Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher

 

Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I almost didn't pick this book up. I am ever so glad that I did though!! This book has elements that I love in a great story. There is mystery, intrigue, romance, horses, castles, Lords and Ladies, and more!

This book sucked me in from the very beginning. I instantly fell in love with Lady Aubrianne and her assertiveness as a young lady. Her mysterious meeting in the hallway started it all. Then there was the wedding that lacked all the luster a girl has ever dreamed of on her special day, not to mention the cold shoulder of her new husband. Lord Roger was an enemy of mine from the get-go!

The writing in this book is masterfully done, especially considering this is the author's debut book. I do look forward to going on more adventures with Nicole E. Kelleher in the near future!

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade

 

Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this one down!! Right off the bat, this one had me hooked. I love the characters and how they all come together to find the creep that has been stalking Hannah. So many elements go into this story and solving not only one crime, but several all at once.

There is a great balance of romance and mystery with this one. Not a dull moment throughout the entire book. I can't wait to read more by this author as she weaves some engaging tales that will stay with you.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider

 

Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew this book was going to be a great one when the dedication says, "To everyone who starts listening to Christmas music before it's socially acceptable."! This book was just what I needed today as I plan out putting my Christmas tree up next week (October 1)!!

Holly Claus is responsible for gathing all the Cheer and bringing it back to the workshop each quarter so the work can proceed without interuption. She's thrilled to travel the world doing "market research" while accomplishing this task. There are trips to Disneyworld where she rides the ride that plays the song that will be an earworm for awhile. It's a trip to Finland that changes everything though. Seeing an ad for a festival in Oregon, USA has her intrigued and having to go and check it out.

Ash is a business owner in Emerald Falls, Oregon. He owns an inn attached to a restaurant and he's very well known and respected around town. He works hard to keep his family's legacy going. He's super excited that Hallmark is going to come and check out the festival that he's planning. This could be the break he's looking for in acquiring more excursions for his business customers.

Holly finds herself in an inn with a quaint restaurant and the best hot chocolate she's ever had away from home. The owner of that inn, Ash, is impressed that she's impressed with his hot chocolate. Afterall, it's a family recipe!

I just loved this story. It's very uplifting and happy, and full of cheer!! I am really hoping that this isn't the end of this story with Holly and Ash though...especially Ash!

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henrique the Viscount is a scientist and an extremely playful rake. Isabel is a prude and proper princess. Two very unlikely people to ever want to be in the presence of another. When Isabel is sent to Portugal by her brother, the "bodyguard" assigned to her is none other than Henrique. Let the adventures begin!!

This book is romantic, funny, and a wee bit spicy! Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I've not been disappointed by a book from this author!! Looking forward to more!

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Mr. Barsins' Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom

 

Mr. Barsins' Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is a middle grade read by Lois Wickstrom and was a very fun read! You must, however, have an imagination to really enjoy this book! It's what it's all about!

There are 4 youngsters who will become unlikely friends through a series of challenges placed on them by Mr. Barsins after they wander into this Toy Store. All the kids are fascinated by the word "emporium" (I mean, it *IS* a pretty cool word) and his "wall that isn't there". This is an adventure full of fantasy and wonder!!

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin

 

Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series, even though I'm only 2 books in, is quickly becoming my favorite series of this year to read. I do highly recommend that you read these books in order. There is a lot of context in Atonement that will help make this book much more understandable.

I love that I'm kept guessing the "whodunit" right up until the end! There are twists and turns that are unforeseen, which makes this story even more engaging. The character development is on point so much so that you might feel like you're a part of the family.

I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series!!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins

 

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and this little novella didn't disappoint!

It's Christmas time...a time of cheer, happiness, and overall well wishes for everyone. Parties are in full swing and Emma and Jeremy receive an invitation to a local party. Others in their company do as well. However, the invitation is not sitting right with Emma. Something just seems off about it.

As life goes on, there are some insiders scoping out the party location. Certain aspects of the location change over a few days and Emma receives word of it. She's prepared for the party and whatever will happen therein.

These stories are just great little cozy mysteries with historical aspects thrown in. Some of the books in the series are full-length, while others are more novella style such as this one. There is always at least one adventure taking place, and usually more are starting in the background. Emma is a strong character to endure all the things that are thrown at her, often times last minute.


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