Author Archives: Barb

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

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The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

 

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Description:
Four women. One family heirloom. A secret connection that will change their lives—and history as they know it.

Present Day: Julia Baxter’s wedding veil, bequeathed to her great-grandmother by a mysterious woman on a train in the 1930s, has passed through generations of her family as a symbol of a happy marriage. But on the morning of her wedding day, something tells her that even the veil’s good luck isn’t enough to make her marriage last forever. Overwhelmed and panicked, she escapes to the Virgin Islands to clear her head. Meanwhile, her grandmother Babs is also feeling shaken. Still grieving the death of her beloved husband, she decides to move out of the house they once shared and into a retirement community. Though she hopes it’s a new beginning, she does not expect to run into an old flame, dredging up the same complicated emotions she felt a lifetime ago.

1914: Socialite Edith Vanderbilt is struggling to manage the luxurious Biltmore Estate after the untimely death of her cherished husband. With 250 rooms to oversee and an entire village dependent on her family to stay afloat, Edith is determined to uphold the Vanderbilt legacy—and prepare her free-spirited daughter Cornelia to inherit it—in spite of her family’s deteriorating financial situation. But Cornelia has dreams of her own. Asheville, North Carolina has always been her safe haven away from the prying eyes of the press, but as she explores more of the rapidly changing world around her, she’s torn between upholding tradition and pursuing the exciting future that lies beyond Biltmore’s gilded gates.

In the vein of Therese Anne Fowler’s A Well-Behaved Woman and Jennifer Robson’s The Gown, The Wedding Veil brings to vivid life a group of remarkable women forging their own paths—and explores the mystery of a national heirloom lost to time.

 

 

Review:

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey is another one of her wonderful standalone novels.  The story revolves around four women in two different time periods.  There is a lot of Historical and Fiction in this storyline, with the wedding veil being the key to this story, which was originally created by the Vanderbilts, only later years to be given away to another family. 

In 1898, Edith Dressler married George Vanderbilt, and lived in the newly built Biltmore Mansion, in Asheville, North Carolina, which was very much like a castle, with 250 rooms.  Edith stepped into the role of the famous and wealthy Vanderbilts, and was determined to help the workers and town of Biltmore Village; two years later she gave birth to a baby girl, Cornelia.  When George unexpectedly died, Edith made sure to keep up the Vanderbilt legacy, as she continued to take charge of the mansion and surrounding village. As Cornelia gets older, Edith prepares her for the time when she will inherit the Biltmore legacy, which in later years becomes a major challenge, with the depression and difficulty to manage the estate.

In the present day, Julia and Babs (her grandmother) take center stage, as we meet Julia, who is getting married, planning to use the magical wedding veil that has been passed down to each bride in the family.  When Julia spots a picture of her soon to be husband kissing another girl, she decides run away and clear her head, to determine if she wants to marry him, and ends up in the Virgin Islands; which was to be her expected honeymoon.  Babs has recently lost her beloved husband, and decides she wants to move out of their house, and go to a retirement community, which will allow her to meet new friends, and leave all the work of keeping up the house.  Babs surprisingly meets an old flame, and it will take Julia to convince her to maybe take a second chance at love.  Julia will also meet someone, who will make her realize that she made the right choice to not go through with  the marriage.

What follows is a wonderful story of two families in the past and present, as we watch how life changes over the years, with the wedding veil that was always intended to bring good luck in their marriages. Cornelia will marry Jack, and have two children, but things will change, as she has issues dealing with difficult choices, as well as not being able to handle her inability to always being in the spotlight as a Vanderbilt. Julia will eventually, with the help of someone new in her life, to resume her wanting to be an architect; as well as convince her grandmother to allow herself to be happy, even in an older age.

The Wedding Veil was so very well written by Kristy Woodson Harvey.  I wholly suggest you read this wonderful story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

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Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

 

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Description:
It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.

Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses—including a heartbreaking case involving a teen—is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.

Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.

 

Review:

Tough Justice begins with Dr. Tori Sampson dealing with yet another overdose victim in her emergency room.  This time, it happened to be a “member of service”, which tells them is a police officer, firefighter or EMS injured on duty.  While working on the DEA officer, who was exposed to the deadly drug while serving a warrant, Tori takes charge and order everyone out of the treatment room.  Agent Adam Decker, aka Deck, refused to leave until Tori promised she’d do her best. 

Deck has a huge mistrust of doctors, just as Tori has a DEEP dislike and mistrust of DEA agents.  Due to the number of overdose cases that is happening in their city, the two of them embark on a mission to figure out where the drug is coming from and to save as many as they can.  What they don’t count on is how close to home it actually hits.

Tough Justice is another wonderfully written suspenseful tale by Tee O’Fallon that truly draws you in from the very beginning.  Both characters are relatable and believable.  Once each of their back stories are revealed, it makes you root for them even more. 

The chemistry between Tori and Deck is palpable pretty early on.  It just takes them a minute to let go of their long-held prejudices.  The secondary characters are well written too and leave you wanting more.  No one, in my humble opinion, writes law enforcement/suspense/romance as well as O’Fallon.  And, when you add K-9 officers?  Get out!  LOL!!!  You love the dogs as much as you love the humans in her tales!  The detail with which she tells her stories is incomparable and I can’t wait for the next installment. 

If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll never, ever, go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Tee O’Fallon!!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

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Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

 

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Description:
The second set of battles of the Card Holder tournament has commenced.

After months of rigorous training under platinum card user Brochan Cordis, Neela Blydes begins the remaining half of the solo rounds, determined to succeed and become Card Holder of the Queen of Hearts of Domain. Though focus is critical in her battles, another set of burdens consumes her mind.

During the day, Neela searches for her connection to the leader of the rogue organization and the reason behind the death of her father. At night, her dreams are overtaken by darkness and distress, with one filled with destruction and death. Despite any brief moment of happiness that blesses Neela, nothing is enough to overcome the fears it plants within her.

Not after she wakes to a room of living shadows.

 

Review:

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi starts where book one ends, so it does need to be read in order as it will make a lot more sense. 

Neela is still suffering from a huge personal blow. But training for the next round of the competition helps her get through the day. Brochan (her trainer) has been a great help) when he’s not training her, then he’s acting like a buffer (keeping her occupied) trying to help her work out who killed her father, and why do they want her dead?! And what’s with the nightmares? Are they linked to her past, or is it a glimpse into her future?

But that’s not going to stop her competing in the tournament. She has to beat Ember Redd, and then she needs answers that she’s convinced he has. The shadows that frighten Neela need more investigation, us there a purpose or a reason for these shadows? 

Then we have the rogue organization that may or may not want to bring down the Card Holders Domains (magic holders can enter the tournament to win the right to rule different areas). Original characters like Brochan and Amil are a welcome return, and new characters such as Morissa (start out as antagonists) add a new dimension to this thrilling read. 

Another really good read, as the author takes us on an emotional journey of discovery and growth. Neela is such a great character, she suffers blow after blow, but still tries to remain positive. Really well written and again quite a lot of thought and detail.    

Two More Lives will have you gripped until the last page. There is double dealings and betrayal, there is also Neela dealing with the loss of loved ones, and a budding romance ? we have laughs as well, so it’s not all doom and gloom. We get the mystery part as Neela continues to find answers to all the questions she has in her head. The fight scenes are detailed enough for it to play in your head. 

I’d happily watch this as a movie or tv series. It’s engrossing and thought provoking. I’d probably put this in the YA category and I’d also warn that there might be a few triggers that could upset people. So read the warnings before diving in. And now after that ending, we have to wait for book three! 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

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Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

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Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

 

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Description
Love may blossom where it’s least expected in the delightful and heartwarming Pine Creek series from Amity Hope.

Widow Amelia Baumann has sworn to never love again. She’s content to live peacefully in Pine Creek at her friend Mary’s warm, comfortable farmhouse. But then Samuel Kurtz shows up and becomes Mary’s permanent guest, making it hard to keep her feelings in check. Especially after Samuel’s six-year-old niece, Ruthie, whom he’s been raising as his own daughter, completely steals her heart.

When the bishops from another district threaten to send Ruthie to live with her distant aunt, so that she’ll have two parents raising her instead of just Samuel, he hatches a plan.

Amelia reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Samuel–only because she loves Ruthie and can’t bear to see her torn from the only father she’s ever known. Not because Samuel’s kind green eyes and charming laugh draw her in. And as long as she and Samuel are in agreement that they will simply remain friends…what could possibly go wrong?

Each book in the Pine Creek series is STANDALONE:
* Pine Creek Courtship
* Pine Creek Marriage

 

 

Review 

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope is the 2nd book in her Pine Creek series.  Can a marriage of convenience turn into something more? This is a heartwarming story of two people thrown together for the sake of a little girl. But it turns into something more…..

Living with her friend Mary, Amelia is enjoying the quiet life. Losing her husband was a blow, so Amelia now throws herself into caring for her friend, and being there for her community. But meeting Ruthie and Samuel stirs up feelings Amelia needs to bury, that path will only lead to more heartache! 

Samuel is coming back to where he had happy childhood memories. He’s now a father, but Ruthie isn’t his daughter, she’s his niece? His family isn’t happy with the arrangement, so he’s moved away from his home and family, and had arrived on his aunts doorstep looking for sanctuary. 

Ruthie just stole the book for me. She was just too cute. Her attitude and comments had me smiling every time she appeared. So will either of them voice their true feelings? Or will the feelings they begin to have for one another never get voiced? 

Book two in this sweet romance will have you falling in love with additional characters, Ruthie and Mary for me made this book. Ruthie is a cute six year old and Mary is Amelia’s friend. It’s not necessary to read the first book (I haven’t) it won’t spoil the enjoyment for this book. 

So if your looking for a sweet romance or just wanting a slower paced romance, then grab this book and enjoy. Nicely written and really well thought out. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Tyndal by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Tyndal by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Description:
As Angelika’s godmother and a member of an organization called “The Angels”, Tyndal has followed in her family’s footsteps in the outside world. Their place is to make the world a better place to live. Her time to continue her work has come to an end. In helping Angelika Leanne return to her home world, she has made a deadly enemy, one that will do whatever it takes to learn her secrets.

When Tyrus receives news that Tyndal has been injured, he goes to her rescue, his friend, Rhys, follows him. To Rhys’ surprise, he falls in love with the woman he is about to meet. They, however, come from different worlds. Or do they?

 

 

Review:

Tyndal by M.A. Abraham is a novella from her Daughters of the Valley series.  In the last book, Angelika, Ravel and Rafe managed to return home to their world.  Tyndal, who is Angelika’s godmother, stayed back in her outside world.  When Tyrus welcomes the three back, he notices a slight image of someone from the past; a dangerous enemy.  Concerned for Tyndal, Tyrus and Rhys enter the outside world to help Tyndal, but they are too late, as she has been injured and kidnapped.  

Tyndal is a member of an organization called “The Angels”, and before she is hurt, she signals her friends to rescue her.  Tyrus and Rhys, meet some of the Angels, and together, with Rhys ability to sense where Tyndal is, they work on a plan to find her, and her captor.

We learn more about “the Angels”, whom Tyndal actually named each one based on the true Archangels, (Michael, Gabriel, Lucifier, etc to name a few).  The last half of this novella was very exciting, nonstop action to save Tyndal, and the enemy was a bad villain.  I loved how Rhys sensed Tyndal, as well as helping to heal her; which changed her body to be young again.

What follows is a wonderful fun and exciting story, with a slow burn romance of two people (Tyndal and Rhys) destined to become mates. I really enjoyed seeing all the wonderful characters Abraham has given us, especially the new Angels.  This is a story that you need to read and enjoy, so giving too much information would ruin it.  M.A. Abraham once again gives us a sweet lighthearted story line, and dangerous excitement.  I suggest you read Tyndal.  It was a fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

 

 

Review:

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 4th book in her fantastic Blood and Ash series. When we last left off, in The Crown of Gilded Bones, Cas is now a prisoner, being tortured by the evil Blood Queen, and her handmaidens and a powerful Revenant. Poppy, our amazing heroine, is determined to find a way to rescue Cas, with help from Kieran, the Wolvens, Drakens, and the Primal of Life guards. But in order to take back control of the territories that are part of the Blood Crown, Poppy must convince all the Atlantians, including her father-in-law (Valyn) to join forces, as they make their way to Carsononia, and the war to destroy the Blood Crown. I did like how Valyn was supportive to Poppy.  Poppy wanted to prove to the mortals in those Blood Crown lands that she wanted peace, and was not The Harbinger.

Poppy’s powers continue to increase, as she nears the culling; something Reaver (Draken) explains more about. I loved Reaver, not to mention Kieran and the fantastic wolvens loyal to their Queen, Poppy; the secondary characters were all awesome, Vonetta, Delano, Emil, Naill, Hisa, Tawny, just to name a few. 

For at least more than half way through this book, we only saw through Cas’s POV during his imprisonment, and the things they did to him to try and force Poppy to rescue him.  I love their heartmate dreams between them, that was great, as his devotion to Poppy was awesome. It was also interesting to see Malik, learn more about Millicent, and who she really was.  I also got a kick out of Kieran and Reaver’s bickering between them.  Fun. 

What follows is an intense, exciting and wild almost last half of the book, especially once Cas was freed and back with Poppy, Kieran and their wonderful team. The mind-blowing action in the last ¼ of the book was heart-wrenching, with lots of violence, danger, deaths that had me holding my breath, unable to put the book down.  Isbeth (Blood Queen) was truly evil, and the twist she threw at them was a surprise, but Poppy was as equally as strong as she was, which led to an amazing twist.  To say too much more would be spoilers and I do not want to spoil anything for you.   I so look forward to how the next book will have Poppy and Cas, and Sera and Nykos.   Should be amazing.

I will note that the terrible reactions from people (are they really fans?) crucifying JLA for the Joining, was very disrespectful.  JLA created her story line, how she saw it fit. It was her creativity, her characters, her story; however, she imagined it to be. 

The War of Two Queens was another intriguing continuation to this fantastic series, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, passion and fantastic characters.    As we race to the exciting heartbreaking, shocking, mindboggling climax, there are some amazing revelations.  The War of Two Queens was very well written by JLA, and also a romantic and intense story line that had a bit of everything.  I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Description:
Injured pro baseball player Ryan Bower has plenty of reasons for not sleeping. But thanks to a steamy romance novel that’s ignited the imaginations—and libidos—of pretty much everyone in Kissing Creek, Ryan’s kept awake by the sound of his parents. Having sex. Unforgivably gross. And Ryan is almost certain that the town’s adorably quirky and troublemaking librarian is responsible.

Sloane Rickman adores everything about her little town—with the exception of its very tall and infuriatingly sexy Golden Boy. Ryan Bower may be a ball-playing hottie, but where exactly does he get off telling her what books to recommend to her oddball little book club? Good thing he’s only in town for the fall.

Now Sloane and Ryan are stuck planning the main float for the town’s parade. But somewhere between arguments over paint colors and papier mâché flowers, their fights keep turning into red-hot kisses. And between Ryan’s demanding ball career and Sloane’s life in Kissing Creek, they face the biggest game of their lives…if they’re ready to play for keeps.

 

 

Review: 

Kissing Games by Stefanie London is the second book in the Kissing Creek Series, and I loved it. It’s not necessarily essential to read the first book (they all stand on their own really well) but reading this book will have to trotting off to find the first book (which is a great read also ?) It has hilarious moments where I laughed out loud (a little inappropriate when your at work with headphones on) ? It’s also got a few moments where you just want to shake Ryan and tell him to sort himself out before he loses the best thing he’s ever had! 

Ryan is home recovering from a sports injury, as soon as he’s healed he’s away from his hormonal parents (that had tears rolling down my face) in fact the whole town seems to be in the grip of something got and heavy! But at least it’s taking his mind off of his career, essentially he’s too old for baseball (professional level anyway) but he’s unsure where he’s heading, so he’s a bit of a grump at the moment! 

Sloane is the local librarian at Kissing Creek, she loves it there. She loves the small town feel, and finally feels like she’s found a home she can settle and put down roots. Somehow these two characters are forced together to organise a float for the coming town parade. Ryan can’t think of anything worse! The banter between these two is such a joy to read, they bounce off of one another, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at odd moments. But if Ryan isn’t going to be here for much longer, then there is no point starting anything, is there? 

If you love the small town Romance/ semi sporty feel romance then grab this book and be prepared to laugh through most of it. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery – a Review

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The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery – a Review

 

 

 

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Description:
Single mom Robyn Caldwell needs a new plan for her future.  She has always put her family first.  Now, with her kids grown, she yearns for a change. But what can she do when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could ruin everything?

Take a vacation, of course. Press reset. When her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane to sunny California.

But it’s hard to get away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she loves follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more possibilities she sees—for dreams, love, family. She can have everything she ever wanted, if only she can muster the courage to take a chance on herself.

 

 

Review:

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is another one of her wonderful family & romance novels. Robyn Caldwell, our heroine, is divorced and has two grown up children; she feels like everything is falling apart in her life; as she needs to make a decision on selling her house.

When her daughter, Harlow, who is engaged, insists that she wants her wedding to held at the backyard of their house, she becomes belligerent when she learns her mother is planning to sell. Robyn tries to explain that her ex-husband, Cord, wants the half of the sale and time is running out; she can no longer afford living there; but Harlow is beyond reasoning, only caring about herself. Austin, her son, just graduated high school and is working for his father.  He is very close to Robyn, but she worries, since she feels that he should go to college, not depend on his father’s fishing charter business. Her ex-husband becomes involved with Harlow’s fiancée’s sister (20 years younger), and her best friend, despite her warnings, is cheating on her husband.  Robyn is stressed to the max, as she always puts her family first, but now she receives a call from her great aunt, Lillian, to visit her this summer in Santa Barbara, California; it took her a day to decide this is what she needed, to get away and spend time with her beloved aunt.

Aunt Lillian, is 94 years old, and lives in a huge mansion that has secret rooms, priceless antiques, and considered a historical mansion; she also has 15 cats.  Lillian was thrilled to see Robyn, and introduced her to Mason Bishop, a distant relative of her deceased husband.  Mason is a former army veteran, and also writes on the side. Robyn, at first was a bit worried about Mason, but in a very short time, they became friends; as Lillian had already told them that Mason will inherit the mansion and Robyn will get all the contents (antiques, books, papers) within.  Lillian keeps pushing Robyn to move to California and open her own antique store, since she will be able to sell all the valuable items in the house.  Mason and Robyn begin to spend a lot of time together, and the attraction between them escalates, as they both realize that they are perfect for each other.  Will Robyn allow herself to fall in love again.

What follows is a wonderful story of family; especially as each one of those at home in Florida, slowly show up at Lillian’s home to be with Robyn.  She is surprised when Austin shows up, with Harlow, who apologizes on how nasty and angry she was to her mom.  But it doesn’t end there, as in a short period, her ex-husband, ex-boyfriend, best friend, Harlow’s Fiancée and his sister all show up; fortunately the house was big enough to accommodate almost everyone.

The Summer Getaway was a wonderful storyline, that pushes all the buttons of a family, with emotions, drama, anger, divorce, hope, struggles and even sex.  Robyn was the center of this story, and I thought she was great.  I really rooted hard that she would end up with Mason. Another fantastic book that was very well written by Susan Mallery, which kept me unable to put the book down. I suggest you read The Summer Getaway.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

ONE

“I’m going to sleep with Dimitri.”
Robyn Caldwell picked up her glass of white wine and briefly thought about swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. Mindy’s statement was certainly gulp-worthy. But she knew pacing herself through lunch was the responsible thing to do. A lesson her friend had yet to learn.
“You are not,” Robyn murmured, because shrieking wasn’t attractive. Especially at “the club,” where their friends and frenemies were also enjoying Thursday’s lobster salad. The dining room was filled with forty or so women, all dressed in Florida chic—diamonds sparkling, gold or platinum charm bracelets clinking, necklaces resting on tanned and toned skin.
“I might,” Mindy Krause said, picking up her champagne. “He’s gorgeous.”
“Of course. He’s a thirty-year-old tennis pro. What else would he be?”
Mindy, a petite brunette who was six months from turning forty, sighed. “I need a Dimitri in my life.”
“You have a great husband. Payne loves you and the kids, and never has eyes for another woman. Why would you screw that up?”
“Payne would never know.”
“There aren’t any secrets in this town. Not in our social circle.”
Something Robyn had learned the hard way herself. She’d been blissfully unaware of her ex-husband’s affairs until a “friend” had oh-so-sweetly informed her.
“Maybe just some kissing,” Mindy mused. “I want a little Dimitri action. The fantasies make me happy, so imagine what the real thing would do.”
“The fantasies are safe. The real thing could destroy everything you have. Knowing you’ve cheated would devastate Payne.”
Mindy’s mouth formed a pout. “I never see him anymore. All he does is work.”
Robyn stared at her friend-slash-boss. “You two talked about how that promotion would be more work for him but that it would be worth it. You wanted this for him.”
“I didn’t know how much he’d be gone.”
The unreasonable statement grated nearly as much as Mindy’s whine. “This isn’t a good look for you,” Robyn murmured. “You’re changing the rules without telling your husband. That never ends well.”
Mindy dismissed the warning with a quick shake of her head. “I’m not worried. Besides, if he does find out, I can just move in with you.” She laughed. “You’ll soon have that big house all to yourself.”
“You have four kids,” Robyn pointed out. “If things go south in your marriage, I’d rather have Payne move in.”
“Well, that would get people talking.” Mindy held up her empty glass to the server. “More, please.”
The server obliged.
Mindy took another sip. “My sister called, swears she found a Thomas Pister chest in a tiny shop in Wales. It’s dirt cheap, so I’m afraid it’s a fake. She’s looking for someone to prove authenticity. Wouldn’t that be a find?”
“It would. I’d love to see it.”
Thomas Pister had built beautiful chests and cabinets in the late 1600s and early 1700s. His intricate designs with stunning inlays sold quickly and for huge amounts. Depending on the condition and the materials, a good-sized chest of drawers could go for sixty or eighty thousand dollars.

Excerpted from The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2022 by Susan Mallery, Inc.. Published by HQN Books.

 

 


SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.

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