Tag Archives: Fiction

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2025

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same.

New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.

As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW:THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis is an adult, historical, women’s fiction story line loosely based in on the history surrounding the discovery and life of Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Charlotte and Annie) following two timelines (1936 and 1978) THE STOLEN QUEEN focuses on anthropology student turned assistant museum curator Charlotte Cross. In 1936, at the age of nineteen, while on an archeology dig in Egypt, anthropology student Charlotte Cross fell in love with archeologist Henry Smith; discovered an ancient Egyptian artifact, and in a matter of months her life spiralled out of control. Fast forward to 1978, now sixty-two year old Charlotte, working as the assistant museum curator at the Metropolitan Museum Department of Egyptian Art would have to face down her memories, when the theft of a familiar antiquity brings with it heartbreak from the past.

Meanwhile, nineteen year old Annie Jenkins, whose own life is changing in the face of rejection, has been hired as the personal assistant to Met Gala fashion coordinator Diana Vreeland, a position that puts her up close and personal with the theft of the Egyptian artifact. A journey to Egypt for both Charlotte and Annie comes full circle when Charlotte confronts the past, and Annie recognizes a possible connection to the Metropolitan theft.

THE STOLEN QUEEN is a story of mystery that blends fact with fiction; history with mythology; heartbreak and resolution. Fiona Davis pulls the reader into a mystery of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession. The premise is dramatic and entertaining but the conflict resolution is cursory and hurried. The characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

 

BARB’S REVIEW:  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis is a historical novel that switches between 1930’s in Egypt and the 1970’s in New York City.  The story revolves around two women; Charlotte (in her 60’s) currently leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art; and Annie (18 years old), who gets a job working for Vogue fashion editor, Diana Vreeland.

In Egypt, 1936, Charlotte was an anthropology student, working on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.  She loves her work, falls in love and will discover a burial chamber with a collar necklace. After a devasting tragedy, she eventually returns to New York, grieving her loss. 40 years later, Charlotte is a successful curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and becomes disturbed when a valuable Egyptian artifact is found missing.  

In New York City, 1978, Annie is excited when she gets a job working for Diana. On the night of the gala, chaos unfolds, when someone destroys things, and the Cerulean Queen is now missing.  At first, Annie is questioned, but Charlotte does come to her rescue.  Charlotte decides she needs to return to Egypt and discover who is behind the missing links, as well as trying to find the truths about the tragedy. Unknown to Charlotte, Annie will also go on the same plane heading for Egypt, in order for her to help Charlotte, as well as protect her.  Charlotte and Annie work together to uncover dangerous trials, deceit, finding the stolen artifacts, as well learning more of the secrets in the past.

I really loved the friendship that grew between Charlotte and Annie.  Charlotte began to realize that Annie had an uncanny sense of observing valuable insights. Annie was very sweet and was determined to help Charlotte, especially finding clues to help her.  They both were wonderful, as their stories intertwined. The storyline of Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her, leading into a heartbreaking story.  It was a wonderful ending, with revelations slowly being revealed.

The Stolen Queen was a terrific story about the two unforgettable women, filled with history, mystery, tragedy, emotional, secrets of the past and an Egyptian curse.  The Stolen Queen was very well written by Fiona Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

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Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

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Home Is Where Your Bark Is by Debbie Burns- a Review

 

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Description:
Love means learning to trust again.

Jake Stiles has no idea what he’s signing up for when he dashes into the rain to help a stranger and her dog who have been in a car accident, but fate has stepped in. Jenna Dunning was on her way to return her sister’s high-energy border collie to a shelter after another failed attempt at a forever home for him when a distracted driver ran into them. Jenna is being taken to the hospital and must rely on a caring stranger to take charge of the terrified canine. 

When Jake and Jenna reconnect, Jenna’s delighted to learn Jake has taken on fostering the poorly trained border collie, who they name Seven because this will be his seventh chance at being adopted. Jake’s not looking for a relationship—he just ended a disastrous one—but he realizes Jenna may be the key to making Seven’s fostering successful. The timing might be all wrong, but as they grow close, he has to admit that he’s falling in love.

 

 

Review:

Home Is Where the Bark Is by Debbie Burns is a sweet romance, and wonderful dog. We meet Jenna Dunning, who is on her way to return a dog to the animal shelter, as her sister/husband/kids, due to possible issues, can no longer take care of the dog.  The dog (later named Seven) is a high energy dog (Border Collie) who keeps getting returned to animal shelters.  Seven has endured a tough life in his young age, and when Jenna heads to the shelter, she gets injured in a car accident.  Jake Stiles, quickly runs out of his car to help rescue Jenna, as the other person did not stop. With the ambulance coming, Jake tries to calm Jenna, and she begs him to take the dog to the shelter.

Jake agrees to stop at the shelter, but they were closed, so he takes the dog to his condo, planning to take the dog back to the shelter the following morning.  After learning some of the dog’s history, Jake decides to foster Seven; who now uses his new name, especially since 6 times Seven was returned. Jake is determined to train Seven, teaching him to trust others who have not abused him.  When Jenna gets out of the hospital, she offers her place with her big yard to help train Seven. Jenna loves that Jake has taken to fostering Seven, and together they both do everything they can to give Seven a chance to find a forever home.

In a short time, both Jake and Jenna begin to have feelings for each other; with them also bonding with Seven.  I loved both Jake and Jenna, as they were perfect for each other; he was kind and caring, and Jenna was always so sweet.  Seven mostly steals the story, as he needed to trust humans again; as he slowly began to overcome his fears, becoming happy with Jake and Jenna.

Home is Where the Bark Is was a heartwarming, uplifting and emotional sweet story, that tugged my heartstrings.  Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another sweet wonderful story, which was very well written. I loved their growing relationship, as well as their love for Seven. Wonderful epilogue.  If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review

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🎄Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review🎄

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver…

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a historical, fictionalized story co-authored by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb focusing on American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jack, Olive, Queen Elizabeth II) covering approximately twelve years, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN follows the friendship and building relationship between American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter. At the end of the second World War British born Olive Carter would meet American Navy man Jack Devereux, and having spent one night together, would never see one another again for close to seven years. In 1952, Jack Devereux will be invited to Sandringham Palace for the Christmas holidays where he will work in the royal kitchens for the new Queen and her family, while Olive Carter, now working as a part time reporter for the BBC, finds herself on assignment covering the royal family holiday preparations, wherein she will become Queen Elizabeth confident for her annual Christmas speech. For the next five years, Jack and Olive will come in and out of one another’s lives, always reconnecting at Sandringham with the royal family for the holidays but life has changed for both Olive and Jack, love, loss, grief and moving forward find our couple circling one another, never quite connecting two broken hearts.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is an historical, fictionalized story interspersed with a little bit of reality history including the ascension of the young queen. A thought-provoking romantic story of love and loss, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a heart warming yet somewhat tragic saga with animated and impassioned characters. Jack Devereux, a Cajun chef from Louisiana is struggling with a painful loss; Olive Carter has a secret that only a few people know.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

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Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

 

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Description:
Twenty-four-year-old Michael “Mitt” Fuller starts his surgical residency with great anticipation at the nearly 300-year-old, iconic BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, following in the footsteps of four previous, celebrated Fuller generations. The pressure is on for this newly minted doctor, and to his advantage he’s always had a secret sixth sense, a sensitivity to the nonphysical which gradually plays a progressive role, especially as one patient after another assigned to his care begin to die from mysterious causes. At first he thinks it is just the ‘luck of the draw’, but as the numbers mount, he’s forced to think otherwise. As he struggles to find out why these people are dying while simultaneously having to deal with the unreasonable demands of being first-year resident, things rapidly spiral out of control.

Between fatigue, stress, and nerves, it’s no wonder that these first few days and nights of his surgical residency are tough ones. What is surprising, though, are the visions that begin to plague Mitt – visions of a little girl in a blood-stained dress, hearing bloodcurdling screams in the distance, and worse. As bodies mount and Mitt’s stress level rises, he finds himself drawn into the secrets of the abandoned Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital building, which to his astonishment still exists, defying demolition a few doors north of the modern Bellevue Hospital high-rise. Forcing an unauthorized entry into this storied but scary structure, Mitt discovers he’s more closely tied to the sins of the past than he ever thought possible.

 

 

 

Review:

Bellevue by Robin Cook is a suspense, horror, gripping medical thriller with a supernatural twist. We meet Michael (Mitt) Fuller, who starts his surgical residency with Bellevue Hospital; a three-hundred-year-old famous hospital in New York City.   He follows his earlier ancestors from many years ago; Mitt is a first-year intern; being sleep-deprived. The pressure brings upon fatigue, stress, and nerves, with the first few days being tough ones.

Mitt also has a secret sixth sense, and though he has done well working with the other residents, he begins to worry that all of his patients that he was assigned to, begin to die from mysterious causes. From the start, Mitt began to see visions from the past, such as a young girl in a blood-stained dress, as well as others who show up out of nowhere.  Things begin to spiral out of control, especially with all his patients ending up dead; as well finding himself drawn to the long-closed Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital. With this leading to a supernatural ghost element and Mitt finding himself anxious and stressed. Mitt tries to explain to his friend, who is also just starting out, and worries that he is being affected by his so-called visions.

Mitt will meet someone who also has visions, and learns more about what his ancestor did all those years ago.  Mitt will discover that he be more closely tied to the terrible scary things done by his ancestors.  Two of his ancestors were controversial; such as being opposed using anesthesia after it was widely accepted, and other also causing serious pain. Bellevue was a suspenseful, scary, thought-provoking, and tragical medical thriller. The last third of the book was very intense, with a number tragic events.  I will say that I was shocked with the way things ended in this book. Bellevue was well written by Robin Cook, but again, I did not like how this did end.  Overall, this was a good book, but the supernatural element changed drastically.  If you are a fan of medical thrillers, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Designs on You by Jaci Burton – a Review

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Designs on You by Jaci Burton – a Review

 

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Description:
Natalie Parker is in her mid-thirties, divorced, and firmly focused on her newly resurrected career and her two children. When her sister asks her to help design the backyard in the new home she shares with her boyfriend, Linc, Natalie’s more than happy to take on the project. What she isn’t prepared for is Linc’s younger brother, video game designer Eugene Kennedy. He’s smart, incredibly good-looking, and constantly flirts with Natalie. He’s also too young for her, which makes him totally off-limits.

Eugene is intrigued by Natalie’s beauty, smarts, and especially her sarcastic wit. When he teases her, she throws it right back at him. Besides that, they have an instant chemistry, but she keeps trying to get rid of him despite the sparks that fly between them. And Eugene never backs down from a challenge. 

Natalie is running out of reasons to think being with Eugene is a bad thing. Her kids adore him, her sister loves him, and even her always negative mother does, too. The only person holding her back is…her. Maybe it’s time she take that leap and design herself a love for the ages. After all, if she can create the perfect home, she sure as hell can design a happily ever after.

 

 

Review:

Designs on You by Jaci Burton is a sweet romantic novel. We meet Natalie Parker, who is divorced, with two young children, (7year old Cammie and 4year old Christopher); her and her ex-husband share custody of the children. Natalie has a job doing interior design, as she works with another woman and loves her job. Her sister asks her to help design her new home, where she lives with Linc: as well as a number of sheltering dogs.

At dinner in her sister’s Hazel house, she meets Linc’s younger brother Eugene, who is a few years younger than Natalie. At first Natalie wants nothing to do with Eugene, as she feels he is too young for her; but Eugene finally persuades her to agree to a date.  Natalie finds herself fighting off her attraction to Eugene, as he is determined to win her over, especially with the sparks between them, giving in to their instant chemistry. Natalie worries about the age difference between them, and Eugene, not caring about the short difference age, finds himself falling deeply in love with Natalie.

Eugene has Linc fixing up his new house, and he convinces Natalie to do the interior design. She agrees and they slowly add all new furniture and designs, making both very happy, as their feelings start getting serious.  

I really like the romance between Natlie and Eugene, despite worry about their age difference.  Eugene was great with Natalie’s kids, and was always there for her when needed.  The kids were great, and I loved their new adopted dog, Grizelda.  Their romance escalated, especially when her ex-husband had the kids for the weekend, and they would spend time together, with the heat between them sizzling.  I also like the relationship between Hazel and Linc, as they were living together, and the four of them spent lots of time together.

Natalie was determined to break things up with Eugene, since she thought he was better off finding someone closer to his age; but she finds it difficult, as she knows she loves him.  Eugene is loved by his brother, by Natalie’s children, as well as Hazel and their mother.  Natalie realizes that she is running out of reasons to leave, as she is the only person holding her back.

Designs on You is a sweet heartwarming romance, with a terrific couple that are destined to be together. Designs on You is so very well written by Jaci Burton.  I really enjoyed this book. I suggest you read Designs on You. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Only Cold Depths (Galactic Bonds 4) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:
A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER . . .
Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .
As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

 

Barb’s Review:  Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep is the 4th book in her Galactic Bonds Sc-Fi/Fantasy series. As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading this second book, I can’t wait for more.

Vesper Quill, our heroine, is on the run with her truebond, Kyrion Caldaren; with both of them being the most wanted fugitives.  Always avoiding Bounty Hunters, Arrows, Psionics, and Imperium warriors determined to capturing them. They are now journeying to a different planet that welcomes truebond couples.

Vesper is a seer, as well as being a successful inventor/ engineer: but she still needs to increase her powers to use her magic or psionic abilities. Kyrion is also very powerful, maybe more so with his Psionic Arrow abilities; he is determined to protect Vesper at any cost.  Together their truebond continues to grow.

Vesper and Kyrion arrive at House Collier, who are accepted as they are truebond; the family allows them to live in their House.  Siya, one of the daughters, is in charge of the security, with her team using Hammers as vicious weapons.  Asterin, one of the other daughters, is friends with Vesper, and she helped solve some problems in past attacks in the Imperium. To Vesper and Kyrion’s surprise, they are invited to a ball, and they are shocked that House Zimmer was invited, bringing along Zane, Wendall and Beatrice. Vesper is not happy, as the Zimmer family have always ignored her as part of their family; but their appearance forces her to listen to some truths, which they want to bring her back into the family.  Of course, Vesper hates Zane, but by the end, she will begin to accept both Zane and Wendall. 

Vesper is early at meeting with Asterin, and notices someone is trying to steal equipment; which leads her to Esmine and Pollux, with their team.  Throughout most of the book, both Esmine and Pollux are determined to kidnap either Vesper or Kyrion, which will lead into and exciting, wild, suspenseful threat against Vesper, Kyrion, Zane and Asterin.  Will they survive?

What follows is an exciting, non-stop suspenseful, intriguing, violent captivating story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued improve her magic powers, as well as being mentally able to reach out to Kyrion. She was a fantastic heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with their truebond romance continuing to increase. The last half of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Cold Depths was a terrific intriguing Space/Sci-Fi adventure filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, magic, elemental, tense and danger.   Only Cold Depths was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in story of us.

••••••••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY COLD DEPTHS is the fourth instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, fantasy , space-opera-esque series focusing on the former leader of the Arrows Kyrion Caldaren,and thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist / seer Vesper Quill. ONLY COLD DEPTHS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book three ONLY HARD PROBLEMS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) ONLY COLD DEPTHS continues to focus on the truebond relationship between our story line couple, a bond both are having difficulty accepting as true in the face of the unknown. A bounty has been placed focusing on our story line couple who seek respite and refuge on a distant planet but another betrayal threatens the lives of Kyrion and Vesper, who find themselves battling the enemy and the instability of their truebonded power.

Meanwhile, a marriage mart for the hand of Lady Asterin Armas, once again, brings Vesper’s half brother out of hiding, a brother she has never trusted, a man she believes is targeting our story line couple.

ONLY COLD DEPTHS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and magic, greed and obsession, dysfunctional family values and deception. The premise is detailed, dramatic and inviting; the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is fated and seductive. ONLY COLD DEPTHS ends on a HEA for now-there is more story to be told.

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Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

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Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

 

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Description:
This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….

Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.

Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.

Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?

 

 

Review:

Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt is the 3rd book of The Walkers of River’s Edge series.  We meet Harper Gaines, who lost her husband, stationed in Kuwait, in a truck accident caused by a major sandstorm.  Harper is still grieving almost 2 years later, and decides to leave her home town to drive away, and ends up in River’s Edge, where her two Aunt’s live.  Mary and Dot Higgins are happy to see Harper, and they offer her to stay at their place; though she is close to her aunts, all she wants is to be left alone to continue to grieve. Mary and Dot are determined to help her overcome her intense grief and learn to live her life again.

Cameron Walker loves everything about River’s Edge, always celebrating with his huge big family, as well as carving more of his custom design furniture at his studio. Cameron wants to find someone who can paint a chest for his mother for Christmas, and when he meets Harper, who is the niece of a family friend; he is determined to convince her to help him paint the chest. At first, Harper refuses to paint a chest, as she is not really familiar working on furniture. In a short time, Harper agrees to help, and they become fast friends.

As their friendship grew, Cam made it his goal to help Harper learn to live life again, and remind her what she is missing.  Cam knew he was falling hard for Harper, and hoped she would overcome her grief.  Cam was the prefect one for her, always happy with his life, and eventually winning her over with his kindness and heart. The people in River’s Edge were great, and slowly Harper began to feel accepted; meeting new women friends, such as Jazz, Anna, meeting all of the Walker family, getting an apartment over Mac and Carly place (giving her a place to sketch and paint). I loved seeing Harper begin to blossom and slowly find love with Cam, and making many new friends in River’s Edge. 

Made for Mistletoe was a wonderful addition to this wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. Made for Mistletoe was a sweet romance, wonderful couple, fun, great secondary characters, and learning to move on from intense grief.  Once again, Nan Reinhardt gives us another wonderful story in River’s Edge, which was so very well written.  No surprise, as I love all of her previous books.  If you enjoy romance, great couple, wonderful secondary characters, and fantastic small town, I suggest you read this book.  Can’t wait to see what is next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber – a Review

 

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Description:
Halley Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life.

When Halley’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Halley finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help.

Soon Halley and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Halley to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.

 

 

Review:

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber is a sweet wonderful heartwarming Christmas holiday story. We meet Halley Morgan, who has always dreamed of becoming a professional song writer, but she currently is an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. Halley isn’t happy to join her family on Christmas, since her mother keeps pushing Halley’s ex-boyfriend to attend Christmas. Her BFF, Katherine are both happy for the holiday break, and when Halley talks about her ex planning to come to their house, she is desperate.  Katherine suggests to her to use the family cabin in the small town of Podunk; enabling her to concentrate on creating her music.  Halley decides to take up Katherine offer and escape having to go to her family’s Christmas celebration, with her ex planning to attend.

 When Halley arrives at the cabin, she senses the feel of her journey in creating her music; but she also discovers some animals that seem to visit the cabin. When shopping at the town’s main store, the owner sends her son, Jay to help rid the animals; and Halley finds him to be charming and handsome, not to mention he too is a former musician. Both Halley & Jay play the guitar and are very passionate about creating music; though she loves writing songs, he is currently working on building his own company.  In a short time, both begin to feel sparks between them, with lots of delightful banter and their love of music.  Jay gives Halley encouragement inspiring her that she can be a successful songwriter, especially when she sang her song at the bar/restaurant, which became so popular, with videos opening up a possible career. Halley and Jay become inseparable, spending fun time together as well as playing music together.

I will say, I really did not like Halley’s mother, who was obsessive and determined to bring the ex-back into the picture. When the video of her song escalated, her parents found out where she was staying, comes to visit; of course, the mother lets the ex-know.   It will take Halley to tell the ex she does not want anything to do with him; especially since she finds herself caring about Jay. I really loved Hailey and Jay together. I liked Halley’s sister, Daisy, who had who came earlier, concerned about her own boyfriend being serious. 

A Christmas Duet was a heartwarming, charming, sweet, cozy romantic story filled with music and love.  It was really nice to see both sisters have their own HEA. A Christmas Duet was so very well written by Debbie Macomber.  I suggest you read A Christmas Duet, as you can n ever go wrong with anything by Debbie Macomber.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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