Dolly All the Time

 

Dolly All the Time

By: Annabel Monaghan

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Summary:

In order to help her family, Dolly has come back home to Whitfield, Rhode Island. While she expected to do house repairs and help out in the family fish shop, Dolly doesn't expect a proposition from the local handsome Stewart Whitfield. While posing as his girlfriend will help his reputation post break-up, it doesn't go quite the way they planned. Memories are made, much needed repairs are done- but not without a price. No one ever said romance was easy.

If you are looking for a fun, light hearted romp to read while on the beach or on vacation, I nominate Dolly All the Time. You'll enjoy getting to know the cast of characters and all their little quirks. But you'll also get to meet their flaws and struggles. Dolly's family has struggled since her Mom left them when she was 12. She has a brother who suffered a major head injury when he was a younger. a son who is about to start high school and is going through all those changes, a sister who is more often not there than she is. Not to mention a Dad who has been burned in the past and, therefore, not open to change- no matter how needed they may be.

Stewart is the son of a wealthy beyond wealthy family. The one working hard to prove he's the best fit to take over for his father in running the family business. Burning the candle at both ends has left him him with no social life, an ex-girlfriend and panic attacks. The pressure is so high on him that he seizes an opportunity to fake a new relationship to help him get the promotion he's positive he wants. 

Enter Dolly. Stewart offers they pose as a couple for the summer. This will show his family and the company's board that he's the perfect fit to be CEO. No big deal! A couple of dinners. An awards dinner. Nothing serious. However, we all know feelings will get caught. 

This book was fun to read. I loved all the characters. I enjoyed watching the fake relationship evolve as 2 strangers slowly become friends and on to something more. It was fun to see how they would navigate the road they set out on. We all know there's going to be a point where the relationship's true nature gets out, but it didn't happen the way I thought. Nor did the fall out play out as I thought it would. o, while this story isn't a new one and we all know the format the story will follow, there were still some surprises revealed within the pages. 

A great summer read for the pool or beach. A fun way to pass the time while traveling. May you enjoy Dolly All the Time!

The Shippers

 

The Shippers

By: Katherine Center

Genre: Romance

Summary:

JoJo Burton has a problem: intimacy problems. Every guy she dates, she ends up breaking up with. That all-in love has been an illusive one. Her sister decides her cruise wedding is the perfect time for JoJo to finally put the issues to rest. Can it be done? Can one amazing kiss from childhood be found again? And what shenanigans will JoJo get into as she finds out?

Jojo's first kiss was unforgettable. It hasn't been topped. And according to her sister's psychology education, it's why Jojo has commitment issues. So, the only logical solution is to make the man behind the amazing kiss fall in love with her. And what better time & place to do it than on a destination wedding?! It's flawless. Cab the guy live up to the image JoJo created in her head?

Cooper grew up with JoJo. He's seen her through everything. Heck, he even helped her get out of her wedding a few months prior. Despite his own feelings about the whole thing, he agrees to help. It doesn't take long for JoJo's plan to go awry. In the name of "love" hijinks and shenanigans ensue. From a funny wardrobe malfunction to a hickey theory not panning out, you will not be short of entertainment.

I loved this book! I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The Cooper/JoJo dynamic was awesome! The banter between them kept a smile on my face. I laughed. I sighed. I chuckled. I even cringed. Reading about the Father was endearing and touching. As the pages turned and the story unfolded, I was glued to see what would happen next.

A must-read for the summer! Don't go to the beach, pool or vacation without The Shippers. 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

By: Dee Ernst

Romance

Summary:

Maggie Bliss is a successful romance writer.- with a problem. Her book is due in 6 weeks and she has nothing. Will a change of scenery be just what she needs? Or will a change of scenery be the setting for a whole new set of problems?

As the book opens, Maggie's life is in a bit of chaos. She has a live-in boyfriend who thinks more of himself than he does of her. Her first draft is due on her publisher's desk in 6 weeks and she's got the worst case of writer's block. So, her agent recommends her traveling to Paris with him and his husband. Seems like paradise since she can write anywhere and she's kicked the selfish boyfriend out. The people waiting for her there are nothing like she thought of. Solange, Lee's (Maggie's agent), is quick to make herself sparse so sparks can hopefully ignite between her son, Max, and Maggie. 

As Maggie gets to know the neighborhood and the people, her writer juices start to flow. However, even Paris can bring complications to your café table. Maggie's daughter has decided that since both her parents get along and are currently single, it's the perfect time to get back together. Will their old flame spark up again? Maggie also can't quite make sense of her growing attachment to Max. He takes her under his wing as he gets her a makeover and shows her the neighborhood. Will feelings develop?

If you're looking for a light, fluffy and charming romance- consider Maggie Finds Her Muse. I loved the story. I was engrossed right from the get go. I loved all the characters and how they interacted. I loved how Dee Ernst made Paris feel so magical through the pages. I loved seeing all the possibilities and watching the story unfold. She even made a farting dog become a cute comical character. 

I do need to warn you that if you like your romance books to be steamy, you won't find that with Maggie. There are plenty of references to steamy things she's written for characters and a couple of beginnings, but very little steam. But what it lacks in that department it makes up for with charm. I didn't want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. 

Maggie Finds Her Muse could be a great summer read. 

Wish You Were Here

Summer is a great time to dive into a romance! Here's a romance we think you may enjoy!

Wish You Were Here

By: Phillipa Ashley

287 Pages

Summary:

Eight years ago, Jack Thornfield and Beth Allen met. Three weeks was enough time for both to fall in love with the other. However, once their vacation was over, life caused the romance to be over as well. But, they never forgot each other- or truly got over each other. What would happen if they were to meet up again? Could past hurts be healed? Or is the past really in the past?

Phillipa Ashley is a wonderful romance storyteller. You connect with her characters, and find yourself routing for them. She weaves a story you are pulled into, and they are magical. In Wish You Were Here, she does so well what she always has. She makes you fall in love with her characters as they fall in love with each other.

Jack Thornfield runs a company called Big Outdoors. They don't offer your average vacation get away. However, if you want to white water raft on your vacation, they have you covered. Once the domination company in their field, Big Outdoors has taken a hit from their competitors. Jack is looking to recapture the number one spot, but he needs fresh ideas to do it. 

Beth Allen is interviewing for a job. Prepared to suggest new vacation ideas, and marketing methods to bring in more revenue, Beth is ready to give the interview of her lifetime. What she wasn't ready for was to see Jack.  How could she work for a company with her ex in charge? The man who broke her heart by never hearing from him again? But, she has no choice. In order to help her family, she needs to take the job.

Both Jack and Beth never really got over each other. True, they moved on. True, they have had other relationships since their amazing 3 weeks together. But, nothing came close to the love they shared. Working hard to push old feelings aside, they out their focus on the company. But everything changes when both go back to the place they fell in love at. While testing out a possible vacation set up to offer clients, they also test old feelings. 

This book was a great, light, fun read. It would be great company to have on the beach, or at the pool. 

Blossom Street Brides

A Spring Break Recommendation!!

Blossom Street Brides

By: Debbie Macomber

336 Pages

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
...wedding bells are ringing in the tight-knit community that gathers around A Good Yarn, a store in a pretty Seattle neighborhood. Knitters come to the store to buy yarn and patterns but somehow they leave richer in friendship and love.

Lauren Elliott has waited years for her long-term boyfriend, Todd, to propose, yet he seems more focused on his career than their relationship. When Lauren learns that her younger sister is pregnant before she herself even has an engagement ring, she feels overjoyed yet disheartened. Knowing she can’t put her future on hold, Lauren prepares to make a bold choice—one that leads her to a man she never dreamed she’d meet.

Newly married to her second husband, Max, Bethanne Scranton is blissfully in love. But with Max’s job in California and Bethanne’s in Seattle, their long-distance marriage is becoming difficult to maintain. To complicate matters, Bethanne’s cunning ex will do anything to win her back.

Lydia Goetz, too, is wonderfully happy with her husband, Brad, though lately she worries about the future of A Good Yarn. As she considers how to bring in business, she discovers that someone has beaten her to the punch. Baskets of yarn are mysteriously popping up all over town, with instructions to knit a scarf for charity and bring it into Lydia’s store. Never before has her shop received so much attention, but who hatched this brilliant plan? ---- Publisher's Summary

Debbie Macomber's new books "Blossom Street Brides" takes us to Blossom Street where old and new friends work, shop, visit and help each other with life's ups and downs. It is spring and love is in the air along with quite a few sparks and a tear or two. 

It all started with a beautiful baby blanket featured in the window of Lydia Huffman's yarn shop, "A Good Yarn".  Lauren Elliot has made two major decisions. First she will make the baby blanket as a gift for her younger, married, pregnant sister. Second is to end the three year relationship with the handsome television news man Todd Hampton.  

Bethanne Scranton wants to make the beautiful blanket for her very first grandchild and keep her ex-husband from breaking up her happy new marriage. 

As the women gather in the yarn shop they learn that someone has started a wonderful community project using the yarn from the Lydia's yarn shop, but she says she knows nothing about it. The story takes an interesting twist when two bikers drive into town, park in front of the yarn shop and hurry inside.

Oh the enjoyment you will have as you settle into a comfortable spot with "Blossom Street Brides". Whether you are new to Debbie Macomber's books or have enjoyed them for years this book will be pure delight. Enjoy!

A March Bride

A March Bride

By: Rachel Hauck

E book Format Only

Summary:

In Once Upon A Prince, couple Susanna and Nathaniel overcame obstacles to be together. He's going to be King of Brighton, and she's a commoner from the United States. However, true love- and faith in God- helped them leap over every obstacle put in their way. But, while they did get their "happy ever after" in Once Upon A Prince, the rough waters aren't over. In A March Bride, Susanna and Nathaniel have tough decisions to make. While Susanna has had to make numerous changes, there are still more ahead. Can she make them? Or, has she been asked to give up one too many things? 

In the midst of planning their March wedding in Brighton, Susanna has been learning everything she can about Brighton laws. Nathaniel has been acting more and more distant, and she fears he's regretting proposing to her. But she's wrong. In fact, Nathaniel is fearing that she's regretting saying yes. And he's fearful she'll leave when he tells her the newest requirement being put on her: renounce her American citizenship.  

Her head reeling from this latest demand is the last straw. More and more people from her side are saying they can't attend the royal nuptials. Susanna is wondering if this all is a sign that she shouldn't marry Nathaniel. Needing answers she can't find in Brighton, Susanna flees to her family on American soil- leaving her engagement ring behind.

Family members, on both sides, do what family does best. Both are reminded how much they love each other and the blessing each received when they came into their lives. However, it takes the wisdom of the local church Pastor to put everything in perspective for Susanna. Reminding her that she's focusing on the wrong thing: citizenship to any country isn't important, since she's a citizen of God's kingdom first and foremost. Their conversation has Susanna racing to get back to Brighton so she can  get everything back on track. But, Nathaniel isn't there. 

This short, but romance packed novella is one you will enjoy reading. God's word is laced throughout the whole story putting everything into it's proper perspective. The most romantic act Nathaniel can think of may cost him political trouble, but it's worth it to him. Susanna and Nathaniel bring a true, unconditional love to life for the reader. I loved how prevalent scripture was in the story; reminding everyone what the focus of their lives should always be. That, and life doesn't always go the way you think it should- or would.

Fans of Rachel Hauck will embrace this novella. It will make you feel empowered, and happy, all at the same time. It was wonderful to revisit Susanna and Nathaniel's story. I loved how Rachel brings the whole Royal-falling-for-a commoner story into real life- with all the realities it comes with. I bet Princess Kate could relate to this story very well.

Sweet Expectations

Sweet Expectations
By: Mary Ellen Taylor
342 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
Running the family bakery and living in the store’s attic might not be Daisy’s dream life, but she’s beginning to understand what being content feels like. And then she gets some unexpected news. In one moment, Daisy’s calm existence turns into chaos. Now she’s struggling to keep it together, especially with renovations at the bakery spiraling out of control.
 
But when a box of recipes and mementos is found hidden behind a wall in the bakery, Daisy suddenly has something to cling to—a mystery that echoes her own troubles and gives her the opportunity to figure out what she really wants out of life....   Publisher Summary


They say, "Life happens while you're making plans." Daisy McCrae's life is about to go in directions she hadn't planned. However, sometimes, life's little detours aren't bad ones.

With Daisy and her two sisters now running the family bakery, part of their plan is to breathe new life into it. A remodel is necessary. While doing this, they discover a box of recipes- and a dog tag. Daisy gets the chills upon unearthing the box- and for good reason. Jenna's ghost is hoping Daisy can help her find out what happened to her husband and child. This takes Daisy on a journey that alters her life.

Getting lost in the mystery of Jenna is a nice distraction for Daisy. A one night stand left an unexpected present- a baby. This development came to life after she and her boyfriend get back together. Will another man's baby be part of their future? Among all this, the sisters each struggle with their role in the bakery and making it their own. They must all decide what they want out of life, and how to fit it into their lives.

My favorite part of this book was Jenna's story. I loved traveling back in time to see her life play out. I loved reading all about her and the people she was surrounded with. It's interesting to see how all 3 sisters grow and change as the story progresses. Mary Ellen Taylor does a great job of telling the story of both Jenna and Daisy. The way she weaves you in and out of the two stories was effortless. There was so much to Sweet Expectations that it's hard to write this review. I look forward to reading further books in this series, as well as the book prior to this one. Fans of mysteries and romance will enjoy this book.

Starry Night

Starry Night

By: Debbie Macomber

256 Pages

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

You are in for a treat. Debbie Macomber's new book, Starry Night, is a delight! In her usual way Debbie captures you and off you go to the wilds of Alaska with Carrie Slayton. 

Carrie wants to report on major events, but so far she is stuck being a social reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. She makes the decision to return to her hometown of Seattle  and  hopes there she will have an opportunity to  report on major events.  

Her boss throws her off when he tells her she can pick any assignment if she interviews Finn Dalton, author of the bestselling book Alone. Carrie had never heard of the author or the book and figures she can easily pull this assignment off over the Thanksgiving weekend. Then she discovers that no one knows where he is- or has talked to him. All communication is done by computer. 

After much research Carrie gets a lead and a request to make a delivery to Finn. Thanksgiving weekend finds her in Fairbanks and eventually being dropped off on a frozen lake. Finn's welcome is just as cold as the snow storm she is dropped into. Finn and Carrie both discover they have a lot to learn about life and each other. 

What did she have to deliver? Who are the people that help her?  In the end, why didn't she write the article when she returned? Settle into your favorite reading spot and join Carrie on her Alaskan adventure.

Rose Harbor In Bloom

Rose Harbor In Bloom

By: Debbie Macomber

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Rose Harbor in Bloom is the second book in Debbie Macomber's Rose Harbor Inn series. Having loved the first book and it's main character, Jo Marie Rose, I was excited to sit down to see who was visiting the Inn and how Jo Marie was doing.

.

Everything was going along great. The Inn was full and Jo Marie was hosting an open house for the Cedar Cove Chamber of Commerce on Sunday. As she looked around at the inviting rooms and smelled the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, she couldn't help but feel proud of all she had accomplished. Of course Mark ,the handyman, had helped in many ways.

No more time for pats on the back, the guests had started to arrive.  Mary Smith, the first to arrive, is recovering from chemo therapy and requires very little but to rest- so she says. Annie Newton has organized a full weekend of events celebrating her grandparents fifty years of marriage. Kent and Julie Shives, Annie's grandparents, bring a few surprises of their own starting with their neighbor Oliver Sutton. 

In the midst of all this, Jo Marie receives a phone call from Lieutenant Colonel Milford to tell her that the remains of the helicopter her husband died in last year had been found. However his body had not been found with it. Can she care for her guests, host the open house and digest this new information? Why did Mary Smith choose to come to Cedar Cove and where does she disappear too? Can Annie pull this weekend of events off and deal with the surprise arrival of the bully from her past?

Yes, Debbie Macomber has written another winner again. I started Rose Harbor in Bloom and was immediately drawn into the story. I felt a kinship with the characters and was amazed how their lives were intertwined. So, set aside a chunk of time, find your favorite reading spot and disappear into this touching story. You will be glad you spent the time at the Rose Harbor Inn.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

By: Jen Turano

339 Pages

Summary:

Arabella couldn't help but agree to track down Mrs. James daughter. Theodore has agreed to track down Arabella so she can attend her brother's wedding. Arabella is highly active in the Women's Liberation Movement. Theodore is a well known detective who isn't  that fond of the whole women's lib thing. Barbs are traded, and sparks fly, when these two meet. Even more so when they both look into a series of disappearances.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance is a fun read. I loved the pairing of Arabella and Theodore. These two couldn't be more opposite, and yet aren't as opposite as they think. Instant attractions aside, the two drive each other crazy. 

Theodore has tracked the missing Arabella when she fails to return home when she was set to. The last place he expected to find her was a jail cell, but that's exactly where she is. Perhaps even more odd is how she got there and the mystery it uncovers. It appears that Miss James landed herself in a prostitution ring. One that affects life in Arabella's hometown.

Arabella is determined to figure out the truth behind it and get the answers. She's determined to find out what's happened to several women of the night that have gone missing. Theodore is determined to not let Arabella get any more involve than she already is. Neither get their wish and are forced to work together to get the truth exposed. While they work to solve this mystery, the two begin to realize they have feelings for one another.

Readers are in for a fun read when they choose A Most Peculiar Circumstance. The pairing of Arabella and Theodore is an endless source of entertainment. The cast of secondary characters adds to the fun story you read. 

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. 

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.

Girl Vs Earl

Girl Vs Earl

By: Phillipa Ashley

Summary:

Miranda Marshall has dedicated loving years of her life managing the St Merryns Castle. It's walls have become a home to her. Jago is the owner of the castle who has come back after years abroad. When the two meet, an instant attraction is felt by both. But what Miranda soon learns is that Jago has come back to sell the castle. Will their attraction turn into something more? Can Miranda change Jago's mind? Can they both let go of their pasts so they can have a future?

Miranda Marshall has been the dedicated manager of the St Merryns Castle for several years. Within it's walls she has come to find all that her own childhood lacked. Many of her fellow employees have become like her family.

Jago is the actual owner of the Castle- having inherited it from his father. He has finally returned after spending several years abroad. While the Castle is a place of happiness for Miranda, it isn't for Jago. When his Mother summons him to take over he decides the time has come to sell it.

Miranda and Jago first meet in the armory room. Both feel an instant attraction. However, everything changes when Miranda learns of Jago's intentions for the Castle. As Jago proceeds with the sale, the attraction between them grows. Many close calls have the two fighting their feelings to avoid the inevitable pain. For both Jago and Miranda have pasts they've been carrying with them. Their bond grows and, as time goes by, everything changes.

I enjoyed Girl Vs Earl. Phillipa Ashley tells a story you get pulled into, while giving you characters you can't get enough of. My favorite was Jago. I love a good bad boy who buries his heart of gold. He's got the whole sarcastic, charming personality that is multi-layered.  Just when you think you have him figured out, he throws a curve ball at you.

The whole Miranda/Jago dynamic was great. You could feel the tension between them and the desires they fought. As I read their scenes, I can visualize their arguments playing out; his sarcastic responses to her. I could picture them on the beach. I could see them rowing the boat they stole- complete with Jago singing funny songs at the top of his lungs. I was able to thoroughly envision the scenes where their attraction took over. They were great characters to pin against each other. It's very safe to say, I will never look at an armory room the same way again.

Phillipa Ashley has written another fun book that you will enjoy as you soak up the sun. You are in for a treat as you read the book and have the story unfold. A great book for summer, or a relaxing weekend. 

The Second Chance Cafe

The Second Chance Cafe
By: Alison Kent

Summary:
Kaylie Flynn is opening a cafe in the only house that felt like home. However, her life isn't the only one changed.

Kaylie became a ward of the state at a very young age. Her Father was a missing member from her life, and her Mother battled a drug addiction that led to dire consequences. Life changed for the better when she was 10. Being placed with a couple who taught Kaylie, and other foster kids, the meaning of love and family. 

Years after leaving Hope Springs, Kaylie has come back in a big way. She has bought the Victorian house she connects with the happiest years of her life. Now she's turning it into a cafe. 

This new venture brings her several people. Tennessee Keller is the contractor with all the connections. He's the man who's going to work the magic that will turn the first floor into her cafe. He's a man with all the connections. He makes all the girls in town swoon. But, he's also a man with with a past he's struggling to overcome.

Luna is the new friend Kaylie makes. Luna has a successful career making scarves that Hollywood loves. However, like Kaylie and Ten, she has a secret in her past. A car accident she survived, but her best friend/passenger didn't. There's more to the story than she ever let anyone know. 

Luna also knows someone from Kaylie's past. Turns out Luna knows Kaylie's Father, Mitch. Mitch and Luna's Father fought in war together and remained best friends. Now Luna has the ability to introduce the two, but will she?

There are several plot questions you don't get answers to. The Second Chance Cafe is part of Kent's Hope Springs series, so those answers may be found in other books. The whereabouts of Kaylie's Mother weighs heavily on her, but you don't get that resolution in here. The same goes for Luna's storyline. The mysterious secret involving her car accident isn't revealed, but that may be in another book, as well. 

Overall, I enjoyed The Second Chance Cafe. This book had a plot that you wanted to read more of. While parts of the story were rather predictable, Alison Kent didn't do the predictable thing every time. I found this very refreshing. I could see myself reading more books in this series. I'll be keeping an eye for future books by Kent.

Rating: Borrow From Library

The Inn At Rose Harbor

The Inn At Rose Harbor
By: Debbie Macomber
352 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

    I just finished reading "The Inn at Rose Harbor" by Debbie Macomber. It never fails to amaze me how Ms. Macomber intertwines characters from other Ceder Cove stories into the lives of new characters. It's like meeting old friends and making new ones.

    We meet Jo Marie, a young widow, as she sets out to make a new life for herself. She has come to Ceder Cove and purchased a bed and breakfast. Jo Marie has had no previous experience  running a bed and breakfast, but she knew this was where she was meant to be.  Her first visitor was Peggy Beldon. She and her husband own and operate a bed and breakfast further down the Cove. Peggy takes Jo Marie under her wing and gives her much needed advice in the day to day running of the Inn. This includes the name of a handyman that can build a sign featuring the new name of the Inn.  Mark Taylor turns out to be all, and more, than what Jo Marie expected.

     The first guest to arrive is Joshua Weaver. He has come back to the town he grew up in because his stepfather is dying.  Joshua and Richard never got along and the tension between them does not seem to have mellowed over the years. Michelle, a social worker and former childhood friend, has been helping to take care Richard. As Richard comes closer to the end of his life Michelle asks Joshua to come.  Joshua discovers he must face the past in order to find the future.

    Abby Kincaid is the second guest to arrive. She has come to celebrate her brother's wedding, but the excitement and joy of the occasion seems to be missing. Abby, like Joshua, grew up and left Ceder Cove after high school, not returning until now.  Memories of the fatal accident that took the life of her best friend, Angela, haunt Abby. Sure that everyone blames her for the tragedy, Abby fears meeting those friends she left behind ten years ago.  The unconditional love that Abby meets gives her the courage to face the demons that have haunted her all these years. Will she finally be able to move on?

    This story takes the reader into the lives of people carrying heavy burdens. Each one must find the courage to face truths about themselves as well as those they left behind. Debbie Macomber once again brings to life tragedy and shows the various ways her characters choose to handle it. You will walk along beside them as they go through this and into the future. So pull up a comfortable chair and put the world on hold. You will definitely want to visit Debbie Macomber's " The Inn at Rose Harbor" this summer.