Book Review & Blog Tour: A Letter from Lancaster County

I recently had the pleasure of reading Kate Lloyd's new book, A Letter from Lancaster County, as part of a blog tour with LitFuse.

This book tells the story of two sisters that return to their mother's hometown of Lancaster, when their aunt writes a letter requesting that they visit.  Angela, the older sister, is still reeling from the loss of her mother, and hopes to feel closer to her while visiting her Aunt Sylvia.   Though married with children and wanting for nothing, Angela has her share of secrets and appears to be very unhappy.  It doesn't help that old rivalries with her sister Rose begin to emerge when they arrive in Lancaster.  Rose is unmarried and has her own business, and longs for a family of her own.  Though she feels that Angela is unhappy, she can't help but envy her.

Will these two sisters follow in the footsteps of their mother and aunt, and allow things to separate them?  Or will both of them finally find peace and understanding?  This is a wonderful story of two sisters struggling to find themselves and learn how to relate to one another.  Kate Lloyd's newest book is an enjoyable and emotional read, one that fans of both Amish and contemporary fiction will enjoy!

Celebrate the release of Kate's new book by entering to win her Two Sisters, Two Winners Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A Kindle Fire

Another grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A queen-size Amish quilt

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 27. The winner will be announced July 28 on the Litfuse blog.

Book Review: My Not So Perfect Life

Small-town girl Katie Brenner is struggling to make it on her own in London, living in a tiny apartment with strange roommates and struggling to make ends meet. She can’t help but envy her beautiful and put-together boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter seems to have it all–the great job, the perfect family and the most beautiful home and clothing. Katie works hard to prove herself to her office mates and to Demeter, and is devastated when Demeter suddenly fires her.

Coincidentally, Katie’s father and stepmother ask for her help in establishing their new glamping vacation business at their farm in Somerset. While Katie dreams of finding a new job, at the moment, she’s desperate to get away from the city and her troubles there. Katie retreats to her childhood home and throws herself in to creating marketing materials for her family’s business, along with setting up an experience that guests won’t soon forget. Before she knows it, she finds that their business is a thriving one. But when Demeter arrives for some time away with her family, life becomes more complicated. Suddenly, Katie must face telling her family the truth about why she left London. Will she make a life for herself in London, or stay in Somerset with her family?

Sophie Kinsella’s latest novel, My Not So Perfect Life is a fun novel about finding yourself. Katie is extremely relatable as a classic small-town girl longing to make a life for herself, with often disastrous results. Readers will root for her with the turn of every page. I loved her quirky family and their glamping business. At first it all seemed so far-fetched, but they made it work. Her romance with Alex was also great fun, though we all know the complications of workplace romances. This novel also explored how we portray ourselves on social media and the lies we tell others, and ourselves about the lives we lead. I’ve always been a fan of Kinsella, and this novel is no exception. Highly recommended!

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.  I received a copy of this book from Luxury Reading.  All opinions expressed are my own and I received no compensation in exchange for my review.

Book Review: The Mark of the King

Julianne Chevalier is a gifted young midwife in 18th century France. When a patient dies suddenly, Julianne is considered a murderer, and sentenced to life in prison. Longing to escape her life in prison, she agrees to be exiled to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. In order to make the journey, however, Julianne must be married. Male and female convicts are paired together in marriage, so Julianne becomes the wife of the fiery and reckless, yet compassionate Simon LeGrange.

Once she is in the colony, Julianne is determined to try to make a new life for herself, but fears that there is no redemption for her past. She also hopes to be reunited with her brother Benjamin, whom she lost touch with after he became a soldier in Louisiana. When searching for answers about her brother proves to be dangerous for Simon, Julianne wonders what fellow soldier Marc-Paul Girard isn’t telling her about her brother’s disappearance. Will she find Benjamin and make a new life for herself, or will her past come back to haunt her?

Jocelyn Green’s The Mark of the King is a beautifully written historical novel of redemption and finding new hope. Julianne is a complex character who faces more trials in one life than any woman should. Marc-Paul is a good and honorable man who recognizes the good in Julianne despite her past, and longs to help her and Simon in their new lives. The novel portrays the struggle of colony life, from brutal practices and war-related combat to the colonists relations with Native Americans. At times some of the content can be quite hard to read, as there is some violence and disturbing behavior from characters in the novel. Rich with history and drama, this is a tale you won’t soon forget.

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.  I received a copy of this book from Luxury Reading in exchange for my review.  No compensation was received, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Road to Enchantment

When she was a child, Willow’s father cheated on her mother and left their family in shambles. She and her mother moved to New Mexico, where she felt like an outsider among the Apache people. Her only saving grace in her mother’s strange and eccentric new life was Darrel, a young Apache boy who would become her best friend in the world.

Fast forward many years, and Willow is a musician living in Los Angeles. She finds out she’s been dumped, and that her mother has died in a tragic accident on the same horrible day. And when she returns to New Mexico to settle her mother’s affairs and sees Darrel for the first time in years, he realizes before she does that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s child. She also discovers that her mother had financial problems. All she has left is her mother’s winery. Will it be enough? Will she be able to get back on her feet and figure out her next step?

Kaya McLaren’s The Road to Enchantment is a touching story that brings the past and present together, all told from Willow’s unique and subjective perspective. Earlier in her life, Willow viewed her mother as a selfish and strange person, but as the story unfolds, Willow begins to recognize her mother’s strengths and the positive moments that they had together. Though Willow is not perfect, she learns a lot along the way. In many ways, this book is a real coming of age tale, as Willow steps on to a new path and discovers what she really wants. This story is also about the family that we find during our journey through life, the people that come alongside us and lift us up when we fall. Darrel and his grandparents, full of wisdom and intense love for Willow, are those people.

I made my way through this book in just a few short days, and many of its words still resonate with me. If you love a good book about discovering yourself and appreciating the good people in your life, you’ll love this story.

This review originally appeared on Luxury Reading.  Luxury Reading provided a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  I received no compensation and all opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Possibility of Somewhere

Eden Moore is on track to become the valedictorian of her high school class, despite the fact that she’s grown up in a trailer park with her often out-of-work father and stepmother. Since her birth mother left her when she was just a child, Eden’s only ever had one goal: to leave her small town and life there behind.

Her classmate Ash Gupta has never quite understood how Eden, with her sharp and sarcastic nature, could possibly become valedictorian. But when the two of them are thrown together to complete a class assignment, they begin to get to know each other for the first time, and Ash recognizes her intelligence and depth. The two of them couldn’t be any more different, considering that Ash comes from a rich and affluent family, but soon the two find themselves falling for each other. But when the two realize they are competing for the same scholarship, will it tear them apart?

The Possibility of Somewhere tells the story of two young people from opposite walks of life who share the same desire: to leave their small town and make their own way. Ash desires to leave his strict and wealthy family to pursue studies at Stanford, while Eden longs to leave the trailer park and rumors about her family behind to become a teacher. This is a feeling that any young person can relate to, and author Julia Day’s portrayal of two very different characters and how they interact is fantastic. There’s drama, there’s romance, and there’s family trouble, all of which make Ash and Eden feel like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.

Recommended for grades 9 and up, this book would be perfect to share with a young person who is wondering about what life may look like after high school. As an adult, I enjoyed the book very much.

This review originally appeared on Luxury Reading.  I received a copy from Luxury Reading, and all opinions expressed here are my own.  I received no compensation in exchange for my review.

Book Review: A Portrait of Emily Price

Art restorer Emily Price has spent her entire life trying to fix things, from her directionless younger sister to the priceless art she works to preserve.  A new project for her insurance firm takes her to Atlanta, where she meets Joseph Vassallo, who also works in her field.  He introduces her to his younger brother Benito (Ben), and sparks begin to fly.  Soon Emily finds herself helping to breathe new life in to a restaurant owned by Ben and Joseph's aunt and uncle, and falling hopelessly in love with Ben.  Emily has always been the picture of responsibility, which is part of the reason that everyone is shocked by her decision to accept a quick marriage proposal from Ben and return to Italy with him.

But what follows is not the fairy tale that either of them imagined.  Ben's father Lucio's health is failing, and his mother Donata is anything but welcoming to Emily.  Despite doing all that she can to attempt to fit in with Ben's family, she is unable to find a rhythm in Italy.  She buries herself in her own heart, hoping to create something of her own rather than restoring the work of others.  As she begins to open herself up, Lucio asks her to take on a special project at their local church.  But as Emily works on this special assignment for Lucio, she begins to uncover dark Vassallo family secrets, secrets that drove Joseph to America and a seemingly permanent wedge in their family.  Will Emily's meddling help the family to come back together, or will her presence make everything worse.

Katherine Reay weaves an interesting and compelling story of love and family in her most recent work, A Portrait of Emily Price.   It's no coincidence that Reay mentions Jane Austen's novel Emma within these pages, as Emily often personifies Emma in her insistence on striving to fix the problems of her new family, often with disastrous results.

Despite the problems in this family, we are reminded throughout this work of the importance of forgiveness and grace.  Emily so desires to bring restoration, but it is really Lucio that starts that process.  His character is one of my favorites within this novel, as he wishes to mend fences and restore his family to what it once was. He is also very accepting of his new daughter-in-law, despite her short courtship with his son.  And it is Emily's painting of Lucio that she begins to find her own talent and ability to capture life in her art.

I will say that while I devoured Reay's other works, I had a hard time getting through portions of this one.  Ben and Emily's relationship was incredibly rushed, and I think neither of them really knew or understood each other before they went to Italy.  It was difficult to believe that two newly married, virtual strangers could overcome the obstacles they faced upon their arrival.  But somehow, they overcame it all, which of course was a desirable outcome.  I also felt that the ending of the novel was rushed, after building up the characters.  I wanted to learn more about where they were heading, and the conclusion just wasn't that satisfying to me.  All of that said, Reay really does transport readers to Italy, and make them feel that they are walking down those beautiful streets with the Vassallo family.   If you're a fan of Katherine Reay, you're sure to enjoy her latest book!

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review, and all opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Summer of Love

Single mother Sian Bishop has just moved from the busy city to a quiet country town with her son Rory. Determined to create a new life for her son, Sian busies herself with organizing their small rented cottage. She soon meets her new neighbor Fiona, whom she immediately bonds with, and Fiona works to get Sian acquainted with her neighborhood and the characters within it.

Sian is shocked to encounter Rory’s father when he turns up at a dinner party, and it is announced that he is Fiona’s son. Having not seen him since their one night together several years ago, Sian agonizes over telling him and Fiona the truth about Rory’s connection to them. Will she tell them the truth? And if she does, will she lose them forever?

Katie Fforde’s Summer of Love is a wonderfully told tale of romance. The perfect late summer read, you’ll get swept up in Sian’s story as she decides what her future holds. Will she choose a quiet life with her lifelong friend Richard, who encouraged her move? Or will she find a way to be with Gus, whose free spirit caused her to quickly fall for him all those years ago?

I loved the characters in this novel, along with the quiet town that served as its setting. Sian is a wonderfully flawed yet completely relatable character. You’ll root for Sian and Gus to reunite, and fall in love with Fiona’s effervescent personality and humor. This fun read is one you won’t soon forget.

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Fifth Avenue Artists Society

Virginia Loftin is a gifted writer, and one of five talented children in a family that is struggling financially after the death of their father several years prior. Set in New York City in the 1890’s, author Joy Callaway brilliantly captures the plight of women during this time. Virginia struggles to make her way as a writer, facing rejection after rejection from major publishers due to her sex. In addition to this, she is forced to watch as Charlie, her friend and the man she has loved forever, proposes to another woman.

Absolutely shattered, Virginia reluctantly accepts an invitation to attend a salon in a Fifth Avenue mansion, hosted by her brother Franklin’s friend, John. It is here that Virginia’s talent and her work begin to flourish, due in part to her conversation with other musicians, writers and artists, but also to her growing relationship with John. But when Charlie inserts himself back into her life, she is torn between the man she has loved forever, and a new exciting relationship with John.

When a young woman from the Fifth Avenue Artists Society is found dead, many difficult truths about the salon, John and Virginia’s brother are revealed. Will these truths ruin the Loftin family for good? And will Virginia finally have the opportunity to share her work with the world?

I’m always a fan of books about the Gilded Age, and The Fifth Avenue Artists Society is no exception. As noted, the author captures the struggle women faced during this time period, to make their mark in a world dominated by men. But even Charlie must marry a woman of wealth for his family to survive, which was an interesting addition to this narrative.

And while there were many twists in this novel that I found a little perplexing, I very much enjoyed reading it. I also found the ending to be less than satisfying, but I will say that considering the rest of the novel and how the story evolved, it seemed appropriate and realistic. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’ll like following the lives of the Loftin family.

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Once Upon a Wine

Cammie thinks that life can’t get any worse. She’s working as a waitress after her restaurant failed and her chef boyfriend left her and their business behind. But then she discovers that her aunt Ginger spontaneously purchased a vineyard near the place her family used to visit in Delaware, and her cousin Kat begs her to help them figure out how to make the vineyard work.

When Cammie arrives there, she is shocked to discover that the property is in bad shape. Despite her research about wine, she finds that she may need more help, and that comes in the form of an old flame, local farmer Ian. As Ian begins to help Cammie see the potential of the vineyard, she starts to remember everything she loved about him and their relationship long ago. But Cammie has big aspirations. Even if the vineyard succeeds, will she stay there or move on to keep pursuing her dreams?

Beth Kendrick’s latest novel, Once Upon a Wine, was an absolute delight to read from beginning to end. While it was a predictable tale, I would definitely describe it as the perfect summer read. Ian and Cammie’s relationship was a breath of fresh air.

In addition to a little bit of romance, this is also a fantastic story about the importance of family. Ginger, Cammie and Kat are a close-knit family that would do anything for each other. It is also great to see these women discovering themselves and what they really want. It’s a feel-good story that you won’t soon forget!

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was sent to me for review. I received no compensation in exchange for my review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Jane Green's Falling

Emma Montague left her upper crust family in England to pursue her own life and success as a banker in New York. But several years later, after becoming burnt out by her fast-paced job and a number of failed relationships, Emma is ready for a change. Armed with a severance package after “retiring” from her job, she moves to the seaside town of Westport, Connecticut.

Taking a beach cottage that needs some work, Emma resolves to fix up her new home and figure out what she wants next. She’s intrigued by her new landlord Dominic, and finds herself taken in by his charm, honesty and integrity. Everyone they know tells them they are perfect together, but Emma is hesitant. They are from two completely different worlds, and Dominic’s son Jesse seems unsure of her. And when someone from Dominic’s past threatens their relationship, will everything fall apart?

Author Jane Green weaves a brilliant story in her latest novel, Falling. Despite their differences, it’s easy to see why Emma falls for Dominic. His character is sure of himself, unfailingly honest, and devoted to those he loves. And while Emma certainly has her flaws, she is a well-developed, relatable character that’s simply trying to find out what she wants in her life. Supporting characters like Emma’s friend Sophie and her parents add warmth, humor and color to the story.

I will admit that I was devastated by a plot twist toward the end of this novel, but Green ends things on a high note for Emma, as she learns who and what is really important to her. If you love a good romance or a coming of age story, this is definitely worth a read. I devoured this book in two days!

This review originally appeared at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Hope Heals

In April 2008, Katherine Wolf was a 26 years old, with a six-month old son at home.  Katherine was a model with a promising career, and her husband Jay was preparing to finish law school.  She had been feeling a little strange, and her life changed suddenly when she suffered a brain stem stroke.  Fortunately, Jay was at home and she was rushed to the hospital.  Miraculously, she survived a long surgery, but the outlook did not look good.  Half of her face was paralyzed, she could not swallow, and she would need to learn how to complete basic tasks again.

Hope Heals tells the story of husband and wife Jay and Katherine Wolf.  The story goes back and forth between their two unique perspectives, demonstrating how this sudden tragedy affected their lives and the life of their son.  The story begins with Katherine's sudden stroke, and takes readers through the early days of her recovery.  Tears filled my eyes as I read through Katherine and Jay's struggles. At her first Thanksgiving after the stroke, Katherine recalls struggling as she watched others consume food, and she was unable to eat anything.  She had a moment then when she found herself asking why she had lived when she was unable to be the wife and mother she dreamed of becoming.  But an instant later, God revealed to her that He was in control, that He had her story in His hands, and in that moment, Katherine's faith and hope were renewed.

What has followed has been nothing short of a miracle.  Though Katherine still faces many physical issues, she and Jay are now sharing their story full-time with those that are in desperate need of hope.  Their commitment to one another, to God, and to their family is nothing short of amazing.  I found my own faith renewed after reading through this page-turning book.

Book Review: No One Knows

When J.T. Ellison’s No One Knows opens, we learn that Aubrey’s husband Josh has been declared dead after being missing for five years. Aubrey is a teacher who was recently released from prison after she was exonerated from any wrong-doing in relation to the disappearance of her husband. Now, she is left to pick up the pieces of her life, dealing with people’s negative perceptions of her, and forced to watch as her mother-in-law plans to contest Josh’s life insurance policy.

In the pages of this novel, we are taken back and forth through time, watching present-day scenes as Aubrey continues to adjust to life without her husband, including meeting a handsome man named Chase that reminds her of her husband. We also are taken back to the days leading up to Josh’s disappearance, and left to postulate who may have been responsible for his death. There are many individuals in this book that may have been involved, including Aubrey’s unstable foster brother, and even Josh’s own selfish mother.

I thought that I had the ending of this book figured out, but I was genuinely surprised by some of its twists and turns. I thought I understood the characters in this novel, but as it turned out, many of them were not what they seemed. I didn’t find the ending completely satisfying, but this book is still a genuine page-turning thriller.

This review originally appeared on Luxury Reading.  Luxury Reading supplied a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.  I received no compensation for my review.

Book Review: Fading Starlight

Lauren Summers was hoping for a brilliant future in fashion, but when one of her designs ends in an embarrassing red carpet wardrobe malfunction, she’s basically blackballed by the entire industry. An opportunity to work as a costume designer for a high school production couldn’t come at a better time. Though the job’s unpaid, Lauren is able to stay in a small fixer-upper of a cottage in a private neighborhood. Ready to retreat from reporters and prying eyes, Lauren accepts quickly.

Soon Lauren finds herself in a cottage surrounded by neighbors that are fiercely protective of their privacy, including the cranky and reclusive Charlotte Montgomery, who was once a Hollywood star. Charlotte doesn’t trust anyone due to events from her past, and Lauren is no exception. When Lauren tries to reach out to her with small kind gestures, she is only met with negativity. And when a reporter asks Lauren for information about Charlotte in exchange for helping her recover her reputation in the fashion industry, Lauren is tempted to betray her new neighbor. Will she choose her career or an opportunity to show compassion?

Kathryn Cushman’s Fading Starlight is a wonderful tale of redemption. It’s also really a story about faith and the importance of always doing the right thing, even if nothing is promised in return. Readers can’t help but feel sorry for Lauren, who seems so kind and genuine, but is constantly met with opposition. Despite her struggles, I loved how much Lauren loved and appreciated the art of fashion, so much so that she was eager to restore gowns with no expectation of payment. I also felt compassion for Charlotte, whose past was so filled with hurt and betrayal that she felt the need to retreat from the world. This story was also filled with wonderful supporting characters that you’re sure to love. I was really moved by this story and the relationships within its pages. I’m sure you will be too!

This review originally appeared on Luxury Reading.  A copy of this book was provided by Luxury Reading in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Read Bottom Up

Madeline and Elliot first meet at a restaurant opening in New York, and exchange email addresses and phone numbers. Read Bottom Up allows readers to view the messages that are shared between the two as their relationship begins and inevitably heats up. We also see them share what’s happening in their blossoming relationship with their closest (and hilarious) friends, Emily and David. As expected in just about any relationship, conflicts and misunderstandings occur. Will Madeline and Elliot be able to overcome their issues and find their happily ever after?

Neel Shah and Skye Chatham’s Read Bottom Up does something that few novels are able to do these days: truly surprise its readers! Consisting entirely of email and text messages, this is a unique read that you’re sure to enjoy. You’ll share in the ups and downs of Madeline and Elliot’s relationship, wanting to yell out loud as they make mistakes and try to make their relationship work. I know I did! 

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: What Was Mine

Lucy has been trying to have a baby for so long, that it’s driven her to obsession. When her husband leaves her, her dreams of having a baby seem even more distant. Then one day, she walks in to an Ikea, and notices a baby left alone in a cart. Convincing herself that she’s only offering some comfort to the child, she can’t believe it when she finds herself in her car, leaving with someone else’s baby. 

This shocking moment is just the first of many in Helen Klein Ross’ engrossing tale, What Was Mine. The author brilliantly weaves together the stories of Lucy, her stolen daughter Mia, and Mia’s birth mother, Marilyn. The author also reveals the tales of other characters that play a part in the lives of these three women, including Mia’s caretakers, Marilyn’s family members and Lucy’s sister, Cheryl. 

Marilyn and her husband navigate a terrible time of loss after their four month old daughter’s disappearance, and as years pass, begin to lose hope that they will reconnect with her. A strange occurrence leads Marilyn to reach out to Mia, unraveling the elaborate lies that Lucy has told for over twenty years. Will Mia leave Lucy behind and never look back, or will she find a way to forgive the woman that stole her life all those years ago? Can she figure out who she is after realizing her life has been built on lies?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to be by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Year of Yes

Shonda Rhimes is the mastermind behind popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. She’s created complex and bold characters like Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang–strong women that have encouraged their audience to live with passion and boldness. But in the Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person, Shonda admits what some would never believe: she’s an introvert!

Shonda’s story begins in Thanksgiving 2013 when her sister spoke these words to her: “You never say yes to anything”. This exchange set events in motion that Shonda could have never predicted. Her sister’s words challenged her to step out of her comfort zone; to make a commitment to saying yes to everything that terrified her for one year. Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no monetary compensation for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Last Midwife

Gracy Brookens is the only midwife in a small Colorado mining town in the 1880’s. Raised by another midwife, Nabby, she delivered her first baby at the age of 10. Since that time, women of all stations and circumstances have trusted her with their lives and their children. Gracy has just returned home from delivering a baby when the town’s sheriff informs her that she has been charged with the murder of a young infant born to a prominent family in town.

Gracy insists that she did not commit the crime, but the town begins to talk, and women begin to take sides. And as her trial looms, Gracy and her husband Daniel realize that she has created enemies, simply because of the secrets that she has seen and heard during women’s most intimate moments. And while she is convinced that all is not what it seems with the family that has accused her of such a heinous crime, it is her word against theirs.

In The Last Midwife, author Sandra Dallas has created a powerful and mysterious tale. Going back and forth through time, the author reveals both tragic and joyful moments in Gracy’s life, from the births of beautiful infants, to the death of her own children. The author also reveals a devastating secret that drove Gracy’s only son Jeff away from their family home. Jeff returns when he hears of Gracy’s trial, but their family is not the same.

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Last September

As The Last September opens, readers are introduced to Brett, who has stumbled upon the unthinkable. Her husband Charlie has been murdered in their seaside Cape Cod home, with his mentally ill brother Eli present at the scene. Eli disappears, and Brett and the readers are left to wonder: did Eli murder his brother? And what led him to it?

Author Nina de Gramont begins Brett’s story in the middle, and takes readers back and forth through time. Brett and Eli were best friends in college, but on the night she met his free-spirited brother Charlie, their relationship changed forever. Months later, Brett watched in horror as Eli experienced a mental breakdown.

At the time of her husband’s murder, Brett and Charlie have a young daughter. Charlie is unemployed and their marriage is under great strain. Charlie is always rescuing Eli, and a recent business venture has failed miserably. As Brett’s story continues, I found myself beginning to wonder if Brett was a reliable narrator. Did she have reason to kill her husband? Who is really responsible for Charlie’s death?

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Paris Key

Genevieve Martin’s life feels like it’s falling apart as her marriage crumbles. Wanting to escape her soon-to-be ex-husband’s infidelity, she agrees to travel to Paris after her Uncle Dave’s passing. Her cousin tries to convince Genevieve that she should take over Dave’s Locksmith Shop, but Genevieve is unsure of what she wants for her future.

 As Genevieve arrives in Paris and to Dave’s shop, she begins to remember the summer she spent as a teenager with her uncle and his family, after the death of her mother, Angela. She finds that she is still a natural with locks, though she is hesitant to admit it. As Genevieve begins to recall her own past, she learns disturbing new information about the time Angela spent in Paris before Genevieve was born.

Read the rest of this review at Luxury Reading.

A review copy of this book was provided to me by Luxury Reading.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Autumn Brides

I've been super busy with my graduate program lately, so haven't had much time for sharing what I've been reading.  But I finally got around to finishing my latest book from BookLook Bloggers, so here we go!

I recently had the opportunity to read Autumn Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection.  This book contained three short novellas, all featuring unconventional love stories that were a lot of fun to read.

Kathryn Springer's September Bride told the story of Annie, who recently relocated to the small town of Red Leaf.  Her first encounter with Deputy Jesse Kent is anything but wonderful, and Jesse is not too happy when he discovers that his mother has hired Annie to manage her book shop without telling him about it.  After all, what do they know about Annie?  He decides to keep a close eye on her, which becomes easier when he and Annie are recruited to participate in a reenactment of a wedding that took place in town.  But as the big (fake) day approaches, Jesse finds that his feelings for Annie are becoming real.  But will Annie's past prevent them from being together in the future?  You'll love this fun story! Annie's past makes her incredibly relatable, Jesse is a classic heroic lead, and this town is filled with quirky (and nosy!) characters you won't soon forget.

In Katie Ganshert's October Bride, Emma is facing the loss of her father.  When she finds his bucket list, and realizes that he's always wanted to walk her down the aisle, her heart is broken.  When she confides this to her long-time friend Jake, he agrees to marry her to make her father's wish come true. As the two begin to plan their wedding, they start to wrestle with their real feelings for each other.  Will their feelings bring them together, or ultimately tear them apart?  Jake and Emma's story is a heartwarming tale of friendship becoming something more, and Emma's family members, especially her father, really make this novella something special.

Finally, Beth K. Vogt's November Bride tells the story of best friends Sadie and Erik.  Sadie has just been dumped by text, and is looking for a real relationship.  When Sadie is offered a job in another state, Erik realizes he faces losing her.  But how can Erik convince her that his feelings are genuine and that's interested in more than a couple of dates?  I loved Sadie and Erik's relationship, and Sadie's desire for something real.  In an age where technology seems to overtake our lives, don't we all crave real connection?

If you're looking for a fun and romantic read, this collection of novellas is one you will want to add to your bookshelf!

A copy of this book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review, and all opinions expressed here are my own.