Hohenstein

Hohenstein is my first read by Didi Lawson and appears to be her debut novel.

She has set the bar high with this period love story of an aristocrat woman who wishes to throw off the bindings of her class and marry below her so she can have more freedom. Interesting scenario. Further complicated by the aristocrat she's attracted to and the middle class doctor she forms a friendship with. But the overriding difficulty of the tale is her determination to save her ancestral home without being able to access her inheiritance.

To be honest, I couldn't pinpoint the exact time period of the story. There were hints with the mention of certain European cars, but not being versed in that area I couldn't say. I set the story in my imaginiation in the early 1900's, pre WWI.

The characters have depth and strong emotional arcs. The story is well crafted and well told, and obviously well researched. Pacing is consistent. Wonderful side characters.

If a period romance of the sweet, clean, and wholesome variety is what you're after, then you've found the right book.

I look forward to reading more of Ms. Lawson's novels and hope she won't take too long to delight her new fans with the next one.

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Anything but a typical aristocrat, young Baroness Marie-Louise is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get to work, especially when it comes to saving her ancestral estate. Determined to shake loose the shackles of propriety and gain the warm family life her upbringing denied her, she has vowed to marry a man of lower rank. Blue-bloods need not apply.

But when she is forced to turn to a childhood friend for assistance, the handsome, debonair count may prove a temptation impossible to resist. Marie-Louise soon finds herself caught between the comfort of a middle-class doctor and the passion of a nobleman, with the future of her childhood home at stake.

Mix 'N Match

Mix 'N Match is the next novel in Lindzee Armstrong's collection of "Match" books and it doesn't disappoint!

I've grown used to the high level of sweet/clean/wholesome romance Ms. Armstrong dishes out and Mix 'N Match meets the bar.

Zoey and Mitch are so opposite,but as they run a crazy gauntlet of circumstances, in the name of friendship, what once drove them apart seems to be the same attributes that bring them together. This story is all about loving a person for who they are and not trying to change them into a version of themselves you think you'd prefer. A good lesson for all.

I loved their chemistry, the locations (who doesn't love Disneyland and Paris?), and more importantly their self introspection. Being honest with oneself is a hard lesson. Zoey and Mitch will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting all the way to the end for them.

Be sure and grab all her books for a binge read!

Amazon

Fire and ice aren't meant to mix. For Zoey Carlson, being maid of honor is more than she bargained for. The groom is a billionaire, the bride is hounded by the press, and the super-secret wedding is across the ocean in France. Zoey will do anything to keep away the media—even spend two weeks wedding planning in Paris with Mitch, the uptight best man who drives her crazy. For Mitch, keeping the press away is about more than making sure his best friend has a perfect wedding—it’s his job. And as far as he’s concerned, chaotic and spontaneous Zoey is an attractive liability. When a reporter follows them to France, Zoey and Mitch must work together to make their best friends’ wedding day paparazzi-free while fighting their growing attraction to each other. Can these two opposites admit they're not so different and build a life together?

The Inventor's Secret

I was first introduced to Mr. Morris's writing when I read the third book in this wonderful trilogy. Naturally, I wanted to go back to the beginning to see where and how this marvelous tale started and get to know the characters from the start.

I adore Abby. So many of us are Abbys in a sea of Dericks and Jacquelines. We all feel left out, not good enough, not smart enough, not fast enough, etc. But, as Abby's grandfather (another adorable character) points out, Abby has heart and that often proves more valuable than genius and many other desirable qualities found in the student body at Cragbridge Hall. Her character arc is the greatest.

The adventure/mystery is quite thrilling. Set in the future, it's reminiscent of X-men to me. The Bridge, the avatars, The Chair, all help to create a different reality. There is inventive technology, secrets, and the importance of going through trials on behalf of the ones we love. There are excellent lessons here for children, tweens, teens, and adults. Don't miss them or the excellent retelling of history and portrayal of historical figures.

In fact, I have my own children reading them. Hopefully the lessons sink in along with the adventure. They are tearing through them at rapid speed and thankfully I have all three books at the ready. They can't put them down!

Some violence and use of guns for the parents out there. Nothing they haven't seen in a live action Disney film or Star Wars.

On to the next one!

Amazon

Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed. Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same. This book is a page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing your history.

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things

This book is the first in the Wedding Planner Mystery Series by Rachelle Christensen.

Overall, I liked the book. Adri, Lorea, Luke, and all the cast are well designed, well crafted, and well executed. Sylvia is a pill and a half, intentionally so. Love characters like that.

Everyone loves a wedding planner, so that aspect brings lots of fun to this suspense. I appreciated the inclusion of the DIY crafts, though I would never attempt them as I'm not a crafty girl.

My only wish was that Adri had figured out who was behind what before I did.

Looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how things turn out.

Amazon

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. Adri must race to uncover the secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim. 
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things will keep you turning pages long into the night. 

On the Corner of Heartache & Love Cover Reveal!

On the Corner of Heartache & Love

Cover Reveal!

Coming September 2016!

About the Book

After three years, Maren Summers is elated to finally have her dream wedding to her dream man, Kevin Bryant. In her sights is the promotion to Weddings she’s worked so hard for at the newspaper. Happily ever after is within her grasp…

Until Kevin jilts her at the altar, elopes with another woman, and becomes her boss. Devastated by the twisted turn of events Maren moves in with her best friend and notices the not-so-homeless guy on the corner, Zane Whitfield. As his heart-wrenching tale unfolds—his vow to wait a year on the corner for his lost love—Maren sees his compassionate human-interest story as her ticket away from 

Kevin, weddings, and her heartache.

But as the New Year approaches, is Maren headed for heartache again when Zane's lost love returns or has time changed more than one heart?

About the Author

Lisa Swinton caught the romance buy early by way of fairy tales and hasn’t been able to cure it yet. She feeds her addiction with romance novels, films, and chocolate. A doctor’s wife and busy mom of two, she enjoys putting her musical theater degree to use at church and in community theater. She enjoys researching her family tree, painting her house, and baking. She loves to travel and all things Jane Austen. In her next life she’d like to be a professional organizer.

You can visit her at:

http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSwinton

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HXNXDCO

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7796962.Lisa_Swinton

Cupcakes & Cowboys

With a novella format the romance must move at a faster pace while maintaining believability.

Well done, Ms. Armstrong!

The characters are fully developed, the conflicts and stakes set, and the emotions come pouring off the page. I rooted for both MC's from page one and enjoyed reading the story from both their perspectives. A delightful sweet and clean romance. 

One on page villain, one off page. A loving family. Great scenery. Makes me want to learn to ride a horse and go visit Oklahoma.

Cowboy hat off to Ms. Armstrong. And now I need a cupcake!

The first link is for the available anthology including this tale.
Amazon

The second link is to preorder the novella as a standalone book.
Amazon

Lights, Cowboy, Action by Cindi Madsen: Kaia Bardot is determined to move out from under her famous father’s shadow and prove she deserves her own director title, but when her lead actor needs cowboy lessons, she hires the cowboy who owns the ranch to help. Grady Langston wants nothing to do with the movie, but despite being opposites, there’s definitely a spark between him and Kaia. But how do a Hollywood director and small town cowboy manage a real life happy ending? 

Southern Kicks by Cassie Mae: Daisha’s determined to be the good country wife after a sudden passing of her father-in-law leaves her with a ranch to manage with her husband. Every day Austin’s worried he’s letting his wife down by taking her away from all the things she’s loved. When nothing on the new ranch goes quite right, the newly married couple struggles to remember all that they’ve promised each other. But with the help of a temperamental horse, fabulous shoes, and a pile of manure… anything’s possible. 

Holden's Heart by Kelli Ann Morgan: Olivia Blake arrives at Silver Springs ready to escape a failed relationship and an unwanted admirer, so when an innocent kiss puts those around her in jeopardy, she must decide what’s more dangerous--face the threat alone or take another chance on love. Kane doesn’t want to see his homestead turned into a retreat destination for romance reading fangirls, so he devises a plan to get rid of the city-slicking novelist coming to tour, but after one glimpse at love’s possibilities, he must decide if his pride is worth losing the woman who’s opened his heart. 

Ranch Hand for Auction by Kimberly Krey: Meg has left her Montana home, earned her bachelor’s degree, and lived out her dream of selling her art. But now her life is in limbo. Stay in Colorado with a man who won’t commit, or call it quits and move back to her home state. Her answer comes in the form of Jake Billings, a woman-courting, dimple-sporting cowboy her father bids on at the county fair. The auctioned ranch hand is meant to help Meg process grapes on her father’s land, but along the way he steals her heart. Can Meg trust this sudden shift in direction, or will she be drawn back to the man she left behind? 

Cupcakes and Cowboys by Lindzee Armstrong: Cassidy wants two things—to make her cupcake shop a success, and to forget that her fiancé who traded her for the lights of Hollywood. When Jase—best friend of her ex and A-list actor—shows up at the ranch to research an upcoming role, forgetting is the last thing she can do. Can Jase convince her he’s really a country boy at heart? 

Chasing Kisses by Jolene Betty Perry: With graduate school starting in the fall, Chelsea Noble is finally spending some much needed relaxing time on her dad’s ranch. She can’t wait to see her good friend, Bradley, and maybe finally get a shot at his older brother, Clayton. But when Clayton isn’t quite as great as she remembered, and Bradley’s more grown up than she realized…Chelsea’s relaxing summer is suddenly much more interesting than she bargained for. 

Sixth Street Love Affair by Liz Isaacson: After losing his wife a few years back, Garth Ahlstrom thinks he's ready for a second chance at love. But Juliette Thompson has a secret that could destroy their budding relationship. Can they find the strength, patience, and faith to make things work? 

Chronicles of the Half-Emrys Book #3 Master of Time

This is the perfect ending to the excellent high fantasy trilogy by Lisa Rector.

She knows her world, her characters, their motivations, and how to deliver description and emotion to a masterful degree. I cannot give enough high praise for this set of books.

The characters flaws and hearts are revealed layer by layer drawing you to them and through the storyline. I equally rooted for Meuric and Catrin. Not to mention how much I wanted them to be together by the end!

Look for fun side characters and humorous moments to break up the tension.

All loose ends are tied in a pleasing way. No spoilers here.

I loathe when authors don't take the time to wrap up properly! It makes me want to throw the book at the wall!

At the conclusion of this novel, I wanted to start the series over again!

Amazon

Time is only one enemy. 

A malicious shadow trails Catrin and Meuric after they find themselves shoved backwards through time. As a wielder of darkness, only Meuric knows the enormity of the evil that wants to claim Catrin, a pure Daughter of Light. Though they are two immortal enemies thrown together, Meuric and Catrin band together, searching for the way home. 

As time forces Meuric to relive a tortured past and face his fears, Catrin’s health rapidly declines from a prior injury. Meuric confronts reality—his long-ignored light could save her but using it will diminish his dark power, hindering his ability to pass through the ether to their own time. Returning home has just become the least of his problems . . . if there’s a way home at all. 

Master of Time, a paranormal romantic fantasy, is the third book in the Chronicles of the Half-Emrys. This novel is best enjoyed after reading the second book because it picks up with Meuric's story-line, right before the final conflict in book two, The Two Masters.