Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Once Upon a Summertime: A New York City Romance by Melody Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a light-hearted read that only took a me on a journey lasting a couple of hours. Anna is the hotel manager for the Value Lodge in her hometown of Springdale. She's had a "down on your luck" kinda life and lives with her grandmother. While she highly respects her grandmother and loves her dearly, Anna is ready for a bigger and better opportunity. When her friend Marley mentions the possibility of a new job and life in New York, Anna is excited about the prospects.

I enjoyed this book, and like another reader, was really afraid that something horrible was going to happen at some point. Some may read this and see that bad things really did happen, but I would consider those things in the past before this particular story took place. I did not like how this story just ended abruptly. I felt like the carpet had been pulled too quickly from under my reading chair!! I would recommend this read!

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With This Ring? by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most girls dream of that perfect proposal. The one that will sweep them off their feet onto the white horse of their prince so that they might live happily ever after. We all know that the fairytale is mostly just that, a fairytale. Proposals end up being very special to the couple, no matter how many blunders and boo-boos take place. I know my proposal was incredibly unique, even shocking! ;)

In this novella, authors Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagearseach have a unique story to tell. The Husband Maneuver is all about a young girl named Marietta who loves reading the stories of Dead Eye Dan and his adventures. Dan is now a ranch hand on her father's farm. When it's time to take care of business, everyone leaves the ranch except for Dan...or so everyone thought. I loved the storyline in this one!! Karen has a way of writing to keep everyone in suspense right up until the very end!

Her Dearly Unintended is about a young lady named Katie who is watching over the homestead while her parents take care of business. A bad storm pops up and the neighbor boy, Josiah, happens along to help Katie get her livestock back across the bridge to her home. What Katie wasn't planning on was entertaining unexpected guests! I enjoyed the suspense of this one as well!! I don't believe I'd read anything by Regina Jennings before but I will definitely be looking for more of her work.

Runaway Bride is a novella by Mary Connealy. What I love most about Mary's work is that she incorporates characters into each set of novels that she's previously written about. It's like one big family reunion reading her books! Carrie is betrothed to a loathsome man all because her daddy is trying to pay off a gambling debt. She and her brother, Isaac, run away the day before the wedding is to take place. They sure weren't expecting that happened next!

Engaging the Competition is the most light-hearted read in this novella collection. Melissa writes of two young people who are highly competitive and out to best each other. Harrison has a whole new set of challenges when he loses his glasses and has to rely on Charlie for help.

I highly recommend this novella collection of proposals gone awry!! I read this in a short 2 days and it helped to keep my spirit up during a difficult week!

If you've read this, which was your favorite story and why?

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest opinion, which you have received here. Happy Reading! :)



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