Tag Archives: Contemporary Women

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon -Dual Review

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Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon – Dual Review

 

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Description:
Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in “ghostwriter” until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.

Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there’s a way for them to have both.

 

 

Review:

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a standalone sexy romantic novel. We meet Chandler Cohen, who loves writing, but can’t get her career started; so she writes other people’s stories as a ghost writer. Chandler shares a house with her bff/ cousin, who happens to work in public relations, making a lot more money, and helps pay their expenses. After a fiasco, where the author, who she ghosted, did not even know her; Chandler ends at a bar, and meets a sweet and fun nerd, and they end up in a one-night stand.  But the sex was a disaster, the worse experience she ever had.  The following morning, Chandler’s agent, arranges a meeting with actor Finn Walsh and his agent to discuss writing Finn’s memoirs.  Of course, when she meets Finn and his agent, to her shock, Finn was the man she had the one night with.  At first, Chandler was going to turn down the offer, but the money was double what she normally did, and accepts the job, which will allow her to travel.

Chandler learns more about the TV show (cult paranormal), Finn, and his co-stars were on, with many hoping for the show to find a way back.  She meets all the co-stars, and sees how popular they all became, especially when they attended the comic cons. Chandler admits to Finn, that their one-night stand was a terrible disaster.  Finn wants Chandler to teach him to learn how to seduce woman, including talking dirty.  Chandler accepts the challenge, and suggests they will need to practice. They start off with kissing, and soon they will begin to explore each other’s bodies, with Chandler teaching him what she likes; and soon they grow closer, both in and out of the bedroom.

What follows is a slow burn romance, that is very steamy, and I really did find myself caring about Chandler and Finn. The made a great couple, with a wonderful fun connection between them; with their friendship & flirting, not to mention their openness with sex. Personally, I did think there were so many sex scenes, that on occasion I did skip some. 

Business or Pleasure was very well written by Rachel Lynn Solomon.  I have loved her books so far, even if I thought this one was steamier then the others.  If you like very sexy romance, I suggest you read Business or Pleasure.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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Sandy’s Review:

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on thirty-four year old, former teen actor Finn Walsh, and thirty-one year old journalist/ghost writer Chandler Cohen.

Told from first person perspective (Chandler) BUSINESS OR PLEASURE focuses on the building romance and relationship between thirty-four year old, former teen actor Finn Walsh, and thirty-one year old journalist/ghost writer Chandler Cohen. Chandler Cohen is a journalist by degree but a ghost writer by career, and her latest assignment ends with an awkward one-night stand meant to forgettable and uninvolved, only to discover said one-night stand is Chandler’s next assignment, the man with whom she spent one uncomfortable night. Enter former teen actor Finn Walsh, and the man with whom Chandler will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Chandler and Finn, as Chandler must navigate ghost-writing a memoir for the man who is asking for so much more.

The relationship between Chandler and Finn begins as a bumbling one-night stand of which Chandler was hoping never to remember but Finn, having lied about his true identity to our story line heroine wants Chandler to write his story, and teach him how to please a woman in the bedroom and beyond. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The world building continues to focus on Finn’s career as a teen heart-throb, his emotional struggles, and his ineptness with the opposite $ex but also focuses on the growing relationship and love between our story line couple.

Finn Walsh’s character overcame many obstacles in his life but his development throughout the story reveals a man who is struggling with his success and his life. Falling for Chandler was never in the cards but fall he did for the woman who knew more about Chandler than anyone else.

Both Finn and Chandler are likeable characters but from the outset Chandler battles with what she remembered about their one night stand, and the discrepancies with what Finn is about to reveal.

The sexual tension is palpable especially in light of their mutual attraction and failed one-night stand, a night Finn believes was a success. As the story line builds, Finn will discover there is more to $ex than reaching the end.

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE is a slow building story line about family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is engaging, entertaining and captivating but there is limited conflict other than neither one knowing what happens next. The characters are determined; the romance is fated and fun. Like most of author’s books I have read, she does address the Jewish faith in her story line.

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
After her parents perish in a tragic accident, Cosima Saverio assumes leadership of her family’s haute couture Italian leather brand. While navigating the challenges of running a company at twenty-three, Cosima must also maintain the four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice and care for her younger siblings: Allegra, who survived the tragedy that killed their parents with scars and a spinal injury, and Luca, who has a penchant for wild parties, pretty women, and poker tables.

Cosima navigates her personal and professional challenges with a wisdom beyond her years, but her success has come at a cost: Her needs are always secondary. She’s married to the business, and her free time is given to those who rely on her . . . until she meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. A brief conversation on her palazzo’s terrace turns into a tour of the Saverio workshop, and, fifteen years after her parents’ deaths, Cosima has found a confidant.

Now the business is financially stable and generating enough income for the Saverios to live comfortably. Then Luca loses a hefty sum at the casino, and his debt must be repaid with money or his life. Cosima, forced to bail him out, is given an impossible choice: List the palazzo, sell a third of the family business, or let Luca fend for himself. But is there another way to save everything she has fought for before it goes up in flames?

 

 

 

Review:

Palazzo by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful family-oriented novels.  This is the story of the Saverio family, who are considered one of the top two haute couture elite Italian leather brand in Europe; owning two very successful stores in Venice and Rome. We meet Cosima Saverio, who after the tragic death of her parents, becomes the head of the business at the age of 23; with her taking care of her 14-year-old sister, Allegra, who was severely injured in that accident, must use a wheelchair to get around; her brother, Luca who was 18, has no interest in the business. Though Cosima runs the business, all three have their own share financially. 

Now 15 years later, Cosima the business continue to thrive, especially due to her devotion and business savvy. Allegra, learns to manage her disability and using a computer to become a fabulous purse designer. She is close to Cosima, and faces all challenges, not letting her disability stop her; enjoying her life.

Luca, who has never worked, only cares about gambling, enjoying woman, being a playboy and enjoying his lavish life, spending his share of the money. When Luca incurs a very high gambling debt, he expects Cosima to bail him out.  Cosmia does not have the funds available, and decides to sell their Palazzo Saverio estate in Venice to pay off Luca’s debt; the estate is not being used, as the family works from Rome. She warns Luca that she will no longer support his terrible expenses, beyond his normal allowance.

Olivier Bayard, our hero, owns his own successful business, as France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company.  When Olivier attends an elite party run by an American couple, who are arranging to buy the Palazzo, he meets Cosima, and they become friends. He also faces issues with his grownup boys, one similar to Luc (Max), and the other is a good son (Basile), who will eventually fall in love with Allegra. Olivier begins to have feelings for Cosmia, but she is so buried in her business, and prefers to remain as friends. Though in time, Cosima enjoys his company, and his always supporting her, with suggestions. They made such a great couple.

Olivier expresses to Cosima that he loves the Saverio leather, and in a short time, he recognizes that Allegra’s bag designs are fabulous, and Allegra begins to design a new line in her name, for the Bayer bags. Luc and Max become dangerous friends, both filled with greed and gambling; leading to possible disaster along the way.

Palazzo is a terrific story of a family, with Cosima facing her loyalties and making hard choices; to keep the business safe; as well as recognizing her feelings for Olivier. Palazzo was a wonderful story of family, love, family issues, tragedy and success.  Danielle Steel once again gives us another fantastic read.  I also loved the wonderful background of seeing Venice, Rome and Paris.  Very enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston – a Review

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The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston – a Review

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Description:
Sometimes, the worst day of your life happens, and you have to figure out how to live after it.

So Clementine forms a plan to keep her heart safe: stay busy, work hard, find someone decent to love, and try to remember to chase the moon. The last one is silly and obviously metaphorical, but her aunt always told her that you needed at least one big dream to keep going. And for the last year, that plan has gone off without a hitch. Mostly. The love part is hard because she doesn’t want to get too close to anyone—she isn’t sure her heart can take it.

And then she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen of her late aunt’s apartment. A man with kind eyes and a Southern drawl and a taste for lemon pies. The kind of man that, before it all, she would’ve fallen head-over-heels for. And she might again.

Except, he exists in the past. Seven years ago, to be exact. And she, quite literally, lives seven years in his future.

Her aunt always said the apartment was a pinch in time, a place where moments blended together like watercolors. And Clementine knows that if she lets her heart fall, she’ll be doomed.

After all, love is never a matter of time—but a matter of timing.

 

 

Review:

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a unique standalone novel. We meet Clementine, our heroine, who is still grieving her aunt’s death, as she was extremely close to her aunt, who travelled a lot, and took Clementine on many trips.  She spent a lot of times at her aunt’s apartment, which Clementine learned that the stories her aunt told her were magical, but as she grew up, Clementine stopped believing the stories.  Now with her aunt’s passing, Clementine inherited the apartment, and after she moved into the apartment, she wakes up with a handsome stranger in her kitchen. Clementine remembers the stories that her aunt told her about the apartment moving in time on occasion, either seven years ahead or backwards.

Iwan, our hero, was the stranger, who was told that he could stay at her apartment, and Clementine realizes that the time frame is now 7 years ago.  Iwan was a great cook, and hoped to one day be a chef. In a short time, they both enjoyed each-others company, as Iwan was sweet, caring, understanding and great to be around; and Clementine knew she was falling in love with him. When Clementine went to work, she was in her own time, being a successful publicist, who was on track to replace the publisher for Strauss & Adder Publishers; she is good at her job, and has some good friends who work there.   She looks forward to going home and to see Iwan, as he cooks her fajitas, lemon cake, dances with her, gives her a kiss, and then one day when she rushes home, he is no longer there.

With her working hard at her job in the present time (only in the apartment magic did she see Iwan seven years previous); to her surprise, she discovers that her publishing house in trying to bid for the famous new chef’s book, which happens to be Iwan (now seven years later in the present time). To say too much more would spoil the book, and I suggest you read this from start to finish, in order to understand the story line.

The Seven Year Slip was an interesting and different story, with a bit of paranormal, as well as complex.  The Seven Year Slip was very well written by Ashley Poston. It was very heartwarming, witty second chance romance.  I suggest you read this book.

 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

 

 

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Description:
When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules.

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

 

 

Review:

Play For Me by Libby Hubscher is a sweet fun romantic standalone novel. We meet Sophie Doyle, our heroine, at the start, when she is fired from her job as head trainer for the Boston Red Sox, after she made the decision to not allow the team’s star pitcher to play due to an injury.  The Red Sox lost the World Series, and Sophie, despite her making the correct decision lost her job, as well as her boyfriend.  Sophie, with help from her friend, Astrid, accepts a job at a school in New Hampshire, to be their sports therapist/trainer.

When she arrives at the school, the only room opening is an apartment with three guys, Andy, Ravi and Jonas.  Sophie is given a room, which is a bit small, but she is satisfied; until Jonas, who is the orchestra teacher, is nasty and tells her not to touch the piano. Andy and Ravi were wonderful, especially since they are a gay couple; they do tell Sophie to ignore Jonas’s behavior.

Jonas, our hero, is totally grumpy with Sophie, but in a short time, she begins to open the walls he has built around him. Sophie learns about his damaged hand, that does not allow him to play the piano, with doctors diagnosing his disability, and his unwilling to discuss it.  Sophie is very knowledgeable about all kinds of injuries, and is determined to find a way to fix Jonas’s issue.  They begin to work together, with Jonas doing everything Sophie shows him, and soon their relationship fully changes, with Jonas opening up his heart, falling in love with Sophie.  The chemistry between them was hot, and I loved them together.  It was great to watch Sophie work hard in helping Jonas, as well as a young violinist, who was also an amazing pitcher, with a future in both fields.

Play For Me was a wonderful enemy to lovers’ story, with a wonderful couple, fun secondary characters. Sophie was a fantastic heroine, who was always sweet, friendly, competitive, determined, and good at what she does. The banter between Sophie and Jonas was great, especially once their feelings escalated. Play for Me was a fun romantic story, so very well written by Libby Hubscher.  I fully recommend the you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
What makes life sweet?
When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery. With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she’s never experienced since…well, forever.. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets… When those secrets explode, it changes Harper’s new world, and she’ll learn, it’s never too late to start over, it’s never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it’s never too late to let yourself believe in love.

 

 

Review:

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis is the 4th book in her wonderful Sunrise Cove series. Though this is a continuation of the Sunrise Cove series, all four of these books read as standalones. I have noted many times that I love reading any book by Jill Shalvis, as they are always wonderful pure romances

We meet Harper Shaw, our heroine, who wants to start a new life, driving to Sunshine Cove (near Lake Tahoe), where she remembers how much she loved the town when she was a young girl. She plans to open her own bakery, Sugar Pine Bakery, which she is renting, in between a tavern and a book store. Harper is travelling to Sunrise Cove with her 125 lb Bermese dog, Hambone (Ham), and when she loses control of her car, a man shows up to help her; she is defensive, not trusting a stranger, and says she will take care of it herself; her dog is no help, falling all over the handsome stranger.  When Harper arrives, she needs to get the keys for her new place, which has an apartment above the bakery; and to her shock, she goes to the tavern and the man who tried to help her, is the owner of the tavern. 

Bodie Campbell, our hero, returned home to Sunrise Cove, 6 months ago, slowly recovering from wounds at his last job, ATF. Bodie, who runs the bar, gets a kick out of Harper, and finds himself attracted to her, especially her upbeat wonderful personality.  Bodie and his brothers try to help paint and fix up her place, since she came a bit early.  The first night she spends in her apartment, she hears a noise and finds Ivy, a teenage runaway, before the girl could run away, Harper convinces Ivy to stay overnight. The next day, Harper takes Ivy under her wing, to stay in her second room, and also get her to help fix up the place, and teach her how to bake.

Bodie’s family was amazing, and lots of fun and banter along the way; his mother and brothers, including their significant others, bring so much humor. The Campbell family meetings and texts were fun, they were all close and loyal to each other.  Great family.

A slow build romance between Bodie and Harper begins, with wonderful chemistry that sizzles.  I also loved Harper’s dog, Hambone, who loved everyone. Ivy was another great character, who was keeping a secret. It was wonderful meeting all the great characters, finding love, family and second chances.

What follows is an excellent, heartwarming story revolving around family, friends, secrets, love and surprises from the past. The Sweetheart List was so very well written by Jill Shalvis. It had a bit of everything, including wonderful characters, emotional, romance and banter.  I recommend you read The Sweetheart List, as you can never go wrong reading anything by Jill Shalvis.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided  by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

 

 

Review:

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison is the first book in her Lovelight series. Stella Bloom, our heroine, is the owner of Lovelight Farms. She loves the farm, and she has two great people in charge of various areas, Beckett and Layla; but of late, due to someone sabotaging the farm, Stella is having financial problems.  A number of dead trees, damaged fence, raccoons, pumpkins and decorations have been destroyed, and shipments stolen. Stella keeps her problems to herself, not to worry her friends on the farm. She enters a contest, with a $100,000 cash prize, and she lied on the application, noting that her boyfriend is part owner; but Stella has no boyfriend.

Luka Peters (hero) is Stella’s best friend for over 10 years, and now that she is desperate, she asks Luka if he will pretend to be her boyfriend for the week when the famous influencer Evelyn St. James, arrives to check out Lovelight Farms. She worries, since she wants to keep their close-knit friendship safe.  What follows is a sweet friend to lovers’ relationship between Stella and Luka. It was great to watch Luka and Stella slowly begin to feel their amazing chemistry, as well as the fun and sexual banter.

Stella was a fantastic heroine, as she was sweet, independent, and caring.  Luka was not only very handsome, but kind and helpful with everyone; you can see the love he had for Stella.  She was feeling strong vibes for Luka, but she feared to lose their friendship.  The secondary characters were all so great, especially Layla and Beckett, who were more like partners with Stella; Dane the police chief was also good, and he discovered to the person sabotaging the farm. 

Lovelight Farms was a fun, cute, sweet romance, with wonderful characters.  The epilogue was very good at the end.  Lovelight Farms was so very well written by B.K. Borison. There are two or three books still to come in this series, with Beckett and Layla to each get their own story line.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins – a Review

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A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins – a Review

 

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Description:
A kid walks into your bookstore and… Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise!
 
And a huge surprise it is.
 
It’s a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. But apparently, he felt the need to secretly arrange a vacation to Cape Cod for the summer so he could meet his birth mother…without a word to either her or his dad.
 
It’s also a surprise— to say the least—to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed her baby for adoption so many years ago. She’s spent the years since then building a quiet life. She runs a bookstore with her grandfather, hangs out with her four younger siblings and is more or less happily single, though she can’t help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, her old friend from high school. He’s moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, no wife in the picture. But she’s always figured her life had to be child-free, so that complicates things.
 
When Matthew walks into Harlow’s store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions—about what being a parent really means—explode. This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined…and as both women learn that for them, there’s no limit to a mother’s love.

 

 

Review:

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins is another one of her wonderful stand-alone novels. Harlow runs a bookstore in her home town of Cape Cod, close to all her family.  She is 35 years old, happily enjoying her quiet life, with friends and siblings; she does have a secret that only her bff knew about.  When she was 17 years old, a freshman in college, she was pregnant and secretly found a family who she thought would be the perfect couple to adopt. She never told anyone in her family.   Now 18 years later, when she sees a familiar face (the father who adopted her son) walk into the book store, with the boy she gave up (who is the spitting image of her younger brother). Harlow panics and faints, her life is about to change.

Monica, the adoptive mother, panics when she hears that her son, Matthew, manipulated them when planning a vacation in Cape Cod.  She always had a close relationship with Matthew, and was shocked when her husband told her Matthew walked into the book store to meet his birth mother. Sanjay (the husband) and Matthew had gone ahead to Cape Cod, with Monica and her daughter following a couple of weeks later; but with this news, Monica makes plans to leave immediately.

Harlow is happy to see her son, who hugs her and is close to his 18th birthday; Matthew wants to know more about his birth mother and her family.  Once she gets over the shock, Harlow knows she needs to face her family and tell them the truth; her bff Rosie flies to Cape Cod to be there for Harlow.  All hell breaks loose, as Harlow’s parents are upset, she never told them, as well as her siblings who were shocked.  Harlow will bring Matthew to visit her family, and shortly after, bring Monica, Sanjay and Meena (sister) to meet everyone.  Harlow is thrilled to spend time with her son, but Monica tries to be supportive, though she is concerned and apprehensive. Matthew is loving spending time with Harlow’s family, especially the brother Robbie.

What follows is an emotional and informative story showing both sides of adoption, with perspectives of the birth mother, the adopted mother and family. I loved how Harlow reacted so beautifully to Matthew, and his determination to learn everything about her and her family.  We also get to see Monica reactions to Matthew’s behavior and her fears. I also loved seeing all of Harlow’s family, how they opened their hearts to Matthew, as well and Monica, Sanjay and Meena. The secondary characters were very good, including Rosie, Harlow’s grandfather, Robbie were great.

Harlow slowly begins to have feelings for Grady Byrne, old friend from school, having moved back to Cape Cod, who is divorced and has a three-year-old daughter. Will she be able to become serious with Grady, being used to a child-free life? So say too much more wouldn’t be fair, as you really need to read this book from start to finish.  It is that good, as well as very emotional.

A Little Ray of Sunshine was a wonderful, heartwarming and emotional story, that was so very well written by Kristan Higgins. This story also gives you a look at the complex lives of family, adoption, life changing, healing and a few surprises.  I wholly suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major – a Review

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The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
They have nothing in common—except a need to start over…

The drawback to having a picture-perfect life is that there’s nowhere to go but down—and Annalise Haverford is falling fast. Once, she was the self-proclaimed queen bee of Magnolia, North Carolina. Now her husband has been arrested for fraud, and she’s become an outcast in the shallow circles she used to rule. There’s only one affordable rental in town, and it’s owned by the woman Annalise got fired from a lucrative job.

Much as single mother Shauna Myer would like to refuse Annalise, who treated her like dirt on the bottom of her red-soled shoe, she needs that rent money. But when Shauna’s first love arrives in town, unraveling secrets she’d hoped to keep, Annalise becomes her unlikely defender. Meghan Banks, an elementary school art teacher whose quiet existence suddenly descends into chaos, is thrown an unexpected lifeline by Annalise, too.

As spring ripens into a sultry summer, the three spur each other on to share their fears and dreams, face new challenges, and seize second chances. Because no matter how turbulent life may be, it’s much easier to navigate those choppy waters when you’re buoyed by true friendship…­ 

 

Review:

The Front Porch Club by Michelle Major is the 5th book in her wonderful Carolina Girls series. I have become a big fan of Michelle Major, having enjoyed her Magnolia Sisters, and now her Carolina Girls series. The Front Porch Club continues to take place in Magnolia, North Carolina; continuing the trend with a wonderful sweet story, with three fantastic ladies who formed a marvelous friendship. The three ladies were very different and unlikely to be friends, but over time their bond grew very strong. Let us meet our wonderful three ladies.

Annalise Haverford, spent years at the top of Magnolia’s society, but when her husband landed in jail due to fraud, with many people losing their money, Annalise is now an outcast in the circles she was a large part of.  She is divorced with two children, and is financially in bad shape.  She rents an affordable apartment from a woman who she treated badly.  Annalise manages to get a job as a housekeeper, and she begins to see how badly she treated those in lower class. 

Shauna Myer is a single mother of 5-year-old twins, who have never met their father. Shauna, who owns the building, agrees to rent to Annalise, whom she did not like, but she needed the rent payments.  Being a sweet person, she goes out of her way to treat Annalise nicely, introducing her two sons to Annalise’s daughter and son. Shauna also begins to see Annalise trying to change the way she was, and in a short time, the start of a friendship begins.

Meghan Banks, is other new tenant, who is an elementary school art teacher, having recently been told that she will lose her job at the end of the school year, due to budget cuts.  At first Meghan, steers clear of the other two ladies, but in a short time, she will join Annalise and Shauna in helping each other pick up the pieces of their lives. 

Annalise comes up with an idea to do a Fundraiser, to not only help get more funds for Meghan to keep her job, but also add more funds to the school.  I really loved the friendship that the trio built over time, overcoming many issues along the way, but always there for each other; as the bond of sisterhood formed.  I enjoyed seeing the ladies find their possible love interest.   Annalise, while working as a housekeeper finds her love in Jack, who manages the farm, owned by a famous singer, who now lives there.  Shauna is shocked that Flynn who abandoned her more than 5 years ago, returns and realizes her two sons are his; he is determined to win her back. Meghan finds herself falling hard for the singer, Walker, but with his career on hold, is their any hope for her to win him over?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three unlikely friends that slowly become a sisterhood, with each of them helping each other to find second chances and upcoming challenges.   I enjoyed returning to Magnolia and meeting a new group of friends, and secondary characters.   The Front Porch Club was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great friends, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters.  The Front Porch Club was a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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