Cozy Place to Visit! 'Meet Me at the Grand' - Jonathon Island 1 - by Lindsay Harrel

 

About the book:

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart?

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid.

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for.

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart?

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart?

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

My review:

This was a sweet story about finding a place to belong.  Liam was a sweet guy who worried about his dad's health and wanted to relieve his stress and get him to retire.  He was also tired of always being on the road and thought he had a plan and everything figured out.  Then he met Dani and started getting attached to Jonathon Island and its people and began to question what he thought he wanted.  Dani really wanted her family to come home after they had all scattered after their parents divorced and the hotel burned down.  She thought if she could just get the hotel rebuilt the same, they would come back and things could be how they were before.  They both had some growing to do, Liam with realizing he's not responsible for everything and Dani finally letting go of her unforgiveness and realizing she can't depend on other people or circumstances to be happy.  She needs to depend on God alone. Her wise aunt gave her that great advice.  There were other wise people in her life and Liam's, caring and advising them about their work and love lives. There were some sweet romantic moments but I didn't feel like I got to know Liam and Dani very well.  They were mostly focused on what to do about the hotel and figuring out the design.  We got to know them emotionally but not some of the little things that make up a personality.  Dani had faith but I wasn't sure where Liam stood as he did attend church there and had as a child.   Jonathon Island sounds like such a wonderful place, cozy and inviting and with a wonderful community.  I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!

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

The Shop Down the Lane - Letters from Lancaster County 1 - by Leslie Gould

 

About the book:

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, former Amish man turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a birdwatchers' circle letter under an alias--but unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

My review:

This was an interesting story with hints of You've Got Mail as two people who don't get along in real life were drawn to each other through anonymous letters.  The difference in this story, however, was that Lois and Moses share a history and that's why they don't get along.  The story was a bit slow for me and I'm not into birding so I wasn't as interested in those details.  I found it interesting to see how Lois was going to deal with her brother and her bishop and the pressure to move back to her brother's community and marry a man there.  I also liked seeing the relationships and interactions she had in the community.  I was a little frustrated when I found out the details of their past as I thought Moses, especially, really dropped the ball and some of the choices he made even now made me shake my head.  Because of those I had a hard time rooting for them.  I really felt for Lois and all she'd been through in her life.  There was a hint of romance and I felt that got wrapped up a little too quickly and easily.  You'd probably enjoy this story if you like Amish stories or birding.

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