Review: Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

Wow. Just wow. This is such a powerfully written story that I don't even know where to begin describing it to you, friends! A story of working through hard things and coming out on the other side having more than survived. From first page until the last, I was hooked into the lives of each of the characters. Not one of them has made easy or always right choices. And they struggle. But oh, watching as they push through anyway... As per my usual, it's the characters who make the story for me! :)

Harsh emotions are never fun to deal with and all the characters in this one have lots of those to work through. Guilt and forgiveness are hard. And forgiving oneself? Even more so! Why are we always the hardest on ourselves? That's what truly struck me about these characters. They are real and genuine. The reader has the privilege of walking through some dark places with them and as I did that, so many times I just wanted to reach into the pages and hand out bear hugs! My emotions were caught from the first chapter and I couldn't stop until I knew how things would get fixed. Yet even "fixed" doesn't mean everything is all hunky dory. Unfortunately, that's not real life. But that's the beauty that's here! It's the real that I connected to and it's why I stayed glued to every chapter.

Still, it's not just hard things happening, the story is also filled with lots of hope. It infuses every paragraph. I think that's one of my favorite things about Ms. Walsh's skill with the pen. She just has a way of sinking deep within her characters and her storyline and instilling lots of hope and grace within the words. It permeates everything and it's exactly why the story truly works. Because without those bits of hope and grace, how does any one of us keep going? That's a marvelous aspect to this crazy life we all get to be a part of! :)

Ms. Walsh is an author you need to read, my friends. And this story? Is the perfect place to begin! Read it now! And then go back and read all her backlist if you haven't yet. Then come back here and thank me. Don't worry. I'll wait. It'll be worth it. ;D

**I received a copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes & Noble

Review: Royally in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones

How is it I forget just how much fun it is to read a Jenny B. Jones book until I read another one? The lady has such talent for making me laugh! I admit I was a bit concerned that having not read the first book of the series I wouldn't get as caught up into the story right away. I should never have doubted! Ms. Jones is amazing, y'all. :)

From the crazy-awesome chemistry between our main couple to every unforgettable side character, there is pretty much something for everyone here. At least for those who love a good laugh! And a good mystery. Kudos to Ms. Jones for keeping me hooked on trying to figure out whodunnit! I am becoming a bigger fan of these cozy mysteries that are getting more popular these days and this is an excellent addition to the genre.

Oh, and the ex-CIA grandmother? And the book club? And witty banter everyone's got going on? Seriously. How does Ms. Jones do it? Every time I stopped giggling and got serious, there I'd go all over again! Have I mentioned this book is just a lot of fun? I loved Paisley! I loved getting inside her head and completely understood all the crazy going on in there. She's a woman after my own heart! I just got all the worry and doubt she had to push through. But what's so amazing about her is that she pushes through no matter how hard it is! She's determined to keep moving forward and figure out this life she's been given. And the Renaissance Faire she's heading up is just the icing on the cake!

Okay, so all I've done is gush a bunch of exclamation points. Sorry folks, but that's pretty much all I've got today. I just really loved this little story! Even if mystery or romance isn't really your thing, I feel very confident that Ms. Jones is able to change your mind. Trust me. It's a ride worth taking, my friends! :)

**I received a copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes & Noble

Review: When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham {Blog Tour + Giveaway}

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

About The Book

Title: When You Look at Me
(Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Woven Words Publications
Release Date: October 25, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins' great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt's treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review

It is always a happy day when Pepper Basham releases a new story! And this one is just as wonderful as all her others. Ms. Basham has coined the word "britallachian" for this series and it is quite perfect. From the mix of Appalachian and British accents, to the wonderful and hilarious adventures of our main couple, I giggled my way through this story quite happily! :)

Julia and Henry are so worth spending time with. The difficulties that they both face in their respective journeys are genuine and give a depth to the overall sweetness of their romance. But of course, the romance bits are undeniably adorable, though! Their meet cute is so appropriate and I just loved the shy way they tiptoed around each other at first. I especially loved how they connected through their love of music. How each of them had discovered the way music helped them cope and then to find another who understands that part of their heart? Such a connection isn't easily found and it was one of my favorite bits of the whole story. And watching as they both step out of their comfort zones and seek to add a bit of bravery to their lives....it was delightful to see. They both have so much to overcome, but as they grow and learn, they help each other become more confident. A true rapport is between them. So it's not just the cute, but also the swoony and genuine that delighted me!

And have I mentioned how much I love the big, loud, and awesome Jenkins' family?! I think they just got added to my list of favorite fictional families ever! The hilarious way they interact, yet balanced with the deep love they have for each other, I adored each and every time they came on the page. They are the backbone of this series, for sure.

Filled with sweetness and giggles, as well as a mystery to solve, this story is certainly one of Ms. Basham's best. With a swoonworthy (and quiet) hero, a damaged (but hopeful) heroine, fairly serious romantic (and crackling) chemistry between them, and the boisterous family of loveableness (and hilarity), this is a book worthy of checking out. If I haven't convinced you, I promise that Ms. Basham will if you only give her a chance! Trust me, friends. :)

**I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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About The Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.

CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

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Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive:

• print copy of Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1)
• print copy of When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
• a plaque which says: Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life.... love comes along and brings you a fairy tale

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 22, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 29, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Rose in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan

Oh friends, where to start? From first pages to last, I was thoroughly captivated by this story! I knew from Love in Three Quarter Time that the elegance and enchantment of Vienna would probably sweep me away again, but I wasn't expecting to be so thoroughly immersed into the music. From that first description of Rose's playing through every single hypnotizing moment thereafter, my heart was caught! Rose and Oliver's instantaneous connection (in music and in heart), I understood it. I craved it. It swept me away so completely that it felt like I could feel the beats and the pure emotion of every bar of music. Especially during one specific scene when I fell just as hard for Oliver as Rose did! :)

Ms. McMillan's characters always seem to make me love them pretty much from chapter one and Oliver and Rose did precisely that. I think it was that they simply understood each other so inherently, so completely, yet they were so hopeless at seeing the heart of the other that was falling so madly! A good marriage of convenience story convinces me that these two people will fit, even as they slowly learn the same thing. And Oliver and Rose? Oh do they ever fit each other! Even the flaws and idiosyncrasies that flare up naturally in them they somehow find endearing about the other! If they were real, I might just find them a bit sickeningly sweet, but on the page? My heart just wanted more!

Endearing, charming, delightful, I could spend paragraphs expounding on how there aren't enough adjectives to describe my LOVE of this story. I could gush about every detail, yet I acknowledge that the greatest pleasure is found in discovering the gem for yourself! So go do that, friends. Drop whatever other book you've started, rush out and buy this one immediately, and then fall in love just as I did! Oliver and Rose and the music of their hearts are worth it. Trust me! :)

**I received a copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon

Every experience Oliver had with falling in love was intertwined with music. Falling in love with Rose was different. There was something elusive about music. Rose was flesh and blood with a freckle on the side of her nose and tendrils of hair that rebelled against their perfect braids. You could coax music to your will and rehearse it into its best version. Rose was beautifully, thrillingly, unpredictable.

"This is awkward"-he drew an imaginary line-"and we are going to hop over that."
"Oliver, we just married each other. How could it get any more awkward than that?"

And all of the history stayed with her just like the names of the buildings she passed every day, "The Golden Wings", "To the Green Pillar", "To the Golden Crown", the Platz and the graffiti-walled park, the baroque suburban houses, the alleyway markets like sweet secrets tucked in the pockets of the street's ivory and yellow coat.

Review: Dancing and Doughnuts by Rachel Kovaciny {Blog Tour + Giveaway}

Hello, my lovelies! I am SO pleased to be participating in this blog tour for my dearest blogging friend, Rachel. You may remember when I helped with the cover reveal...well, I am here to tell you that I have now read the book and it is a delight! Even though westerns aren't usually my genre of choice, I will always make an exception for Rachel.

But enough about my excitement! Let's get on with it, shall we?

{Blog Tour info here}

My Review

Oh, friends. If you're in need of a sweet little story to make you grin, then I definitely recommend that you pick this one up! I may not love westerns, but I am now a fan of Jedediah Jones. His quaint way of talking, his "love" of apples, and just his gentleman-like manner of behavior sold me from chapter one. He made me grin so many times! :)

The whole story just feels energetic and fun. As if you really are enjoying an evening with dancing and doughnuts. And speaking of the title, there's certainly plenty of both in these pages! I liked the mystery to solve as well. As this is a western take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, I rather enjoyed seeing the different ways Ms. Kovaciny incorporated pieces of the fairytale alongside her own creativeness. I wasn't certain at all who the culprit was, but I was right beside Jedediah as he worked out each new idea. I really just loved the way his mind worked! Seriously. He made me laugh, but he was always one step ahead of me.

This story utterly delighted me! It was just the happy I needed after the end of a long and busy day. It's light and fluffy with a bit of sweetness on the outside, just like it's namesake! (Also, I appreciated the nod to Shakespeare. Very appropriate! :) I think you'll like it too. Trust me.

**I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Website :: Facebook :: Goodreads :: Amazon :: Blog :: Instagram

Giveaway

autographed copy of Dancing and Doughnuts
copy of Log Cabin Cooking
Once Upon a Western tote bag

Enter Here

Review: Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

It has been much too long since I've read a Dani Pettry story! I'd forgotten just how amazingly good she is at keeping me on the edge of my seat. From each nail-biting moment to the next, I was anxious for the good guys to win. Which I was in no doubt of! But still. With my heart in my throat, I'd push on to the next chapter full of anxiety and hope. Because that's what so much of this story is full of! No matter what terror may be happening on the page, hope permeates every paragraph.

Even having not read every book in the series prior to reading this final one, I found myself fascinated with the frienships that make up the story. This is undoubtedly Luke and Kate's journey, yes, but all the characters get to have their moment. Character relationships is where Ms. Pettrey's writing truly shines, in my opinion. I love the way they all take care of each other and the love that flows through every interaction (both frustrating or not, because goodness knows they can frustrate each other! ;). More than friends, they've become a family of sorts. Whip-smart, always-willing-to-go-into-danger-for-each-other-no-matter-what type of family!

The intriguing push and pull of the romance in this one is, naturally, a favorite of mine. Luke and Kate's fractured history makes for disappointment, irritation, and constant chemistry-laden interaction! Forced to deal with all the secrets and the unsaid things hovering under the surface of their conversations, they both struggle to work through their emotions. At times I wanted to shake them, at others I wanted to hug them! The way they clearly love each other, but deny it for all their worth, just made me all the more anxious for their eventual reconciliation. Yet I could understand all the hurt that they had to let go of, which wasn't easy. I loved watching them slowly open up to one another again! So that by the time the real sweetness between them arrived...ah my heart!

With just enough tension to keep her readers on their toes, yet enough hope for the future, Ms. Pettrey pens a story like no other! I was completely invested from the first pages until the last and quite happy to get my just reward (especially the chance to finally relax! ;). I'm now planning to go back and read the rest of the series. And soon, I hope! Because after seeing where so many of the characters end up, I quite want to find out how they got there. It's a keeper, friends! As any Dani Pettrey book always is.

**I received a complimentary copy via Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes & Noble

Katie was a starlit night filled with the bursts of fireflies. She was the pummel and front of a waterfall booming in his ears, the surge of a plane netting into the bright blue sky, pressing him back against the seat, his chest tightening with excitement.

To Luke, home had become far more than a physical dwelling. To him a home was where his heart resided, and she was sitting three inches to his right. 

"I didn't know.... You've been gone so long, I didn't know-"
"If I still had a relationship with Christ?"
"I knew you did. To what extent is what I wondered."
He raked a hand through his hair on an exhale. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's not where it should be on my end, but God has held on tight and never let go."

Review: Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan

I confess to it! I will give up and admit that I was not expecting to fall so very much in love with Mr. Hamish Deluca. But oh my stars!! He is a delight from the first pages to the last and by the time I closed the book, I was thoroughly convinced that I wished he were real. He and Reggie both, of course! And the atmosphere that surrounds them, the city of Boston itself, is very like a secondary character in the book. I was so utterly swept up into the glittering magic of Ms. McMillan's clear love of this city which permeates every aspect of the story. Decadent, delightful, and so wonderfully filled with quirky, extraordinary, likable (and unlikable!) characters, this is a feast for the reader who dares! :D

Firstly, can I just repeat? HAMISH IS AWESOME.

Okay. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me just give you a few short reasons why I think so. (At least, I promise I will try to keep my gushing short! ;) It's his properness, mixed with a bit of an adventurous side that struck me at first. And watching him struggle through dealing with his anxiety and panic just further endeared him to me. He is like a shy little puppy, who has all this amazingness inside of him just waiting for someone to notice and encourage it. He's unlike any other character I've ever met, but I mean that in all the BEST ways! I think what it really boils down to is that he's attempting to find himself. He has all this awesome inside, yes, but he's very unaware of it, especially in the beginning. This beautifully written story is his journey to discovering all the amazing parts of himself and realizing that the flaws he'd imagined he has were just that, his imagination. He simply has to learn that for himself though, no amount of telling him so will suffice. It must be experienced! And watching his gradual awareness and growth, as he finally begins to trust himself, brings such glorious moments! I am unashamed to tell you that he's my favorite. (As you, no doubt, have already figured out, right? ;)

Oh, but then there's Reggie! She has quite the journey herself and it's not any easier for her either. Watching the two of them work through their struggles (while dipping and dodging the crackling chemistry between them! *swoon*) and come through to the other side so much stronger...ah, it does my heart good. But it's not just their individual journeys that take center stage, Ms. McMillan has quite the murder mystery for them to solve! This is where the city truly comes alive. As the two circle around everywhere, searching out their answers, the mix of unconventional secondary characters who cross their path makes for so much fun. (Especially Luca and Nate, both of whom are quite unforgettable themselves!) Life in 1930s Boston is full of excitement and secrets, some of which are easily found out and others not so much. This setting is so lovingly described that I could easily picture every building and back alley, kudos to Ms. McMillan for that! One gets so swept up inside the time period that, when real life intruded while I was reading, I was much frowny-faced!

Oh! And I shouldn't forget the awesome little callbacks to Ms. McMillan's first series, Herringford & Watts. So many mentions that made me grin, yet so many questions I'm still anxious to figure out!

From beginning to end, this story was a delight to my senses. So full of charm and fun, I could not read fast enough. And I closed the last chapter with a heart full of Hamish and Reggie! Excited for book two, yet quite satisfied to go back and be enchanted all over again. And it's a good thing too, since I have such a long wait for the next one! Humph. :D  Read it, friends! I promise you won't regret meeting Hamish. (But just remember, I totally saw him first! Well, after Ms. McMillan and Reggie, of course. ;)

**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Thomas Nelson & Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes & Noble

"Sometimes stories are in the people whose life's pages no one thinks of turning," his father once told him.

Women were a crossword puzzle: the seemingly perfect word was met with too many letters.

There was a dead girl at the bottom of the stairwell and Hamish had mystery in his blood.

3 Reasons British Accents Make the BEST Audiobook Narrators

Recently I was on a roadtrip and listened to all of Jane Austen's books as radio dramas. (If you're an Austen fan like me, I highly recommend listening to them! They're all excellently done. :) So you can imagine that I had British accents in my head for several days! And it got me thinking. Surely I'm not the only one who loves a good British accent, right? (I know some of you agree with me!) Thus the idea for this list was born. I'm sure y'all can appreciate these with me! :D

So without further ado, I give you...

3 Reasons British Accents Make the BEST Audiobook Narrators

1. You can learn how to pronounce "viscount" and "viscountess". (At least when listening to Richard Armitage !!!! read bits of The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. He has quite a nice voice to listen to. Just sayin' ;)

2. Your inner voice will suddenly have a British accent, which is just lovely! (Unfortunately, this does not always mean you can suddenly speak with the accent no matter how much you wish you could! *sadface*)

3. Um, because British accents are the best. Duh. What else do you need? ;)


And there you have it! So have I convinced you?

Photo by Rocio Ramirez on Unsplash

Review: The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray

I don't know how Ms. Gray does it, but somehow she always manages to make me fall in love with her characters! Even as I wonder if I'll get as drawn into their lives this time around, I get sucked in anyway, so, of course, this story is no exception to that. I was so sure I would struggle to like April. Meeting her in book one she was extremely hard to relate to and I wondered if I'd be able to warm up to her or not. I shouldn't have doubted! And I should've been more patient. Because that's exactly what April needs, people who won't give up on her. :)

Characters who are tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside have a way of finding the path to my heart. That ultra thick shell that April has going on needed cracking and what better guy to do it than Sean. And goodness what a swoony hero he is! The two of them simply "click". But it's a wild ride to get to their happily ever after. Both of them have a journey that cannot be avoided, yet, for all the gritty and raw emotions they have to deal with, the beauty they're reaching for is so completely worth it!

I think one of my favorite things about Ms. Gray's stories is her ability to write realistic characters. The conflicts and confusions feel genuine and natural. Whether it's the romantic partners or friendships, real, true relationships require a lot of effort. They have ups and downs and the people involved always make good and bad choices both. It's not easy, these connections we form with our fellow humans, and these characters reflects all the work that must go into the maintaining and growing. I loved the slow build of tension as hope gradually worked its way into their lives!

Another of my favorite bits are the friendships between the "Bentwood Brats". I liked them in book one, but I appreciated them even more this time around. Mainly because they've already been through so much together and now continue to grow closer. I love how much they refuse to give up on each other! And how they all come through for one another, no matter how much they may be hurting inside themselves.

The hope and redemption that weaves through every chapter is a beautiful part of this series. It started in book one, but this one only builds and builds on it. It's quiet and gentle, but oh so fiercely there. I cannot wait for book three because I am utterly confident it will only escalate in gloriousness! :) Plus I'm just excited to see where Caroline's journey takes her. This series is completely worth giving a try, my friends! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

**I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon 

Love and grace didn't make you weak. It made you strong.

Review: The Way You Make Me Feel by Maureen Goo

I've had Ms. Goo's books on my radar since the first one came out and was thrilled with the opportunity to try this one. And I am pleased to report that it was a fun, summertime sort of story! It has a breezy quality about it that makes for an easy read. Perfect for the beach or a relaxing afternoon, right? :)

I do confess to that it took a bit for me to get into the story, Clara is quite the unique sort of character at first and not entirely likable. But once I got involved in her food truck adventures she began to grow on me. And can I just say that those adventures made me hungry?! Oh my stars, do not read this book if you're starving, it'll just make it worse! ;)

Yet I definitely loved the family dynamics that began to grow between the characters. Clara and her father started the book in a good relationship and I really liked how that never really changed. It just grew and adjusted to Clara's developing maturity. Her friendship with Rose, on the other hand, was such a push and pull, back and forth type of thing. They both had a great deal of learning to do, but I liked the slow development because it felt true to life.

Of course, the romance bits were pretty cute. Hamlet is just adorable! A true and genuine nice guy, which is just what Clara needs. His dorkiness made me grin several times. Overall, this is simply a quick, easy story filled with a few laughs, a few head-shakes, a few sigh-worthy moments, and just all around sweetness. It has enough charm to make it worth your while, reader friends!

**I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes & Noble

As I stood there surrounded by three people who had the ability to do just that-crack my chest open to all the disappointment and difficulty and grief-I knew I still wanted it. The risk of the bad stuff was so worth the good stuff. People who would be there for you when you messed up and behaved like a little jerk? They were the good stuff.

Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Thirty-Eight

Hello again, my lovelies! I know, it seems all I do is post about reviews these days, right? I just have so many to catch up on! And I've been reading a great deal, so it's kind of never ending... But! I will reach a point (and very soon) when they'll slow down, so at least there's that...? :)

On to the good stuff!

Timeless Love by Andrea Boeshaar, Stephenia H. McGee, Kari Trumbo, Dawn Crandall, Pepper D. Basham, Misty M. Beller, Sarah Monzon
When I heard Pepper Basham would have a story in this collection, you can bet that I couldn't wait to read it! Thus, you won't be surprised that it was the first story I dove into. And what an adventure! Actually, I could say that about all the stories here, full of surprises and adventures and genuine, lovable characters. They were all equally loads of fun! It's a great mix of time periods and romances. With a few authors I recognized and a few I didn't, I have to say that I was far from disappointed with any of their offerings. (Also, I may have gone back and reread all my favorite scenes in each story right after finishing the book, but that's a secret between you and me, okay? ;) Well worth your time to pick this book up, reader friends! You just might find a favorite new-to-you writer (like me) or rediscover why you love a particular writer so well (also like me)!

Second Impressions by Pepper Basham
Why on earth it took me so long to read this one, I have no idea. I mean, it's a Pepper Basham book! AND it mentions Jane Austen, a LOT. Perfect combo for this Austen (and Basham) loving girl! :D To say that I loved all the Austen references would be putting it very mildly. Yet, it's not just Jane, it's actually Nora and Ethan who grabbed my heart. I wasn't sure what to make of the two of them when they first meet, but (as the title suggests) second impressions are worth discovering! These two are super adorable together, once they get beyond their initial acquaintance. Full of heart and Jane Austen and lots of laughter, this one is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf (be it physical or digital!).

Mowed Over by Christina Coryell
The two main characters in this book are so very different that, at first glance, one would wonder how they would ever work as romantic partners. But they do! Willow and Clint are pretty sweet together, actually. And watching as they navigate the interesting, fairy-filled waters around them makes for a lot of grins. Nothing about their relationship goes anything like either one expects, but what fun I had reading about it! (Also, who knew a beard could make a guy swoony?!) Oh! And I can't forget the cute little Jane Austen-y references. Very slight, but they're definitely there. Which, of course, just made me love this story ever so much more.

A Heart Restored by Elizabeth Maddrey
I admit, I think my favorite part of this book was all the hilarious mistakes poor Deidre made while texting! A couple of them made me giggle out loud. Which just endeared her to me. And to Jeremiah! :D I confess to knowing absolutely nothing about restoring a house, but the descriptions of what Peacock Hill looked like, before and after, made me wish it were an actual place to visit. Plus, I just really loved that the story takes place in my home state, which meant I recognized places mentioned. This is fun little romance between two people who were not prepared to find each other. For all the shortness of the story, I could totally buy into their chemistry and simply enjoyed the journey of them coming together. Very cute!

Unleashing Love by Jessica R. Patch
This was simply a very sweet story. While a quick read, Ms. Patch managed to make the romantic bits believable. I rather enjoyed all the little southern moments mentioned. And so many times I had to grin at the complete opposites that Emma Kate and Griffin proved they were. It caused more than one misunderstanding between them, much to my delight! Because seeing Emma Kate mad is simply the cutest. It's no wonder Griffin fell for her against his better judgement! :D She really has a way of charming her way into your heart. The two of them were adorably all in denial of their attraction, but that just made it more fun for me. And although the resolution came together a bit quicker than I anticipated, it was still pretty swoony! I might just have to go back and reread it now myself. :)

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
All the rave reviews from blogging friends were spot on for this book! Which shouldn't surprise me since it is by Laura Frantz. (She being practically the queen of historical (and southern) romances set in colonial time periods. :) Ms. Frantz always excels in writing characters that I immediately root for and Liberty is no exception. Neither is Noble! (Goodness, that man could make a girl swoon!) As usual, it took only the first page to pull me inside her story-world and there I was anxiously waiting to see how things would play out. Ms. Frantz's thorough research always shines and, really, I can't find enough gushing words to describe the beauty of descriptions to be found in this story. As another blogging friend (and author herself) described it, I always think the current Laura Frantz book I'm reading is her BEST one and then I read her next one and am blown away again! So really, all you need to know is Laura Frantz wrote this. (Which means, what on earth are you waiting for?! Go read it right now! ;)

Top Ten Tuesday :: Favorite Novellas/Short Stories

I haven't participated in this in ages, I know. But as I realized that I actually had a bit of time to get a post written before this particular Tuesday arrived, I decided to go for it! So here I am. Plus! Considering I've recently read several novellas/short stories, this was perfect. :)

{P.S. It's now being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl}

To be precise, these are novellas that I consistently come back to again and again when in need of something short and unforgettable. They make me grin, swoon, or just plain enjoy myself!

1. The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald

(because it's one of the sweetest friendship turned romances...)

2. A Sweethaven Romance by Courtney Walsh

(because the "boy from the wrong side of town" and the 

"good girl" never fails to get me every time...)

3. A Brush With the Law by Janette Rallison

(because Janette Rallison knows how to create

chemistry between her couples...)

4. Second Impressions by Pepper Basham

(because it's a combo of Jane Austen 

and swoony romance...)

5. Love in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan

(because of Klaus...and Vienna!)

6. Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

(because kindred spirits are adorably 

awkward sometimes...)

7. Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

(because it's Edenbrooke from Philip's point of view...)

8. Return to Chocolate by Erynn Mangum

(because nobody does chocolate and 

laughter like Erynn Mangum...)

9. The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert

(because Amelia's cute awkwardness makes

her a girl after my own heart...)

10. While You're Awake by Amber Stokes

(because it's simply adorable fun...)

What are some of your favorite novellas??

Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Thirty-Seven

Hello, my lovelies! Yep, I'm still rolling out the mini review posts. I had a lot of reviews to catch up on! Sorry for the influx, but please don't let that keep you from checking a few of these books out. There's some awfully cute stories you might miss out on otherwise! ;)

The Men of KWESTT series by Clari Dees
Some Enchanted Evening
Heart and Soul 
You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You
Catch a Falling Star
I was in need of sweet romance and good chemistry between characters when I stumbled upon this series. Happily, Ms. Dees delivered precisely what I wanted! The guys are suitably handsome and charismatic and their ladies are perfect for them. I grinned a great deal while reading each of their stories and, of course, swooned at the romantic bits. I appreciated that Ms. Dees gave depth to the hurt and fears the characters had to work through. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the musical aspects of the stories! Since all the guys are a part of a musical group together, each of them plays a different instrument and it was great to see the fun they have together. I think my very favorite character was Enoch though and I loved his kindness and true gentlemanly ways. Since he doesn't have his own book, I was pleased that he showed up so often in the others. Super cute and fun series overall!

The Rider of Lost Creek by Louis L'Amour
I'm not normally a big fan of westerns, hence why my family (who have all read pretty much every book by this guy) hadn't convinced me to pick up one of Mr. L'Amour's stories. Until now. (When you're on a roadtrip with friends, sometimes you get outvoted.) And I will admit that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I can clearly see why he's such a well-loved author, he quite impressed me with his ability to keep me invested in the story. I was anxious to find out how things were going to go and hoping that it wouldn't end with my favorite characters dead! :) Full of vivid descriptions and enough tension to keep me on the edge of my seat, it surprised me into laughter several times as well. Perhaps I shall read another L'Amour book someday!

Taking a Chance by Becky Monson
Short and sweet, this little novella relies heavily on the chemistry between its two main characters. And it surely delivers! From their initial meeting and throughout their one day together each of them slowly opens up to the other and begins to find an understanding heart. Finding Liza's bravery makes for a cute and adventurous day for the two and the slow buildup to the final pages felt very natural. We leave them at a place of beginning and leave me with a smile on my face! Super cute. :)

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi S. Kilpack
Ms. Kilpack had me immediately upon introducing Lenora. There was just something about her sweetness of character and the awkwardness she strove so hard to overcome. It was delightful to see her press forward despite any and all circumstances that wanted to knock her back down! And her very slow growing friendship with Catherine was wonderful to watch unfold. For all of Catherine's precocious and awful ways, I couldn't help but like her. As for Aiden? Oh my! The genuine nice guy that he is certainly made me like him a great deal! Even if he did make a choice or two that made me want to shake him. Lenora and Aiden's romance is quite adorable though! Even with all the fears and hurt they both have to work through, the way they encourage each other is sweet. A fun, easy read that made me grin. And swoon! :)