Love & Other Crazy Plans

Overall, I'm a fan of Ms. Tuttle. 

This story has all the right elements for a clean and wholesome romance, so you won't find any shenanigans here. 

The characters motivations are pure, and both have pasts and present issues they're working through as they grow closer. 

But I was missing chemistry between the hero and heroine. They liked each other but then when he got bold about it midway through they broke things off? I got a bit confused there. 

For some reason although all the elements were there, the story just didn't quite come together for me. 

That being said, you shouldn't skip out on this novel. It might hit just right for you. 

AMAZON

He’s running away from a tragedy to start over. She’s trying to overcome her past in a small town with a long memory.

Adelle Reagen grew up in Hawk’s Point, Maine. She loves the beauty and history of the small coastal town, but can’t seem to outgrow the reputation left over from her parents. As an event planner, she works with everyone in town to create happiness and fond memories for her clients. After meeting Kade, she starts to wonder if she found a love to last a lifetime.

Kade Nance’s heart broke a year ago in an accident that claimed his fiancé’s life despite his effort. After selling his construction company, he moves across the country to start over. He never thought it possible to love again, but Adelle’s beauty captured his attention and her kindness is healing his heart.

Will her secret destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I would've missed this one but for book club, which ulitmately decided was a little too racy for discussion. I was nearly 75% done with the book at that point and "flipping pages" to learn how the last two husbands were procured. 

This story sucks you in. Seven husbands is equal to Henry the 8ths six wives. You just have to know what happened, and if Evelyn ever found true love. 

Well, yes, she did. In more than one instance. 

But who she loves, how, and why is what kept me wondering, "What happens next?" 

If  you pay close attention, you can see the trail of breadcrumbs Ms. Reid wisely, stealthily, and intentionally drops on the pages. That is brilliant writing. 

This book does deal with themes some readers will find uncomfortable, inappropriate, and not to their taste. This isn't a sweet/clean and wholesome romance, my usual genre. Across the pages Evelyn explores her sex life, bisexuality, trauma from abusive relationships, and defines what love and family mean and look like to her. If any of these topics are triggers, you should skip this novel. 

Still I felt Ms. Reid handled the subject matter tactfully, without being graphic or explicit, but getting the points across clearly. 

The narration is excellent. 

AMAZON

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? 

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jump-start her career. 

Summoned to Evelyn's Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late '80s and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn's life unfolds - revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love - Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn's story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways. 

Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies

If you ever wanted to know how to write a romance novel from A-Z, this is the book for you. 

Ms. Lieske takes you step by step through the process: from brainstorming to rough draft, to formatting, to publishing and marketing. 

This is a treasure trove of knowledge by a successful author who knows what she's doing at a bargain price. 

Definitely add this to your craft collection. You'll refer to it again and again. 

I received an ARC of this book. 

AMAZON 

Get your romance (writing) on! 

Writing a Romance Novel For Dummies is the only reference aspiring writers need to get their careers off to the right start. Fully updated to reflect the industry's latest trends and secrets, this book helps you understand what makes a great novel, so you can hone your craft and write books people want to read. We break down the romance subgenres, give you expert tips on plotting and pacing, and walk you through the process of finding an agent and getting published in today’s competitive market―or self-publishing like many six-figure authors are doing. For aspiring writers longing to find success in the industry, Writing a Romance Novel For Dummies is easy to read, highly informative, and a must-have!  

• Refine your writing to craft engaging stories readers can’t put down 
• Find a route to publication that works for you―mainstream, or self-published 
• Understand the ins and outs of the romance genre and its subgenres 
• Learn how to get your work noticed in the popular world of romantic fiction 

This Dummies guide is perfect for beginning writers who want advice on writing and publishing a successful romance novel. It’s also a great reference for accomplished writers looking to level up their romance game. 

Iceberg

Jennifer A. Nielson has done it again. 

This time we follow the journey of a stowaway on the Titanic, which means we know the ending from the beginning, which kept me in suspense the whole time. 

Every time a new character was introduced on the page I wondered, "Will they be alive at the end of the book or not?" knowing that it was unlikely that everyone would survive. 

As always, Ms. Nielson is impeccable with her research and weaves in the details of that fateful night without coming across like a boring history lecture. 

I can always trust Ms. Nielson to write complex characters with heart that I can relate to. 

So many factors went into that failed sailing. 

If you want to learn about the Titanic in an engaging way, this is the right book. Excellent for both teens and adults. 

I recommend the audiobook. 

AMAZON

As disaster looms on the horizon, a young stowaway onboard the Titanic will need all her courage and wits to stay alive. A thrilling tale from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen!

Hazel Rothbury is traveling all alone from her home in England aboard the celebrated ship Titanic. Following the untimely death of her father, Hazel’s mother is sending her to the US to work in a factory, so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet.

But Hazel harbors a secret dream: She wants to be a journalist, and she just knows that if she can write and sell a story about the Titanic's maiden voyage, she could earn enough money to support her family and not have to go to a sweatshop. When Hazel discovers that mother didn’t send her with enough money for a ticket, she decides she must stow away onboard the storied ship.

With the help of a porter named Charlie and a sweet first-class passenger named Sylvia, Hazel explores the opulent ship in secret, but a haunting mystery quickly finds her. The danger only intensifies when calamity strikes, and readers will be caught up in the terror and suspense alongside Hazel as she fights to save her friends and herself.

Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen weaves an extraordinary tapestry of survival and disaster in this magnificent thriller.