Three Little Words by Jennie Hansen, K.C. Grant and Aubrey Mace
Summary from Goodreads:
The road to true love never did run smooth, but a few bumps along the way make it all the more thrilling. This timeless truth is showcased in Three Little Words, a charming compilation of short stories written by a trio of popular LDS romance novelists. Readers are invited to follow the journeys of three young women as they encounter love where they least expect it.
Rescuing Bailey by Jennie Hansen
For as long as she can remember, Bailey has loved the boy next door. But despite her feelings, his schedule and his little brother keep getting in the way. Will her childhood crush finally blossom into something real, or will she discover that true love is waiting just around the corner?
Three Little Words by K.C. Grant
The bet is simple: Elizabeth, a speech therapist, has three days to teach a country bumpkin with a drawl as thick as molasses how to speak like a gentleman. But as she gets to know her charming student, it soon becomes clear that there may be more to him than meets the ear.
A Crying Shame by Aubrey Mace
Cassidy is in love with the idea of love, though after her most recent breakup, the possibility of finding Mr. Right seems hopeless. But when she meets a handsome classmate in her painting class, she may end up learning more about chemistry than about art.
4 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an hones review.
My Review:
I enjoy reading compilations of short stories. I like the length of the stories and I like to get to know new authors through the collections. I have read another short story by Aubrey Mace. I also like happy stories. With a title like "Three Little Words" I hoped I was getting a clean and happy collection.
And, the stories are all that I hoped for. The stories are stand alone, they do not connect to each other. They do each have scenes where "three little words" are spoken. In some cases, saying those words is the start of a deeper relationship. In others, it has the opposite effect. Each story leaves me feeling like there is hope found in love and sharing that love with the right person for you.
Warnings: None
I would let my 18 year old and my 14 year old read these stories. (Ugh, my teenagers are growing up!)
I can't possibly make a list of my top 10 books this year. But I would like to point out some authors that I have grown to love this year and look forward to reading more of their work. (This doesn't include authors I've loved for years, just ones I've grown to love this year.)
Check out their wonderful books!
Links below are to their blogs/websites.
Michele Paige Holmes
Jennifer Moore
Josi S. Kilpack
Jennifer Peel
Donna K. Weaver
Broken Things to Mend by Karey White
Summary from Goodreads:
***This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series that features one recurring character—the match maker—but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***
Celia is in desperate need of a change--a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon's Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She's wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters?
What Celia doesn't plan to find is a strange Chinese woman whose meddling ways keep throwing her in the path of a handsome, but reserved, forest ranger. But no matter how kind or dependable Silas seems to be, there are some things in Celia's past that neither of them can escape, and this time, the damage might be too much to mend.
4.5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
I have really grown to love Karey White's books. Most recently I read her The Husband Maker Series. It's excellent!
As soon as I found out about the Power of the Matchmaker Series, I couldn't wait for the first book. I have read books by many of the authors writing in the series, but not all of them. I was so glad that Karey White was writing the first release because I was familiar with her work.
The Power of the Matchmaker Series is a set of 12 Novels, one released each month during 2016. A Prequel sets the stage by introducing us to Mae Li AKA Miss Pearl, The Matchmaker. Each of these 12 Books is a stand alone novel. However, Miss Pearl, The Matchmaker, appears in all of them.
As Broken Things to Mend begins, we get a back story of the male main character, Silas. This introduction to Silas helps us understand who he is and some of the experiences that have shaped him as an adult. However, we know little of the female main character, Celia. Her story unfolds in bits and pieces. The two characters are brought together by The Matchmaker, but it is up to them to decide whether to pursue their attraction or not.
These two characters are both in "broken" places. At times it is very hard to read about their troubles. I ache for each of them. They feel inadequate and unlovable. I enjoy reading about their healing, both individually and together.
I was slightly surprised by the outcome of this story. In some ways I predicted how it would end, but I wasn't sure how the author would get there. The ending was a bit abrupt, but also resolved.
Spoiler in the warnings.
Warnings: Rape, not graphic
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
Timeless Regency Collection: A Midwinter Ball by Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon and Michele Paige Holmes
Summary from Goodreads:
From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.
Join three bestselling regency romance authors, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes, for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL.
MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.
SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.
AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man.
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review.
My Review:
I am thrilled that A Timeless Romance Anthology has started putting together the Timeless Regency Collections. The first is Autumn Masquerade and this one is the 2nd collection. Next will be Spring in Hyde Park.
Each of these stories follows a woman who is in need of change in her life. She may be smothered by overprotective families or lonely or isolated from society. This need within each of the women helps them to make decisions that propel them in to a different place in their lives. By being brave they find happiness and love.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this collection.
Twelve Days in December by Michele Paige Holmes
Summary from Goodreads:
A Christmas Novella from the bestselling Hearthfire Romance series by Michele Paige Holmes:
Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.
To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.
For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This lovely novella is a companion to Michele Paige Holmes' Marrying Christopher. Charlotte and William rather quickly marry when they hardly know each other. The arrangement seems like a good business deal for both parties. Wonderfully, they find that it is more than a business deal. As they get to know each other and spend time together, their attraction grows.
I like the simple moments that bring these two characters together. It is the moments of spending time as a family, playing together, and talking. It isn't a whirlwind. This makes for a very sweet story that leaves me feeling happy during this Christmas season.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this story.
Always Will by Melanie Jacobson
Summary from Goodreads:
Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.
Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?
4 Stars
Received ebook for an honest review.
My Review:
Melanie Jacobson writes great contemporary romance. I really enjoy Melanie Jacobson's writing, especially her humor. This book shows her understanding of complex relationships and finding the humor in the good and bad aspects of that relationship.
There are sweet moments between the two main characters. There are confusing and frustrating moments between them as well. Melanie Jacobson does a good job of keeping the reader feeling the ups and downs of the relationship along with the characters. Does Will like Hannah? I think so. Wait, maybe he doesn't and I am reading that wrong. Oh wait, I think he does like her. There is definite angst in this story as the characters work through the ups and downs and changes in their relationship.
As much as I like the story, the main characters annoy me. I wish I could say I loved them, but I don't. And, I think the characters work really well together. I wouldn't want to date either of them, so it is a good thing they have each other. I don't have to love the characters to enjoy the story. It would just help me to love the story more.
This is a clean, contemporary romance.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
Simply Anna by Jennifer Moore
Summary from Goodreads:
Suffering from a cruel heartbreak, Lord Philip Hamilton has been driven to seek refuge from the painful memories haunting London, and his father’s Jamaican sugar cane plantation provides just the escape he needs. Philip finds solace in his hard work and takes comfort in the fact that his distance from society ensures that his heart will be protected from future entanglements. Protected, that is, until the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with no memory of her past. The only clue to her identity is a necklace inscribed with a name: Anna. In a matter of weeks, this gentle, intelligent, and impossibly beautiful stranger turns Philip’s world upside down. But as the bond between the pair grows, the threat of Philip losing his heart once more is only the beginning of the dangers that await. Island renegades and a ruthless band of pirates clash in a swashbuckling battle, and it soon becomes clear that these villains may be the key to unlocking Anna’s past . . .
5 Stars
Received an ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This is the 3rd book of Jennifer Moore's that I've read. I am a huge fan! I haven't read one of her books yet that I didn't like. If you like Historical Fiction then check her books out.
I can't imagine how much research Jennifer Moore must do for her books. Each one gives me an insight into the time and place that she is writing about. This one is no exception.
This story takes place in Jamaica in the early 1800's. I have read stories set in England in this time period that talk about the Caribbean and characters owning plantations there. This is the first where I read about what life is like on the plantation. (It isn't that there aren't books out there about this, I just haven't read them.) I learn about slave life on the plantation as well as how plantations are run. I learn about some of the politics of slavery from this time. I love reading about historical elements with which I am unfamiliar. I love learning something new from a fiction book that entertains me and takes me to another place and time.
On top of all this great learning, this book has a great story. It is short, yet full of romance, adventure, sadness, confusion, and, of course, happiness.
Warnings: This is a clean book with some difficult topics like slavery, death, and loss.
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
Three Little Words by Jennie Hansen, K.C. Grant and Aubrey Mace
