The Daisy Chain by Heather B. Moore

The Daisy Chain by Heather B. Moore

Summary from Goodreads:
Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series

Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone... if perfect is even possible. 

Actually, Jess Giles does find her perfect match, but since Charlie’s several years older than she, they never have a moment of harmony from his adult kids who protest the marriage. When Charlie dies in a tragic accident, his kids add insult to injury and sue Jess for her share of the inheritance. The only person Jess trusts for financial advice is Charlie’s financial planner, Preston Michaels. Just talking to Preston on the phone makes Jess feel flustered, yet strangely comfortable at the same time, so she puts off meeting him for as long as possible. When Jess has to attend the formal hearing, she’s about to find out if the man she’s been talking to over the phone for several months lives up to the voice that she’s grown attached to.

4 Stars

Read July 2013

Short Story/Clean Romance, ebook on Nook

My Review:
The first book I read in this Aliso Creek series was Third Time's the Charm.  The novellas can be read in any order, but I found that the order I read them in was perfect for me.  There may be some spoilers if you read them in another order.  But not huge spoilers.  I just think that the order I read them in made sense and I knew what the author was talking about.

This is the order that I read them in:
Third Time's the Charm
The Daisy Chain
Picture Perfect (in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection)
Lost Then Found
One Chance

I liked this story for the healing that went on with the main character, within herself and her relationships with others.  The romance was sweet and fairly clean.

Warnings: Heavy kissing, death of loved one

I would let my 15 year old daughter read this book based on cleanliness, but I do not think that she would understand the situations and feelings involved with the characters.  They are definitely adult.

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection by Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, and Aubrey Mace


Summary from Goodreads:
Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

5 Stars

Read July 2013

Collection of Short Stories/Romance, ebook on Nook

My Review:
I love these collections of Short Romance Stories.  I have read The Winter Collection and The Summer Wedding Collection.  

Each of these stories is short and therefore the conflict is resolved without too much trouble.  But that is what I like about these collections.  They provide a quick, happy story.  

Sometimes when I am feeling stressed, it is hard for me to concentrate on a book.  I can't seem to focus on it long enough to remember what I read.  That is when these collections are perfect for me.  I can sit, read, and be happy for a few minutes.  And then go on to being stressed again.  This collection is like my own mini vacation.  

Warnings: Heavy kissing in some of the stories

I would let my 15 year old read this book based on cleanliness, however, most of the characters are in their later 20's and I don't think she would identify with their circumstances.

Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

Longing for Home: A Proper Romance by Sarah M. Eden

Summary from Goodreads:
Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she'll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper despite her Irish roots. The town is caught in an ongoing feud between the Irish and the "Reds" the frontiersmen who would rather see all the Irish run out of town and the Irish immigrants who are fighting to make a home for themselves in the New World. When Joseph agrees to keep Katie on as his housekeeper, the feud erupts anew, and Katie becomes the reluctant figurehead for the Irish townsfolk. As the violence escalates throughout the town, Katie must choose between the two men who have been vying for her love though only one might be able to restore hope to her heart.

5 Stars

Read July 2013

Historical Romance, Received advanced copy for unbiased review from Publisher, Shadow Mountain.  Recently Released.

My Review:
This book is in the Proper Romance genre by Shadow Mountain.  There are 2 other books in this set at this time, Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson and Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson.  The books are unrelated in story, but they are clean romance.

I love this book.  The struggles of immigrants is an interesting topic to take on in a romance.  I like having that as a conflict as well as any inter-personal issues.  I like learning more about the Irish culture as well.

There are a lot of layers to the main character and Sarah M. Eden reveals them slowly.  And, the main character opens herself up to different people in the book so not all of them have the whole picture of this new woman in town.  It is interesting to get to know this woman and who she is becoming in this new environment with new friends.

The romance in this story is somewhat predictable in parts, but then Sarah M. Eden adds a twist.  This book ends somewhat in the middle of a larger tale and will have another book to continue the story and the romance.  I look forward to reading more about this cast of characters.

Warnings: Violence and bullying between different cultures, nothing graphic.

I would let my 15 year old read this story.

The Cinderella Project by Stan Crowe

The Cinderella Project by Stan Crowe

Summary from Goodreads:
Committed to saving his marriage before it starts, doctoral student Nick Cairn embarks on a project aimed at finding the secrets of everlasting love. But when Moiré De Lanthe, a smart and sassy research assistant, enters the picture, his Happily Ever After is put to the ultimate test.

3 Stars

Read July 2013

Contemporary Romance, Ebook

My Review:
This is a short, clean book.  I like the main character.  And, this story is told in first person from his point of view.  However, at times I want to shake him!  

I get lost sometimes in the description of the PhD project this character is working on.  Do I need so much detail that I then get confused?  No.  My husband has a PhD and I remember the long hours in labs, writing/begging for grant money, and trying to please mentors.  It is a difficult thing and I admire anyone getting a PhD.  However, I do not understand this characters methodology and I find it distracting to the story.  There are some other minor mistakes in editing, but overall it is a cute, clean romance. 

How cute is the model on the cover?  Sigh.

Warnings: Infidelity talked about

I would let my 15 year old read this book.  However, I don't think her life experience (or lack of it) would help her to enjoy this story.

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

Summary from Goodreads:
Emmeline Thistle, a dirt-scratcher's daughter, has escaped death twice-first, on the night she was born, and second, on the day her entire village was swept away by flood. Left with nothing and no one, Emmeline discovers her rare and mysterious ability-she can churn milk into chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold.

Suddenly, the most unwanted girl in Anglund finds herself desired by all. But Emmeline only wants one-Owen Oak, a dairyman's son, whose slow smiles and lingering glances once tempted her to believe she might someday be loved for herself. But others will stop at nothing to use her gift for their own gains-no matter what the cost to Emmeline. 

Magic and romance entwine in this fantastical world where true love and chocolate conquer all.

4 Stars

Read July 2013

YA Fairy Tale/Library Book

My Review:
This was a much more in depth book than I was expecting.  This story followed the main characters through many lows and a few highs that covered quite a bit of time and much space in the land of Anglund.

Chocolate played a large roll in this story.  Mmmm...chocolate.  It was an interesting legend about the chocolate and where it came from.  Also, I liked the relationship the main character had with cows.  Cows seem much sweeter to me now.  Mainly, I liked the lead character and her determination.  She found herself broken, many times.  However, she had moments of being so strong and thoughtful.  

There was romance in this book, but in an interesting way.  The main character started by being so lowly and unwanted that she never thought she would marry.  And, at one point in the book, there were 3 men that would have married her.

This was a new and interesting fairy tale.

Warnings: Mild Language, Mild Sensuality, Homosexual characters (although very briefly mentioned, not a major part of the book)

I would let my 15 year old read this book.   

Emma: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

Emma: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

Summary from Amazon:
Emma's her name and matchmaking is her game! Quirky life coach Emma wants to help her first-ever client, a lonely nanny named Harriet. But all of her attempts at matchmaking result only in embarrassing miscues and blunders, leaving the pair disheartened and confused. This modern take on the Jane Austen classic shows that sometimes the greatest match is the one we make for ourselves.

3 Stars

Read July 2013, Release date is August 13th

LDS fiction/Classic retelling, Received advanced copy from publisher, Cedar Fort, Inc. 

My Review:

If you have read Jane Austen’s novel Emma, then you know how this story is going to go.  Emma is not one of my favorite Jane Austen stories.  I find Emma’s follies annoying.  Why does she keep making the same mistake?

With that in mind, Emma: A Latter-day Tale is fairly true to Jane Austen’s Emma.  The story has the same characters, the same situations (just in a modern setting), and the same mistakes.  Because it is a modern, LDS retelling, there are obviously some differences.  The one difference that I like the most is the character of Jenna Farley (Jane Fairfax in the original).  I like her career and situation.  It is a nice difference that makes sense in the modern retelling.

I also like the setting of this story.  The book takes place in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C.  I grew up in Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C.  It is fun to read stories where you recognize some of the places.

This is a fairly quick read.  It is clean, has miscommunication and blunders, and a happy ending, like the original Emma.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this story.

Rapunzel, The One With All The Hair by Wendy Mass

Rapunzel, The One with All the Hair by Wendy Mass (Twice Upon a Time #1)

Summary from Goodreads:
The girl's stuck in a tower. The boy's stuck in a castle. There are two sides to every story.... Rapunzel is having the ultimate bad day. She's been stolen by a witch, may have a ghost for a roommate, and doesn't even have a decent brush for her hair. Prince Benjamin's got it pretty tough, too. His father wants him to be more kingly, his mother wants him to never leave her sight, and his cousin wants to get him into as much trouble as possible (possibly with a troll). Both Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin are trapped--in very different ways. Once their paths cross, well, that's when things get really strange. Journey back to the days when fairy tales were true with this fun and fresh spin on a timeless tale!

3.5 Stars

Read July 2013

Middle Grade Fairy Tale, Library

My Review:
This was a very easy read, quick, fun, lighthearted.  Rapunzel is 12 and the Prince is 13 and it is geared toward a young audience.  It is an fun twist on the old fairy tale.

Warnings: None

My 12 year old daughter read this book before me.  She really enjoyed it.  This story is appropriate for any age.  

Melanie Jacobson week for me: Smart Move and Second Chances

This week I read two books by Melanie Jacobson.  I often like to read something different in between books by the same author, but these two books were Inter-Library Loan (which I love and highly recommend) and both due early next week.  

Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson

Summary from Goodreads:

The spark was undeniable the night Sandy Burke met the devastatingly handsome Jake. Conversation flowed easily, so after they parted, she waited eagerly for his call. It never came. A high-powered career woman at the ripe old age of twenty-seven, Sandy feels she has had her heart broken one too many times, and now the redheaded trendsetter is facing a major quarter-life crisis. After some introspection, Sandy determines that helping others may be the key to helping herself. When she's presented with a job offer in Washington DC as the director of New Horizons, a nonprofit organization benefiting women in poverty, it seems providential.

But now that she's moved, two major obstacles threaten the success of her first assignment: The first is her mother and her constant fog of less-than-helpful New Age advice. Secondly, plans to build another New Horizons outreach center have come to a screeching halt, thanks to the interference of a pesky lawyer and his attempts to reverse zoning approval for the building project.

After weeks of verbal sparring over the phone, Sandy is in for a shock when she comes face-to-face with her foe. The smooth voice at the other end of the line is a heart-wrenching blast from the past. In this twist of fate, Sandy sees the perfect opportunity to ensure the success of the outreach center — and to enact a little payback on this man she thought she'd left behind. And so the battle of wits begins. Will Sandy's "flirt-to-convert" plot sway her nemesis' determination to block the center, or will his charming and undeniably attractive ways convince the sassy redhead to give love a second chance?

4 Stars

Read July 2013

LDS Fiction, Inter-Library Loan

My Review:

First off, how cute is this cover?!  I want those shoes.

Second, I grew up in the D.C. area and could identify with some of the things the characters experienced, like working long hours to keep up with the demands, schmoozing, knowing the right people.  I love where I grew up, but frankly it was too fast paced for me and I like a quieter lifestyle.  

Third, the story has enough twists that I really didn't know where the author was going to take it.  I wasn't sure whether there would be a happy ending or not.

Fourth, I read Twitterpated and the main character in this book is a secondary character in that book.  I liked continuing her story.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this book, however, I don't think she could identify with the subject.

Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson

Summary from Goodreads:

After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou's pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they've forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens -- Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man -- fast.

Enter Nick, Lou's devastatingly handsome ex-boyfriend. He's the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving...and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan -- that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick's attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on -- but what's a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

4 Stars

Read July 2013

LDS Fiction, Inter-Library Loan

My Review:

I really enjoyed this "Mormon Bachelor" story.  It explored the difficulty of the Mormon Singles Scene and the uncertainty of dating.  What I really appreciated about this story was the growth of both characters.  We heard of their dating experience from 3 years before.  And it was wonderful to see them recognize things that they could improve in themselves as well as with their situations, work specifically.  And, I wasn't sure how this story was going to end.  The author wrapped it all up in the last few pages in a way I wasn't expecting.  This story had a bit of a "Pride and Prejudice" feel in that the rejection of one character to the other instigates a change in both.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this story, but like the other book, I don't think she would understand the situations and experiences of the characters.  She hasn't been on a date yet, so how could she understand the difficulty of the dating scene?

Heist Society Movie?

The Heist Society by Ally Carter has been optioned by Lionsgate.  I hope we do see a movie out of this. What fun!

Read Ally Carter's Blog.

Guest Review by DEBBIE CRANBERRYFRIES!

Guest Review by Debbie Cranberryfries!  


Check out Debbie Cranberryfries HERE


Title: The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight

Author:  Jennifer E. Smith

Genre: Young Adult

ISBN: 13: 9780316122382

Publisher: Poppy/ Little Brown

Pages: 236 pages, hardcover

My review:

Hadley is being forced to attend her dads second wedding. In London. And she cant even leave the airport without things already falling apart. After missing her flight by just 4 minutes she's now forced to wait 3 hours for the red-eye, getting her to London and  finding the wedding within just a couple of hours. While waiting for her flight kind-hearted Oliver offers to help and ends up joining her for airport food dinner. Hadley notices his garment bag carry on and is relieved to see another person off to London for an event as well. A friendship emerges and Oliver gets Hadley sharing, and relaxing, about the expectations ahead (meeting her new step mother for the first time).

They spend the flight learning about each other and entertaining each other and are sadly split at customs in London. Hadley draws on that recent memory to help get her through this difficult day/event. 

The whole story takes place in 24 hours and is a pretty quick read. 

I really enjoyed this one! A perfect book to pick up and escape into for a few hours! 17 year old Hadley has been living with her mom after her dad moved out to teach in London. Because of the way he left things, she's pretty much not had a lot of contact with him and is now having to go to his wedding. She hasn't even met this women yet so needless to say she's a bit stressed about the situation. At first she tried everything to get out of going but after she missed her flight by mere minutes she's trying desperately to get there on time and not upset her dad on his big day. In comes Oliver who gives Hadley a helping hand while they wait at the airport for their flight to London. He's easy to talk to and has the swoony British accent.


Personally I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults. Anyone looking for a quick, fun read. Maybe pick it up after reading something VERY heavy to lighten your mood or just take it to the lake and lay out on the towel and enjoy. :)

This book is very clean. There weren't any swear words or sex (or even things leading the reader to assume as much). Also there was no violence.

Language:  None
Sex: None
Violence: None

Thank you Debbie for recommending this book to me.  I really enjoyed it!  And I would let my 15 year old read this book.  - Brooke

I Won, I Won!

BOOKSHOP TALK hosted a summer giveaway and guess who was one of the winners?  

I could choose one book on their site that has been reviewed or the author has been interviewed.  You know I love Shannon Hale.  But, did you also know my 12 year old daughter loves Shannon Hale too?  Well, she does.

About 4 years ago Julia started reading Rapunel's Revenge.  I had never seen Julia read like that.  She didn't put it down!  As soon as Calamity Jack came out, she read that one too.  At the library, she often picked them out, over and over again.  About 2 years ago, I finally bought Julia Rapunzel's Revenge, but we still don't own Calamity Jack.  

When I won this summer giveaway, I decided we needed to get Rapunzel's companion.  So now we own Calamity Jack!  It came in the mail today.

Thank you BOOKSHOP TALK!

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

Summary from Goodreads:
The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost. 

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas. 

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead. 

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

3.5 Stars

Read June 2013

Clean Regency Romance, Inter-library Loan

My Review:
This was an unusual Regency story for me.  There was a touch of paranormal with a ghost as one half of the main couple.  I had to let my imagination go a little more than I do with Sarah M. Eden's other Regency books.  I also felt the loneliness of the characters in this book.  There was a sad feeling throughout the book, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.  It was a good story and I loved the writing.  

I really liked the Welch setting of this book.  It gave the story a different element and also there was a lot of humor related to English verses Welch culture.  I am sure I was butchering the words, but it was fun to read something a little different.

Warnings: Black magic 

I would let my 15 year old read this book.