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.

Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox

I'll have to admit, I had this on my kindle for quite some time before actually getting around to reading it. There was always a certain book that ended up edging its way into my reading schedule so again this book was postponed. However, just when I started reading it I couldn't put it down! I didn't realize that this was a 2nd in its series but I followed along completely! This was filled with chemistry, attraction, and a little drama (what book isn't good without a little drama every now and then??). I've never heard of Ruthie Knox before but she will definitely be on my radar going forward! The way she paints the pictures and characters is amazing!

Ellen is a lawyer with a very famous twin brother who is known for his singing. She has a 2 year old son Henry, and an ex husband who spent more time being drunk or flirting and hanging affairs with some of the local girls. Caleb Clark is ex military, tall, muscled, polite, caring, a big smile, could make a girl laugh...a book heartthrob!

Ellen's life is turned upside down when her pop star brother, Jamie, gets involved with her next door neighbor, Carly. The paparazzi are the first to pounce! Jamie's solution is to hire security for Ellen, Henry (her son), and Carly. Caleb soon was hired to be her security guard and keep her safe and free of the paparazzi. However, when he starts to suggest recommendations on how she should upgrade her house to be more protected, he ends up getting himself into quite a situation. The chemistry between the two is undeniable! The story unfolds around Ellen, her ex-husband, Carly, and Caleb and his family. This was a fun book, and if you want a feel good tale of romance, I highly recommend this! Thank you to Ruthie for writing such a captivating book and I can't wait to read more titles written by her!

A Groom for Christmas by Cara Marsi

It's close to Christmas and Graceann is in a bind...the plan she had of bringing a fake fiancé to her family's home for the holidays is off the table since her friend made some last minute plans which she understood.

Ever since Graceann's former engagement ended, her mom has been on her back about finding a man to marry. Having been thrown men at her, Graceann decides that this is a perfect way of showing her mom that she doesn't need her help. So when when Jake Falco from high school comes into the local cafe shop, the "Falcon" as he was then referred to, she decides to see if maybe he would be interested in her proposal: $5,000 in exchange for pretending to be a fake fiancé up until New Years passed. What Graceann didn't plan for was the attraction that she had Jake would have. The relationship builds between them and although it's supposed to be a fake engagement, it's starting to seem very realistic and easy to believe. But Jake is very secretive, when his secret comes out will Graceann push it passed her or will she be crushed by it?

The book is very well written and I really enjoyed the storyline! Overall a great easy book to read!!

Baby Santa's Worldwide Christmas Adventure by M. Maitland DeLand

 

Now that the holidays are just around the corner, I can't help but get excited for what's to come: decorations, music, movies, foods, the scents, and especially books! I decided to get my feet wet with the holiday season of books by being allowed to review this gem! Its a quick easy read and the pictures just add to the whole feeling :)

Santa has a problem! His sleigh is broken and will not be repaired for the Christmas Eve trip. However, Baby Santa comes to the rescue! He suggests that Santa takes advantage of the different means of transportation that is available in each country that Santa will be visiting. Baby Santa also comes along for the ride by carrying the sack of toys for Santa. This was truly an educational story as well since you see the various means of transportation in which each country utilizes: Camels in Egypt, Jeeps in Australia, Trains in Japan, etc. I really enjoyed reading this book about hope and passion! A perfect story to begin my holiday book reading!

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

Sarah Jio is by far one of my favorite authors! When I was granted the permission to review the advanced copy I was more than excited to start on this book right away. This is my 5^th book I have read by her -  4 I own, and I have already pre-ordered this one since I knew it wouldn’t disappoint!

I love the style in which Sarah writes her books: the characters she vividly describes, the emotions they experience, and the environment in which it takes place is written in a very detailed way which makes it a perfect read for any reader. She writes in a way that truly gets you involved in the story! I couldn’t help but want to drop everything I was doing on the weekend just to finish it!

This is a heartwarming story of love and loss. There are 2 main characters in the story: Penny Wentworth, a 1950’s housewife, and Ada Santorini, editor of Sunrise magazine. Penny seems to have it all: an artist husband who takes care of her even when he is absent, a beautiful home (a houseboat they live on), and she has a genuine sweet-hearted nature for those around her. However, when she disappears after a party no one on Boat Street will speak of what happened.

Then there is Ada Santorini. Ada has lost everything: her husband and her precious little girl. Leaving the memories behind, she quits her fancy New Year job and moves to Seattle into a houseboat on Boat Street. There she finds mystery, a community, and maybe a new love. Will she solve the mystery of boat street and re-build her life at the same time?

The story ends with an unexpected twist that leaves the reader EXTREMELY satisfied. Morning Glory was another fabulous love story, DEFINITELY a must read!!! I look forward to adding this to my Sarah Jio book collection!

 

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.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy

Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy

By: Victoria Connelly

Kindle Ebook only

The Austen Addicts we've come to know and love are back! This novella brings back some of our favorite characters from the series for a wedding that may not happen. Readers of A Weekend With Mr. Darcy  and Christmas With Mr. Darcy  will love catching up with Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton. They are getting married!! (Hopefully)

Purely Hall is hosting it's first Jane Austen themed wedding. However, not everything is smooth sailing. Katherine has an attack of the nerves. From worrying their work lives and marriage won't mix to how they will combine both of their vast book collections (each has several thousands), Katherine's fears grow the closer to the wedding she gets. Can Warwick save the day?

Warwick is working on a book that has a tight deadline. Inspiration comes at a rather inopportune time- his wedding day. Dan isn't expecting to see Warwick in a writing zone an hour before his wedding, but he does. Seemingly oblivious to the time, Warwick shows no signs of stopping. Will he miss his own wedding?

Carmel Hudson has gotten the reputation of hitting on just about every man within her eyesight. But when she sets her eyes on Dan, she may have met her match. Under the guise of wanting to get horseback riding lessons for her daughter, and herself (despite being an already accomplished rider in her own right), she doesn't hide her true intentions. Numerous phone calls follow and it all comes to a head on the wedding day when Robyn walks in on an unpleasant scene.

Curl up and get ready to revisit with some of your favorite Janeits! You're in for a fun treat.