Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo -a Review

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo -a Review

 

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Description:
A sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.

Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love at twenty-one the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds. Despite this, the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship spent exploring each other’s minds, bodies and their city, as well as Vincenzo’s family’s sprawling vineyard, Villa Della Rosa–until shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, shattering the bright future they dreamed of together.

New York, 2017. Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other’s family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass’s grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide and reveal a secret that changes everything.

 

 

Review:

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo is a standalone novel. The story constantly switches between two timelines; Italy after World War II and in present day (2017) New York.  We meet Giovanna, who is 21 years old, works with her father (a tailor) and sister. In 1946, with the war over, the family returns to their shop in Genoa, with Giovanna helping to make designs.  Her sister and boyfriend, become part of a group against the monarchy, and wants to move to America. 

Giovanna meets Vincenzo in the shop, having clothes made by her father.  He is immediately enthralled with her, and comes to the shop often with excuses to fix things.  In a short time, they both begin to have feelings for each other, as they are falling in love.  Vincenzo is from a different world then Giovanna, being the son of a count and she the daughter of a tailor. 

There was a true element of historical, as the monarchy was to be voted on whether to keep or abolish it. Vincenzo was worried that if the monarchy was abolished, what will his future hold. Giovanna was influenced by her sister, knowing that maybe Italy was better off without the monarchy, which actually did happen.  When Vincenzo discusses the vote, he becomes upset that Giovanna voted against the monarchy and angrily walks away.  When he comes to his senses, knowing how much he loves Giovanna, decides to go to her and apologize for his behavior.  When he arrives at the shop, he learns that she left with her sister and brother-in-law for America; and he has no idea where she went.

In 2017 New York, we meet Cassandra (Cass) and Luca, who are very much in love, and planning their wedding. Cass is a designer for a fashion clothing firm, and Luca is a painter, who has recently started to become well known.  Luca and Cass always support each other, even though her family doesn’t always support her choices.  Luca convinces Cass’s grandmother to pose for one of his paintings, and after some consideration, she accepts.  When Luca’s grandfather visits, he is asked to pose in the same painting.  Soon a revelation will be discovered that has a link to the past, with secrets being unraveled changing everything.

Stars in an Italian Sky was a wonderful beautiful heartwarming story that held our attention from start to finish.  This was also very emotional, with romance playing a large part in both the past and present.  Stars in an Italian Sky was very well written by Jill Santopolo, with a fantastic group of wonderful characters.  I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Girl in the Blue Blazer by Alretha Thomas – a Review

The Girl in the Blue Blazer by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

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Description:
Two women. One powerful man. A decades-old secret binds them together.

In 2019, Pamela Carter is determined to secure her dream internship with billionaire businessman Andrew Clifford III.

Twenty-five years ago, in 1993, Andrew is just starting out. Without any of his later fame or fortune, the party boy becomes a legitimate hero when he intervenes to save assaulted Elizabeth Westlake. Sure, she’s a waitress at a strip club, but that’s not her dream. Elizabeth is determined to write her way out of the Harlem hellhole she lives in. Maybe Andrew is the ticket? Even the best-laid plans go awry, and for Elizabeth, tragedy looms.

Pamela is impossible not to notice and she soon becomes Andrew’s prime intern. But, just as with Elizabeth, not all goes to plan. The stocks are plummeting. The company is careening. And then, Andrew himself goes missing. Will Pamela also be plunged into the tragedy that surrounds this man? Or is Pamela the one person who really knows what happened that fateful night in 1993? More than a company is at stake, as Andrew struggles for survival. But sometimes, the past is too powerful. Some secrets refuse to remain buried. Sometimes, truth kills.

 

Review:

The Girl in the Blue Blazer begins with Pamela Carter anxiously waiting to mee with Andrew Clifford III, having made the cut to the final two from a grueling process for his prestigious internship program.  This is her third time, and her last.  That is the maximum number of times that you can apply and she is determined to make it.  When she is called into Andrew’s office, they have a frank, albeit strange at times, conversation. When Pamela leaves, she feels good about her chances, only to have them dashed a few days later when she is told they chose the other candidate. Imagine her surprise when she receives another phone call a few days after that informing her that they were choosing her.  She has waited soooooo long for this opportunity and she will not waste one moment to do what she needs to do.

Elizabeth Westlake is trying to make it on her own, having run away from home to escape her mother’s abusive, ever changing, boyfriends.  Her story begins in 1993 when she is seventeen (she lied about her age)  and working as a waitress at a strip club.  When Elizabeth is groped by a customer, Andrew steps in and saves her.  He then requests she have a drink with him in the VIP room.  Little does she know how much that encounter will alter the direction of her life……….and so many others.

The Girl in the Blue Blazer is written with dual timelines and draws you in from the very beginning that have you turning the pages faster and faster as you navigate all of the twists and turns.  One moment, you’re convinced of one thing, the next, not so much.  What you ARE convinced of is that Mrs. Thomas has once again written an amazing story and built a world that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very end.  One thing that hit me while reading this is that it is so refreshing to read a story that has “real” dialogue between the characters.  Due to the subject matter of this book, that frank and real dialogue will endear the characters to the reader even more. If you’re a fan of suspenseful storylines with awesome and strong women, you will not go wrong with this book.  So happy that she is back to writing with her busy schedule.  Well done, Alretha Thomas!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G Henry – a Review

The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G Henry – a Review

 

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Description:
A Vodou priestess turned amateur sleuth investigating a ritual murder is embroiled in an insidious case of corruption that reaches beyond the shadows of New Orleans.

After solving a crime blamed on Vodou in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Vodou priestess turned amateur detective Reina Dumond has returned to her benevolent work as a healer. But when her friend and enigmatic client Evangeline “Vangie” Stiles comes to her for a spell, Mambo Reina quickly realizes what Vangie really needs is a sleuth.

Something is amiss in the Stileses’ marriage. Five thousand dollars has inexplicably appeared in the bank account Vangie shares with her scam-artist husband, Arthur, and she smells trouble. So does Reina. Especially when her investigation into Arthur’s likely new con leads to murder. Considering the manner of death and the signs on the victim’s body, Reina recognizes it for what it is: ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.

As Reina digs deeper, she encounters a conspiracy exploiting vulnerable youth—one of whom may have abilities just like hers. With the help of her friends Darryl and Tyka, Reina must hone her ever-evolving skills to uncover a mystery that reaches further than she imagined.

 

 

Review:

The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry is the 2nd book in her Mambo Reina series.  I did not read the first book, but this one read very well as a standalone; though knowing more about the heroine in this series, would have been more informative.

Reina Dumond (Mambo Dumond), a Vodou priestess, who is a healer, as well as an amateur detective in New Orleans French Quarter.  Reina creates spells, tinctures of protection for her clients, as her shop is filled with magic Vodou healing traditions. When her friend and client ask for help regarding her husband, Arthur, who is scam-artist, Reina finds herself once again trying to solve a murder. She discovers a conspiracy, and recognizes the signs on the murdered victim’s body that dark ritual magic was used.  Reina will ask for help from other Houngans and Mambo’s in her investigations.

Reina comes across a young boy, who to her surprise, seems to have abilities like her and Lucien.  When the boy disappears, the race is on to find him, and together the two of them can help train him.  I really liked her friends Darryl and Tyka, who are always willing to help her.  Roman, her cop boyfriend, has been busy on the job, so she relies more on her friends for help.

The Foreign Exchange was a unique story, taking place in New Orleans dealing with Vodou and a mystery, in an excellent urban fantasy/paranormal thriller.  I really liked Reina, who was tough and smart heroine, with amazing abilities. There was so much going on, that you need to read this in its entirety.  The Foreign Exchange was very well written by Veronica G. Henry.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publicist

 

 

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Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
It’s a magical book club! When this group chooses a book, magic happens. The mystery comes to life, and they find themselves part of the story. To exit the book and get back home, they need to solve the mystery and reach The End.

This time, the club chooses a book called The Great Cake Rivalry, because, well … cake! They read the back cover and it’s unanimous. So off they go into another grand adventure into a town aptly named Frosting.

Frosting is a rural town in an idyllic setting. The people live quiet lives most of the year. But in the spring, things change. The Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of every man, woman, and child. They take this competition seriously. The cakes are spectacular. The festival is fabulous. For a week there are contests featuring all kinds of cakes. The people of the community become official tasters and vote for the winning cakes in each category.

The grand finale is a display of finely decorated cakes, made by the town’s bakeries. The winner of the best design receives a prize package that would make any baker dizzy.

Sadly, this event has been tainted. Once a year, each one different, but all somehow related to this event, a person is murdered. The main investigator is stumped, but that could be because he’s an inept buffoon.

Can the book club help the people of this community figure out who is causing this disturbing pattern of deaths, and stop another murder from happening? Can they figure out why some of the citizens dress so oddly, and why they always wear those unique backpacks? All while they fill themselves to the brim with cake, of course.

 

 

Review:

Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley is the 4th book in her fun Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: Paige and her Aunt Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library.  The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a lighthearted and fun series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

The group gathers for their next meeting in the library, choosing a book called The Great Cake Rivalry and off they go on another adventure, ending up in a town called, Frosting.  It is a quiet town, but when spring comes around, the Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of the town, where bakeries compete for prizes.  The competition is very serious, and in the last few years, there has been a murder each year, which no one has solve.   The town are all obsessed with the wonderful cakes, which include an amateur baking contest, which the group participates in, as well as attending the festival.  It was fun to watch all the members of the club try to find clues to the murderer, as well as enjoy all the cakes, and food along the way. 

Bakeries and Buffoonery was a terrific and fun addition to this series, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery. There were many suspects, with different clues, as they continued to get more information, including doing their own baking in the amateur contest. I really enjoy the camaraderie between the club, and love the concept of becoming part of the chosen book.  I really like Paige, Glo and other members, but of course I loved Frank, the talking cat.  There were a number of surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read.  Bakeries and Buffoonery was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker – a Review

Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker – a Review

 

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Description:
Travel writer Allie Sparks has one goal: to find the story that will save her career. So here she is, visiting her bestie on picturesque Crescent Island—with sun-warmed beaches, the briny smell of the ocean, and rumors of a secret astrologer-matchmaker who guarantees love. Of course, Allie doesn’t believe in any of that stuff. If anything, she’ll prove it’s a total scam.

Ryan Parker believes in love—just not right now. He’s focused on expanding his family’s barbeque business, finding investors, and keeping his too-big Great Dane puppy from jumping on everyone, including his sister’s pretty, whiskey-eyed best friend. Besides, falling for a tourist is definitely not in his astrological forecast.

Allie is doing everything she can to resist the charm of the town and its beauty, not to mention her attraction to Ryan. But there’s a lot more happening on Crescent Island than anyone knows…and when her story goes to print, this tiny, close-knit town might never be the same.

 


Review:

Her Unexpected Match by Lacey Baker is the first book in her Crescent Island series. We meet our heroine, Allie Sparks, a travel writer for a blog; her reputation for negativity, causes her boss to warn her to write a lighthearted fun uplifting story that will save her career.  Allie’s constant negativity in writing her blogs, had a lot to do with her parents, who were always cold and unfeeling.  Allie decides to visit her BFF from college, Sofia, who lives in Crescent Island, with beaches, sun, ocean and possibly love.  Will Allie allow herself to open herself to friendship and love?

Allie is welcomed by Sofia, and the entire Parker family, who run a popular BBQ restaurant.  Ryan Parker and his cute Great Dane puppy, are all over Allie, when the puppy jumped all over her.  Great way to meet.  With Sofia limited due to an ankle injury, she pushes her brother, Ryan to take Allie around the island to show her the wonderful town.   Ryan is focused on expanding the family’s barbeque business, with help from investors to offer all their wonderful bbq sauces.  

In between worrying about a possible investor, he begins to spend a lot of time with Allie, as they slowly begin to have feelings for each other.  However, Ryan has his hands full, as Allie is still determined to go back to Miami to work on her blog. I really liked Allie and Ryan together, as well as so many great secondary characters, such as Sofia, and all the Parker family.  Allie started to enjoy her time on Crescent Island, loving everything about the Island, including the friendships and warmth from all the permanent residents. She also tried to discover who was the real matchmaker on the Island. 

Her Unexpected Match was a charming insightful story, that was well written by Lacey Baker.  It was nice to watch Allie slowly open herself to fun, happiness and love, having spent  most of her life thinking of only bad things.  Allie and Ryan were a perfect match, and I loved her close friendship with Sofia; not to mention the entire Parker family were awesome; including the adorable puppy, Optimus.  I loved everything about Crescent Island, with the wonderful friendly residents, the wonderful restaurants, the ocean, and the whole happy environment on the island. I suggest you read Her Unexpected Match.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
Faint sunlight dapples the two figures lying on the ground. The mother cradles her daughter close to her side, a stuffed toy elephant next to them. Leaves from the tall trees fall onto their faces, but neither moves to brush them off.

When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. Heartbroken, she vows to get justice.

They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter.

Desperate for a lead, she goes to every place the women could have been targeted, and learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week. Amanda hopes that Leanne has simply left her deadbeat husband, but she’s gripped by the fear that they are the killer’s latest victims. Now every second counts for Amanda to find the family and stop a little girl’s nightmare before it ends in tragedy…

 

 

Review:

Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold is the 7th book in her wonderful Detective Amanda Steele series.  I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her books, and I love this series, which continues with another great addition.  Her Final Breath was fantastic, with me unable to put the book down. 

Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department.  The story begins when a dog walker discovers in a local park the bodies of a mother and daughter, buried in a shallow grave; bringing Amanda and Trent (partner) to the gruesome scene. The mother and daughter are identified by a missing persons case, Jill Archer and her daughter, Charlotte. Seems the husband, who is a police officer, reported them missing. When they interview the husband, both of them become suspicious of him; especially after the autopsy show multiple bruises, that were new as well as old.  Just as Amanda and Trent plan arrest the husband, another grave was discovered with a mother and daughter. As they investigate, it seems there is a serial killer, with the them being women from abusive homes, and another grave is found. Who is murdering women and their daughters?

Both Amanda and Trent are able to find a poor video of a possible murderer, but cannot identify him.  They begin to visit the areas, and interview people who knew the last two victims, and find out that another woman and her daughter are missing. Amanda realizes that time is of essence as they race to the climax to find Leanne and Gracie before they are killed.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was a mind-blowing thriller.  I always liked how Amanda and Trent made great partners, though in this one, his anger on the abusive treatment of women, was a bit out of control.  I also began to like Graves, Amanda’s boss, as she was a bit strict, but cooperative. The last third of the book was intense and exciting, and to say too much more would be spoilers.

Her Final Breath was another fantastic crime thriller that held our breath throughout.  Amanda is a great heroine, and a fantastic detective. Her Final Breath was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, which is the norm for this author; as I am loving this series. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

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Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow – a Review

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow – a Review

 

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Description:
When a thirty-something American food writer moves to a Scottish village for one year to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook she finds more than inspiration–she meets a handsome Scotsman she can’t resist in this charming debut romance.

Ruby Spencer is spending one year living in a small cottage in a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands for three reasons: to write a bestselling cookbook, to drink a barrelful of whisky, and to figure out what comes next. It’s hard to know what to expect after an impulse decision based on a map of Scotland in her Manhattan apartment–but she knows it’s high time she had an adventure.

The moment she sets foot in Thistlecross, the verdant scenery, cozy cottages, and struggling local pub steal her heart. Between designing pop-up suppers and conversing with the colorful locals, Ruby starts to see a future that stretches beyond her year of adventure. It doesn’t hurt that Brochan, the ruggedly handsome local handyman, keeps coming around to repair things at her cottage. Though Ruby swore off men, she can’t help fantasizing what a roll in the barley might be like with the bearded Scot.

As Ruby grows closer to Brochan and the tightly held traditions of the charming village, she discovers secret plans to turn her beloved pub into an American chain restaurant. Faced with an impossible choice, Ruby must decide between love, loyalty, and the Highlands way of life.

 

 

Review:

Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year by Rochelle Bilow is a stand-alone romance novel.  We meet our heroine, Ruby Spencer, at the start, when she travels to a charming village, Thislecross, Scotland.  Ruby, who is in her 30’s, decides to change her life, leaving New York, and move to Scotland for year, hoping to write and sell her cookbook. She finds herself in a cozy cottage, becoming friends with local woman who runs the pub/restaurant, as well as working with her to create wonderful dishes (to add to her cookbook).

In a short time, Ruby finds herself with a wonderful group that becomes part of her new found family, including meeting the handsome hunk, Brochan, who is also the town handyman. As they got to know each other, this turned into a slow burn romance.  The wonderful secondary characters within the town, was fun, and whiskey was the main attraction in the pub, with many tasty creations.   Ruby and Grace (pub owner) worked so well together, and designing a weekly table dinner with some colorful locals.  I did love how close Ruby and Grace became.

The romance between Ruby and Brochan sizzles with amazing chemistry, as she gives up her decision to swear off men when she arrived, to open her feelings to Brochan. Ruby gets to know many of the village people, and eventually befriends the town mayor, Anne.  Ruby will also learn about secret plans to close the pub, and bring in an American restaurant chain, which would be destructive to both Grace and Brochan. Will Ruby leave her close friendship with Grace, as well as her losing Brochan?  Can she find a way to help save them all or leave Scotland?

Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year was a cute, fun, lighthearted read, with fantastic characters, great local village people, and a wonderful couple we rooted hard for.  Ruby was a wonderful heroine, totally fun throughout, as well as falling in love, living her true magical life, and adding a wonderful family.  I suggest you read this book, as it was very well written by Rochelle Bilow.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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