Enjoyable Trip Back to Hope Harbor! 'Sunrise Reef' - Hope Harbor 11 - by Irene Hannon

 

About the book:

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need.

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage. But when he finds himself sucked into her quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to the charming town of Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My review:

This was an enjoyable trip back to Hope Harbor, a wonderful community where people look out for each other and where you just might find a new path in life.  It was amusing seeing opposites attract in Bren and Noah as she seems to be a flighty free spirit and Noah an uptight workaholic but they aren't as opposite as they seem.  As they get to know each other better they discover intriguing facets to each other's personalities.  While they had strong chemistry, I liked that they didn't let hormones run away with them but instead tried to keep level heads.  Bren, especially, should be applauded for looking at the situation realistically and logically.  They both had a strong faith so had a firm foundation there but living far apart was the biggest hurdle they faced, especially since Noah had been working toward partner at his CPA firm for years.  I enjoyed seeing Bren encourage a young newcomer to town who had car trouble by giving her a place to stay and it was a good reminder how some hope and a little boost up could make all the difference to someone.  She helped turn the girl's life around and by extension, her brother's. There were some amusing moments, especially how Bren and Noah met and also seeing a priest and a minister banter back and forth.  Charley was wise, as always, and I'm craving his tacos!  Bree's friend, Bev, was also delightful and Noah's dad was a great guy, too.  Between the down-to-earth people and the beautiful scenery, Hope Harbor is just a delightful place to visit again and again!  This book did work as a stand-alone but you won't want to read just one!  I recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author.  I wasn't compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

A Joy to Read! 'Some Like it Scot' - by Pepper Basham

About the book:

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?

My review:

This story was such a joy to read!  There were so many amusing situations Katie gets into plus the banter and puns were wonderful!  I loved that it took place in Scotland and Basham's descriptions really brought it to life.  It was so interesting learning more about the culture of Scotland plus seeing Katie and the other guests learning more about the Edwardian time period while being immersed in it was a lot of fun.  There were so many swoon-worthy moments as the grumpy Scot, Graeme (Graham) seems to show up everywhere she goes and sparks fly.  She's trying not to like him but she just keeps discovering qualities she likes and the same goes for him.  The story also dealt with some serious stuff as Katie and Graeme both have lost a sibling and issues with her family keep her traveling since she doesn't feel like she has a home anymore.  Graeme is trying to preserve what's left of his after losing his sister and then his fiance left; he's trying to keep things stable for his nephew but is he holding on too tight?  I loved that we get the story told in first person from both their perspectives so we really know what they're thinking.  They both have a faith in God but you see it grow for both of them throughout the story.  There were also great secondary characters, such as Graeme's adorable nephew, his wonderfully wise mother and the quirky people that make up this beautiful community.  Special mention goes to the book club, a group of elderly women who were a hoot!  There were just so many wonderful aspects to this book!  It's a definite 5 star read for me and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl - Vargas Ranch 6 - by Karen Baney

 

About the book:

They’ve secretly loved each other for years. He’s hung up on their age gap. She can’t get him to see her as the woman she’s become. Will they let go of their fear to find true love?

When former pro bull rider, Adan Franco, discovers he’s been named the guardian of a twelve-year-old boy, his world turns upside down. He must head to New Mexico to settle the estate. As he fumbles through his new status as a single dad, he leans on the woman he’s secretly loved for years.

Solana Vargas is desperate for Adan to see her as something other than his best friend’s kid cousin. At twenty-five, she’s matured into a devoted friend and loyal member of the Vargas clan. If only Adan could come to see her as wife material, all her dreams could come true.

Will helping him settle into life as a single dad finally force him to see her in a new light? Will they ever take a chance on love together?

My review:

This was a sweet story about a mutual unrequited love that might have never gone anywhere but for the boy Adan's made guardian of.  Solana is a selfless person anyway but also thinks maybe spending more time with Adan will open his eyes to the woman she's become.  She ends up taking time off of work to travel with both of them to help pack up the mother's house.  She ends up bonding more with both Adan and the boy but starts to wonder if Adan likes her for her or is just looking for a mother for him.  Solana seemed very kind and caring and the only thing holding Adan back was their age difference.  Adan seemed like a very wise and caring guy, even letting his reputation suffer to protect the boy.  They both have a strong faith in God with many mentions of prayer and getting godly advice from friends and family.  There was some sweet romance to the story and also helping the boy deal with grief.  This story works well as a stand-alone even though it's book six.  I would recommend this story if you like a sweet romance, however I wasn't that crazy about the narrators as I listened to the audiobook.  I didn't really like their voices or the lack of emotion they portrayed.

I received a free audio copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Amazing Start to a New Series! 'Jack' - The Minnesota Kingstons 1 - by Susan May Warren

 

About the book:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape. The first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

My review:

I could not put this story down!  This has a couple of my favorite tropes plus I love the idea of Jack helping find missing people for a living.  You add in that one of my favorite authors is writing it and I knew I would not be disappointed!  I loved the romance and their history and the suspense was great as they worked together to find the missing bridesmaid, Penelope.  I also liked that the bridesmaid had a true crime podcast and they were trying to figure out if her disappearance was related to that or not.  There was some talk of God and faith and Jack had to look at his life and figure out some stuff about his past and his choices.  There was a hint of a romance brewing between Jack's brother and Penelope and the next book will focus on them.  There's also an intriguing subplot involving another brother and a woman he knew from his Navy Seal days as she sneaks around in disguises and believes she's trying to stop a terrorist plot and he doesn't seem to realize who she is.  I'm sure more will be uncovered in the next books!  It was such fun to see previous characters from other books but this book worked well as a stand-alone if you haven't read any of the other series.  I can't wait for the next installment!

I received a free ebook copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.