From This Moment On

Ms. Clopton does an excellent job of introducing her series in book one. 

This couple has plenty of reasons to be apart. Different states. Different states of their hearts. Both are broken and each seems to be what the other needs to heal. There's plenty of attraction to overrule their heads. 

Not a slow burn but not instalove either. A nice balance. 

I only wish the editing was as good as the story. 

I'm looking forwar to the rest of the series. 

AMAZON

Her failed marriage and dashed dreams; famous painter dealing with survivors guilt are they destined to help each other...

Hurt by her failed marriage and dashed dreams, Cali Sinclair returns home to Windswept Bay with her heart wary and closed to the dreams of true love she so desperately wanted. Determined to never again risk her heart, she throws herself into running the family’s small boutique resort on the Florida coast, a place so full of romance that it’s a reminder every day of what she’ll never have.But when renowned artist Grant Ellington shows up to paint a mural on the wall of the resort, she’s swept away by her response to the artist. Suddenly, every time he looks at her, Cali finds it harder than she ever thought possible to keep her heart protected.

Grant Ellington loves his ranch, his horses, and his life as a sought-after artist. But after walking away from a plane crash that killed his best friend and the young pilot, he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt as he heads to Windswept Bay. Painting a sea life mural at the resort started out as a favor to his neighbor, but one meeting with the beautiful Cali and he feels alive again—and determined to spend time on the moonlit beaches with her in his arms…

But, like him, Cali has her own emotional scars—can they learn to trust the love that sparks between them and move forward from this moment on?

Reflected Realms, Kiss of Life, Rooftop Suitor

I've grouped these three books by EE Everly together because they're all short stories that can be read in thirty minutes or less.

Bite-sized and thoroughly enjoyable. These short reads are perfect if you want a good story but not want to be up until the early hours of the night saying, "Just one more chapter." 

If you think such a quick read would have underdeveloped characters, then you'd be mistaken. Ms. Everly masterfully crafts whole beings that you can easily identify with. They hopes and obstacles. 

Perfect for when you need a quick romance fix. 

Reflected Realms. Kiss of Life. Rooftop Suitor. 

AMAZON

Rooftop Suitor

He is the last man she expected, on a rooftop, no less. She is drowning in her mother’s expectations. What they both need is a change of perspective.

Kathryne flees from horrible suitor after horrible suitor, each one more atrocious than the last. After a particularly vexing engagement with a drunken cad, she attempts a desperate escape from a rooftop.

When her exit is more dramatic and dangerous than she expected, a gallant hero comes to her rescue.

Kathryne believes she’s found the perfect suitor, until an awkward truth crushes the hopes she has to ever find happiness.

AMAZON

Kiss of Life

Sometimes the difference between life and death is just a single kiss.

No one seems to notice the young woman wandering the estate, slipping between the onlookers in the crowd.

Those who do turn and run.

When his eyes meet hers, flaring with recognition, it’s enough to send her racing away into the safety of the gardens, because nothing feels as it should.

And there’s not a familiar soul she can turn to for help.

AMAZON

Reflected Realms

Mirrors should not be portals. Pixies do not exist. And dance partners with mystically blue irises should not be so mysterious.

When Kassidy meets a reflection pixie after dancing all night with a handsome stranger at a benefit gala, she thinks she’s had too much to drink—until she falls through the hotel room mirror into a magical world.

With the mirror passage closed and everyone thinking she’s a lady about to marry a lord, Kassidy has no one to trust but the pixie to get her home safely.

With This Ring

Not sure why I ended up starting in the middle of this series, but now I want to read all the books and see what happens to each sibling.  

Really enjoyed how Ms. Clopton crafted the story of Levi and Jessica. They both have issues, her even more so as a widow with a son to raise. 

Solid story. Strong emotion. Flows like a clean romance should. 

A little more editing would've been nice, but likely won't distract the average reader. 

AMAZON

The Sinclair brothers have watched their sisters fall in love and now...it's their turn ready or not!
After her small son, Kevin, asked both God and Santa for a new daddy for Christmas, and then didn’t find him under the tree, school teacher, Jessica Lyons is starting the new year out with a very unhappy six year old on her hands. Kevin can’t understand that she’s only been a widow for 2 years and she can’t imagine marrying again—not yet at least. But, unknown to her Kevin has a plan and has decided that if God and Santa won’t give him what he wants then maybe the police can!

When the very handsome Chief of Police, Levi Sinclair shows up as Kevin’s Show-and-Tell he believes, as does Jessica, that her son has asked him there to show him off as the "police chief"—It’s a little awkward when Kevin introduces Levi as his next daddy!

 

The Unexpected Groom

Ms. McConnell takes a different tactic with this romance. 

Instead of following one couple, we're following mulitple couples and characters as things change at the ranch. I enjoyed having multiple points of view but the book didn't feel like Ellie's book. Her romance came off as the side romance to Olivia's. 

I had several unanswered questions at the end. 

This book felt more like the intro to a family saga series than a standalone. And perhaps that was the intention. Hook you into each of the characters, then continue reading through the Lime Peak series to get the answers. 

The writing is solid as always. I have read other books by her I've enjoyed more. 

AMAZON 

Ellie Dumont is in love with the wrong man. Logan Labrum is the son of her family’s biggest business rival Joe Labrum. Joe’s made things difficult for the Dumont family for years but that doesn’t stop Logan from turning Ellie’s head. They’ve been dating on the sly for months. As their love deepens, Ellie is torn between family loyalty and the man who stole her heart.
George Dumont wants one thing: to have his family under one roof again. Carol left, taking their son, Levi, a couple years ago. Unsure how to approach a reconciliation with the redhead who lights a fire in his soul, George stumbles forward. 
After a tractor accident cost Olivia Dumont the use of her left hand, she learned to hate doctors and the limitations they laid before her. Which is why she takes an instant dislike to their new renter, Dr. Robert Canton. Robert signed up for the Lime Peak Ranch experience and she’s going to make sure he gets it. Hauling five acres of hay bales in from the field is a good start. But Robert doesn’t complain and he doesn’t tell her she shouldn’t be using her hand or baby her like her family does. But Robert is holding back and Olivia can tell. The closer they get, the bigger the questions become.
Bonnie Ruggles is the heart of Lime Peak Ranch, but her heart isn’t in it anymore. After years of carrying the burden of infertility and mysteries that started long before she married Dallas Ruggles, Bonnie is worn thin. Will their history together be enough of a reason to stick around or will the past be what pushes her off the ranch?

Follow this family full of heart and love and loyalty as they work to navigate the bumpy roads ahead.

Apprentice to the Villain

I loved Assistant to the Villain and the sequel didn't disappoint. 

I wondered how Ms. Maehrer was going to keep Evie and the Villain's growing attraction from overtaking the story and keeping it interesting enough to work in the upcoming third book. She managed it beautifully with the right amount of angst, pull, and some very well timed and well deserved kisses. 

There was so much going on! Obstacles fell like a rainstorm and kept me anxious to see how each character would navigate the mess. 

You need to read book one to appreciate this one. 

I can't wait for the third installment. 

AMAZON

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. —Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs—Kingsley’s included—point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Gallant

This is my first read by V.E. Schwab, and it is excellent. 

She masterfully creates Olivia's world at the school and at Gallant. 

What an exceptional, emotional, page-turning adventure. 

I think what amazed me the most was the whole story was told without Olivia ever uttering a word. Incredible. 

I don't want to spoil the story. Read the book. It is worth your time. 

AMAZON

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from. 

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

Dating the Prince

Ms. Armstrong can be relied upon to serve up a swoon worthy romance. 

Goodness there were so many crazy obstacles thrown between these too, not the least of which was a crown. 

Talk about opposites, but the most important thing they have in common is their good hearts. 

Fun to watch the prince interact with the child and how Libby did everything she could to help her parents. 

In the end these two stick to their values. 

AMAZON

He’s a prince with a PR problem. She’s a free spirit desperate for money. Can a fake engagement solve both their problems?

His Royal Highness Prince Alexander of Durham has a serious PR problem. His cheating celebrity ex-girlfriend destroyed his heart and spread lies about the breakup in the press. With a new crisis manifesting daily, Alex will do anything to get back in his country’s good graces.

Libby needs a new beginning, and Durham seems like the perfect choice. Her ex was a cheater and bankruptcy has brought her parents to the brink of divorce. At least her new job as a nanny will help ease her family’s financial burdens while offering her a fresh start.

When a lucky penny nearly gets Libby arrested, Alex is her unexpected hero—she just doesn’t know he’s also a prince. After their first disastrous date is caught on camera, the public swoons over the possibility of a new relationship. A fake engagement could solve both their problems. Can these two opposites commit to a lie, or will the sparks between them burn down the entire charade?

The Spellshop

Ms. Durst is a genius. 

The twists, turns, and fun never stop in this delightful tale of a people adverse heroine with a sentient spider plant as her sidekick. No Disney princess here. 

I loved how Kiela overcame every obstacle with her brains, determination, and a little dose of magic. Plus, she learns how to get along with people, even trust them, then finally love them. 

Kiela is the type of girl you want as your friend. And of course, I liked the romantic thread as well. 

Definintely a page turner for the romantasy fan. 

AMAZON

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she hasn’t had to.

She and her assistant, Caz, a magically sentient spider plant, have spent the last eleven years sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite. But when a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz save as many books as they can carry and flee to a faraway island Kiela was sure she’d never return to: her childhood home. Kiela hopes to lay low in the overgrown and rundown cottage her late parents left her and figure out a way to survive without drawing the attention of either the empire or the revolutionaries. Much to her dismay, in addition to a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor, she finds the town neglected and in a state of disrepair.

The empire, for all its magic and power, has been neglecting for years the people who depend on magical intervention to maintain healthy livestock and crops. Not only that, but the very magic that should be helping them has been creating destructive storms that have taken a toll on the island. Due to her past role at the library, Kiela feels partially responsible for this, and now she’s determined to find a way to make things right: by opening the island’s first-ever secret spellshop.

Her plan comes with risks—the consequence of sharing magic with commoners is death. And as Kiela comes to make a place for herself among the kind and quirky townspeople of her former home, she realizes that in order to make a life for herself, she must learn to break down the walls she has built up so high.

Like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic, Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop will heal your heart and feed your soul.

Heart of Mine

Ms. Bergman has crafted a royally beautiful romance between this childhood friends-to-lovers pair. 

I thought I would go crazy with the push and pull of these two. They just couldn't get on the same page, with timing, with heart pounding, with kisses. 

And it was great. 

If you like Cinderella type stories, then grab this one. 

AMAZON

We were never supposed to fall in love… but one kiss changed everything.

My best friend is the Crown Prince of Coradova. He’s charming, handsome—and completely off limits.

I know we can never be together.

But with every heated look…

Every tender touch…

I fall deeper for the prince who holds my heart.

Is it possible he feels the same way? Or am I fooling myself into thinking this Cinderella has finally found her Prince Charming?

The Forbidden Groom

Ms. Gay writes a solid sports romance with all the feels. 

There's everything to like about this pair and their strong personalities. As ususal, they have obstacles to overcome, not the least of which are geography, stubborness, and misperceptions of the other person. 

It's a race to the end of the book to see if this pair can work out their issues. 

AMAZON

A female firefighter, a pro-football player, and one lucky catch.

Cole isn't looking for love. In fact, it's forbidden by his agent until a new contract can be negotiated with the Texas Titans. His resolve is tested when Maggie, the spunky caterer, catches him when he falls. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for her.

Maggie, a Park City firefighter, needs a change of scenery. The cold winters and traumatic rescues have stolen her optimism. When she is offered a position in sunny Dallas, Texas, she jumps at it. But after a group of NFL players crash her first event, Maggie's amazing opportunity fizzles. Cole, the handsome football player, has not only ruined her prospects and wounded her pride, he has bewitched her with his good looks and warm demeanor. She may find the true love she has always dreamed of if she can forgive him. Will her pride or his determination win?

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen

This is my first read by Ms. Ernshaw. 

The writing and plot are solid. Plenty of detail and references to The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was why I picked this book up as I'm a fan of the film. 

New worlds to explore. Perils to face. A villain to triumph over. 

All the elements were there, but I wasn't engaged, and the story fell flat. I would surmise this was due to the slow pacing. 

Perhaps one of her other stories would be more to my liking. 

AMAZON

Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they?

Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams-- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare?

ADHD 2.0

Dr. Halowell and Dr. Ratey know what they're talking about in this book about ADHD. 

More importantly, they make it clear what ADHD is and what it's not. How it does have its downsides and is also a superpower once its channeled. And they show you ways to harness this superpower to achieve your potential. 

This factual and accessible explanation of ADHD helped me understand better those around me who manage this challenge and how I can support them. 

It's a short succinct read that cuts through the noise of this misrepresented diagnosis and brings a positive spin to our perception of ADHD. 

A must read for those with ADHD and those who interact with those with it. 

AMAZON

Now, most people have heard of ADHD and know someone who may have it. But lost in the discussion of both childhood and adult diagnosis of ADHD is the potential upside: Many hugely successful entrepreneurs and highly creative people attribute their achievements to ADHD. Also unknown to most are the recent research developments, including innovations that give a clearer understanding of the ADHD brain in action. In ADHD 2.0, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this “variable attention trait,” draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD at any age. They offer an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks for thriving with ADHD, including

• Find the right kind of difficult. Use these behavior assessments to discover the work, activity, or creative outlet best suited to an individual’s unique strengths.
• Reimagine environment. What specific elements to look for—at home, at school, or in the workplace—to enhance the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the ADHD mind.
• Embrace innate neurological tendencies. Take advantage of new findings about the brain’s default mode network and cerebellum, which confer major benefits for people with ADHD.
• Tap into the healing power of connection. Tips for establishing and maintaining positive connection “the other Vitamind C” and the best antidote to the negativity that plagues so many people with ADHD.
• Consider medication. Gets the facts about the underlying chemistry, side effects, and proven benefits of all the pharmaceutical options.

As inspiring as it is practical, ADHD 2.0 will help you tap into the power of this mercurial condition and find the key that unlocks potential.

How to Raise an Adult

Ms. Lythcott-Haims has a lot to say on the subject of parenting. 

And you should be open-minded about her approach, because she gives a lot of good advice. 

While my children are nearly past most of the milestones she speaks to, I still found solid wisdom in her words that were immediately applicable. 

And I was reassured that some of the parenting choices I made were inline with her recommendations, particularly regarding college, and keeping the stress of high school to a minimum. Yes, I've actually told my children to take the B sometimes, because it instantly lowered their stress and often times the release of pressure allowed them to excel. We chose to limit clubs and activities to give our kids downtime, friend time, and family time. Nor did I worry over how other parents would perceive my choices. These are my kids, not theirs. Everyone parents differently. 

Teaching our kids life skills beyond how to get grades to get into college is imperative, and often overlooked by today's parents. 

Ms. L-H puts the bigger picture in perspective while being grounded, and has statistics to back up her recommendations. 

Definitely worth the read, preferably before your kids are in high school. 

AMAZON

In How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims draws on research, on conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers, and on her own insights as a mother and as a student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. While empathizing with the parental hopes and, especially, fears that lead to overhelping, Lythcott-Haims offers practical alternative strategies that underline the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop the resilience, resourcefulness, and inner determination necessary for success.

Relevant to parents of toddlers as well as of twentysomethings-and of special value to parents of teens-this book is a rallying cry for those who wish to ensure that the next generation can take charge of their own lives with competence and confidence.

The Four Agreements

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote The Four Agreements, and a friend shared that I would benefit from reading this book. 

I grabbed an audiobook that turned out to be a summary of the original book and only took an hour to listen to. It hit the main highlights in clear and concise languaget so I could understand the material without doing the deep dive the original goes through. 

The text was all Mr. Ruiz's work, only shortened. 

I found the concept of the four agreements an interesting point of view that crosses cultures and unites all as a global people. The trick is to see how these shape my own world view and if I want to reshape it with Mr. Ruiz's added insight. 

The link below is to the original full-length work. 

AMAZON

In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

The Self-Driven Child

I wish I'd had this book when my children were younger. I would've changed so much of the way I parented. 

But even if your kids are older, there are still plenty of good takeaways you can implement to help them turn into successful, well-adjusted adults. 

If I could only recommend one parenting book, it would be this one. 

AMAZON
A few years ago, Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson started noticing the same problem from different angles: Even high-performing kids were coming to them acutely stressed and lacking motivation. Many complained they had no control over their lives. Some stumbled in high school or hit college and unraveled. Bill is a clinical neuropsychologist who helps kids gripped by anxiety or struggling to learn. Ned is a motivational coach who runs an elite tutoring service. Together they discovered that the best antidote to stress is to give kids more of a sense of control over their lives. But this doesn't mean giving up your authority as a parent. In this groundbreaking book they reveal how you can actively help your child to sculpt a brain that is resilient, and ready to take on new challenges.

The Self-Driven Child offers a combination of cutting-edge brain science, the latest discoveries in behavioral therapy, and case studies drawn from the thousands of kids and teens Bill and Ned have helped over the years to teach you how to set your child on the real road to success. As parents, we can only drive our kids so far. At some point, they will have to take the wheel and map out their own path. But there is a lot you can do before then to help them tackle the road ahead with resilience and imagination.