This romance is charming and delightful. A quick read, you will find yourself loving the characters and quickly drawn in to the story. I found I couldThis romance is charming and delightful. A quick read, you will find yourself loving the characters and quickly drawn in to the story. I found I couldn’t put it down for the final half of the book as I just had to know how things would work out for Eliza. The ending is quite perfect and the proposal scene might be one of my favorites.
Eliza is a character easy to love and love her I did. She is the kind of person I would have hoped to be had I been in a similar situation. She is loyal and kind and stands up for what is right, even when it is hard. I also liked her fierce love for her sisters. I loved that she learned to stand up for herself and be herself, even in the face of social ridicule and rejection (which, by the way, that society reminds me just a tad too much of middle school backbiting and gossip and it’s kind of ridiculous).
Adam is a wonderful hero. So gentle and kind and very different from so many other men of the time. I loved that he was okay with being different and felt confident in his opinions of being kind toward others, even if they were different.
I love Lady Blackmore and Sir Mulgrave. Both fantastic characters. Augusta is a lovely friend to Eliza though I admit I was angry with her for a minute there. I think I’d like Rachel and Dinah but I feel like we didn’t get to know them super well. I didn’t like Mr Collin and Aunt Priscilla kind of bothers me, but I loved Reid, Miss Notely, and Miss Kitty.
This is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading written by Laura Rollins but I’m sure I’ll look for more in the future.
Note: contains highwaymen, shooting guns, mention of blood and blunt force with a gun. All given only the briefest mention and in no way graphic or disturbing. Mostly, this is just a sweet, delightful romance.
**I received an advanced copy of this book with the option to review and post my honest thoughts about it, which I gladly share above....more
This is just a fun romance! Delightfully written. The pranks are fun, the banter between Kelsey and Cade provides just the right amount of tension andThis is just a fun romance! Delightfully written. The pranks are fun, the banter between Kelsey and Cade provides just the right amount of tension and and lightheartedness, and the characters are all likable (with the possibly exception of one particularly selfish future-mother-in-law and clueless fiancé). As an Idaho girl, born and raised, I loved the setting so much! While I didn’t grow up on either a dairy farm or a ranch, I’ve had personal experience with so many of the things Kelsey did while she worked her dad’s farm and it was kind of fun to read and reminisce about my growing up years. I also loved the themes of hard work, appreciation for all different careers, and sacrifice.
I am not usually one who enjoys love triangles. It always feels like there is either some cheating going on or the main character is so wishy washy I get annoyed. I didn’t really have either of those hang ups with this book, though. Kelsey’s initial “hatred” of Cade didn’t really create any real competition for her affection so it never felt like there was the cheating element. I also didn’t feel like she was unable to make up her mind. She did a lot of growing and maturing and learned a lot about herself, which ultimately led her to the choices she made. So I liked how the author handled that entire trope.
I was very happy with how much growth Kelsey experienced through the book. That was so well done!
I have been very pleased with Cindy’s books and look forward to whatever else she creates. If you’re looking for a sweet, clean romcom, I highly recommend this one! (Now we need stories for the cowboys and Kelsey’s friend and brother!)
Note: there is a somewhat gruesome scene involving a mountain lion and a baby calf (if you want more details, please reach out to me); shooting guns; extreme diet and dress size/body image concerns
This cookbook is beautiful and delightful and chock full of approachable, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been a big fan of Carrian and Cade ever since This cookbook is beautiful and delightful and chock full of approachable, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been a big fan of Carrian and Cade ever since I heard them speak at a Time Out for Women event several years ago. I refer to their website often and love their first cookbook. However, I think I’ll love this one even more. Here’s why:
1. The recipes are simple, with fantastic directions and tips, but not so simple you feel as though you are eating “kid food.” It’s a good balance.
2. Each recipe includes a difficulty level, so if you feel like you’re just learning to cook, you know which recipes to start with.
3. There is a photo for every single recipe and the photos are gorgeous.
4. This book has so many recipes that are great for starting your children on a cooking journey. The difficulty level and various tips help a lot as you start getting your kids involved in the making of the food they help eat.
5. There are a handful of great sections that are just tips: meats, pizza, cakes, using a knife. They are incredibly helpful!
6. This is more than just a cookbook. It has beautifully written, short anecdotes that warm the soul. Little things about food memories, the importance of spending time together, and patiently allowing your children to make mistakes.
5 out of 5 I would recommend this cookbook for just about anyone. I look forward to having it in my collection and creating memories with my children surrounding some delicious food.
Quotes from the book I loved:
I wonder how much more we could do as parents if we gently steadied instead of always being so quick to react. A child who is rocking the house might need a gentle embrace or words of encouragement, not a raised voice shouting, “What are you doing?!”
I used to stand next to my mom in the kitchen and peel potatoes on Sunday morning. It was such a simple routine that I’m not sure why it always stands out to me so much. Maybe that’s how it is with life and memories: it’s not the big stuff that comes back to you, it’s just the moments when you’re side by side.
Trust me on this, side-by-side cooking with your loved ones will change your family. You will find no greater joy than allowing hearts to connect, and it’s not by chance that food becomes the central force in bringing people together.
Sometimes a person has an idea about a book going into it that doesn’t pan out and can leave one confused or angry. I admit I had some kind of false uSometimes a person has an idea about a book going into it that doesn’t pan out and can leave one confused or angry. I admit I had some kind of false understanding about this book (I think I got it from the cover), so I took some time to formulate my thoughts before writing my review. Ultimately, I think one goes into this book thinking of it as an historical fiction read and not a romance, that person will come away quite happy with what they get.
The historical aspects of this book are incredible! For someone who really enjoys reading WWII fiction/nonfiction, it seems silly to admit that I was not well educated about bomb disposal units and the nature of their work. I think somehow I’d just always figured that if a bomb didn’t explode, it was a dud and wouldn’t explode. I mean, I also knew that wasn’t necessarily accurate, so cut me some slack. I guess I just hadn’t thought through the logistics on that. But this book was fascinating to learn about the efforts and study and, unfortunately, trial and error that went into diffusing bombs.
I also thought the mental health aspects of this book were quite interesting. The PTSD that both MCs deal with and how it affected their individual lives was so interesting and definitely increased my empathy for those who suffer through trauma and then have that trauma lived over again in their brains. It is heartbreaking.
I will be completely honest, the end of this book made me cry. I would not necessarily say it wrapped up with a happily ever after. It is very raw and real and I got close enough to the characters that the ending felt a bit like a sucker punch to the gut. That said, however, I also felt like it wrapped up as well as it could have considering the circumstances.
One of my favorite things in reading an historical fiction book is the author’s notes at the end. Educating about the historical facts and where the inspiration came from is always so interesting to me. This book particularly was incredible for that, considering that inspiration for the story not only came from historical facts but a real person. That connection was pretty remarkable.
Note: this is a wartime book, specifically focusing on the bombing raids from the Germans on London, England, during WWII. There are a lot of bombs. Homes demolished, dead bodies, dismemberment, bomb defuse squads being blown up. Also PTSD and seeing murder.
Quotes I loved from the book (could potentially contain spoilers): “... all I can suggest is that you get each day with honor and then leave the rest up to Someone of a higher rank, of you know what I mean.”
She had created a coalition to help others, and thereby discovered—or rather remembered—that service is a salve that can heal all hurt, not just in strangers, but in oneself.
“... if the people don’t need regain some hope around here, the Germans won’t need bigger bombs.”
“When writing a letter to a person you care about, take the time to share a secret.” “A secret?” “Yes. One of life’s greatest gifts is that of trust. Sharing a secret is a gift to the reader since you’re sharing a normally guarded part of yourself, but it’s also a gift to the writer because, by sharing, you are placing trust in yourself.”
“Write the type of letter that a reader will long to read twice. Also, don’t rush the writing. Remember that the pen, your fingers, the side of your hand, all touch the paper, and that means it carries a part of you. So, use words that carry a part of you as well.”
“With such dire odds, the naysayers had proclaimed there was little England could do, yet this small, isolated country stood up to tyrants. I want to live with equal determination.”
What she loved for instead was a patient poke when she was wrong, a point of praise when she was right, and someone loyal enough to stay around and help her navigate between them. Someone to make her laugh on occasion would also be nice. Audrey needed a friend.
The soul is a tender and complicated thing, and it can bruise easily, but I’ve learned it’s after fighting through our deepest moments of distress that our greatest strengths are found.
“It turns out that in the bomb shelters, we’re all the same, just people wanting to live another day. That’s the part of the war that’s nice.”
“Never joke with death,” he whispered. “She doesn’t have a good sense of humor.”
“I don’t seek war. I seek peace and forever will, but sometimes seeking peace means that soldiers must pick up their weapons and fight. That is the price of freedom.”
“Men are like bombs, simple creatures, but while a bomb needs someone to kill, a man needs someone to save.”
“What if life’s worst disasters—our greatest defeats—are the beginnings of our greatest victories?”
Because in the middle of a war, or anytime a person is hurting, being close is the surest remedy for sadness.
... the space we leave around our words is sometimes as important as the words themselves.
Wes, life isn’t a scale where the good is balanced against the bad, squaring the sides to declare a winner. Rather, our experiences, both the despair and the joy, are weighed on the same side, intertwined together to create the thread that weaves the cloth of our lives.
Rising above life’s challenges often means climbing, but it can also mean digging.
Life is short. Life is fragile. I shall grasp it with both hands and hang on, trying always to find the joy.
Gosh, I enjoyed this book! This comes as no surprise to anyone who either knows my reading preferences or follows along on GoodReads or social media, Gosh, I enjoyed this book! This comes as no surprise to anyone who either knows my reading preferences or follows along on GoodReads or social media, but I read (and enjoy) a lot of Regency and Victorian romance books. As such, I find it so refreshing when a book can surprise me by its twists and turns—and this one did! The trope mashup was so much fun.
First of all, I really like James. He may have done a few things that earned an eyebrow raise or an eye roll from me, but I still loved him. I rather found myself feeling as I imagine Lady Cheltenham did: quite fond of the boy but also wanting to shake him a bit to remind him of his sense. He is far too impulsive by half but he really is sweet and genuine.
I found myself a bit frustrated with Kate a few times. But here’s a big caveat: I also understand some of her behaviors stemmed from her trust issues! She became hesitant to trust others because of the way she was raised and I do not blame her for that. When you have a deep-seated psychological issue like that, having one person do something right will not automatically override one’s reticence to trusting in general. In fact, I believe her issue was not that she couldn’t believe in love but that she couldn’t trust. (There. Now I’m analyzing a fictional character’s psychological hangups. You know I’m a reader now.) So while I got frustrated with how back and forth she was about trusting James, I also felt like it was believable. I liked her character strength and determination to make the best for herself, even without the support of others in her life.
The cast of side characters in this one was spectacular, particularly Julia, Henry, and Lucas. I loved them! Karen, we’re going to get their stories, right? Right??
The little mystery side plot was so great! It was fun for me to do a little whodunnit thinking while simultaneously enjoying my swoony romance. Did I have an inkling who was behind the mystery? Yes. But I also had a couple other speculations so it was quite fun to see who it actually was and how everything played out.
Okay and the epilogue! Karen, you write amazing epilogues that always make me smile. Loved it! All around, I think this was a wonderful story! I would have liked a cast of characters list at the beginning (like Karen’s novella had) to help keep everyone straight. I did have to remind myself a couple times about titles and rank and whatnot to keep from getting confused. I also could have taken another 50 pages to get even more romance. But I’m happy. I loved what I did get and I’m really looking forward to reading what Karen releases next.
Note: terrible father; attempted murder
**thanks to the publisher and author for an advanced copy with the option to review. This love is purely my own.
Quotes I loved: James cursed again. He was developing an unhealthy habit of profanity that afternoon.
“I have always loved autumn in this post of the country. Try color on the leaves are so striking, painted such beautiful hues.” -Kate’s Mother
The very landscape seemed on fire with the combination of the colored leaves and the last few streaks of sunlight.
But then he remembered that she was going to kill him when she found out. Or, at the very least, wish to kill him. Kate was likely too kind to truly commit murder.
“What would you say to life as a runaway, Betsy?”
The whole farce had Kate wanting to feign an illness. Or five.
Kate rotated her head from side to side, taking in the simple but artfully done hairstyle. If she swooned from stress, at least she would be presentable while doing so.
“…I do not wish for love. It is only a made-up sentiment, better left to poets.” -Kate
The feeling of being on a horse was the closest she imagined mankind would ever come to flying.
But on horseback, it was as if every sensation came loose, whipped about in the wind. Joy, sadness, anger. They were all free to run their course without consequence. It was exhilarating.
…was there ever such a thing as too many flowers?
In all his imaginations of how he’d tell Kate they were betrothed, soaked to the bone and shivering had not made the list.
Mr. Fenwick…tumbled to the earth. He caught himself on his hands, but the mud was too wet, sending his arms siding out from beneath him. And his face directly into the ground.
He stood with open hands on hips, glaring at the mud, then scrutinizing his horse. “I feel rather bad climbing atop you with all this mud, but being that you were the one who decided to veer into a tree, my sympathies are not long-lasting.”
“I maintain that your mount is the faster one, bred from racehorses, I believe.” He grinned at her. “You may maintain whatever you wish as long as we both know the truth.”
Her laugh was like leaves tossed in the wind. Light and buoyant. And gone before he could appreciate it.
“Faster again, it seems,” Kate said, laughing. . . . “This time I think we owe that to your head start!” James countered, chuckling as he slid from Admiral’s back. “Yes, but I am riding sidesaddle, and I think that deserves some sort of admiration.”
Perhaps one of the grooms would lend him a shovel. He needed it for the hole he’d created himself. . . . Once he acquired the shovel he would be sure to give himself a good bruising on the head as well.
“Was I that obvious?” “Only as obvious as a starved man who was just handed a roast duck,” Henry chuckled softly.
Years ago, she had decided to control her own happiness—to not allow anyone far enough into heart to have the ability to hurt her.
“Marry a man only to have to speak to him and his friends? The horror.” -Kate
Lately, it seemed Kate had no more control over her thoughts than she had over the weather, and no one could control England’s weather.
James had just stepped into the corridor and was watching her with that look that made her feel simultaneously overheated and jittery.
He would never tire of hearing her say his name. It was likely a rather unmanly feeling, really, to be brought to one’s knees by the sound of one’s own name.
She laughed then. Truly laughed. A beautiful sound that James had not heard in three years. In that moment, James decided he would spend the rest of his life attempting to make her laugh.
This mister’s eyes are brown like . . . dirt. His hair is black, unlike his shirt. His feet have boots. His head a hat . . . And some may say his . . . chin . . . is flat. -Kate’s love poem
But Kate did so only to not hurt his feelings. It had nothing to do with the enjoyment she felt around him. And it certainly had nothing to do with his deep-brown eyes, the way his head fell back when he laughed, or the thrill of warmth that was quickly making itself comfortable in her midsection.
“My mother often said she did not know true happiness until she knew the feeling of being loved by my father.” -James
But lately, as she’d become more and more trapped in her father’s household and in his decisions for her, she had developed a fear of never finding the freedom she so desired. So she built her own walls before others could, striving to find freedom within them. But they were walls. Freedom was forever elusive.
Kate had chosen the safer route, but it was quickly appearing to be a much less enjoyable one.
“I have a feeling I will love whatever you paint, regardless of your talent.” He spoke sincerely, his wife smile still aimed at her. “Or, at least, I promise to always pretend that I do.”
“I accept gratitude in the form of gifts.” -Kate
Warmth bloomed the spot, from his hands out his touch Kate did not know. Or, she might have, but she would admit to nothing.
Kate was dangerously close to falling in love with James Fenwick. And she refused to let that happen.
She was turning into a milksop. Hasn’t she agreed with herself just an house before that she would close her heart off to James?
Emotions were more work than they were worth.
“I have determined what my final question will be.” Kate smoothed out her dress as she took her seat, get eyes crinkling at the sides as he met her eye. “I assume you desire to know how I get my hair styled so well, yes?”
“I always believed I was too hard to care for.” “Never believe that, Kate. You are easy to care for, and those who have made you feel otherwise, myself Included, do not deserve you.”
His eyes grew dark as he brought his hands up to cradle her face, a question in his expression accompanying the light touch. He paused for the space of a breath. Or an hour. The moment seemed to stretch long. And then he lowered his head. Softly, ever so softly, his lips brushed against hers.
She giggled at the thought. Giggled. Kate nearly sighed at her own senselessness. She was becoming a regular schoolgirl. But she could not help herself, really. If any woman deserved to be a little silly, it was one who had only just been thoroughly kissed by the handsomest, kindest man of her acquaintance.
His hand covered hers, squeezing lightly in an action that freed a wave of warmth in her midsection that did not fully dissipate even once he’d released her to sit at the table.
“Kate, trust and love are never easy. And no one could blame you for feeling wary of them. But we do not always have a say in matters of the heart, and you already love him. You will break your own heart if you do nothing now. And though there is always a chance that trusting your heart to someone will result in some bruises and cracks to the unsuspecting organ, it is far more likely you will find joy unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. After all, joy is not often found without sacrifice. Perhaps for you, that sacrifice will be letting go of your past and choosing to invest in your future.”
As he watched, the young lord smiled at Kate and chuckled lightly something she said. James fervently wished the man would choke on something.
Was she braver enough to fight for what she wanted even if James did not want it?
“I have loved you for years, Katherine Cartwright. I should very much like to love you forever if you will allow it.”
“We could have waited” “If you could have waited, then it would seem I love you far more. For I could not.” He chuckled. “This is not an argument you will win.” She raised a brow. “Then you do not know your wife very well.”
“I had thought autumn to be breathtaking here, but it seems spring is giving that season some healthy competition.” James chuckled. “Yes. It really is stunning.” Kate gave him a cheeky smile to cover her blush. He was gazing steadily at her, not the rolling hills around them.
“How did I ever live without you, Kate?” “I am not sure, but you must have been terribly lonely,” she quipped, kissing him on the cheek.
“I cannot race Nutmeg, but I will certainly face you to some of Cook’s lemon tarts.” James laughed, his smile lighting up his face. “And that is a race I will let you win.” Kate quirked an eyebrow. “I would win regardless.”
2023 Review: Oh, my heart! To say I loved this book just as much as the first time I read it would probably be an understatement. Even knowing exactly 2023 Review: Oh, my heart! To say I loved this book just as much as the first time I read it would probably be an understatement. Even knowing exactly what was going to happen, I still felt every revelation, every hard conversation, every emotion, as if this were my first time. I laughed, I seethed, I cried. My heart broke and then, just as the first time, Heidi deftly healed it with her marvelous character and relationship development. I love that she hasn’t shied away from hard things in her books, because this book destroyed me in all the ways I love a book to destroy me. Thanks again for a wonderful read, Heidi!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: This narrator does a fine job with the characters. I love the emotion and I’d say she does a decent job with the Scottish accents.
2021 Review: Dear Mrs. Kimball, Oh, this beautiful, heartfelt, amazing book. I struggle to put anything I feel into words. Your book gutted me. It destroyed me in the way all book lovers love to be destroyed. It stomped on my heart before gently healing it and left me feeling all the feelings. Did you laugh and cry when you wrote this? Because I don’t know how anyone could experience this book without expressing the emotions it evokes. I’m giving you ALL THE STARS! Perhaps saying your book gutted me does not feel like much of a compliment, but please believe me, it definitely is. I mean, I did just say “all the stars” after all, and I do not say that lightly. Though I tell you that your book made me sob, it’s not a sad book. It is simply filled with so much heart. It is as if you are a magician and somehow managed to infuse the words of your story with the souls of its characters, so the reader, upon reading the words you wrote, deeply feels the emotions and turmoil, despair and hope, longing and love as each character experiences such. It was as though I was one with the story. I was not simply a bystander, watching from the outside, but a full participant. I loved that both Callum and Katie (she cannot ever be only Kate to me after reading) were so clearly human. They each had flaws and weaknesses, each contributing in some way or another to their struggles. As you can probably guess, I thought Callum was a wee bit the “eejit” (okay fine, you’re right; the eejit part of him may be more than just a “wee bit”). His rash decision certainly caused problems for plenty of people (he will have to learn to school that desire to make hasty choices under the influence of heavy emotions). But I supposed felt some empathy for him as well, as I know how difficult it is to live with a parent you can’t ever seem to please. I was definitely feeling the turmoil with him just wanted to shake him a little to wake him up. Katie’s anger didn’t serve anyone either though. But I cannot fault her that. She has shouldered a good deal of hurt and burden over Callum did and that isn’t something one overcomes in the blink of an eye. I loved her big heart though; she really was made for loving. I loved that Charlotte served as the healer for her little family. Without even knowing it, the love everyone felt for her provided some of that healing balm they all needed to be able to repair the rifts and soothe the hurts. I loved her zest for life and love of animals. I loved that Katie used art as a sort of diary. Your descriptions of her drawings were so evocative I was sure I could imagine them clearly in my mind’s eye. What a talent (for your character but also for you). I loved how Callum tried so hard to fix his mistakes and coax laughter and lightness back into Katie’s heart. When he is in, he really is all in! I also love how well you wrote a hero we were all ready to despise and then made us love it. You are clever, Mrs. Kimball. Very clever. Mr. Archie and Harriet were such delightful side characters and I adore them. I also have a special place in my heart for Callum’s mother. She is an incredible woman! Within the pages of this book, I found myself completely transported. Partially to Scotland, yes (oh, writing in Callum’s Scottish accent was genius and I loved every moment of hearing his Scottish lilt in my head) but also into the hearts of what felt like real, raw, imperfectly flawed and perfectly crafted human beings. I expect to never forget the journey you sent me on and am grateful to have a new book join the ranks of my forever favorites. Many thanks to ye! Forever yours, Jessica
The following content warnings contain spoilers for the book. Consider yourself warned! ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ **Note: contains closed-door scenes of intimacy between man and wife. On page is nothing but kissing but you know what happens; there is also talk about what happens between man and wife; a push to “produce an heir”; strained parent/child relationships and manipulation; abandonment; stillbirth.
Sarah has done it again! She keeps writing these winning books and I absolutely love her for it! Thank you for giving me many smiles, a good handful oSarah has done it again! She keeps writing these winning books and I absolutely love her for it! Thank you for giving me many smiles, a good handful of laugh-out-moments (including one where I laughed so hard and long, my husband thought I might have lost it), and a book that ends with so many warm fuzzies and happy thoughts. Just delightful and so much fun!
Jessie and Drew are enemies. Drew doesn’t know why they are enemies, he just knows they are. So he performs his duty to keep up his enemy role. Jessie knows why they are enemies and she guards her secret very close to her heart. I loved all the little twists that kept me guessing what would come next. I loved how Drew eventually started finding the cracks in Jessie’s armor and started exposing her vulnerabilities, but in small enough increments that she learned to trust him. I loved how Jessie started coming around and learning how to trust someone, even though it was so hard for her to do.
The pranks and witty banter are spot on all throughout. I love the inner dialogue, too. Just so good! I love how relatable Sarah Adams’ characters are. The inner turmoil both characters experienced, as well as how they moved on from it and learned how to overcome, were perfect. Loved it so much.
I was glad Lucy and Cooper had more of a presence in this book. I loved seeing them so much and from a slightly different angle than in the first book. I adored Drew’s doctor friends and Jessie’s granddaddy. If you enjoy a good, clean rom-com, I cannot recommend this series enough.
Note: Some swearing; kissing/making out; sexual intimacy implied but closed-door.
This book! I loved this entire book, from beginning to end. Literally the entire thing was perfect and I adored every minute. I laughed out loud severThis book! I loved this entire book, from beginning to end. Literally the entire thing was perfect and I adored every minute. I laughed out loud several times, once giggling so hard my husband came in from another room to ask me what could possibly be so funny. I also highlighted a TON of passages. I love when an author has so many good one-liners and quotes in a book! The inner dialogue is fantastic and the banter and conversations are top notch. I mean, if the powdered donuts or the plethora of beautiful flowers don’t convince you to read this book, maybe a bunch of pranks, some great romance, or fantastic inner dialogue will. Just trust me on this—you want to read this one! Summer knocked it out of the park. This is definitely my favorite book from Summer thus far!
Haley is sweet and relatable and I want her to be my friend! I think I could fit in with the group of friends quite nicely. Austin is dreamy and amazing and everything you want in a literary hero. Like, seriously, he’s so good! Aside from the whole stealing a business location thing, he’s basically perfect. But even if he did steal Haley’s location, I still loved him from the very beginning. I loved the development and learning from both characters and how their relationship gradually evolved. I also loved how Summer wrapped everything up in the end. I wasn’t sure how she was going to do that!
The cast of supporting characters is so good. I loved how they all helped flesh out Haley and Austin’s story. And of course all the little things Summer threw into the story were fantastic.
Great book, Summer! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Thanks Summer for an advanced copy in exchange for a review. All the gushing about this book is purely me.
This is the year of novellas for me! I really enjoy seeing how an author can pack an entire story into just a few pages. I’m still relatively new to TThis is the year of novellas for me! I really enjoy seeing how an author can pack an entire story into just a few pages. I’m still relatively new to Traci Hunter Abramson but I have to admit I have every expectation that she can deliver a fantastic story! I was not disappointed with this book! It may be short, but there is still a good amount of tension, some character development, and a great story arc. When we got closer to the end I was so convinced things wouldn’t work out and I was so pleased with how things went! The Russian element was so intriguing and I loved the hockey-player-turned-ballet-enthusiast character. If you’d like a quick read that still delivers, this book is the one for you!
This is a perfect example of something small that packs a big punch. The book is short and if you chose to read through the entire thing, you could eaThis is a perfect example of something small that packs a big punch. The book is short and if you chose to read through the entire thing, you could easily do so within an hour, probably with time to spare. But I also think it would be a great book to sit and savor. Allow the flavors to mull around in your mind a bit. Soak in the wisdoms and thoughts. Take in the comforting words, feel them embrace you and hold you in your own trials and hurts. Maybe write down the things that come to your mind as you read a poem or essay. It’s a lovely book that I know I will turn back to over and over.
*sigh* You know those books that just leave you deliriously happy and feeling as though you had just consumed a most delicious meal? This book is just*sigh* You know those books that just leave you deliriously happy and feeling as though you had just consumed a most delicious meal? This book is just such a book. I adored Gigi from the very beginning. I always love a more timid character, who isn’t sure where she fits or her place in the world. It gives a lot of opportunity for growth and there definitely is that in this book.
Clyde Haskins was so great! I loved his genuine manner, the way he helped Gigi see her worth as a person, and his obvious love for his tour and guests. And the way their relationship progressed was so sweet and beautiful. The little twist toward the end caught me off guard and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how things would work out! But I needn’t have worried. Heather brought everything together marvelously.
Aunt Rowena is a riot! I loved loved how Gigi and Rowena grew closer and developed a strong bond with one another. That relationship dynamic was so well developed that even if we hadn’t had the romance (which I adore!), it still would have made a good story. And Rowena’s little group of friends! I just love them all. Their scheming to set up Gigi and Clyde is the best. Even though I typically get irritated when people interfere with other’s lives, somehow it was endearing coming from this group of eccentric ladies. Particularly the scene toward the end in the back garden! I was giggling like a school girl. So much sweetness!
I find now I desperately want to take a European art tour and eat Austrian chocolate.
Content: cancer, sickness; meddling old aunt; drama surrounding romantic relationship; romance elements very clean (and swoony!).
Quotes I liked that could potentially contain spoilers:
Twenty minutes ago, Gigi’s life had been predictable and plain, just how she liked it. Now she’d be living in close quarters with her aunt and her aunt’s whist club on a train. Well, then and unscrupulous older men. (5)
“You’re beautiful, Gigi. You just don’t know it yet.” (9)
The women hurried out of the hotel, as fast as women in their sixties wearing heeled boots could hurry.
Everything was quite delicious. Of course, they were in Paris, so perhaps that was a given.
“We must be strong, we must be brave, and we must be noble.”
Their arms didn’t brush, their hands didn’t touch, and that was a relief. And a disappointment.
“Eine Frau wird erst mit zunehmendem Alter schöner. A woman only grows more beautiful with age.”
Chocolate this rich and creamy deserved every bit of her fo us. She couldn’t look at anything or allow for any distraction. It was just her and the taste buds on her tongue wondering how one might live in Vienna and visit this shop every single day for the rest of her life.
“You show your feelings when you eat something you love.” “And I loved that truffle.”
Gigi’s pulse has never raced so fast as it did when the professor leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers. Her fingers curled into his lapel, and she pulled him closer at the same moment he shifted his other arm about her waist. Drawing her in, he kissed her again slowly and deliberately as if he’d been thinking of this scenario before this moment.
“Zeh heart and mind are always connected,” Nicholas said quietly. “Zey can both heal, but it takes time. Some heal more quickly zhan others.” He paused. “Be patient a little longer, Miss Ballard. His heart vill soon be healed, and vhen it is, he vill come looking for you.”
“Hearts can change, you know. Time does that, and meeting the right person who has the power to change it.”
“You are a fine woman, my dear. Be proud of your accomplishments and the way you’ve loved your life. Don’t let another person’s decisions or preferences determine your own worth.”
Holy guacamole, Batman! Wow! Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow! I have no words. I’ll have to come back later to see if I can form coherent thought for my review ofHoly guacamole, Batman! Wow! Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow! I have no words. I’ll have to come back later to see if I can form coherent thought for my review of this incredible book.
**two days later [yes, really]**
I am still not sure I have the words to describe how much I loved this book, even days after finishing. This is the kind of book that leaves you with a book hangover; I don’t really want to pick up anything else! Normally when I love a book this book, I write a “letter review,” to make it even more personal. So without further adieu—
Dear Traci, Sian, Paige, and A.L.,
I LOVED YOUR BOOK SO MUCH!! Here’s the thing: I’ve read books written by each of you and have loved them. You’re all great writers. When I heard you were collaborating on a book, I got SOOO excited! It was just bound to be amazing, right? Well, you went above and beyond even my imaginings. This book really is incredible!
I must also applaud you with how seamlessly it was written. If I hadn’t known it was written by multiple people, I never would have guessed. There were no holes, no major change in voice or character. I’m certain that to a lot of work and planning on your part and you can color me impressed.
Each of the characters were well-written and pulled something out of me. I felt something for each of them. First, let me just say that Traci can write a villain! After every segment with Gunnar, I was on the edge of my seat. Once, I even had to stop myself from yelling, “Open the door!! He’s spying on you!” because I was so immersed. So kuddos!
But you all know how to write some fantastic heroes as well. I loved that you were able to give me a few quirks for each person, as well as enough of their backstories that I fully invested in their current story. I loved the strong family thread! Having grown up with a pretty tight-knit extended family, I love reading about families of cousins being friends. Watching these three cousins get to know one another and become close was just so special.
My heart broke for Karl, Ingrid, and Anna. Their story was just so sad. I loved how snippets of what happened for them came through Tess, Cole, and Anna II’s stories. And as a fan of romance, I also really enjoyed the threads of romance weaves throughout, especially between Anna and Beckett (I really like Beckett). Oh! And Bram is basically the coolest dude. I really like him, as well.
The story was told so well. I loved how fast paced and suspenseful it was, without leaving me feeling like things were missing. Oh! And the different nationalities of the characters was a super cool addition. I loved how effectively it showed that the family was truly separated, severed in so many different ways, but that family can always come back together. And the setting of Falcon Point was really well done. I want it to be a real place so I can go visit! *sigh* It was just so good. I think I need to read it again.
Have I sufficiently expressed my love for this book? Because I really want you all to understand just how much I loved it! It was truly a phenomenal read. I am impressed and plan on pushing this book on anyone and everyone. It’s amazing.
As my friend Meredith would say, it deserves all the chef’s kisses. As Tasha would say, ALLL the stars! As Mandy and Marilee have said, this is a top read of 2021 for me, and it has some stiff competition.
Basically, I just really love your book. Like really really love it.
Your gushing fan, Jessica
*Note: contains murder; blood; running from Nazis; attempted murder; no language or sex
**Many thanks to the authors and publisher for the advance copy, which I was offered with the option to review. These are my very own thoughts.
“I can betray my country, or I can betray my conscience. Which would you have me do?” -Papa
“Life is full of surprises and hardships, Karl. Plan what can, and do your best to get back up when you’re knocked over by something unexpected.” -Papa
“Peace—for a country out for a person—its worth a lot. But it can come at too high a cost. Papa would have always regretted going against his conscience.” -Karl
Hiding in a ladies’ room had to be the most shameful thing he’d ever done.
Was it cowardly to fire when he knew he couldn’t win? He wanted to be courageous, like Papa. But sometimes courage wasn’t about fighting. Sometimes courage was shot letting go of what was most wanted for oneself and, instead, fulfilling one’s duty.
He didn’t look like an heir of Falcon Point, not any longer.
“I’ve seen a lot of refugees these last few years. A lot of them broken, frightened, beaten. Your spirit and your courage seem to be intact, so the Nazis haven’t taken everything from you. You still have those.” -Millie
Her brain had accepted the facts years ago, just as it accepted what she had witnessed tonight. But her heart had ignored the memo. The silly organ must be illiterate, because four years was certainly long enough to get with the program and move on.
“I’ll wait forever if you are the reward.” -Beckett
“Not only are you female—which, by definition, means you remember every little detail anyone ever tells you—but you also loved to sit on her knees and listen to get stories.” -Lars
“Now I understand why Austrians don’t bike everywhere like the Dutch do,” Bram muttered. “Because they’d keep stopping to admire the view?”
“Maybe I should hold on to you for a wee bit, just in case.” Beckett loved his fingers with hers. “In case you fall?” Anna asked with a twinkle in her eyes. “Precisely.”
Why did Cole always have to go up against the clever criminals? Just once, he’d like someone who would make things simple for him.
“Another relation has come to call. This one’s an American.” “We’ve got a regular United Nations under one roof,” Beckett commented.
“But remember, it’s not about the things we’ve buried in this old cellar. It’s about the love we’ve buried in our hearts, a love that comes from being part of a family.” -Papa, Leopold Lang
Karl, Ingrid, and Anna Lang were gone, but the unity, integrity, and courage they’d exemplified lived on.
This book is refreshingly different from a typical regency romance. Caroline is a bluestocking and hasn’t had luck finding suitors willing to put up wThis book is refreshingly different from a typical regency romance. Caroline is a bluestocking and hasn’t had luck finding suitors willing to put up with her excessive book learning and outspoken opinions. So she boards a ship set for India, hoping for different luck in a different place.
I really like Caroline. I love women who are different from the “norm,” women who push the envelope of societal expectations and live their own lives and opinions. Caroline is also super strong mentally and highly independent.
Captain Scott drove me bonkers for a big chunk of the book. I didn’t like that he quickly jumped to conclusions allowed his insecurities regarding Caroline to dictate to her in a brusque and harsh manner, different from how he would treat anyone else. His knee jerk judgements started getting super annoying! Thankfully Caroline is not the kind of simpering woman who would let someone bully her. I liked how she stood up for herself and put him in place, and quite often.
The book does move a bit slowly and I would have loved more at the end, but still a good story I think.
Note: abuse, blood, ambush, societal backbiting, and one really good rescue scene accomplished by our heroine.
Quotes: Surely, they would not have judged her so harshly had she not judged them first. (13)
Not that there was anything wrong in admiring the lines of the female figure it was like admiring a sunset. Beauty was what it was, and there was no vice in acknowledging beauty when he saw it. (26)
Thomas was careful to keep a distance e and not get too personally involved with his passengers since a ship—no matter how large—was a small place for those who carried grievances against others. (27)
There are far better ways to spend a Wednesday evening during the season than with people who work so hard to be fashionable that they will never truly be in fashion. (37)
He noted the way the wind twisted and played with the stray strands of her hair and felt s strange jealousy that the wind was allowed such familiarity. (55)
“A bright mind and a curious heart are virtues to be applauded not shunned.” (194)
“I love everything about your mouth, including the things that it says. It is the things your mouth says that have drawn me to you.” (196)
“You mean to tell me you shared actual feelings with a lady? And you didn’t explode or melt or grow an extra eye in the process? That is astonishing.” (202)
“I never thought I’d see something that could compete with the stars at night. But then I saw you standing there.” (249)
This is a very sweet book. It’s a sweet romance and a lovely written book. I love Philippa. I am clearly a big fan of a female character who is indepeThis is a very sweet book. It’s a sweet romance and a lovely written book. I love Philippa. I am clearly a big fan of a female character who is independent and has a mind of her own. But I liked Philippa even more because she is smart enough to know what the situation before her needs. She knows when she needs to be forceful and when she needs to back down. She knows when to push her opinion and when to hold her tongue. She knows when to step in and help and when she should back down and keep to herself. And I really like that about her. She was also good at seeing people’s hearts rather than the facade they put out for society to see. I also really liked that she didn’t let her sister bully her and she tried to live as independently as possible for her circumstances. Jack was a hard character for me to like at first. He was so cold and calculated. I liked how Philippa made him question what he thought he knew and made him think. A well-timed comment would put him in his place and remind him of what he should be doing and where his place was in the world and in his family. I did like his passion and liked him better when he started warming to his family and thinking of them more. By the end, I really liked him a lot. I think having a few humbling experiences brought him down his pride ladder a rung or two—and Philippa putting him in his place helped, too. Philippa’s brothers and friends were so sweet. I loved all of them and would love stories for each of them. Susan tried my patience maybe a tad, but she was sweet, too. Mary, Charles, and Philippa’s mother are just something else and I cannot like them. Not even a little bit. This is a well-written, lovely book. I really liked how things worked out in the end and enjoyed the book. 4.5 stars ***I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my opinion, which I gladly share. These thoughts are my own....more
This book is a fantastic learning tool for understanding the Gathering of Israel and the New and Everlasting Covenant. I have come away from this bookThis book is a fantastic learning tool for understanding the Gathering of Israel and the New and Everlasting Covenant. I have come away from this book with so much more understanding than I’ve ever had. I’ve been humbled, taught, strengthened, and my grasp of the gospel and scripture has been amplified.
This book is highly scholarly, and for the first 50-60 pages, I felt so slow as I tried to comprehend what was being taught. I think Kerry presents very well; my understanding was simply lacking. This is definitely a book I want to own and review over and over again.
This book has all the makings of a wonderful book. A strong heroine, a compassionate teacher and advisor, a corrupt man trying to take over the kingdoThis book has all the makings of a wonderful book. A strong heroine, a compassionate teacher and advisor, a corrupt man trying to take over the kingdom, and a swoony hero. I liked how Jacob taught Rosemund and helped her to develop physical strength, as well as emotional strength. She grew and developed a lot and I liked how her adversity and living like a peasant helped her grow into her role as Queen. I liked the plot twist with Maxwell’s family toward the end. I didn’t really see that coming and I like when an author can pull that off. I really liked Maxwell and Ricker and thought they were great additions to the story.
I did feel like the narrative was a bit choppy and didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have. And I would have loved for the romance thread to be more developed. The story is good, I just wish some parts had been fleshed out a little more.
I think this book would especially appeal to a young adult crowd, ages 12-16 or so.
Note: this is a book about war and contains hand-to-hand combat, blood, and other forms of violence. There is also political intrigue and unfaithfulness. I do not feel, however, that anything is overly graphic or disturbing.
Quotes: “Your mother vowed to be with your father in life and in death. ‘Twas a love like none other I’ve been blessed to witness.”
“Sometimes good things can come from something that seems bad at the moment.”
“My dearest Princess,” Jacob said. “What is courage if it isn’t doing what needs to be done in spite of fear?”
“You are of noble birth, you are strong, you are powerful, and you will lead this country to greatness.”
“I punched the Queen!” He bowed and repeated, “Please forgive me.” “Not Queen yet, Maxwell, and don’t forget I punched you as well. There is no need to apologize.”
I think Esther Hatch is the queen of writing hilarious and swoony romances. This book had be chuckling one moment, swooning over the clean romance theI think Esther Hatch is the queen of writing hilarious and swoony romances. This book had be chuckling one moment, swooning over the clean romance the next. She really did a fantastic job with this one and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!
Anyone who knows me (and my reading preferences) by now knows that I love an independent heroine who pushes the envelope of societal expectations just enough to make people think. Our heroine in this book, Sally Duncan, is just such a character and I loved her for it! I think I love her grandfather almost as much, trusting a woman with a business. I loved her relationship with and dedication to Victoria. The sister relationship was so sweet (their mother is an interesting character, however, and I still don’t know how I feel about her).
Johnathon cracked me up. He’s kind of unconventional, as the traditional male of the time period suggests, and his plan had me laughing time and again. I loved that his friends and his servants all tried to convince him that his plan was perhaps not the best one and yet he plowed through and put his steps in action anyway. He is nothing if not determined. His character development was very sweet and I enjoyed watching how Esther brought everything together in the end.
Victoria is hilarious and I can’t wait for a story about her! I love Mrs. Hiddleson and Mr. Ames (?) and the relationship they have with Johnathon.
Note: this book perhaps pushes the envelope a little more than some “clean” regency romance books. There is a little more blatant flirting, Sally notices Johnathon’s trim physique more than once (there is a lake scene reminiscent of the scene in Pride and Prejudice where Darcy goes for a swim), and John definitely finds himself physically attracted to Sally. However, it’s still what I would call clean. Aside from a kiss and the blatant flirting, there are no details that would push it out of the clean category to me.
***Many thanks to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for my thoughts. It was such a fun book!...more
This cook book is really beautifully presented. I like how the recipes are divided into sections, I felt they were separated really well. I love that This cook book is really beautifully presented. I like how the recipes are divided into sections, I felt they were separated really well. I love that each recipe includes a little note from Tara about why she’d included the recipe, tips for making it, or some fun history associated with it. The photos and food presentation are also very beautiful and I love that we have a photo of virtually every recipe. I would say that most of the recipes in this book are more complicated than I have time to give for a typical dinner. There are also a lot of flavors I’m not sure my children would enjoy all that much. That said, there are several here I look forward to trying. Many thanks to Shadow Mountain for the free copy in exchange for a review. Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...more
I had heard from several people before reading this that it didn’t satisfy their romantic desires, so when I went into it, I didn’t think of it as a rI had heard from several people before reading this that it didn’t satisfy their romantic desires, so when I went into it, I didn’t think of it as a romance. And I honestly really enjoyed it. I liked the different take on how an arranged marriage could have looked and the varied difficulties Isabelle and Alexander would have had to overcome. Particularly with Alexander’s accident, I thought things were so interesting.
I liked Isabelle’s spunk and her desire to make things work. I did get frustrated with her at times because she wouldn’t speak up and say what she needed but rather expected Alexander to just know what she would like. Then she would be surprised when he would put forth some simple gesture to show he had been listening when she had spoken up but just as quickly wonder if he even cared about her. I will say that the situation she found herself in would have been difficult at best, and open discourse wasn’t always the thing of the time period. But her rants she would go on when she was alone were always kind of funny and made me giggle. Ultimately, I ended up liking who she became. She learned to overcome her shyness and speak up for herself and for Alexander. I especially liked when she put Alexander in his place and made him see things from her perspective. She ended up having a lot of spunk and I liked that about her.
Alexander was a difficult character to read, which I think was the point. But fairly early on I decided that he was shy and socially awkward, as well as not sure how to speak to women in any way. There were definitely several misunderstandings that could have been avoided if he had simply talked to Isabelle early on (such as whether there was a budget for redecorating and what his work demanded of him), but I also recognized that he was painfully shy. Then after his accident he was very hot and cold, but that also felt really accurate to me for how someone would mentally deal with suddenly becoming paralyzed. I actually thought the author handled that quite well.
Isabelle’s friends were so dear and sweet and I’m happy she became friends with them, as well as helped open Alexander’s eyes to how mental disability didn’t make her friend less of a person.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this book. Could I have enjoyed more romance? Yes. But the character arcs and historical details were very good.
Note: paralysis and somewhat harsh treatments of the paralytic patient; mental disability and the societal beliefs surrounding how someone with mental disability should be treated; a factory fire; marriage difficulties.
Quotes:
“You once told me that simple things can please you.” She looked from the pear to her husband. “Simple kindness will surely always do so.”
He looked like joy made personal out there in the patchy sunlight.
“Well, and all of that to say that sometimes a man who appears cold or distant often has reason to seem so. Even if it’s not his true nature.”
“I’d not be averse to your offering a prayer.” Isabelle’s arms tightened around herself. “Not exactly my specialty,” she said. “That’s the best part of the arrangement, you see. God doesn’t seem to mind overmuch how well you feel you’re doing it. He simply likes to hear from you now and again.”
“We’ve been married for two months now, but it doesn’t seem a day over a thousand years.”
“Or perhaps you will continue to struggle through difficulties, but you will grow in your ability to weather them together.” “As you and Mr. Kenworthy do,” Isabelle said softly. “As all well-matched couples do.”
This book is a sweet, easy to read romance. Dorothy’s character is one you can’t help but feel empathy for, especially being back in the day when a woThis book is a sweet, easy to read romance. Dorothy’s character is one you can’t help but feel empathy for, especially being back in the day when a woman has no legal standing if she wasn’t of age and men were always more believed than she was. But I liked watching her character develop and change as she made friends and got to know people in the quaint little Western town of Craig, Colorado. She became more confident and allowed herself to be kind and helpful and I loved that. The one thing I didn’t love was how easy it was for people to convince her that she was worthless after she’d started to gain some confidence and knowledge that she matters. I had to keep reminding myself that she’d loved nearly 11 years of abuse and being victimized so I wouldn’t get frustrated about how quickly she reverted to old habits during the climax of the book.
Ronald is endearing with his social awkwardness. Sometimes I thought he was a bit too stuffy, especially after he had decided he wanted to marry Dorothy. I wanted to see him warm up a bit more. But maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised because he was like that even with his closest friends. I was most disappointed how he handled things in the climax portion. I really hoped he’d become a man of action and hope rather than only doing that which was logical.
Vincent is the worst kind of snake out there, and Stanley is basically right behind him. Sunny is the best sort of person, as is Logan (though my heart broke for him a little). Lavender, Mary, Kate, and Bill were fun side characters. Wilhelmena was so interesting but also so nice.
It’s a cute book but it ended leaving me wanting more. I wanted more romance, more interaction between Dorothy and Ronald. And I definitely wanted more in the final scene.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions aren’t own. ...more
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