Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince

By: Rachel Hauck

338 Pages

Rachel Hauck has written a modern day fairy tale story just in time for summer.  This talented author plays off the idea we've all had: I wish I could marry a Prince? However, she has brought the reality of the fantasy into the story. It's a great read for those breezy summer days at the beach or pool.

Susanna is a girl who likes a plan. She makes them and sticks to them- no matter what. And emotion doesn't always fit into her plan. However, she sees all her carefully laid out plans get thrown to the wayside when her long time boyfriend doesn't propose, but tells her he found the right ring, but the wrong girl. Ouch!

Nathaniel is a Prince from Brighton Kingdom. He's a Prince with a lot on his mind, so an un-escorted drive is just what the doctor ordered. He's facing the all too common royal predicament- his family wants to get married. He's not sure getting married to someone he doesn't love is the best solution to a heated political problem. Nor is he too fond of the girl his family feels is pushing. But when Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aide, all that changes.

Nathaniel and Susanna spend time together, and feelings develop. Their religious beliefs just being one of the many things they have in common. However, Susanna has no idea of Nathaniel's title and he is no rush to tell her. But the truth comes out and brings with it harsh realities. 

Choices are forced to be made, truths are exposed. No one said the road to true love was easy. However, it can sometimes be like a fairy tale. 

Double Whammy

Double Whammy
By: Gretchen Archer
306 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
Davis Way thinks she's hit the jackpot when she lands a job as the fifth wheel on an elite security team at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. But once there, she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged slot machine, her evil twin, and a trail of dead bodies. Davis learns the truth and it does not set her free--in fact, it lands her in the pokey.

Buried under a mistaken identity, unable to seek help from her family, her hot streak runs cold until her landlord Bradley Cole steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. With his help, Davis must win this high stakes game before her luck runs out. -- amazon.com

This action packed mystery is full of twists and turns with funny events sprinkled throughout. 

After being unemployed for a year and sixteen interviews for this job, the spunky Davis Way is hired as undercover security at the Bellissimo Resort and Casino. Her job is to find out how  the game " Double Whammy Deuces Wild" is being set to pay off. The casino is loosing a lot of money and the wife of Richard Sanders, President and CEO of the casino is the number one suspect. 

 Davis' first assignment  is to impersonate Bianca Sanders, Richard Sanders wife. Natalie Middleton provides all the necessities. It was uncanny just how much the two women looked alike once Natalie is finished.  Davis enters the world of the big spender  and plays the "Double Whammy Deuces Wild" . 

Complications explode when she discoverers her two time ex-husband, Eddie Crawford, is spending a lot of time with Bianca and he is a big  winner.  Davis must stay away from him or she is libel to ruin the undercover operation.  

Due to "problems" Davis' assignment changes. As she continues to impersonate various people, she becomes suspicious that there is more to this job than she has been told. This becomes fact when Davis is accused of the attempted murder of Richard Sanders. The events that follow lead her from a jail cell  to tracking a ruthless killer. 

Who can she trust? A mysterious cab driver who sleeps in his cab? The two security men that keep popping up at odd times? Or her absent landlord handsome Bradley Cole? Who set her up and why was she really hired?

This is a great read and difficult to put down. So curl up in a comfy spot and prepare for an enjoyable adventure with Davis Way.

Life At The Marmont

Many of us can't afford to take the luxuriously extravagant vacations like the rich & famous. However, through Life At The Marmont, you can't be a fly on the wall inside one of their favorite hangouts. You'll read how the hotel started out and became one of the most sought after places for those with the means.

This book was a fascinating read. The authors not only give you the history of the hotel itself, but they also introduce you to some of the workers who made a lasting impression on the guests. You'll see how the building went from the original luxury apartments for lease to the popular hotel stay- and what the Olympics had to do with it.

Of course, no book on a hotel that services the rich and famous would be complete without some dishy details. And of those, there are many. Who stayed there? Who had secret rendezvous there? You are going to love reading all the stories that chart Hollywood from the 1930s to now. 

This book would be a great read for the beach or poolside. Soak in the sun while you soak up the details of a LA legend.

Starting Now

Starting Now

By: Debbie Macomber

352 Pages

Summary:

For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.--bn.com

Debbie Macomber's newest book, Starting Now, takes you back to Blossom Street. We meet Libby Morgan a successful young lawyer who has been working hard to make partner in the prestigious law firm of Burkhart, Smith and Crandalll.  She is shocked when instead of being rewarded with the partnership she is laid off.  Her perfect world is turned upside down and she begins the long process of building a new life.  

After months of being out of work Libby decides to follow the suggestion of her stepmother to  join a gym. To her surprise she finds it invigorating and very satisfying.  Looking to rekindle an old friendship Libby calls Robin Hamlin. Robin is a workaholic city prosecutor very much like Libby had been.   Libby convinces Robin to join the gym and a deep friendship develops. 

It is Robin who introduces Libby to the yarn shop on Blossom Street. Taking that one step into the shop starts Libby down a path she never dreamed existed.  Libby meets Lydia, one of the owners, her young daughter, Casey, and Casey's friend, Ava.  Casey and Ava are making caps for preemies.  Libby was taught to knit by her mother and decides to join the girls in making caps. 

When it comes time to deliver the caps Libby is happy to join the girls. Visiting the preemies stirs up feelings Libby never knew she had. She volunteers to rock the preemies on Wednesday afternoons and loves every minute of it. While making her first delivery of caps Libby and the girls meet Dr. Philip Stone. His concern for Ava draws all of their lives to twist and turn until each person's  world is  forever changed.

Debbie Macomber has a wonderful way of taking you into a persons life and letting you walk with them as they traverse the ups and downs .  Once again she has written a moving story that captivates the reader- from the first page to the last. I have loved all of the Blossom Street stories and this one is a wonderful addition. So I encourage you to curl up in a cozy place and dive into another heart stirring story by Debbie Macomber.

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere

First off, I LOVE Christmas time, its my favorite season of the year! I could read Christmas books or watch Christmas movies any time :)

I first watched the movie "The Christmas Shoes" in 2002 when it came out and LOVED it! It was one of the most heartwarming movies I've seen and even to this day, I cry each and every time I watch it! Its a little tradition I set for myself during the holiday season, is to watch this movie.

Even though the movie deviates from the book (which is always the case) it still has the same message: treasure your family and always know how much they mean to you!

This book is told by Robert, the husband to Kate and the father to Hannah and Lily. He is a lawyer obsessed with working who doesn't come home till late at night (partly becuase he feels like he is a stranger to his family). On the other hand, Nathan also has a problem of his own. He is an 8 year old and he is going to lose his mother, Maggie. She was diagnosed with cancer and probably won't make it past Christmas day. Nathan is desperate to make his mother happy before she goes to God, goes to the store and finds a pair of red shoes which he think will be great for his mother. While at the store Robert is also there doing some last minute Christmas shopping. At the register waiting to check out its Nathan's turn to pay; unfortunately, he does not have enough money. Suddenly losing hope, he turns to Robert (who is right behind him) and asks for help telling him his story of  his mother and the shoes. At that moment Robert learns a valuable lesson. Somethimes the smallest things in our lives make all the difference

There are several quotes throughout the book which I loved reading, but by far my most favorite was "The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." Vincent Van Gogh

I honestly love the book, movie, and the song! I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming story!

The Ashford Affair

The Ashford Affair
By: Lauren Willig
355 Pages

Summary:
Clemmie has nothing but fond, heartwarming memories of her beloved Granny Addie. However, upon her death, Clemmie learns that all wasn't what it seemed. As she works to make partner in the law firm she works, Clemmie's world takes a turn she never thought it would. Throw in the unresolved past with her once cousin through marriage, and Clemmie's world has gone from calm and certain to anything but. Clemmie discovers the truth as the reader travels back in time to read Addie's story.

Lauren Willig has a gift for merging a historical story line with a present one. I became an instant fan of hers when I read The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. Her talent for weaving the past and present into an intriguing story line is nothing short of talented. But, does she carry this talent into a book that isn't part of her successful Pink Carnation series? Absolutely. Once again, Lauren Willig has penned a story you can't put down.

Addie is a young girl who is sent to live with an estranged Aunt and Uncle when her parents are killed in an accident. Knowing her Aunt doesn't want her there, the only source of comfort and happiness is found in her cousin, Bea. The two form an immediate, unshakable bond. They share many fond memories, including the time Bea accidentally let Addie's pet mouse lose at her older sister's coming out ball. However, it's at this very ball that Addie meets the man she's destined to fall in love with-Frederick.

Years later, Bea is married to a man who now turns to another for what he once looked for in her. In an attempt to make her husband jealous, Bea takes on a lover of her own- a depressed Frederick, who is trying to forget his wartime memories. She gets pregnant and is overheard by her husband. An embarrassing and public divorce follows. Bea ends up marrying Frederick and the two run a coffee farm in Kenya. Reality hits quickly and the couple are bitterly unhappy by the time Addie has the courage to visit several years later. 

The old attraction between Frederick and Addie is hard to deny. Bea plans a safari before Addie returns to her life (and boyfriend) in England. However, everything changes when Bea goes missing. Leaving behind 2 young girls, Addie stays to help Frederick. Once Bea is legally declared dead, Frederick and Addie get married. However, Addie has always wondered if Bea really was dead or just disappeared. 

Addie's story is told in between Clemmie's story. She's on the brink of making partner when her Granny Addie's health takes a rapid decline. While in London on business, Clemmie gets a call from her former cousin, Jon, to come home. Nothing can prepare Clemmie for Addie's passing. But Addie's body isn't even cold before Clemmie is hit with the revelation that Addie wasn't her blood relation. Now Clemmie wants to know the story of what happened.

There to help her figure everything out is her former cousin by marriage, Jon. The two shared a night together in Rome, but that was it. Everything had been left unresolved- until now. The time has come for Addie's story to be told.

Fans of Lauren will enjoy this book. The Ashford Affair may be a break from The Pink Carnation, but it's a worth while break. The plot is good- though it does have some holes I wish got filled. The characters are one you want to read more of and see what lies ahead for them. Addie's story is especially interesting and one you look forward to reading. 

The Last Telegram by Liz Trenow

I came across this book as I was browsing the categories for books to review. Reading the story line I was completely intrigued! Even though it took me a while to get approved, I was happy I did! I  was in the middle of reading another book when I was approved, so that gave me more motivation to finish it so I can start on this adventure!

This book takes place during the Second World War around a silk mill. This was a very captivating read and along with the romance and intrigue of the story, one also gains a fascinating insight into the history and production of silk.

The book starts with Lily Verner as an elderly lady. Sorting through her stuff, she recounts her story which takes us back to the 1940s when she starts work as an apprentice in her fathers Silk Weaving factory.  Life at the factory turns out to be far more inspiring than Lily had expected, also somewhat distressing thanks to the war. On the bright side, there is a great deep love amongst the sadness. This story was filled with love, betrayal, prejudice and lasting friendships. At times I felt like the story line was moving somewhat slow so I took more frequent breaks reading this book. All in all a powerful book. If you are looking for a romantic read that has plenty of passion and emotion then I think this is one you will enjoy.