I was on a mission. I wanted some ‘fun’ books with a bookstore or library theme attached to it. So, I did an online library search and this one came uI was on a mission. I wanted some ‘fun’ books with a bookstore or library theme attached to it. So, I did an online library search and this one came up. This book is apparently the first in the ‘Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.’
This is one of those stories, that readers will not only be engaged in because of the setting of a bookstore, but the scenic beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland.
We find Delaney leaving Kansas and taking a job at a bookstore in Scotland. It doesn’t take her long to find friends, a mysterious mystery room, missing items, murder and, herself in the midst of amateur sleuthing. Oh my! What a beginning, right?
For those who enjoy easy-to-read cozies centered around bookstores, this one is a nice introduction to the series. But there will be literal dialect conversations that may be hard to follow at times.
“With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one – no one at all –“With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one – no one at all – can tell you what to read and when and how.” – Doris Lessing
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book, so I didn’t include it on my 카지노싸이트 reading shelf. Some reviews for this book were abysmal.
But I am usually attracted to books about books, and there is so much going on these days about books and libraries and the fight to keep libraries in our communities, that I wanted to give this one a chance.
Speaking of libraries.
My cousins Larry and Susan had a fight on their hands. They live in Huntington Beach, California which also made the national news, when their Trump loving majority Huntington Beach City Council continued to misinterpret the 1st Amendment — often invoking freedom of religion while ignoring the foundational principle of separation of church and state when making decisions on behalf of the city and its citizens.
Residents reacted to the latest council overreach and collected more than 13,000 signatures to get Measures A and B on the ballot (June, 2025) to protect their city library. This special election went beyond library content. It was about protecting freedoms, the community’s quality of life, and the 1st Amendment rights of all its residents. It became a referendum on how the community expected the City Council to govern — respectfully, lawfully and with due consideration.
Measure A would repeal a City Council ordinance that created a 21-member panel to oversee children’s books — an unelected, unqualified group overriding trained library staff. Measure B would protect the public library from privatization by requiring voter approval from being outsourced.
Interestingly, a local newspaper letter to the editor fighting the city council commented that “Hitler did not start with ovens — he started with books. First banned, then burned — then came the people.” These feelings made sense, especially in today’s climate of hate. The fight waged by my cousins couldn’t help but feel personal (we are Jewish), or to the citizens of their community, whether they were Jewish or not – hate is a powerful divider – and, their obvious message to convey was that hate wasn’t welcome in their community.
Why do I share this?
Because this book starts with the City Council coming to our main protagonist, Maura Beth Mayhew, the Librarian with the intention of closing down the town library.
Since this is the first in the series you can imagine that the library will most likely survive to the next book, but I don’t have to tell you ALL the details of how that will happen. (No spoilers from me.)
But I can share that the citizens of Huntington Beach did defeat the City Council overwhelmingly (60/40) with Measures A and B to save their library! That shows the power of community voice!
Now granted, it may not have been political reasons that motivated this book’s City Council’s need to shut down this community library when this book was written and published in 2013. It seems to be a shame that most community services are the first programs to be targeted when city budgets are threatened. Still, emotions do run deep when it comes to community services that matter to community members – like our libraries. And, that is the core of this story.
So, is this story told well? That is also key. What will our librarian do to save her library? A book club. Of course. Consider the title of the book. Why not bring the community in to discuss books? And, some yummy ...more
This is the first book in the Mitford series. A couple of months ago a Little Free Library steward from the state of Washington came by and dropped ofThis is the first book in the Mitford series. A couple of months ago a Little Free Library steward from the state of Washington came by and dropped off a copy of all the books currently published in this series. I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude with her generous donation. But I never took the time to put this in my currently reading pile on 카지노싸이트 because I wasn’t sure if I would read the books or review them, until now.
I had the pleasure of watching the cute made-for-television Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring Andie McDowell recently when I opted in on the Hallmark streaming service.
This first book in the series was published in 1994, with this paperback version coming out in 1996.
For anyone who is looking for saccharine sweet faith based small town storytelling this is the book to read.
The story follows Father Tim and his many parishioners in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina. He is a long-time minister at Lord’s Chapel. He also finds himself adopted by Barnabas a huge black dog and a young boy named Dooley that is in need of a home. How will this affect his bachelorhood?
And, then there is his neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith. What emotions will this bring out in Father Tim?
So, which did I prefer the book or the movie?
It was easier for me to fall in love with the movie, as the characters were more believable at 40-something, as opposed to the more mature age given to the Father Tim described in the book. (In the book, he was 60.)
Not that I am not opposed to older people having romances. I have after all been quite charmed by stories with older protagonists lately. But this one didn’t ring as true for me in the book. Still, the author does her best to provide a sense of realism and warmth to her characters.
As a classic book series, this may be more appealing to those who are attracted to books that are faith based.
What will it take to heal the past that is filled with secrets, lies and misunderstandings?
With a story told between past and present and back and forWhat will it take to heal the past that is filled with secrets, lies and misunderstandings?
With a story told between past and present and back and forth again, readers will find a mystery to solve, hearts to hope for, and a sad darkness that needs to find its light again.
What really happened in that storm that had the power to change these lives?
How will these dramatic characters be able to look beyond the past in order to find their happily-ever-after?
This is a scenic, easy-to-read, slow-paced narrative that will take readers to early Kauai and the beaches of southern California; and, eventually answers questions with a made-for-TV ending.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
“Find where you belong and make that place your own.”
Recently, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to subscribe to the Hallmark streaming channel“Find where you belong and make that place your own.”
Recently, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to subscribe to the Hallmark streaming channel. With the bombardment of disturbing daily headline news, I just wanted a syrupy sweet escape into their ‘pretty’ rom-com movies and mysteries.
In some ways, Nicholas Sparks writing takes me to that place, too. I read a lot of his stories, and watched many of his made-for-tv and premiere release movies in the theater before coming to 카지노싸이트. So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought it was time to indulge in Sparks again.
Our three main protagonists are Tanner, Kaitlyn and Jasper. And, I should mention Arlo. Jasper’s dog. In many ways, the dog in a story will capture our hearts, and certainly Arlo does. How will these 3 lives intersect and how it will impact each of them?
Tanner has been a loner for the majority of his life, having been raised by his grandparents when his mother died in childbirth. He is an avid traveller and former military with no place to call home. He comes to Asheboro, North Carolina because on his grandmother’s deathbed she finally revealed who is birth father was. This is his opportunity to discover his past before heading off to a job in Cameroon, in Central Africa where he once worked.
Kaitlyn is a divorced doctor and mother of a precocious teenager named Casey and young son, Mitch. Casey happened to plow into Tanner’s car, which leads Tanner to Kaitlyn. What sparks manifest between them? Could Kaitlyn be the answer to Tanner’s restlessness? And, could Tanner be the answer to Kaitlyn opening her life to living?
Jasper is a scarred-face loner who lives next to the woods with Arlo, an elderly Labrador, “part mystery mutt” who has appreciated Kaitlyn’s attention to his health, and Mitch’s visits. What happened in Jasper’s past?
And then there is the rumors of a white deer in the woods. How will this affect Jasper? And, the others?
This is a sweet, easy-to-read, page-turning story about family, faith, love and second chances. And, with Arlo, the joy of having a devoted dog. ...more
“…even the most ordinary life was like a good novel, a tale to be told.”
As readers we find ourselves inside Consider the first sentence in this book…
“…even the most ordinary life was like a good novel, a tale to be told.”
As readers we find ourselves inside Riley Sheffield’s Driftwood Cottage Bookstore owned by her mother. Her mother had transformed the cottage into a bookstore, downstairs, and Riley’s home with her 12-year-old son, Brayden, upstairs. And, even if Riley runs it, this is still her mother’s pet. She knows exactly what is needed and why to keep it important to the community.
The sense of place and feelings of comfort continued beyond that first sentence. I found myself entranced by the author’s description of that experience.
“The sea-infused air mingled with the scents of ink and paper. The ocean breeze coming through the open windows created a symphony with the creaking walls and groaning bookshelves. The same sand that found its way between her toes was also embedded in the cracks between the uneven floorboards.”
Could you smell the sea and books, too?
Even when Riley “ran her fingertips lazily across the spines of the books lining the crooked shelves” I found myself blissfully feeling those books, too.
I could easily get lost within this bookstore and its book clubs.
“Book clubs acted as a balm on the ache for intimacy.”
I wondered if I would ever get through this book with the way I kept finding so many quotes within the story to love.
I remember when this happened to me during the reading of Erica Bauermeister’s book, “No Two Persons.” ‘No Two Persons’ was my favorite book for 2023. I kept stopping every few lines to reflect on what was being said in the book. Review here: /review/show...
In this story, Callahan Henry also included one of my favorite Thomas Jefferson quotes at the beginning of the book.
“I cannot live without books.”
That would definitely be me. I love when books do this to me. I want to be a part of the character’s lives. Live within the pages, and be aware of every aspect of what is happening around them. Especially when the centerpiece setting involves a bookstore.
But as I read on, in this book, I noticed something happening to me. With less quotable moments the story started to lose its’ appeal. Oh no! What happened? For me, it seemed to devolve into a chic-lit, been-here-before, soap opera of sorts.
Would it, or could it redeem itself for this reader?
Readers find that the story revolves around this family of 3 estranged sisters, asked to come back home to help save the bookstore. And, to be available for Kitsy, their mother, who has suffered a fall.
Maisy the now southern California designer, and Adalee, a college student, reluctantly come to support Riley and celebrate their mother’s upcoming birthday. Not knowing that there is more to their mother’s story. What secret is she hiding from her daughters?
At times it was hard to like the sisters. Adalee seemed like a selfish teenager, and Maisy seemed filled with mean energy. While Riley seemed to bathe herself in guilt and shame.
With past tensions, and jealousies, will these sisters be able to come together?
What about when Mack Logan decides to come back home, too? Could what happened between the sisters have something to do with Mack Logan? What did Mack do? Would sisters really allow a man to get between their sacred sisterly bond?
Can the sisters forgive each other and come together to help save the bookstore?
And, will they find their happily-ever-after? Afterall, it is chic-lit.
Redeeming qualities for story…
In some ways this chic-lit story of sisters, and old loves felt like a bridge towards finding the importance of family and community healing. With a backdrop of the beach and a bookstore and the importance of books. Especially with book clubs that foster compassion for others and a sense of community.
The story may have felt overly dramatic at times for this reader, but I appreciated the moments of celebration of those things I dearly love – books, the beach, a local town bookstore, and an imperfect love story.
Last note…This story also includes references to books to read within book discussion groups. The full list is provided by the author at the end of the story.
The moment I picked this book up from my local library, I couldn’t put it down. I think that is what I l“Love is the brightest color in a gray world.”
The moment I picked this book up from my local library, I couldn’t put it down. I think that is what I love about this author most. She knows how to keep her readers engaged because she has a way of creating characters you want to know, connect to, and hope for. And, in this case, this is exactly what happened for me with this book.
My review…
When he walks in the room, she is sitting there with a kitten comfortably tucked within the midst of her breasts. As a Veterinarian doctor, that could make sense to him. But that still is one heck of a first impression for Dr. Xavier Rush of Samantha. And, when she returns later, he can’t help but ask her on a date. This first impression for Xavier of Samantha leads to the best date of his life, and one of the longest ever, too.
“The best moments don't have to be big to be forever.”
But did it have to be the last, realizing that she was moving from Minnesota to California?
Readers soon learn that Samantha has promised to take care of her mother, because her family can’t do it alone. Her mother is sinking into the worst form of dementia.
“I would be a witness to her life, even though she was done witnessing mine.”
How will Xavier and Samantha manage after the most epic date experience ever? She says forget her. He says, he can’t. Can they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship?
As is typical with any Jimenez story, she takes a difficult emotional issue and melds it together with relatable characters who are forced to face it. In this meet-cute, her characters and drama faced feel real enough, that readers will want to root for this couple to find a way to heal past hurts and manage the difficulties towards their own HEA.
At times, dealing with the tension of the long-distance relationship, the family focus on the mother’s dementia care (could it have been handled better?) and, Xavier’s past history, felt like it would never end. But the sweetness of their journey and wanting to know what would eventually happen for the two, made this a truly worthwhile binge read.
I had just finished a delicious rom-com called “First-Time Caller” by BK Borison with a character named Lucie that I absolutely loved. Review here: htI had just finished a delicious rom-com called “First-Time Caller” by BK Borison with a character named Lucie that I absolutely loved. Review here: /review/show...
And, I wanted to read this one, because I loved the pre-quel, “The Light We Lost.” Review here: /review/show...
And, as I was reading this one, I am reminded that the main character’s name is Lucy, too and she is still in the throes of grief over the loss of Gabe, almost 10-years later. So, what is happening here? To me. As I read this one.
Is reading 2 rom-coms in a row a good thing? Or not?
Well, I am grateful for short chapters as I read on. But I keep asking myself…
How am I really feeling about this one?
To be honest, I am feeling dreadful.
Lucy begged to “heal me, please.” And, yes maybe we wanted that for her, too. But her healing journey didn’t come naturally. For me.
I wanted to connect to this novel, because I loved the first story so much. And, it seemed like it was the author’s intention to have readers feel Lucy’s life through ‘love, loss, birth, death, marriage, divorce, success, and the character’s perceived failures.’
But for me, everything felt forced. Her actions. Her reactions. Even her endless discussions with “dead” Gabe. And, even the moment she met Dax, and what came after, didn’t feel natural and meant to be, but instead felt expected. Like, we as readers were just supposed to go along with it. And, be happy and excited and gushy for Lucy. And, that just didn’t happen for me.
I didn’t feel the chemistry. Or the heart. Everything just felt like words tumbling together, that we are supposed to swoon over. And, no matter how hard I tried to get in to those words, I couldn’t feel any of it. The “feels” just weren’t there for me.
With this book, I found myself detached, disappointed, disinterested and anxious to leave. I know I am an outlier here, so please read other reviews....more
This one was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, so I thought I would check it out before providing it to the neighborhood.
Typically, I enjoy This one was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, so I thought I would check it out before providing it to the neighborhood.
Typically, I enjoy most rom-coms. I find them great escapes. But when I started reading this one, I wondered if this was really worth my time.
But as I began to read, I kept wondering, too…Why was I so annoyed with it?
We have two characters who are our main protagonists. Alexa, a bookstore owner and Nick, born wealthy, but hindered by a provision in his Uncle’s will. They have known each other since childhood, and, since he disappointed her early on, she has distrusted men since. So, what will this mean in the overall picture?
Well, let us consider what happens when Alexa needs money, even though she wants love, too; and, Nick needs a wife in order to receive his full inheritance. What can we as readers expect?
What readers get is a troupe soup which includes first love, marriage of convenience, will they or won’t they, and the inevitable, hopeful happily ever after, which is typically desired by readers. Now, if I am sounding cynical you are probably right. It seemed like every page was so predictable, I knew what was going to happen before it happened.
Still, for those who love a story where the girl and the guy, find their way to each other, then you may enjoy this little sexy romp with its steamy moments. Afterall, wouldn’t you expect sexual tension when the two enter into a marriage agreement purely for money’s sake, only to find that they may fall in love for real in the process anyway?
For the most part, the characters are likable, the tension is palatable, and it is an easy, fast-paced, somewhat enjoyable read. And, since this is the first in the series, the epilogue gives readers an eye witness account of what could possibly be coming in the next book. But for me, I believe I am one and done.
This is the 2nd book in the Dream Harbor series. The first story was called “The Pumpkin Spice Café.” I“Come with me, lass, if you want an adventure.”
This is the 2nd book in the Dream Harbor series. The first story was called “The Pumpkin Spice Café.” It told the story of Jeanie and Logan. So, even though this book is interconnected with book 1, it still can be read as a stand-alone.
To be honest, I wasn’t attracted to this story because it was the 2nd in the series. What got my attention was the title of the book. (The fact that the story includes a bookstore as a backdrop, is appealing, too!) And, I love the book cover. Look at that scene! Books, and more books, a cat entering the bookstore, and the sweet smell of freshly cooked cinnamon buns. Okay, we obviously can’t smell them, but what is life without a little imagination? After all, isn’t that at least one of the reasons we read?
This book tells the story of Hazel Kelly and Noah. For Hazel who has spent the last 15 years working at the bookstore in Dream Harbor, she is suddenly realizing how much life she hasn’t lived yet. And, how important it is for her to find adventure before her 30th birthday coming up in September.
And, then there is Noah, who came to the town to escape a family business, and do something that suits his style and interest more. What can Noah do for Hazel to help her find the adventure she craves, and perhaps, maybe even help her find him in the process?
And, what better way to add to the characters experience than a tiny mystery. Where quote clues are left in romance novels, through highlighting a specific passage. Who dares to write inside a book shelved for sale? Will these clues give Hazel direction for where her adventure can take her? Still, who is the mystery clue writer? And, were these clues left for Hazel specifically to find? And, will Noah be able to fulfill Hazel’s dreams for change in her life, which may lead to both experiencing a HEA? I know, lots of questions to be answered, right? What better way to peak readers interest about the book!
This is another cute, easy-to-read, slightly spicy and sweet cozy from this author, who knows how to create likable characters readers want to embrace....more
After reading “The Friend Zone” it only seems right that I should follow-up with this book, which is the second in the series. “I missed being happy.”
After reading “The Friend Zone” it only seems right that I should follow-up with this book, which is the second in the series. Review here: /review/show...
We first met Sloan, in ‘The Friend Zone’ when she was engaged to paramedic, Brandon. But something happened before they could be married. And, two years later she is still attempting to pull her life together.
“You can start over again. Start now.”
So, what happens when a cute pup named Tucker just happens to unexpectedly enter Sloan’s life? Will this be the change that allows her to begin living again?
“Tucker settled at the end of the bed and I shut my eyes, feeling a sense of calm, like everything I needed was in one place at the same time.”
What can we hope for when she finally connects to Tucker’s original human, Jason?
And, of course in any Jimenez story, there will be stumbles and mis-communication that will derail Sloan and Jason from the HEA that readers pine for in her stories. But can we hope they will still receive one? Well, consider the title of this book which has readers enter each chapter with a song title. What do you think is possible for this typical trope?
This is a story of hope, love, connection, friendship, second-chances, and overcoming complicated grief, “also known as persistent complex bereavement disorder.” (Check out ‘a note from the author.’) It also has a cute flirty sexiness to it which livens the pages.
“I climbed him like a tree.”
And, with the story unfolding through our narrator’s voices of Sloan and Jason, readers are given many opportunities to bond to their story more readily.
Kristen and Josh (whom I absolutely fell in love with from ‘The Friend Zone’) will make some appearances throughout this book. So, even though the author does give background on who they are in this book, this is truly Sloan’s story. I still recommend reading “The Friend Zone” first for a deeper connection to the characters....more
Is this the author’s swan song? There have been so many rumors that she was planning to retire from writing novels, that many wonder, if this is her lIs this the author’s swan song? There have been so many rumors that she was planning to retire from writing novels, that many wonder, if this is her last book. Or is it just the last book in her Nantucket series? Answer to this last question is contained within this review.
For those who love Hilderbrand, you will find her typical romance, mystery and drama style throughout this story. And, of course, who can’t fault the beautiful scenic ambience of Nantucket.
I have mixed feelings about this author, having rated her anywhere from 1-4 stars for previous books I have read by her. And, it appears I am not far off again, here. Because there were just some things that proved a bit annoying for this reader.
As an example, did she go too far this time with her desire to create multiple storylines? And, with characters that have silly names? Okay, maybe I am being petty about the names, but they were strange.
This apparent final book in her Nantucket series is about the arrival of the Richardson couple and the social upheaval that follows.
Of course, we get the love and betrayal and eventual self-discovery, that her characters will experience. Yes, been-here-before. Which, for those who are fans, it will be a familiar trope that makes it a satisfying, page-turning, perfect beach read, if the weather suits you. Because, the other thing she does well for her fans, is tie up any loose ends that anyone has about any of her characters. In that way, maybe this one can work for most readers. If nothing else, for those of us who aren’t doing long distance traveling, it was nice visiting Nantucket here.
The Author’s Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand The Author’s Note is at the beginning of this book, letting readers in on a couple of important points. First, she recommends that readers understand that this book is an “interconnected stand-alone after book 1, “Out on a Limb.” But there are no expectations to read book 1 to connect with the characters in this one. And second, she provides trigger warnings which are particularly helpful to prospective readers, especially if any of these triggers are something that would keep them from reading her book…
*death of a parent *medical treatments, illness, terminal diagnosis *questioning religion/spirituality *references to alcohol and marijuana consumption *descriptive sex scenes
On to the review…
For those who love rom-coms this one gives a different type of trope, in that you have a long-time married couple going through some challenges. Will they be able to overcome them and find their way back to that forever love they experienced at the beginning of their lives together? Especially when love started as early as high school, and they are now finding themselves all grown up? How do they learn to evolve and love this grown-up version of themselves – individually and together as a couple?
This book will give readers all the feel-good, cozy, tearful moments that are expected from most rom-com’s. Friendship. Romance. Spicy sexiness. Comic relief. Grief. Trauma. Healing. Belief in true love.
The author writes well-developed characters that readers can connect to, as they watch them feel the love they have for one another, and navigate the changes and challenges they experience together through the years. Almost like a personal journey of self-reflection. Even exploring marrying young and the evolution of the marriage as they grow into their own, added a compelling viewpoint to the story.
Readers will most likely want to know…
Will this marriage in crisis work itself out? Will their investment of time in each other be enough?
This is my first book by this author, that also makes me interested in considering reading more of her. ...more
Nothing like starting fresh in a new town, (named Dream Harbor – how can you not love that name?); and new job, because you inherited Aunt Dot’s Café.Nothing like starting fresh in a new town, (named Dream Harbor – how can you not love that name?); and new job, because you inherited Aunt Dot’s Café. And, it certainly helps having an attached apartment included. But no sooner are you there and you are being bombarded with crazy noises and disturbances that disrupt your sleep for nights in a row. This is Jeanie’s beginning.
The good news is that when Logan, the local farmer, is dropping off his weekly produce, Jeanie confronts him with a baseball bat ready to swing. Baseball bat? (Remember the noises that are keeping her up at night?) So, how is that good news you ask?
Well, let us just say this forms the beginning of what could be an unexpected better future for Jeanie. He suggests she go to the town meeting to seek help, and before you know it, everyone is ready to jump in, become Jeanie’s best friend and support the re-opening of the Café.
If this doesn’t sound like a Hallmark movie with overwhelming doses of cute, charming, predictable, cozy, and sweet romance thrown in (small town, gorgeous man, instant best friends), I don’t know what else I can say. Well, maybe this…is it just a bit too much of a saccharine sweet taste? Still, when you have all this cuteness surrounding you, isn’t that what usually takes us to that HEA, we desire?
And, of course an end to the mystery of who is causing all those disturbances for Jeanie and why. Yes, that is discovered, too. Easy read, especially for romance lovers.
On May 3, 2025, I reluctantly put myself on the waitlist for this book at my local library.
Why reluctant you ask?
Well…the truth is, I wasn’t too intOn May 3, 2025, I reluctantly put myself on the waitlist for this book at my local library.
Why reluctant you ask?
Well…the truth is, I wasn’t too into the last book I read in the series. Still, it is, for the most part, a sweet series. And, knowing that this is the last book, I felt I owed it to myself to read all the books in the series. And, I always have hope that a series will end well.
So, does it? End well? Afterall, Molly is a lovely character. One that once readers meet her, we always hope the best for her.
And…Will this last book evoke emotions, elicit tears and smiles and ultimately leave readers with a sense of peace for its ending?
“What did you learn? That my life isn’t so bad after all. …that a life without love is not worth living.”
Well, this wasn’t just to be Molly’s story. This was also Gran’s story. Which means, that readers shouldn’t read this one as a stand-alone. It is best to read the full arc to understand who Gran is to Molly, so that you can appreciate why Gran’s story is important.
But does that necessarily mean this is a good ending to the series?
Readers will be taken to the past as we read-along with Molly through Gran’s diary passages. Readers also find themselves in present time with Molly and her fiancé Juan Manuel at their beloved employer setting the Grand Hotel in the midst of a special event, when the popular television series, “Hidden Treasures” comes to film an episode. After all, both Molly and Juan Manuel now both hold important positions at the hotel.
Molly decides to share some of her own collections with the show’s hosts. Will what she shares prove beneficial and set something in motion? Also, what will Molly learn about her Gran’s past and herself as she reads the diary?
How will this final story end? Will there be an HEA for Molly? Will she and Juan Manual finally get married? (No spoilers from me.)
To be honest, I wasn’t sure that I was reading this story under the right conditions. I started it during the negotiations and final vote (7/3/25) of Trumps ‘big beautiful bill’ which is anything but. And, all I could think about was a quote by author, Oliver Bullough when he said…
“All money corrupts, and big money corrupts bigly.”
So, obviously when the bill was approved by the Republican majority, I couldn’t help but feel deeply saddened.
How does the politics of today play into this book you wonder? Well, so much of what happens within this story has to deal with the discovery of something that is worth a lot of money, and people’s reaction to it. And, unfortunately, it just seems like what we are witnessing in today’s politics is that money corrupts. I couldn’t help but compare the two circumstances, unfortunately.
So, as I was reading about Gran, and considering Molly’s ‘treasure’ dilemma, and the eventual ending of this trilogy, I could only surmise that this maid’s secret final book, was okay, at best. Would the timing of my read make the story feel differently? I’m not sure. Please check-in with other reviews. ...more
I love a strong confident woman who loves all her curves. And, I love an author who is willing to create a protagonist who is not a perfect size 2!
OfI love a strong confident woman who loves all her curves. And, I love an author who is willing to create a protagonist who is not a perfect size 2!
Of course, we are going to have the typical enemies to lovers, been-here-before trope that will keep us wondering will-they-or-won’t-they? But come on, really? Isn’t that what we love with these rom-coms? The difference being setting (a gym) and the type of characters created. As well as dialogue.
Speaking of which. There were moments where I thought Crystal’s inner dialog was a bit much. (Crystal being our main protagonist.) But I have had those moments, too. (The inner dialog, thing!) So, I won’t knock her down too much for it. Because for the most part the book was full of lighthearted fun. And, I fully appreciated the body positivity and self-love.
This story is full of humor. Romance. (Of course!) Has a sweet plot. Even a learning lesson. (No spoilers from me!) And, I have a feeling most readers will find the characters relatable....more
This is a BookShots book. I had never heard of a BookShots book until it was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. I love the idea of it, in that, aThis is a BookShots book. I had never heard of a BookShots book until it was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. I love the idea of it, in that, authors have the opportunity to write a story-driven quick book with 150 or less pages. Which allows readers to be introduced to the characters early, get to the point of the plot right away, and literally grab our attention all the way to the last page. The question is, did it work with this story?
Joey’s partner, Khosi has died by suicide. Or has he? Readers will know the answer almost immediately, but what will it take for Joey to find out what was going on with his partner, and why? Also, when Joey takes a job as a Private Bodyguard for Isobel, will he be able to find out who is after her and why before it is too late?
This is an easy-to-read, fast-paced, action-packed, page-turner that readers will most likely connect to from the first page. The characters are well-developed and the plot is well-crafted. And, the book can be read in one sitting. But because it is short it also feels too predictable, at times, which takes a little away from this story being the absolute perfect mystery....more
“When fortune smiles, you immediately start to worry about how it will end. Why not just enjoy the moment?”
Readers learn immediately that Stella’s es“When fortune smiles, you immediately start to worry about how it will end. Why not just enjoy the moment?”
Readers learn immediately that Stella’s estranged mother has passed. She has left her a note, a paid for plane ticket and some money. The note says, “go to Paris.” So, if you received a note, some cash and a ticket to Paris, what would you do?
Perhaps we can hitch a ride with Stella? And, possibly participate in her own life-changing personal evolution?
There is much to appreciate about this little adventure that Stella takes us on. French cuisine. Wine. The museums. The cast of characters. Maybe even a mystery-to-solve about who her father might be.
Which makes this story particularly engaging, even if slightly predicable with a few twists thrown in. I might suggest that you not read this while hungry.
“Stella was tasting the flavors in her mind as he described them.”
Most likely so will readers.
There is much to read here and salivate about with the richness of the culinary cuisines introduced throughout the book. Not surprising considering Reichl’s own resume, having once been part-owner of a restaurant in California, being a food critic for the New York Times and some magazines; and, a regular judge on TV’s “Top Chef.”
As I mention in my review of “Death by Beach Read” Review here: /review/show... I have read this one before. I just forgot thAs I mention in my review of “Death by Beach Read” Review here: /review/show... I have read this one before. I just forgot that I did. So, I am now bringing you my review.
For those of us who have been reading this series we are already fans of Conner and Lucy. (If this is your first time coming – start at the beginning of the series. It will be a lot easier to get a sense of who is who!) And, now we have been invited to their wedding. But don’t plan on things being simple. Because that is not how it works for this town, or this cozy series. There is always something that is going to happen that involves murder, and maybe a missing person, and of course, Lucy wanting to try helping solve the mystery.
But will she be able to do it this time? And, will it spoil her wedding?
New characters are introduced, lots of suspects, family drama, and a great scenic setting make this a fun little cozy. And, of course for reading groups, there is always the Classic Novel Reading Club members to appreciate, as well. And, we can’t forget Charles the Library cat. ...more
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