, addiction. The addiction focused on here is alcoholism. Julie is in her mid-forties and still doesn't have it all together yet. This isn't at all how she envisioned her life when she was in her twenties. The way the author portrays the stops and starts, fails and wins sounds realistic in Julie's journey to sobriety. From self-help classes, to winning it and then falling off. The elations and falling low. My son is a police officer and has told me of some very sad cases where people were not able to get the help they needed with such sad results. Admitting you need the help and taking that first step is so important to your road to recovery. There is no smooth sailing, there will be good days and bad. I really loved Luke's character, he and Julie are working on wedding planning her best friend's wedding together. Luke is Julie's biggest supporter in her recovery journey, so incredibly supportive. When she doesn't believe in herself, he's there to pick her up. She's not looking for romance her recovery journey is her main focus. Luke has a daughter he's raising so he has to be completely sure of who he hooks up with and how she will perceive them. Will his sense of humor, understanding and kindness break down her fences as she continues her healing journey? I loved this impressive and moving story. One to remember.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Absolutely delightful foodie summer romance set on an island off the coast of Maine. So realistically descriptive, I could hear the water crashing agaAbsolutely delightful foodie summer romance set on an island off the coast of Maine. So realistically descriptive, I could hear the water crashing against the rocks, see the seaweed as the low tide lapped, hear the gulls cawing looking for breakfast and see the lobster boats out with their traps set as they watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. Though I don't live in Maine I have had the privilege of visiting the beautiful and charming state multiple times in summer and fall. I'm ready to return. Effie left the tiny Maine Island and her best friend Ernie sixteen years ago, right after high school, thinking never to live there again. She had high aspirations for herself, become a professional chef and travel to foreign countries. She accomplishes both but her latest restaurant job doesn't work out so well and she's home again on the island after all this time, just for the summer she tells herself. Ernie, he's a lifer, he still lives on the island and is satisfied to not have the travel bug. Island life has treated him well. Effie knows it's inevitable on the small island she'll eventually run into Ernie. You can't plan these things, it'll just happen. Will it be awkward after all this time? Working at an island restaurant, Brown Butter Effie is satisfied and it's a popular spot for the locals and tourists alike. Behind the scenes there are things going on and Effie feels she must speak up. Once she speaks up how will her job security hold up though? I loved how so much of the book took place in the restaurant and got a real feel of the professional restaurant scene from the servers to the line prep to the dishwashers. The desserts sounded amazing and the dinners divine. This was a slow burn romance that had Effie and Ernie reuniting in a surprising way, talking things out and taking it slow with their romance. Will Effie's mind be changed about staying just for the summer or will she be trotting off on her next adventure when the leaves start to change? Such a fun summertime beach read I'll be on the lookout for more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Another absolutely incredible time-travel book by this author. After I finished the previous book in the series and saw her next book would feature twiAnother absolutely incredible time-travel book by this author. After I finished the previous book in the series and saw her next book would feature twin daughters, I was so excited to see how this would play out. The times featured here are 1692 and 1912. Now the girls are able to go to sleep-in one-time period and wake up in the other time period without any time having passed. In 1692 they live and work in their father's tavern. It is the time of the Salem Witch trials, mass hysteria, afflicted citizens. Who can you trust? I found the information about the Salem witch trials informative and fascinating and as coincidence may have it, I was just in Salem this past October and found out a lot of fascinating historical information about this time period. In 1912 as times are more progressive one of the twins is a journalist and the other aspires to become the first female pilot in America. I loved seeing the growth the girls go through, each has a love interest in a different time period and has established such an important bond with people and events in this time period. The girls have promised each other to be together forever but when an unimaginable tragedy happens how will this affect their future? The pacing of the story felt right, the characters kept my attention with excitement. I enjoyed reading the alternating viewpoints of the girls and seeing how they came to the conclusions they have.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
After having read multiple other books by the author and enjoying them so much I was excited to start reading a new series. Hollyhock Farm sounds like After having read multiple other books by the author and enjoying them so much I was excited to start reading a new series. Hollyhock Farm sounds like such a delightful place. These rom coms can have some quirky characters in them but not in a bad way, a good way. The characters are fun, outgoing and keep you entertained. We have Lettie and her brother at their parent's farm, Hollyhock Farm in Jersey. The parents need to tell them something, they are selling the farm and retiring. Lettie grew up there and she never expected this to happen. She wanted a career in fashion in London but not quite working out like she wanted it to she's back on the farm and shocked at her parents' announcement, she and her brother both. The farm is in Lettie's blood, she can't just let it go and sets out to prove to her parents on a trial run of three months she is capable of running it herself though she has no idea of the ins and outs of farm work. Now I do like the thought of an organic produce farm with a few animals but it's not something I'd want to do day in and day out. I give Lettie all the props, she works her tail off basically day into the night running this farm while her parents are on a cruise to prove to them, she's got what it takes. Will it actually be enough to keep the farm in the family and convince her parents it should stay? With two men competing for her attention, the town's new veterinarian and a firefighter, who will she choose? Does she even have time for a romance right now? The book is so heartwarming, the characters are charming and likable, the situation has a bit of tension that has you holding your breath. The book is warm and invites you in to get to know the characters and I'm looking forward to reading more installments in this series and meeting back up with all the animals again.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I think the reason this author’s books are so popular are because they are based on fear. A childhood fear, that we still have a fascination with thouI think the reason this author’s books are so popular are because they are based on fear. A childhood fear, that we still have a fascination with though we may not admit it to ourselves. In reading these books we can explore this fear in a way but through a safe medium, a book. It’s a book we can completely get lost in as we enter this world of creepiness and whatever the author wants to convey to us but safely at any time, we can leave it.
With a dual timeline we find ourselves volleying between 1910 and modern times. Rumors can destroy or accentuate something. With rumors still running amuck about the house on Predicament Avenue that started over one hundred years ago the curious among us still gather. Rumors are usually started by something being true and adding on to it, an embellishment of sorts until it gets out of hand and can become dangerous.
A purported murder of a woman taking place long ago has the curious gathering. Is Predicament Avenue haunted or is it just the eerie descriptions messing with our mind?
The characters were exactly as the author wanted them set up to be, The unknown is in full force in this book and if you listen closely, you will hear the dead whispering a message to you.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Where to even start with this review. I've read other books by the author but none quite like this one. My emotions were on an absolute roller coaster wWhere to even start with this review. I've read other books by the author but none quite like this one. My emotions were on an absolute roller coaster while I read this one and I do wish the book could have gone on longer or maybe a sequel it. Not many books can capture my heart and soul such as this one set in Killcawley, a small fictional village in Ireland. Emma, escaping from an abusive marriage runs as far as she can where she thinks her husband won't find her. The description of Killcawley Estate took my breath away. Sprawling, spectacular I want to go there right now. Owner, Judith is a quirky seventy-five-year-old woman who enjoys doing fun Instagram videos of all her spectacular vintage fashions. It works out well as Emma is hired as a personal assistant to Judith who in turn gets someone to shoot her Instagram videos. Though Judith enjoys her fashions her videos also have a more serious side to them, help save the manor from a buyout and destruction. The longer Emma is there the more she gets to know the other staff of the estate and Judith's friends. Judith considers all her staff as family including Emma. I enjoyed seeing the tight bond the characters have with each other. The book had a bit of suspense and a feel of danger to it that was revealed as time went on. Emma and Judith both have secrets they have kept for various reasons, and it really brought the story into a clearer picture when they were revealed. Reading this I felt close to the characters as though I were part of the family observing the going on's firsthand. I could barely put this down and I'm off to see what I've missed by the author I've yet to read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
We are once again swept away to Ireland and the beautiful Emerald Bay. The sparkling sea, waves crashing and breathtaking view are more than enough toWe are once again swept away to Ireland and the beautiful Emerald Bay. The sparkling sea, waves crashing and breathtaking view are more than enough to make anyone want to stay. Grace Kelly has memories of the geeky, awkward glasses wearing chicken legs boy she knew back in school. This fine specimen that is built, a handsome hunk and without glasses surely could not be who she thinks he is, but it is and he's her flat mate helping to pay the rent. One look and she's convinced she's fallen in love if only the sad reality didn't exist that he has a girlfriend. Over the years when she'd mention Christopher Dorrance or his family's name to her father, he'd get furious but would never tell her what the family feud was over. When it seems the possibility of a romance is ready to develop as they spend a lot of time together at a fundraising concert her hopes come crashing down as their fathers still argue constantly neither wanting to give an inch. When the cause of the rift between families is finally revealed will it cause it to continue or will forgiveness and understanding take place? Once again, I loved spending time with the Kelly family. This series is so heartwarming and Emerald Bay just pulls me right in. Sounds like the perfect relaxation spot. I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to read more.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Primrose Woods series is one I can always get into. I've read all in the series and always eagerly look forward to more additions to it. The beautThe Primrose Woods series is one I can always get into. I've read all in the series and always eagerly look forward to more additions to it. The beautiful setting of Primrose Hall is front and center in this charming and uplifting book. Sophie has struggled through a bad relationship and finally she's out of it and ready to start anew. Primrose Hall has weekend craft fairs and it's the perfect opportunity for Sophie. She finds the customers warm and welcoming and the others at Primrose Hall just what she needs. Tom newly found brother of Jacks, Lord of the Manor has to earn the trust of those around him and he'll do whatever it takes. As Sophie and Tom spend more time together, they just click, too bad Sophie isn't interested in a new romance yet. I enjoyed catching up with the characters in the past book in the series. When Jackson is in an accident Tom is able to prove his worth and earn the trust of others as he spends a lot of time helping out. Full of love, laughter, tender moments, friendships and a slow burn romance. Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect, sometimes it's better. Fabulous relaxation read that has me wanting to visit Primrose Hall now and have tea with its occupants.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Henry the snail is not like the other snails because he was born without slime. He is only able to crawl on the ground. More than anything Henry wantsHenry the snail is not like the other snails because he was born without slime. He is only able to crawl on the ground. More than anything Henry wants to climb to high places like his friends. Should Henry give up because he's different? NO! This young snail has a strong determination to not let his being different hold him back from what he wants to do. Through trial and error, he makes it to a high place, the top of a flower and has an impressive view. Beautifully illustrated with a valuable lesson for children. Highly encouraging!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
The book takes place at the Biltmore Estates in North Carolina, this is a place I have wanted to visit for many years. I would have loved if the book The book takes place at the Biltmore Estates in North Carolina, this is a place I have wanted to visit for many years. I would have loved if the book had been more descriptive of the interior and the going on's in the mansion. The book focuses on the Biltmore Industries, particularly the weavers. Three main characters, master weaver Lorna Blankenship, she has created exquisite woven material in the past and has been commissioned to create a piece unlike any other for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding. She believes she has lost her touch and will be unable to create that special piece. Gentry is Lorna's student and also an orphan. Arthur is a talented woodcutter and despite having a deformity is pure of heart and in love with Lorna, but she doesn't even notice him. Ther are three different time periods here we are working with. As the story continues the characters become woven together as they go through surprising situations. It's a story of love and loss, discovery, betrayal, letting go, acceptance, faith, family and forgiveness. The story was a journey of self-discovery with surprises along the way. So well researched. I've never read a book quite like this one and will remember it for a long time.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
I haven't read many books by Portia MacIntosh but the ones I've read have made me chuckle at the predicaments the characters get themselves into. In thI haven't read many books by Portia MacIntosh but the ones I've read have made me chuckle at the predicaments the characters get themselves into. In this one Dani's boss/boyfriend dumps her right before Christmas. Haven't these women learned anything, why they keep continuing to date their boss in these books is beyond me. That's one thing that'll never turn out well. With no dates for the holiday, she's got it all planned, with her extra time she'll go visit her parents for the holiday and just show up as a lovely surprise. The surprise is on her though when she finds out her surprise visit is a bust as her parents are not home but on holiday themselves without telling her. Deciding to stay there while they holiday, she runs into old friends and acquaintances. She's hopeful a romance may just come knocking this Christmas season for a little kissing under the fairy lights. Cute, romantic seasonal read packed with humor.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
This is the last book in the Mill Grange series as we've read through the seasons with the book titles. I've enjoyed getting to know the generations oThis is the last book in the Mill Grange series as we've read through the seasons with the book titles. I've enjoyed getting to know the generations of the family over the series and have seen so much character development. Will Mill Grange be up for all that's asked of it? Harriet, Dylan Harris’s former babysitter (and soon to be stepsister) is out of options and is in desperate need of a venue for her acting troupe's outdoor performance of Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale. With staff more than eager to please they offer their help in any way. Let's just say, if it can go wrong, it'll go wrong. The characters have highs and lows. A welcoming return of characters we've met in the other books in the series had me excitedly flipping pages and feeling right at home. Small town charm, sweet romance and community togetherness. This is a fun book not to miss.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
I've seen this premise in a book before, but you know what? It worked and I really enjoyed the book. A warm hug of a Hallmark type Christmas book. It'I've seen this premise in a book before, but you know what? It worked and I really enjoyed the book. A warm hug of a Hallmark type Christmas book. It's clean, calm, not really any drama but It's a book you'd want to share with your mother or grandmother.
When AI makes Riley Sanders redundant at her job it isn't what she was planning on having happen, especially right before Christmas. I guess if there's such a thing as perfect timing at the wrong time it would be now. Jobless right before Christmas Riley finds her mother has broken her leg and needs helping to run her Christmas Inn. Packing her cat and little else she welcomes the change of scenery as she's now back in her hometown helping her mother. Memories fade but don't disappear as she sees her former high school love staying for the Christmas season at her mother's inn. As the snow falls and the fire crackles at the Cape Cod inn, Aidan is happy to help Riley and her mother with some of the heavy work at the inn all the while remembering their high school romance. Aiden is there with his son Luke and has a hard time at Christmas as his wife passed away a few years ago but he wants to make it as happy as possible for his son. Riley is in a relationship with a financial guy, a mover and shaker who believes making partner and working long and then even longer hours is more important than any relationship. When things seem to be going well with Riley and her rekindled relationship with Aiden she needs to step back and reevaluate not only her relationship with Jack but job wise as well. I enjoyed meeting Beth, Riley's mother a friendly woman who just may be getting a second chance at a romance as well, later in life. Warm, friendly and perfect for that hot chocolate with cookies reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
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