5/5 Review: Try Not to Breath by Holly Seddon

Some secrets never die. They’re just locked away.

Alex Dale is lost. Destructive habits have cost her a marriage and a journalism career. All she has left is her routine: a morning run until her body aches, then a few hours of forgettable work before the past grabs hold and drags her down. Every day is treading water, every night is drowning. Until Alex discovers Amy Stevenson. Amy Stevenson, who was just another girl from a nearby town until the day she was found unconscious after a merciless assault. Amy Stevenson, who has been in a coma for fifteen years, forgotten by the world. Amy Stevenson, who, unbeknownst to her doctors, remains locked inside her body, conscious but paralyzed, reliving the past.

Soon Alex’s routine includes visiting hours at the hospital, then interviews with the original suspects in the attack. But what starts as a reporter’s story becomes a personal obsession. How do you solve a crime when the only witness lived but cannot tell the tale? Unable to tear herself away from her attempt to uncover the unspeakable truth, Alex realizes she’s not just chasing a story—she’s seeking salvation.

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The book is told in an interesting intermittent flashback format, by Alex Dale who is still grieving the loss of her husband, her baby & her career. Alex is also in deep denial of her alcohol addiction. Alex is narrating the present-day chapters in first-person, while the flashback chapters, are told from Amy's point of view which describe the actions of several key characters on one day 15 years ago.

 Besides Alex, the most fascinating character in the book is that of Jacob, the married man with secrets tottering on the brink of fatherhood. Jacob, yearning for the girlfriend who was taking from him to soon. Living with an over protected mother, is such a confused, unlikeable person at times. Yet this author makes the reader see the good in Jacob and how much he wants to do right by everyone, even as the story moves the angst-ridden man inexorably toward the unspeakable crime which are at the center of the narrative.

Holly Seddon's prose style is unique, complex and utterly creative.She is an expert in her ability to paint a word picture of a situation or a character in a few phrases.Seddon does an excellent job of taking a woman who has hit rock bottom and showing us why she's so messed up -- and at the same time, how beautiful and smart she is.Seddon writes action sequences very well. When she wants to, she can command your attention and allow you to experience what horrible thing is happening to each character. She also compels you to finish reading by speeding up the pace and making you want to keep going. This novel is shocking, brutal and disconcerting, an unsparing exploration of people and their motives, a harsh landscape that questions long-held assumptions about the human capacity for violence.

 This novel is a fascinating murder mystery, but it is so much more than that. It is a wise, evocative character study -- a glimpse into the lives of people who are lost and are struggling to find their way in a dangerous world. Some never find a path, some show others a path, and some find refuge -- which can be either heaven or hell. But all of these people -- for better or worse -- matter, and their intertwined lives are a lesson to the reader that even the tiniest action may have huge unintended consequences.

5/5 Review: A Girl's Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.

Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.

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“A Girl's Guide to Moving On” is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking novel by Debbie Macomber. While this is a standalone novel, and it can indeed be read as such, it is a sequel to “Last One Home”, and fans of that book will definitely want to read this so they can continue the story Cassie, Stephen, and Amiee. Nichole is Cassie’s sister who is devastated after her learning of her husband's infidelity, she is determined to not be like her mother-in-law Leanne and suffer for years, instead she builds a new life for herself. Leanne after seeing how Nichole left decided that after 35 years of dealing with a cheating husband decides that she as had enough and decides to leave also.

 This is a great character driven drama as readers observe what happens when you go through a divorce, which has left both couples emotionally traumatized as each grieves the death of their marriage and much more; and what is occurring in the present. Filled with wonderful friends 7 family, a strong support cast and plenty of angst while keeping the romance as a secondary subplot, fans will appreciate the courage of these woman..

Ms. Macomber gives her characters a real sense of strength in a very believable manner. When one person is down, there is another one there to life them back up again. They persevere in good times and in bad which makes me feel like I can be a stronger person. I love a book that I can relate to and can help me find strength in myself while enjoying a good story. I hope there third book in this non- series to find out what happens next the last sister.

4/5 Review: Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Though frantic to book a last-minute flight out of San Francisco, both are out of luck: Every flight is full, and there’s only one rental car available. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead.


At first they drive in silence, but forced into close quarters Ashley and Dash can’t help but open up. Not only do they find they have a lot in common, but there’s even a spark of romance in the air. Their feelings catch them off guard—never before has either been so excited about a first meeting. But the two are in for more twists and turns along the way as they rescue a lost puppy, run into petty thieves, and even get caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises—and their greatest wishes may yet come true.

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This story was so amusing and entertainng, I did not want to put the book down. I honestly do not know how I would handle the situation that Ashley and Dashiell are put through. Winter time is always magical time of year and Debbie Macomber really brings that feeling with this story line. Having these two strangers, happen to have much in common and begin to fall for each other it is unreal. Makes you wonder if someone has actually gone through this kind of story. It is amazing to see that this book was turned into a Hallmark original movie, and I missed seeing it this year. I do plan on looking for it again during the next holiday season. It would be unreal to see how they captured the magic and romance. 

4/5 Review: Bound by Sin by Jacquelyn Frank

After being chained to a star to burn endlessly as punishment for stealing immortality from the gods, Jaykun has been unshackled to wage war alongside his brothers. But his freedom comes with a price: Each night Jaykun must still suffer—his body burning from the inside out. One early morning, recovering from his torment, he encounters a beautiful stranger on the beach. Naked from her midnight-black hair to her sandy toes, she approaches him with starry-eyed innocence and the unmistakably full body of a woman.

Soon Jaykun is swept up with the force of a comet, his desire for this woman hotter than any sun. His brothers fear he is blinded by her radiant beauty, and that she has been sent by their enemies to seduce and destroy him. Jileana is indeed from another world—one Jaykun cannot begin to imagine. But will their passion burn brightly enough to light the way through the darkness that threatens to consume all in its path?

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Jacquelyn Frank’s ‘Bound by Sin’, is a really good read.  It is part of the Immortal Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.  You won’t be lost as you read because she does an excellent job of providing information to the reader.  I enjoyed Jaykun and Jileana’s relationship.  Jaykun has to burn every night as a punishment because of a wrong doing against the gods.  During the day he has to campaign to spread the word of his goddess Weysa, while on a campaign against the city Kriza, he meets Jileana.   He is at the cove where he decided to ‘burn’ for the night when he realizes that he is being watched.  When he can see again, he finds himself being watched by Jileana.  She is openly curious about the beauty of the man who burns like a star, that is until she realizes the pain he is in every time he must burn.  As Jaykun and Jileana become closer, he finds out that she is not what she appears, but rather is a selkie.  She lives on an island that is protected by storms so no one that is not invited can get on it.  She invites Jaykun to the island and he accepts it in a diplomatic form, this way he can talk about the goddess Weysa while he is there.  He becomes friends with the empress and helps her settle the problems that have been plaguing the selkies.  While this book was good and the storyline was quite enjoyable, I found some areas to be rushed, while others seemed to drag.  The interaction though between Jaykun and Jileana was very believable.  The way the story was written made it seem like they had a lot of time to get to know each other, which is something I appreciated.  While I enjoy the ‘insta’ love trope, sometimes it’s good to read about a pair that takes some time to really get to know each other. 

4/5 Review: Ever After by Jude Deveraux

Life is anything but perfect for Hallie Hartley, a young physical therapist who has given up nearly everything—even her love life—for her beautiful blonde stepsister, Shelly. Though Shelly’s acting career has never taken off, she has certainly perfected the crocodile tears to get what she wants—which all too often means Hallie’s boyfriends. When Hallie arrives home early from work one fateful day, she makes two startling discoveries that will turn her life upside down: Not only has a mysterious relative left Hallie a house on Nantucket, but Shelly has been trying to steal it. Desperate to put her troubles behind her, Hallie impulsively flies to Nantucket.

New trouble, however, has already settled into Hallie’s guest room in the form of her newest client. Hallie is told that wealthy, young James Taggert has injured his leg in a skiing accident. Assuming that the devastatingly handsome man has led a charmed life, Hallie is surprised by Jamie at every turn throughout his recovery. His attentions draw her out of her shell—but he has a dark secret, and is tormented by nightmares that only her presence can keep at bay. She suspects there’s more to his injury than he’s letting on.

On this gorgeous island rich in history, magic is everywhere, even in Hallie’s own backyard. As Jamie’s relatives arrive for a wedding gala, something wonderfully unusual is in the air. There’s an aura of romance—enhanced by a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend. In their own little corner of the world, Jamie and Hallie unravel the timeless secrets of their own hearts, and a very special story of True Love destined to last forever after.

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Ever After is the third book from the Nantucket Brides trilogy, and since I have read this one I would love to get my hands on the first two. The main character Hallie is one tough women and that someone you know you could always depend on. I felt a little sympathy for her because she put her life on hold for her step sister. This step sister seems to get whatever she wants by shedding a tear. Deveraux brings a romantic twist to her character by a man named James Taggert, who has secrets of his own. These two come together in such a romantic, fairy tale way that it makes this story so very magical. Ever After is a book for the ages. 

4/5 Review: Cursed by Ice: The Immortal Brothers by Jacquelyn Frank

 

As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.

Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

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My Thoughts/Review: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!! This story had me on the edge of my bed all weekend. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. It starts with a slow build up which I totally loved. It took me on a ride that started with sadness to tears to wonderment to outright anger. The emotional roller coaster was the best thing about this story because you were rooting for Garreth and Sarielle and then you were like what the heck?

 This story held me captivated because Jacquelyn Frank does such an awesome job of weaving something new into her story. Yes it is about immortal warriors, but HOT DAMN what Warriors they are. He is a cursed man, who has fallen in love, but knows that he will not claim Sarielle when he is tied to the gods for all time. The sex scenes are intimate and revealing oh so Sexy.

To say I was thoroughly surprised at this book is an understatement. Not really in the reading mood, I started the book only to become immersed in the story. Frank's imagination has created an amazing world. Her characters are amazing and fun and yummy. ooooh so yummy! Even with his hot and cold emotions, you will just adore Garreth. Frank keeps you guessing what will transpire between Garreth and Sarielle the entire time. The ending was well done leading into the next book of the series.

Cursed by Ice is one of those books that won't let go once you're done with it. I just finished the book and already I want to read it again. So full of mystery, romance and witty  references you are sure to love every word Ms.Frank has written.

4/5 Review: Silver Lining by Debbie Macomber

 

Since opening the Rose Harbor Inn, Jo Marie Rose has grown close to her handyman, Mark Taylor. Jo Marie and Mark are good friends—and are becoming something more—yet he still won’t reveal anything about his past. When Mark tells her that he’s moving out of town, Jo Marie is baffled. Just when she is starting to open herself up again to love, she feels once more that she is losing the man she cares about. And as she discovers the secret behind Mark’s decision to leave, she welcomes two visitors also seeking their own answers.

Best friends Kellie Crenshaw and Katie Gilroy have returned to Cedar Cove for their ten-year high school reunion, looking to face down old hurts and find a sense of closure. Kellie, known as Coco, wants to finally confront the boy who callously broke her heart. Katie, however, wishes to reconnect with her old boyfriend, James—the man she still loves and the one who got away. As Katie hopes for a second chance, Coco discovers that people can change—and both look to the exciting possibilities ahead.

 

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Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors for relaxing reading. I've read all of the Blossom Street books, and many of the Cedar Cove books. As a few other reviewers have noted, 'Silver Linings' is not a fast paced story, especially in the first chapters. One problem is that the story shifts from first person in chapter one, to second person in subsequent chapters, with first person thrown in again here and there. That's not easily done and can snag a story's flow. Also, (early on in particular) the 'characters ' repetitious thoughts made it too easy for me to lose interest in them; it took quite awhile before they began to grow/develop enough to catch my attention.

There are several reasons why I didn’t rate this book higher. 1) Jo Marie’s story is told in her own voice. Whereas Coco and Katie’s vignettes are in third person. This was distracting and the transitions were jarring. 2) The story centers mostly on the events at the high school reunion with too much immature high school-like dramas. 3) Coco’s confrontation with her ghost was short-lived and anticlimactic. And, her encounter with an old crush immediately following her “healing” was a little too picture perfect.

This was a great story, as is all of the Rose Harbor series have been. I enjoyed revisiting old faces and meeting new people. Debbie Macomber does a wonderful job of using multiple characters without confusion. The entire story read like I was really part of their lives and it was hard to put down. I liked how she tied up some loose ends, but left enough to ensure that any true fan will be drooling until they can get the final installment of the Rose Harbor series. I definitely recommend this book.

 

 

 

5/5 Review: The Story of Us by Dani Atkins

 

Emma is just days from marrying her childhood sweetheart, Richard. But what should be the happiest time of Emma’s life takes a turn for the worse when, on the night of her bachelorette party, tragedy strikes. Thanks to some quick thinking from a stranger, Emma is pulled free from a totaled car before it goes up in flames. But another passenger is not so lucky.

The wedding is postponed as family and friends deal with their shock and grief. But soon, secrets come to light that have Emma questioning her relationships—and her engagement. Making matters more complicated is the emotional connection she feels with Jack, the mysterious man who saved her life. It’s a crisis no bridal magazine has ever covered: What do you do when, on the eve of your wedding, you find yourself in love with two men?

 

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On her way home from her bachelorette party Emma is involved in a car accident with her two best friends Caroline and Aimee. One doesn't survive, but that fateful night she is saved from the car wreckage my Jack. He takes care of her until her fiance whom has been at his bachelor party shows up at the hospital. Emma has an emotional connection to Jack and leans on him for support. Richard and Emma - agree to postpone their wedding and secrets start to unravel around her. Emma finds herself loving two men, one is safe and known and the other isn't. 

I will start if you aren't into books about cheating - this one isn't so don't lose interest. It's more a story of discovering yourself and whom you chose forever with. Emma doesn't flit between the Richard and Jack - she finds a different kind of solace in each.
Ms. Atkins, weaves a splendid story of friendship, love, and self awaking. Woven in is the tender subject of alzheimer's, which added to the realism.I found the story enthralling and lost a bit of sleep and then was shocked by the ending. I didn't see it coming but it was a pleasant difference.If you are in the market for a well-rounded romance I would highly recommend this one.

 

4/5 Review: Dreamweaver Trail by Emily March

Emily March has once again perfectly balanced the romance and reality of small town living. The characters are appealing, complex, and fully engage our emotions from the very first page. I loved that that the conflict that could arise from a romantic relationship between 2 people who have faced a tragedy together.was handled with delicate respect and realism. The developing relationship between Evie and Taryn had just as much emotional impact as the relationship between Evie and Brodie.

I was also very touched by the emotional angst of the Flynn who believed that trouble followed him in all his relationships. His persecution by the press and his father was insightful and moving and the resolution illuminating! It was great to see the residents of Eternity Springs accepted him. I really can't say enough about Emily and her gift for intricately involving her readers in the lives of her characters. From the moment you start the first chapter you feel time slowing, the mountain air filling your lungs with a fresh sense of purpose, neighbors caring for neighbors, and love blossoming before your eyes. By the time you reverently close the back cover of Eternity Springs Novel you will feel refreshed and renewed by this charming town... where it is easy to believe in the miracles... of Eternity Springs!

Eternity Springs and the people in it have seen their fair share of heartache and it's nice to be able to catch up with all the people we know from previous books whose stories of sorrow, hope, love and second chances have already touched our hearts. The characters in these novels are warm and real and the town is in a beautiful setting. The story began to drag just the tiniest bit in the middle and I wish the last scene had played out a little longer but all in all, March comes through with another tender romance making fans eager to read the next book in the series immediately.

Review: The Arrow By Monica McCarty

     As King Robert the Bruce of Scotland plots to retake his English-occupied castles, he needs the stealth and skill of his elite soldiers, the Highland Guard. Fearless and indomitable, no men are more loyal to their king, or more cherished by the women they love.
     

The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Gregor is considered the most handsome man in Scotland, and his fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when his infamous face is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lie low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown-up and very desirable ward, Cate of Lochmaben

     A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy orphan Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. Brave, strong, and skilled in warfare, Cate is determined to lay claim to the warrior who refuses to be trapped. The heat in his eyes tells her she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them, and the truth of Cate’s identity is revealed?

I thought this was a wonderful historical Scottish romance with lots of historical details that made it so interesting. Cate has been thru a lot in her young life and this is a great story of how she grows up and how she becomes a young woman. The funny things she does and how heartfelt they are, are so sweet and inspiring. Such a great storyline.

I just loved how Cate did some unusual things like combat training which was a no for women.  Then her taking in children that seem abandoned and why she did it was so unusual.  The romance was there and seeing it all unfold was terrific.  Will be reading more books by Monica McCarty for sure.

Review: Blossom Street Brides by Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber has won the hearts of millions of readers with her moving and inspiring stories. Now wedding bells are ringing in the tight-knit community that gathers around A Good Yarn, a store in a pretty Seattle neighborhood. Knitters come to the store to buy yarn and patterns but somehow they leave richer in friendship and love.
 
Lauren Elliott has waited years for her long-term boyfriend, Todd, to propose, yet he seems more focused on his career than their relationship. When Lauren learns that her younger sister is pregnant before she herself even has an engagement ring, she feels overjoyed yet disheartened. Knowing she can’t put her future on hold, Lauren prepares to make a bold choice—one that leads her to a man she never dreamed she’d meet.
 
Newly married to her second husband, Max, Bethanne Scranton is blissfully in love. But with Max’s job in California and Bethanne’s in Seattle, their long-distance marriage is becoming difficult to maintain. To complicate matters, Bethanne’s cunning ex will do anything to win her back.
 
Lydia Goetz, too, is wonderfully happy with her husband, Brad, though lately she worries about the future of A Good Yarn. As she considers how to bring in business, she discovers that someone has beaten her to the punch. Baskets of yarn are mysteriously popping up all over town, with instructions to knit a scarf for charity and bring it into Lydia’s store. Never before has her shop received so much attention, but who hatched this brilliant plan?
 
As three women’s lives intersect in unexpected ways, Lydia, Lauren, and Bethanne realize that love heals every heart, and the best surprises still lay ahead.

Ms. Macomber definitely knows how to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary! Every time I read one of her books I feel as if I'm cocooned in the comforting quilt of familiar friends and family. Fans of the author and this series particularly will enjoy returning to Blossom Street and visiting with the characters they have grown to love and meeting new ones. There's something inevitably soothing in reading about someone else's every day struggles, whether it be money issues, family problems or romantic entanglements, yet knowing that no matter what they will get through it. Bethanne, Lydia and Lauren are all women who can be easily related to and sympathize with.  When I pick up a Debbie Macomber book, I know exactly what I'm getting and this instalment of the Blossom Street series delivers everything she promises and more.