Monday, November 9, 2015

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection

Summary from Goodreads:
The SARAH M. EDEN BRITISH ISLES COLLECTION contains two brand new historical romance novellas A FRIEND INDEED and A HAPPY BEGINNING, as well as four hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Sarah’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of six historical romance novellas set in the British Isles.

5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
It is no secret that I love Sarah M. Eden.  I love having a collection of her stories, especially ones in the British Isles.  I am a sucker for British Isle Historical Romance.

This collection starts off with 2 new stories by Sarah M. Eden.  Then there are 4 stories from previous anthologies.  I am happy that Sarah M. Eden included the very first A Timeless Romance story that I read.  In the first collection, Winter Collection, in 2012, the very first story is The Road to Cavan Town. It reminds me why I fell in love with these collections.

In the 2 new stories, Sarah M. Eden adds to my love of her story telling.  The first story, A Friend Indeed, is not at all what I expected.  Although the story is a romance, it doesn't have the sweep you off your feet, butterflies in your stomach kind of romance.  It leaves the reader with a sense of hope about love and its possibilities.  The second story, A Happy Beginning, shows how 2 people can overcome obstacles and work together for their happy ending, or in this case, their happy beginning.

I recommend reading any of the A Timeless Romance Anthologies for anyone who likes clean romance, both historical and contemporary.  

Warnings: None

I would let my 17 year old read this book.

Friday, November 6, 2015

A Healing Spirit by Melissa A. Hanson

A Healing Spirit by Melissa A. Hanson

Summary from Goodreads:
A freak ski accident brings nineteen-year old Mia Kinney within minutes of death. Hurt and scared, Mia is calmed by the southern drawl and clear green eyes of her rescuer. 

Twenty-one year old Dylan Blackburn is one of the first Ski Patrol members on the scene. As his patient is airlifted to the local trauma center, he can’t shake her from his thoughts. 

As Mia fights for her life, Dylan, is haunted by the blond hair beauty, and knows he needs to make sure she’s going to be okay. 

With a troubled past Dylan has vowed never to completely open himself up to another girl, but Mia continues to knock down every wall he’s constructed. When his past arrives at his front door and threatens once again someone that he loves, will Dylan be able to save Mia yet again? Or will he be too late this time?

A story of love, friendship, and the determination to turn a horrible experience into something worthwhile.

"A Healing Spirit" is book 2 of the Riverview Series, however each is a standalone story.


4 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
As the summary states, this book starts with a freak accident.  It really took me off guard.  The author does an excellent job of keeping the adrenaline going in the first parts of this book.  The action goes from the accident all the way through the rescue process and surgery at the hospital.  One could find the details of the process tedious, but I really like seeing it unfold.  Also, the entire book is told in different points of view. By doing this, the author gives us the first hand experience in the action.

The romantic elements of this story are lovely.  I really like seeing these characters come together from a difficult situation.  The characters even state in the book that although the accident was horrific, they are glad that it happened so that they could meet and fall in love. There is one scene where the couple take their physical relationship a little farther than I usually like.  As they are kissing, there is touching under clothes, but it is very brief.  The couple discuss it and what they see in their physical future.  

As the story continues, there is yet more action at the end of this book.  As one of the main character's past relationship comes back in to his life, it turns in to a cat and mouse game.  This person is out for revenge and nothing will stop him.  It is an unexpected aspect of the story.  I can tell about half way through the book that something is going to happen, but it is more action packed than I expected.

This is a good mix of action and romance.  Again, I really like seeing the different points of view throughout the book.  And the action and romance are just the right amount for me.

Warnings: Scene with touching under clothes, very brief.

Even though there is that brief touching scene, I would let my 17 year old daughter read this book.