 For years Callan Carrigan has been her father’s right hand man, so when her dad’s will names city slicker Court McAllister the new owner of The Circle C Ranch, Callan feels betrayed on every level. Then she and her sisters find their mother’s diaries, hidden from them by their father since their mother’s accidental death 18 years ago, and the shocking revelations explain a lot. Reeling, Callan seeks refuge in the local saloon, where it seems no one can reach her, until Court offers her a challenge. If she agrees to be foreman at the Circle C for one year, he’ll deed the ranch back to her and her sisters. The deal seems too sweet at first—until Callan realizes Court has his eyes on something she protects even more than her family’s land—her heart. I had no idea this story was part of a series, I had read before until I started the book! What a lovely surprise. Callan and Court's path to relationship is difficult one. Callan has a long way to go, to accept the pain of lose, on so many different levels. Her tough and stubborn exterior hides the tender heart so well, as over the fall, she tries to find her place again in the world. It is rather heartbreaking, and sad, the sorrow and growth she has to go through, to accept the truth about her family's past. Court's patience with her, his understanding of the situation is commendable. I was cheering for him, and them, the whole way through. Intriguing conclusion of this family saga ~ Four spoons
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 It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style! Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five! There might not be peace and harmony, but there certainly was lots of ex-military men, friends, and cheerful fellowship! Dan and Sarah both are very competitive by nature. And when you add the instant attraction they feel for each other, their only goal is to beat one another, at first. Whoa, those two are steaming hot together!! It is very sensual, delightful and acrobatic (yes, you read right!) when there to get together. But as well as they are compatible physically with each other, their communication skills need a longer acquaintance. Luckily they get everything worked out, before everything is lost. Engaging, entertaining, and luscious story for this season ~ Four spoon   Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn. Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of owning a vineyard. For her, it’s a chance to restart her life and put past tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamieson’s counter offer blows hers out to sea. Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval. Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both. Charming small town, filled with secrets and puzzling mysteries, fueled on by gossip and tales. In Share the Moon you settle right into the small town living, the close knit friends known each other all their lives, families who for centuries have lived in the town. You can relate to the people, and fit right in with the circle of friends. I enjoyed reading about the growing attraction and relationship between Sophie and Duncan, and how the story unrevealed over time. They are both in their mid forties (not let the cover fool you), they have past marriages, children, and history, even between themselves from long time ago. The interest and allure just keep growing, even though all the odds are against them. The conflict of interest in their respected jobs, and family dreams, have set them against each other, creating friction. They are at opposite ends of every single issue in town. And every time they take a step towards each other, for a closer relationship, more secrets from the past are revealed, always putting a wedge between them, making them wonder the trustworthiness of each other. But they are willing to compromise, work on difficult issues, face them head on, and support each other where it is needed. A touching, charming, and colorful romance, in a vibrant and vivid small town America ~ Four spoons
  This Christmas season, Christina Grey Cooper has finally accepted that her marriage to her college sweetheart Dare is over. So she packs up her things, leaves a note, and heads back home for Marietta, Montana in the hope that a Christmas with her family will help piece her head—if not her heart—back together. Dare isn’t about to let the love of his life go, and who cares if that’s what he thought he wanted? He’ll do what it takes to win Christina back—even if that means suffering through Christmas with his in-laws, pretending to still be happily married for the sake of family harmony, and trying not to get caught up in all that holiday nonsense he’s never believed in… But Christmas is magical, especially in Montana. And if Dare has any hope of convincing Christina to give him one more chance, it’s going to be here… This story was so much more than I expected. What powerful, deep, raw emotions Christina and Dare have to go through, while fighting for their marriage to survive, fighting for their life. When all the smoke and mirrors comes down, and they are faced with the honest reality, and they have to admit, they both are at fault to arrive at this place in their life, it is compelling. When Dare is fighting with the demons of his childhood, it is poignant and moving. How much they love and adore each other is so touching. The love, devotion, and support from Christina's family is sweet. The whole story is full of sensitive, rough emotions. With a powerful message of how love can truly heal the old wounds. ~ Five spoons!  It's official - for Juliette Connolly Christmas is a bust and she's definitely not in the Christmas spirit. She's been dumped by her boyfriend and replaced by a younger model. Then a clause in her contract means she and a mysterious colleague have to work over Christmas. But there's much more to Andrew Campbell than meets the eye. Especially when it turns out he's the Scottish Laird of the haunted house they're filming in. And it seems like there's magic in the air in the remote snow-filled setting. The local village contains a cast of Christmas characters and even though the boiler in the drafty house is broken the temperature is definitely rising. Maybe Andrew and Juliette are about to be sprinkled with a little Christmas fairy dust? Do you believe in haunted houses and ghosts? What makes this charming Christmas story unique, are the possibilities of ghosts residing in Andrew's mansion. But are they really spooky restless souls wandering the hallways, or are all the history and drama that has happened in the house making it feel like it? During the Christmas visit to the Laird's mansion, Andrew is finally facing the loss of his brother, and accepting the future of the mansion, and change that has to happen. Juliette and Andrew are swept away for the attraction for each other, they create a bit of their own Christmas magic, and bring light, love, and life back to the mansion darkened by sad family history. An alluring, fun, and clean Christmas story, with a bit of a magic and sense of being hunted... ~ Four spoons!   Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance. Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in. The first time I saw the cover of A Cowboy's Christmas Promise, I wanted to read the story, because it was just so full of joy, love, and delight! And the story surely delivers what the cover promises! It is a tale of cowboy charm, idyllic Montana living, humor, wonder of the wild, friends, and romance. The dialog is light, fun, and witty. The character's feels like your lifelong friends, the families are tight, pulling together, and devoted. The romance between Hayley and Daniel is beautiful. What a wonder to watch them fall in love, getting to know each other, learning about each other, carrying on over the time through the distance. Even though the story is 'clean', you can feel the passion, attraction between them. There are a number of swoon worthy scenes in the book, that will stay with you, and make you smile long after. But you also tear up with the deep sorrow of the loss, and of the struggles to move on with life. Daniel's girls are blissfully adorable, and how the little family unit forms, almost instantly, like they were meant to be together, is captivating. The battle with the mother-in-law, Haley's sisters missing, trials with their careers and stress, all bring deeper layers to the story, just making it more enthralling. Truly a charming tale, yes, full of joy and love, life and heart ~ Five spoons!  Maggie McGinnis is the author of Accidental Cowgirl and Driving Without a License, which was a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award. A former high school English teacher, an accomplished musician, and a certified black belt, she lives in New England with her family. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads “Maggie McGinnis writes the kind of characters that keep you smiling long after you turn the page.”--USA Today bestselling author Katie Lane
“A writer with a talent for both humor and emotion.”--New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland, aka Lori Austin “McGinnis comes out of the chute with force, grabs your emotions, and gets a death hold on your attention to the last page, where you sigh and wish there was one more chapter.”--New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown “Heartwarming and sweet, Maggie McGinnis is definitely an author to watch!”--USA Today bestselling author Tina Leonard  Wealthy New York City girl Claire Lindell isn’t looking for a Christmas miracle or happiness when she abruptly decides to hole up for the holiday at her godmother’s cottage in a little Yorkshire village, and lick her wounds from a near disastrous romantic decision. After her car skids into a snow bank, Claire may have accidentally found her perfect Christmas and the family and love she’s craved when she offers Noah Bradford of Ayesgill Farm help to push the back end of one of his sheep out of the icy mud, even if she’s going to ruin a brand new pair of Prada boots during the rescue. What’s a little leather when love’s on the line? I am really enjoying this Christmas around the world series, cause all the different traditions are introduced amongst the stories. What a delight! In Yorkshire Noah lives a solitary life, by choice, to hide his past mistakes. Claire is escaping her life in New York, looking for a quiet, lone holiday on the country side. Both Noah and Claire have real life problems, things they have to accept, and work with. I liked how they tackled their problems together, built a relationship against the odds over time. Molly, Noah's daughter, brings a nice aspect to the story as well. Noah has been an absent father for many reasons, mostly not by choice, and is now trying to build a relationship with Molly, getting to know her, building a home and a place to belong within each other. There is no glamour or prestige in the Christmas in Yorkshire. But there is lots of love, imagination, creativity, allure and effort, that all makes the Christmas time magical for this little family in making ~ Four spoons!  Let it snow…? Wasn’t she supposed to dream of a white Christmas? Right now, Ashlynne wishes the blizzards, ice and fog that have left her stranded in Venice would melt away. She’s facing a dreary holiday stuck at the airport—and she’s also run into her ex-husband. Lorenzo di Grechi insists Ashlynne stay with him at his sumptuous palazzo apartment. He’s also promising her Christmas Venetian-style: eating, drinking, and visiting the seasonal markets and musical concerts that make the city so enchanting at this time of year. She thought she’d moved on: laid the ghosts of their marriage which had ended so sadly and badly to rest, along with how passionately she’d loved him. But the sexual attraction between them is still as potent as ever, and he seems to have changed for the better, forcing her to question her belief that he’d cheated on her at a time when she’d needed him most. Is this just some sort of Christmas magic at work? Or a real chance to forgive and rediscover her love for Lorenzo? What a lovely picture the author draws to the readers about Venice, and Italian Christmas traditions. I really enjoyed reading about the markets, the traditional Christmas time meals, and Christmas Eve meat free nine course dinner. Just lovely details put into the story that makes it unique. Ashlynn and Lorenzo have lots of pain and hurt from the short marriage behind them. The whirlwind romance and short courtship didn't give them a chance to really get to know each other, or learn how to communicate with each other. Now, five years later, they get their own Christmas miracle, the time to salvage the relationship neither has gotten over with. They talk, share and cry together, built anew into the foundation they had before. Passionate story of second chances drizzled with Italian Christmas traditions ~ Four spoons!  Sarah’s committed to her stellar modelling career in New York, but there’s an obligation she needs to fulfil. Harold was a Grandpa to her when she needed him most. Now all Harold wants is one last Christmas in his beloved Waratah Bay Homestead. Sarah’s not that so hot on baking and Christmas seems a bit… challenging… but she’s prepared to fly half way round the world to give it a try. The only problem is, Harold no longer owns Waratah Bay Homestead. Farming tycoon Max Ramsey owns it now and he doesn’t like company, he doesn’t like Christmas and most of all, he doesn’t like Sarah. When the two clash, enough sparks ensue to light a Christmas tree. How many enemies does it take to cook one Christmas turkey? Ever wanted to escape the holiday madness, and everything was just working against you? Max has always been the responsible one in a huge family, and wants nothing but solitude. Sarah never had a real family, and wanted nothing but one Christmas with people around her... The story has very lighthearted tone, lots of bantering, and lots of chaos. Max and Sarah are drawn to each other, Max shares his life with her, but Sarah is withholding all the vital information from him. Somehow they still manage to fall in love, save the Christmas to many people and animals around them, and make it the best ever for all of them. It is a clean story of falling in love, Christmas spirit, family, responsibilities, and about finding solutions in life when all the odds are against you ~ Three spoons  When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas? This story has the true Christmas miracle, showing what love can do in a shattered life. The Steele brothers have such a fragile connection. Their lives are shadowed by the horrid abuse their father cast upon them. It is so touching, heartbreaking, to see them try to get to know each other, trust each other, learn to love. The connection between them is delicate and frail, but so full of understanding and support. Maia and Cole's romance burns hot, it is passionate, but also brittle, since they both feel unfit for love and commitment. I absolutely loved reading about them, the way they opened up to each other, and took the delicate steps towards each other. Cole, the confident alpha male, has found his true match, and together they are strong. The mystery of the accidents escalating, the incidents bringing intrigue and questions into the snowy ranch. Dark, edgy, but so sweet and romantic story, that will string your heart and stay with you for a long while ~ Five spoons   Return to Valentine Valley, where Christmas lights are twinkling and first love burns brighter the second time around... When Tony De Luca's ex, Kate Fenelli, waltzes through the door of his tavern and pulls up a bar stool, she turns his balanced world on end. Once they'd been each other's first love, first everything. But then life happened, and they walked away with broken hearts. Now Kate is back in Valentine, and they can't seem to stay out of each other's way. When Tony begins wondering what would happen if they rekindled the sparks, he knows he's in big trouble. Kate can't believe she's sitting at Tony's bar spilling her life-changing problems to him. He's as gorgeous as ever, and she can't seem to forget how incredible he always made her feel. Still, the door on that chapter of their lives closed long ago. Yet with Christmas buzzing in the air, Kate can't help wondering if anything is possible—even a second chance with the only man she's ever loved. What a wonderful story of little town living, the first love, second chances, and Christmas miracles. This story has so many outstanding aspects to it, it was a joy to read every minute. The Valentine Valley with its lovely inhabitants, the Widow's, the families, the circle of friends, it is a tight knit group, that lives and love, and support each other. The whole concept of 'it takes a village' is truly lived with this community, and they made me smile, what a joy! Tony and Kate were each others first love, and after spending some time together again, those old feelings started to burn anew. I liked that they had the chance to talk about the old times, heal old hurts and misunderstandings. It was a delight to watch their relationship form again, in a new and more open platform. It was adorable, passionate, charming, and captivating, but also a bit painful to go through the old history to make it right again. I wanted to see them happily together again, as a family. This story shoots right to your heart, and takes a hold, it made me smile, laugh, and tear up, and have a long, happy sigh at the end. A perfect read over the holidays ~ Five spoons!  Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.
Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads  Thirteen years ago, two teens met on the ramp to Ground Zero, on a cold and snowy day, strangers bonding in a moment of grief. The boy pressed a crystal snowflake ornament into the girl’s hand and disappeared into the crowd, unaware that his simple act of kindness saved her from the guilt that threatened to consume her. Since losing her mom, Elena Larsen hasn’t set foot in New York City -- until now. Agreeing to help her sister prepare for her baby’s birth seems like a good way to spend Christmas and Elena vows not to let the monstrous guilt that weighs on her heart ruin everything. But those plans go awry when she meets Lucas Adair, a man whose own grief and guilt just might rival her own. When Elena discovers Lucas is the boy who gave her that crystal snowflake all those years ago, she can’t accept it as the sign Lucas believes it to be. For her, it means only one thing --- even beyond the grave, her mother can never forgive Elena for breaking her heart. For Lucas, New York is hallowed ground that he can never leave. He spends his days working in the Financial District and his evenings volunteering and it’s almost enough to help him forget what he did. Lucas knows better than to make plans with a woman who will soon be leaving, yet can’t help himself. There’s something about Elena that pulls him in. He doesn’t put much faith in signs but even he starts to believe Elena is his absolution. Now, he only has to convince her. Lots of deep emotions involved with this story, just from the 9/11 references alone. I can only imagine the anger and sorrow that those so closely affected could feel and struggle with. But there was also light, hope and faith in this story. I loved the theory of all the signs around us, if we are just willing to see them. I enjoyed the characters, Lucas was endearing, Al, so much fun, with the biggest, most unforgiving heart. Elena was troubled, and a bit immature. And melodramatic at most times. But she grew up a bit towards the end, when she finally found the peace in her heart. It was an interesting story of faith, forgiveness, belief, and love. ~ Three spoons  Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel comes home to recharge after ending a career she never truly wanted, but soon realizes she’s in danger of also being swept off her feet by the boy-next-door, her former best friend, Ben Stephens. If only he’d stop kissing her every time she falls into his arms. Everything local celebrity Ben Stephens ever wanted is in Starling. Then Jade comes home after an eternity away and sends his simple world into a tailspin. He’s determined to pursue her—the one girl who got away. But when their friends-with-benefits arrangement blows up in their faces, will they have the courage to put their pasts to rest in order to forge a future together? This story got really mixed reaction from me. I really loved the best friends finding each other again, and falling in love. The Christmas traditions, helping out in the community, family parties, outdoor activities, all bringing great memories, and making me smile. I like that Ben and Jade took their time to be friends again, before moving ahead with the attraction. Jade was a bit difficult to like. The whole 'mean girl' vibe that she came off with was not attractive. Her taking her insecurities out on a waitress just not acceptable. She runs hot and cold constantly, and came off very insecure. Ben was delight, honest, fair man. I don't think he deserves to be treated the way Jade, her friends, and her mom treated him. Yes, Jade mom, Gigi, I did not like at all. It is one thing to be protective of your children, a whole other matter to be mean. She runs over all the other characters in the story, and not in a positive way. Her redemption at the end was not enough for me. So even though the romance was delightful and sweet, there were some issues with this story, that took it down a notch in my eyes. ~ Two spoons with a tiny teaspoon on the side  Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart. Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child. Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true. This title is so full of Christmas magic, it took my breath away! A fantastic, romantic story about first love, second chances, and yes, Christmas magic. The romance is sensual, the connection between Sabrina and Jake is tangible and miraculous. Even with all the years, hurt, and damage done to their relationship in the past between them, they manage to find the affection and fondness towards each other again. And it is beautiful. But Charlie, their daughter, takes the cake. Part of the story is told from her point of view, and it is just so touching to read the thoughts, hopes, wishes, and faith of the nine year old, that I recommend to get your tissues close by. And to see Sabrina and Jake work so hard to get past all the animosity, to be such awesome, loving, caring parents, is just amazing. So like I said, a story full of incredible Christmas magic ~ Five spoons!  Cassandra Baines almost has it all: a flourishing career as one of the youngest English Lit assistant professors at NYU, an apartment in a city she adores, and a close circle of lifelong girlfriends that are like sisters. The only thing she doesn’t have is someone special to share it with. She’s been married to her work since Sean McKinnon broke her heart seven years ago. Musician and bar owner Sean McKinnon keeps busy – too busy for a love life. He blew it with Cassie all those years ago, and no one has held a candle to her since. But then one fateful night, of all the people in New York City, Cassandra walks into his bar, and he’s drawn to her as strongly as ever. She wants nothing to do with him, but he’s not going to give up so easily. Can a bit of New York Christmas magic help two people take a second chance on true love? Handsome Irish musician and New York City at Christmas time, doesn't get much more romantic than that! Or so I thought. But this story delivered even more romance. Heartrendingly beautiful love story, all about finding your place in this world, being able to trust, forgive, forget, second chances, and about the knowledge that you have found the one. This story just pulled all the emotional high notes, I laughed, I was in tears, smiled, and at the end just was happy. I enjoyed that Sean and Cassandra took their time to get to know each other again, that they talked about the difficult issues between them, how open they were with each other, and how at the end they didn't give up on each other. Lovely story indeed! ~ Five spoons! |
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