The Treasure by Theresa Scott

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Gentle Fawn longs to give her husband a baby, but when yet another child is stillborn, she begs the Great Spirit to give the love in her husband’s heart to a woman who can give him many sons.

Grieving along with his wife, Hawk Catcher overhears Gentle Fawn’s desperate plea and vows to ease the pain in his beloved's heart.

Through the magic of the season, their prayers are answered by two bumbling trappers... and a goat.

Review: You know, I really enjoy a sweet feel good story anytime of the year but for some reason during the holiday season they just seem to stick with me a bit longer.

This one was filled to the brim with a couples love for each other and their grief over the loss of another child. Ms Scott wove a tale that is just bursting at the seams with magic. I got misty more than once while I was reading. The wonderful way she describes the journey of the trappers, this loving couple and the season miricle was just pure poetry for the eyes. :) Well Done!!!

Sold! By Stacy Dawn

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Sweet
To Purchase

Blurb: Playing around with ways to let a co-worker know she wants to share more than just the look over the staffroom coffeemaker, a nervous newspaper employee inadvertently sends him a made-up classified ad. Will her colossal mistake put her in next week's gossip column or land her the best deal of her life?

Review: A super-sweet, but refreshingly fun story. I smiled from the cheeky opening to the last flirtatious paragraph. For a buck, this is a sweet and romantic was to spend a couple of minutes. A nice lunch time pick me up.

Corvette Confessions by Stacy Dawn

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Class of '85 Series

Have you ever been in the right place at the wrong time?

Dumped at the senior spring dance, AJ, who’d always been more into softball and shop class than cheerleading and pep squad, escaped the crowd to mope in the Corvette on loan to the class for the semester. When Greg Roberts unexpectedly joined her, his attempts to cheer her worked—too well. She might have even confessed her love that night if Greg’s longtime girlfriend hadn’t come looking for him.

Twenty-five hard years later, forced to come to the reunion by her best friend, AJ escapes back to her favorite class, only to find the exact Corvette—a little worn and faded—sitting right where she’d left it. Fond memories turn into reality when Greg shows up at her driver’s side window again—and déjà vu takes on a whole new meaning.

Review: What a cute story!! AJ's friend, Janelle, convinces her to attend their 25th high school class reunion. AJ had been a "softball and body shop" type in high school, not really one of the in crowd. Janelle was a cheerleader and popular girl.

AJ trips going up the steps into the gym where the reunion is being held and a male hand saves her from falling on her face. He happens to be Greg, her shop class buddy, a hunk then and still a hunk now. As they are talking Marly, his old girlfriend runs up and kisses him.

During the reunion, AJ leaves to roam her old high school and ends up in the shop class room where she finds the Corvette the class worked on their senior year. It turns out to be the exact same one. As AJ is sitting in the Vette reminiscing about her senior prom when her date left her on the dance floor for his ex-girlfriend, Greg rescued her then and took her riding in the green Corvette. Greg comes in and surprises AJ sitting in the old classic. They talk and catch up with what has been going on in their lives for the past 25 years. She is divorced and has her own business.

Marly shows up and AJ starts to leave, when Greg stops her....and you'll have to read the rest yourself.

For a short story, the main character’s personalities were well developed. Dialogue was realistic. I liked the ending. Like I said above, this is a cute story, and proves the old saying, "It's never too late..."

Gift of Love by Cynthia Moore

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8
Total: 16.5
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Sweet Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Lady Rebecca Hastings has lost her sparkle, her intense joy for living, since her intended was killed in the Battle of Waterloo. On the day that Rebecca’s wedding had been scheduled to take place, she is reunited with her childhood friend and neighbor, Adrian Russell, Marquess of Burton.

Rebecca is immediately conscious of new feelings of contentment as she speaks with Adrian about the happy experiences they shared as children. Memories of their past combined with the cheer of the Christmas season—and some alarming visits from the spirit of her intended—eventually bring Rebecca the knowledge of an enduring love for Adrian. But can he ever accept her as more than a friend?

Review: Sometimes with the death of someone close to us we don’t realize how sad and withdrawn we have become until those closest point it out.

This was a really heartwarming tale about a young woman who has lost her fiancé and still mourns him. His ghost tells her that she needs to move on or he cannot rest. With the help of her friends she discovers that there is opportunity for a happy life again.

Totally sweet tale that gave me warm fuzzies :) The rich detail and developed characters made it easy for me to feel connected to the story and it is one that I would recommend to others.

Perfect Partners by Kate Richards

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17
Publisher: Breathless Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Scarred from dating hell, Rachel never expected to receive a membership to PerfectPartners.com from her meddling mother and co-workers on her birthday. To please her loved ones, she joined the Internet dating service, but on her terms and requesting the impossible—until she received a surprise: Mr. Perfect in the flesh.

Handsome, intelligent, Quinn Everby was everything a woman could wish for, if only Rachel could allow herself to give him a chance. Will she put faith in the site's choice, or will their encounter show Rachel that there is no "perfect partner"?

Review: Awwww! That was one of the sweetest, short lovey stories that I have read in awhile :)

A woman not wanting a relationship…there is no bigger cynic :) But Rachel got a good dose of sweet hot stud and suddenly realized not all guys are losers. This story was a winner for me even though I felt like slapping the crap out of her friends :) Sometimes those who love you do things out of love that you might just wish they hadn’t…but when it all works out for the best….oh what great friends they are to have :)

Made To Order by Johanna Riley

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: The Flower Basket

Between running a diner, refereeing her employees, and pretending she’s not in love with best friend Todd Chambers, Shelby Winters has enough on her plate. But when she receives flowers from an anonymous admirer and dinner invitations from her other best friend, Kevin Grady, she can’t pass up the tempting opportunity to infuse her life with a little fun. Unfortunately, her new life is alienating Todd. Is Shelby’s new joie de vie enough to give her the courage to confess her true feelings? Or will her inherent shyness leave her at a table for one?

Review: This one really started out with a bang. I was introduced to the characters and like them instantly. Then comes chapter 4, I get left going…huh? How in the world did she put two and two together? I was totally in the dark as to how she figured out what Kevin was doing. Then there was a mention of Todd and when was he going to realize he was in love with her….While I know he is, SHE doesn’t or at least has never said where I the reader can understand where she is coming up with these conclusions.

There was sooooo much that could have been expanded on so I wouldn’t have felt half blind while reading the story. Kevin, Todd and Shelby were all fantastic characters, but I always felt like I was only getting half a glimpse of them and the story.

In the end, while I loved the way the story worked out…just as I knew it would, I was left with an incomplete feeling. One that really, really wants to know more about the why’s and how’s.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a HUGE Flower Basket series fan. I have read them all and will continue to do so. Ms Riley came up with a story and plot that I am a huge fan of….friends to lovers can’t be beat for me. The story for me is like Swiss cheese, delicious and bright, complete in every way…even with the holes :)

His Darling by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: The Flower Basket Series

Love can bloom at any age…But, will it wilt under the spotlight?

Former fifties Hollywood starlet—Nona Darling—fell in love onscreen over and again. In her granddaughter Misty’s opinion, true love only exists in the movies and too often, she falls for the villain. Running from a failed relationship and her film production company turned tabloid, she returns to Almendra, California to care for her grandmother, and hide from the world.

Cain Trovato, a small town jack-of-all-trades, finds Misty and refuses to let her escape into obscurity. Blocked for years from songwriting, he starts putting words to music as a way to define his growing feelings.

When the Almendra Film Festival spotlights Nona Darling, Misty’s former fiancée makes a claim to reveal her grandmother’s secret past. No amount of editing will spare the coming scandal. With Cain at her side, can Misty believe in a happily ever beyond the rolling credits?

Review: Another fine addition to this series. Almendra is begining to feel like home to me :) I feel so connected to the characters and the stories. Can I move there? ;)

A witty, sweet wonderful story that really bounced for me. A sassy movie star, her lovely granddaughter and a hometown man who does just about everything. They all made this story come to life. Of course the wonderful women at the Flower Shop added their spice to the story :) as they always do :)

With not one, but two romances playing out in this one, Love is certainly in the air and really hard to ignore. And let me just say that I will never look at olive oil the same....Oh I wish Cain was the one I was buying it from. CUTIE!!!! And a musician to boot :)

Rest assured that I will be waiting for the next installment of this series. Ms Ludwig's addition makes the collection shine just a bit more than it already did :)

Only in Novels by Laura Briggs

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb: When a simple mistake lands bookstore owner Lannie Maxwell with the wrong author for her book signing, she wonders if her tiny business is destined to fail. Instead of Ms. Modern Homemaker-an author sure to multiply the bookstore's gross revenue-Lannie finds herself stuck with D.E. Hensen, an unorthodox and infuriating adventure novelist. The dashing D.E. is determined to help Lannie rescue her struggling business, but his outlandish ideas threaten to turn her world upside down. Can the two put aside their differences to save the store-and find their own version of happily-ever-after?



Review: This was a cute little story. The emotion that she felt about her bookstore literally jumped of the pages at me from the beginning. While I thought there were some…silly ideas :) suggested by the hero, I think the author did a really good job making it all work. In the end I was pleased with the journey I made.

The inspirational aspect of the story was not over the top, but a pretty steady influence throughout. All in all it was a story that had likeable characters, a cute plot and story line and a good conflict that I found to be believable.

Good job Ms Briggs :)

In His Sight by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb: Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.


Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?
Review: While fraught with inspiration and the Lord, the plot seemed to be weighed down at times by scenes that just didn’t seem to move the story forward at all.

I enjoyed the characters for the most part. I think the light paranormal element could have shined a bit more giving me, the reader, a better look at it rather than just a passing glance. While it was discussed, the actual “feelings” seemed rather vague and gone before I knew it.

All in all it was a story that I think had really good potential but I felt like I read a first draft rather than a final product.

Susan's 4th of July Fireworks by Kara Lynn Russell

Story: 6

Presentation: 9
Total: 15
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: Pansy and Misty matched a lot of couples in Orchard Hill but not everyone needs their help.

Cal Wensloff has moved back home to Orchard Hill and Susan Schmidt discovers that the crush she had on him in high school is alive and well. The amazing part is that Cal seems to be interested in her, too. But when her father forbids her to see him, and a rival sets her sights on Cal, Susan has to make some hard choices. The 4th of July is coming up and she's agreed to play Snow White in the annual parade. Will Cal be her Prince Charming, or will Susan end up alone again?

One way or the other, there'll be fireworks in Orchard Hill this 4th of July.

Review: While I really liked the premise for this story, I have to say that for me it just didn't come together. Susan at times comes across as petty and a bit mean. Her character felt very juvinille and I just couldn't relate.

HOWEVER...the authors ability to paint a vivid, tactile image was wonderful. I could see, smell and hear every detail in this story. and did you check out that cover? WOW!!! Very nice :)

Hidden Magic by Ashlynn Monroe

Story: 7
Presentation: 9
Total: 16
Publisher: Wild Horse Press
Sweet Fantasy Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Alexis is happy with her life and feels that it is ordinary, until a strange magician threatens her family and exposes her brother's secrets. Discovering nothing she believes about herself is true, she is confronted with a family secret that leaves her at the mercy of her brother's nemesis, the man who claims she belongs to him.

Hidden Magic is a tale of fairies, magic, and love.

Review: Hidden Magic was a dichotomy of reading experiences. There were parts that I loved and could not get enough of and other areas that I nearly put the story aside. And that would have been a shame since I would have missed the best parts of the book. The beginning is slow and most of what was there was a telling of back story and the mundane activities of Alexis’ daily life. But don’t give up, keep reading because when the story kicks in about a third of the way through, it’s exciting. Good vs perceived evil. Only the evil isn’t so evil at all just a difference of viewpoints between two powerful forces. The Fae and Humans are on the brink of war. A woman discovers her destiny and cant help falling in love with an enemy sworn to destroy her brother. Whew, this story has so much to offer if you trudge through the opening and get to the heart of Hidden Magic.

Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb: A Former Rodeo Queen

Josie Turner spends her days at the local dog grooming shop pampering the pooches of Angel Springs, Texas. When rodeo season rolls around again, the townfolk are excited about who their new Rodeo Queen might be. Josie, on the other hand, finds herself reminded all too often about a night she’d just as soon forget.

A Former Rodeo Cowboy

Luke Anderson lived for three things – riding, roping and rodeos. Until the day he met Josie Turner, the girl who gave his life meaning, and whose heart he was destined to break. Now, ten years later, he returns to Angel Springs to find the town hasn’t changed much, but the girl he left behind has become a stranger he hardly recognizes. What, he wonders, will she think of him, and the man he’s become?

A Rodeo Weekend

Determined to break through the wall Josie has erected around her heart, Luke must face his demons while at the same time helping Josie overcome hers. With the whole town cheering them on, can Luke mend Josie’s heart and can one rodeo weekend help them both find redemption?

Review: Have you looked at the SR scoring page? If you haven't then now is a good time.

TOTAL PERFECTION!!!!! I don't hide the fact that I am a huge Teri Wilson fan. I have read EVERYTHING she has written. Loved everything she has written. Have print copies on my bookshelf :) BUT Rodeo Redemption ROCKED!!!

Perhaps it was the fact that this award winning author brought together cowboys, rodeo, God, love and animals and wrapped them into a fantastic story. Or maybe it was the fact that she wrote it so well that I was unable to stop reading once I opened the PDF. It could have been that she pens such real-to-life characters that I immediately felt like I knew them. Who cares. All that matters is that Ms Wilson has done it yet again :)

It is no wonder this author made it on the Seriously Unforgettable list or that her fans adore her. She is unforgettable and pens stories that are warm, emotional, witty works of art :) Not only for the eyes but also for the heart and soul.

**SNAPS** Ms Wilson. I can't wait to get my hands on your next work :)

Grounded by Sandra Cox

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Class Act Books
YA Fantasy
To Purchase

Blurb: On the surface, Gillian Stone has it all: wealth, beauty, and the freedom to come and go as she pleases…at least from sunset to dawn. From dawn to dusk, she’s grounded in several hundred pounds of marble. And if that’s not bad enough, her life expectancy is preordained to be short…unless, she can find a certain genie and reverse the wish-spell.

Review: This was a really good story. Well developed characters and plot. Interesting and engaging premise. All delivered with a bang. With all the problems that most young women face, who needs problems like this. Great secondary characters only added to the dynamic of the story and gave it a very well rounded feel. Very nicely done Ms Cox.

More Than A Playboy by Monique DeVere

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: She has a shield...he has one too...and they’re both hiding secrets.

Serious-minded Sandy Donovan has one unbreakable rule—never fall for a rich playboy. Falling for a playboy destroyed her mother and ruined Sandy’s childhood. She’s determined never to let the same thing happen to her. Unfortunately, the only man to make her hormones sit up and take notice is a playboy who doesn’t know the first thing about taking life seriously.

A lonely, miserable childhood taught Cameron Berkeley-Scott to hide his feelings in humour, but his comic nature is pushing away the one woman he wants to draw near. She thinks he’s a playboy—a title he has no desire to have—and ignores his outrageous flirting.

Now it’s time for Cameron to show Sandy he isn’t the irresponsible pleasure-seeker she thinks—but will she run when she finds out who he really is?

Review: You know...there are times when I come across a sweet little story like this one, that I thank my lucky stars my mother pushed me so hard as a child to read. And when I baulked as a young teen, she handed me a romance novel. I LOVE READING!!! But one of the things that makes me love reading as much as I do is wonderfully written, heart-felt stories like this one.

Ms DeVere has done a magnificent job in telling a tale, warts and all, and having it all come out smelling like roses in the end. The characters were great, the plot solid and the story...sigh...yeah, it was really good.

*SNAPS* Monique, on a job well done :)

Advertising For Love by Sandy Sullivan

Story: 6.75
Presentation: 9
Total: 15.75
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: The Flower Basket Series

Cassie doesn’t have time for a man, not on a permanent basis anyway. Establishing her advertising business holds her heart until she notices an intriguing gentleman visiting The Flower Basket every other day. His brilliant blue eyes, broad shoulders and muscled chest haunt her waking hours and invade her midnight dreams until she comes face to face with her mystery man.

Cassandra Meyer. Just her name holds Jeremy Spencer spellbound, but actually meeting her sends his heart and desire into overdrive. He wants her but when she refuses to give into the attraction crackling between them, his frustration at her stubbornness forces his hand. His advertising campaign comes with one additional prize -- him. Take it or leave it.

Can Jeremy convince Cassie there’s room in her life for more than statistics and trends and to give love a try?

Review: I love this series. I was hooked from the beginning. Perhaps that is why this review is so difficult for me to write.

While the premise for this story was WONDERFUL, a character fell short for me. I enjoy a good alpha male that has some overbearing tendencies at times. But when manipulation and IMHO deceit are used to make a woman jealous so he can get what he wants from the very beginning, he loses some of his hero-like qualities.

Ms Sullivan did a wonderful job crafting a tale that had everything it needed to be a riviting story, driven plot, a twist that made me gasp, a heroine I liked from the start and of course...the sweet romance. My only wish is that the hero had been a bit more likeable through the entire story. The tale ended on a happy note, but we would expect nothing less from a sweet romance :)

I will be keeping my eyes peeled for this author in the future. I have high hopes for the next story of hers that I pick up :)

Faith by Merry Stahel

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9.5
Total: 19
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Afraid of losing the only person left who loves her, Faith follows her widowed mother-in-law to a new home. But God has plans for Faith...plans that include a new love, hope, and a future. Can Faith open her bruised and hurting heart to allow a loving God and a loving man back in?

Review: Every so often I get the pleasure of reviewing a story that is so powerful, so well written and so wonderful that I am in awe when it is over. This is one of those.

With emotion so powerful and raw that it left me gasping. I was able to connect, to feel, to experience this passionate tale of love, moving on and taking another chance on happiness and love. Ahhh. Yes Ms Stahel has done a wonderful job and I have full intents on see her name on may more stories on my computer screen for a long time to come.

Love to Delare by Charlotte McClain

Story: 6

Presentation: 9

Total: 15

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Sweet Contemporary

To Purchase

Blurb: Schlepping parts back and forth from Japan for work, Jake has been waiting to see Customs bust somebody for months. He thinks it might be his lucky day when the agents take special interest in Maggie. But Maggie is nice and hardly the type. Isn't she?
Maggie just wants to get home. She's been overseas teaching pre-school for a year and flying for the past several days. Then before the final leg, she gets stuck in Secondary Inspection. The only saving grace being the cute guy hanging around with her. He's the only one who doesn't think she's a criminal. Isn't he?

Review: An interesting little tale.

While cute in the end I was left a little confused about what I had read. For a good portion I wasn't sure if Jake was an undercover agent or not. This is another one that I thought had great potential but wish it had been a bit more in depth so I wasn't left miffed in the end.

Reservation Required by Sarita Leone

Story: 6.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 15.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Vintage Historical
To Purchase

Blurb: Penobscot Bay is the perfect place for romance. Pippa has more than her share of suitors. But who will win her heart? The answer seems clear as her feelings for best friend Jake begin to change. But when a handsome stranger checks into the Samoset Hotel, all bets are off!

Review: This sweet little tidbit was just enough to whet my whistle but not quench my thirst.
While the story kept me I wish there had been more. More to explore the relationship between Pippa and Jake. More to understand Pippa as an individual. Well, just more. At the end, I felt like I had missed something.

Snow Angels by Wendy Davy

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Sweet Inspirational
To Purchase

Blurb: A blizzard brings them together…
A twist of fate threatens to tear them apart.

Seeking her father’s approval, ski patrol candidate, Isabelle Rollins, will stop at nothing to secure her place among the highly respected patrollers at Snowcap Resort, even if it means risking her life. When she becomes lost in a blizzard, she fights her way to the doorstep of a handsome stranger, only to discover he is the one man who can stand in the way of her dream.

Seeking refuge from his tragic past, Ski Patrol Director, Mitchell Donovan, prays his new environment will help his daughter heal and overcome her persistent nightmares. When a stranded woman shows up on his doorstep desperate to survive a raging blizzard, he brings her in from the cold and into his life, only to discover she's the one woman he has no business falling for.

Review: Be warned, this one will pull at your heart strings :)
OY! What a great story!!! I couldn't get enough of the characters, the plot, the...well, everything! Ms Davy has done a fab job of pulling me in and keeping me hooked with a tale of a woman who is desperate for her fathers approval and a mans journey to start a new life for himself and his little girl.
Set in a quaint ski town, these three are thrown together and discover that sometimes the path to healing isn't what you expected :) It's better.

Always a Bridesmaid by Elaine Hopper

Story: 6
Presentation: 9
Total: 15
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Sweet
To Purchase

Blurb: Hell has finally frozen over. After nine long years, Breanna Parker has come home to be her sister's maid of honor. Just her luck that the first person she runs into is her ex-fiance, Troy Youngwolf—the man who eloped with her ex-best friend and broke her heart. Now a widowed father and sheriff of their Florida home town, sexy bad boy Troy wants another chance and won't take no for an answer. However, every time Breanna looks at Troy or his little girl, her heart breaks anew. She can hardly wait for her sister to get hitched so she can escape back to her urban family in Ft. Lauderdale. The risk is too high that Troy may discover her most closely held secret, one with the potential to destroy them both…perhaps this time forever.

Review: As much as I love the premise to this story, ex-lovers who get another shot, I had a few issues with this one.
The Hero and the Heroine both displayed very negative qualities. As a woman, who has often wondered "what-if", I must say that if I ever had an ex who did to me what Troy did, a second chance would just not happen. Even if I decided to entertain the idea of a second chance his response to her "secret" would have killed it for me.
NOW, with me having expressed my feelings toward the characters I do have to say that the story kept me pulled in even though sometimes I felt like I was reading just to see if Brenna was going to slap Troy and tell him to bite a big one.
If you enjoy a read where the hero displays some non-hero-like qualities then you may enjoy this one. I just didn't feel connected to him or the heroine very much through the story and wish I had like them both a bit more.

Steal My Heart by Dina Troy

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: Fido Publishing
Sweet Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: When Lauren Hayes decides to treat herself to a necklace after landing a great job as an assistant editor, she encounters Bayard Fredericks working at a new jewelry store, and he’s the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. The attraction is mutual, and over the next few weeks he comes on strong, buying her expensive gemstones over her objections. But things don’t quite click for Lauren. She’s just emerged from a bad relationship, and she doesn’t want to rush into anything that could compromise her new found independence. And how can Bayard afford such costly presents in the first place?

Lauren is completely smitten, but her concerns deepen when Bayard lies about his past, and her best friend, Sheila, suspects Bayard might be involved in several high-profile jewel heists thought to be “inside jobs.” Shortly thereafter, Lauren’s prized possession, a drawing by a famous artist, goes missing, and Sheila claims she has proof that Bayard is a jewel thief. Lauren may be falling in love, but how can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?


Review: An interesting tale about a woman starting over wanting to stand on her own two feet and a man who wants to take care of her. When you throw theft and uncertainty into the mix, things get a little shaky. It's a good thing that it all works out in the end.
But it makes you think about all the what-if's. I enjoyed the tale and have to say that I would like to read more from Ms Troy in the future. She has a very unique way to pen a tale and keep the reader hooked.

Design for Life by Cate Masters

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet
To Purchase

Blurb: The Flower Basket

Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold by leaving art school to care for her ailing mom. Working full time at The Flower Basket leaves precious little time, but she squeezes in night classes at the local college. When Mike Hunter fills in as a substitute teacher, she worries about a repeat of the critical reviews he gave her work when he substituted at her high school three years earlier. His reason comes as a complete surprise, but can she trust him? Or will he disappear like her father? When that possibility looms all too real, she’s determined never to let the design for her life unravel again. Following her bliss requires work, but pays off in more ways than she ever imagined. She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.

Review: I love this series :) I can't help it. This story justs add's another UMP to an already wonderful collection :)

Ok, So I'm a softy and I love a story that gets me a warm and mushy inside and this one totally did it. I LOVE Ms Master's ability to make me feel the ups and downs along with the characters. It makes for a really good read.

You can rest assured that any other Flower Basket stories that come out, this reviewer will be reading and letting you know how they were. If the two I have read so far are any indication, WOW!!!!!

Hearts Crossing by Marianne Evans

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Christian Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church of Christ, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.

Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God and the community of Woodland. But lately she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.

A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists—but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better.

Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.

Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

Review: Touching. That is one word that can describe this story and just about sum it up.

I love an Inspy or Christian romance that has a good story, wonderful characters and at the end can make you smile because of all the warm fuzzies swimming around in your tummy. What better way to spend some time than letting yourself be swept away in the romance and with a healthy dose of faith this one covers all aspects.

Good job :) I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.

Moving In by Alice Audrey

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Contemporary
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Blurb: When Diane and Trigvey move into the same building on the same day, more than their suitcases get tangled up.
All his life Trigvey never once doubted his calling to be a doctor, but an accident in the ER has him doubting himself. Diane's willingness to listen helps him get his head on straight. If only he felt worthy of a woman like her.

Diane is the kind of woman who would love to be someone's wife. Not a trophy wife, or simply married, but the kind of wife whose job is to stay home and take care of the family, even if the family is only a husband. She feeds Trigvey and consoles him, and doesn't even know she has him wrapped around her finger. Jilted for a career-woman and raised by a bitter divorcée, Diane no longer believes in that dream. It's up to Trigvey to convince her it could still be real, if she chooses him.

Review: You know? Every so often you read a story that starts a little slow on the first few pages and then.....BAM it just explodes! This was one of them for me :)

I fell in love with the characters, the story and the romance. With everything going on in the world right now, it is refreshing to read a story that can take you away, put a smile on your face and leave you with a warm feeling inside when you finish.

Ms Audrey, *SNAPS* on a good job. I would love to read more from you in the future :)

The Painters Domestic Dispute by

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Vintage Historical
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Blurb: Slide into a hot new Studebaker for a quick trip up the Maine Coast, for that All-Important meeting: that's right, Miss Sarah is to meet the parents…

Review: Though this was not really what I would consider a romance, I have to say that it was a very cute story. We get a look at two couples and the things they do for the men they love.

There were some parts in this that were laugh out loud funny. I could picture the looks on the mom's face so vividly and it was a hoot!!!
Great job to the author. Very well done :)

Bridesmaid Blues by Lainey Bancroft

Story: 9

Presentation: 9

Total: 18

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Sweet Contemporary

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Blurb: Trisha Ellison hopes a trip to the San Jose flower market will help her find a bloom exotic enough to suit her picky sister. When events unfold that send Trisha to the market with The Flower Basket’s hunky new driver, Rico Martinez, Trisha wonders if she’s also found a solution to avoid attending her sister’s wedding solo.
Raised by a grandmother soured by servitude to affluent white Californians, Rico Martinez steers clear of fair-haired, filthy rich young ladies. When perky wedding planner Trisha requires more than just his floral expertise to make the wedding she's planning a success, what's a sympathetic gentleman to do? Especially since he's falling for her--big time. Until he discovers she isn't just a simple, dog-rescuing wedding planner, but the sister of the bride…and daughter of Almendra's most affluent man!

Review: NICE!! So, when I started this one I was immediately pulled in. Though in the beginning I got a bit lost with the large amount of secondary characters that showed up and all the conversation between them, it didn't detract from the appeal of the story.

And let me tell you that once things got going I just couldn't stop reading. WONDERFUL story! Tell me if you can what better feeling is there than knowing you are loved for who you are rather than what you are?

Ms Bancroft has done a wonderful job and I can't wait to see more from her!

Southern Comfort by Theresa Lynn Hall

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Christian Inspirational

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Blurb: Beth McDonald has a secret—a secret that is costing a lot of people their lives. With no where to turn, she leaves her dream job in the city and heads for a small town in Texas to a place where no one will find her. Tired of running, she turns to the sheriff for help and soon finds herself fighting for more than just her life. Sheriff Clint Fisher has his life just where he wants it—peaceful and happy. But when the beautiful D.A. walks into his office, his world is turned upside down. The confident sheriff is pretty sure he can keep her alive…but can he keep her forever?

Review: Faith filled, fast paced with a bit of suspense :)

Ms Hall has penned an interesting story that hits the heart of renewing faith when things get down. Complications throw these two together and sparks fly. The faith filled sheriff renews Beth's belief in Him and what the power of worship can do for a person.

I can't wait to see what this author has coming next :)

Prodigal by Robin Bayne

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Christian Inspirational
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Blurb: Daniel Gardner is making a grand entrance at his brother’s wedding. The problem is, no one has seen him in years. Unsure of his welcome, this prodigal son needs the years and the hearts of his family to miraculously melt…but he may not be the only one needing to make amends. Lane Taylor doesn’t realize how much she still loves Daniel until she’s standing face-to-face with him after so many years apart. Once upon a time, they’d dreamed of a life together. Now, when it seems they might get a second chance, she has to decide whether to divulge the secret she’s sure will shatter their happily-ever-after.

Review: I have to say that this one really made me stop and think. When Lane tells her secret, Daniel's reaction at first really isn't what any woman wants to hear. HOWEVER... everything works itself out for a good ending.

With good characters and solid story, this one is one that delivers a message about discovering what you really want in life and taking stock of what you have. What is important to you and your future and what are you willing to do to get it?

Ms Bayne has done a good job of delivering a faith filled love story that will make you think. Good Job!

The Open Face of Heaven by BK Reeves

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Historical Romance
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Blurb: Just what the doctor ordered... After losing her parents, Milly Blakely cut her hair and pretended to be younger to get on the Orphan Train. She’s come a long way to find a new family. Her heart hungers for someone to love. When she spies a frail and sick-looking young woman with a frowning, yet handsome man at the Orphan Train’s stop in Addison, Kansas, she knows she can help these people and can’t wait to get started. But can she love these hurting people without getting hurt herself? Rad Powell’s wife, Frances, is dying. He gives in to her wish for a companion and takes in Milly Blakely. Milly is a blessing and so much more than a mere companion during Frances’ last days. After the loss of his wife, he realizes how much this young woman has changed his life and touched his bruised heart. Can he find a second chance at love?

Review: What a wonderful historical! This was just what I needed :) A sweet story about love, letting go, finding your place in the world and loving again.

Ms Reeves has gripped me in the past with another of her other works and this is just another peg in the wall as far as I am concerned, for an author who really knows how to create a tale with characters and a plot that really tugs on the heart strings :)

As this story is the second in the Orphan Trail series, I can assure you I will be keeping my eyes peeled for the rest to come. I can't wait to see what Ms Reeves gives us next :)

Johnny B. Goode for Christmas by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 18.5
Publisher: White Rose Press
Sweet Holiday
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Blurb: Emma has returned to her high school to teach art and literature. Despite painful memories close to a "Carrie" experience, she agrees to chaperone the school Christmas dance.She is barely holding it together, and then it gets worse. Johnny B. Goode, the jerk from high school who caused her so much pain, has just been hired as the new P.E. coach. It is hard enough to return to the scene of the crime, but to have to look at the cause of all her adolescence angst is too much. Though Emma makes sure Johnny knows she wants nothing to do with him, he isn't easily deterred.Can Johnny be good this Christmas, or will Emma experience the same heartache again?

Review: Have you ever read a book that just tugs at every emotion you have and then some? Let me just say that this was one that twisted me up and spit me out.....in a good way!
I LOVED every thing about this story! Not one thing wrong with it other than it ended!!!! I didn't want it to. I wanted to keep reading but alas, I realize the story had to end sometime, I am just thrilled that Ms Mendoza allowed me to come along on the journey :)
*SNAPS* on a job superbly done!!!!I just can't say enough good stuff but I know if I don't stop this review right now I will talk myself into re-reading it.....for the third time :)

Karaoke Cowgirl by Stacy Dawn

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Sweet Cowboy Contemporary
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Blurb: How far would you go to attract the man of your dreams? Ally Standish re-invents herself every Saturday night to sing for her cowboy. But when they come face to face in the light of a normal day—and he discovers the real Ally—will he let her sing him more love songs or will the music die for good.

Review: I love a good sweet story that makes me smile and leaves me with a fuzzy light hearted feeling when it is over. Every Saturday night these two go through the same old song and dance. They are drawn to each other but feel certain they just aren't good enough for the other.

I got a good chuckle at the end when they finally meet "face to face". A cute ending for a really cute story. I will be on the look out for more from Ms Dawn as she did a great job crafting a wonderful little romance with great characters, a good story line and all the believability you can pack into such a short story. :) Was a Winner for me :)
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Roan's Redemption by BK Reeves

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Historical Western Sweet
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Blurb: Oklahoma Territory 1892Addie McKenna finished digging the grave at sundown. She had to get Mattie in the ground tonight; tomorrow would be another scorcher. The dog barked as Addie climbed from the grave. A stranger driving a buckboard loomed from the shadows. As he came closer, Addie's breath caught. Roan McLeod! She kept her face blank. He was a married man.Roan McLeod looked at Addie McKenna, alone beside the open grave. Four months since he'd seen her. His nights had been haunted by this red-haired girl, haunted by forbidden images of them together as he opened his mouth on Addie's and removed her clothes. Those were shameful thoughts for a man who had buried his wife and daughter only ten days ago.

Review: An intereseting sweet western romance that really gives a glimpse at what life could be like.

Ms Reeves has created a tale about family, loss and love. Sometimes you just have to wait for the right time to let your heart take over. But when the time is right it all just falls into place. This tale is a good one that really shows you how things can get in the way for a couple but when all the fuzz clears, the sky brightens and hope is in fact, not lost.