New Releases

Review: Safe with Me by Amy Hatvany

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20131209-100752.jpgA parent’s worst nightmare must surely be the death of a child. It disrupts the natural order of things. Children are supposed to outlive their parents. There’s nothing that can be done to prepare for such a loss. And when the death is sudden and unexpected it must be that much more difficult.

Hannah Scott is a successful business woman who is also a single mom by choice. The owner of a thriving salon, she made the decision to conceive daughter Emily through artificial insemination. Emily is the center of Hannah’s very happy and full world. Olivia Bell is also a mother, but her life is not as pleasant. Daughter Maddie has been in and out of the hospital since she was a toddler and will die without a liver transplant. Olivia also has problems in the form of an abusive, domineering husband. These two women couldn’t lead more different lives. However, their worlds collide when Emily’s life is tragically cut short and Hannah must make the difficult decision to allow her organs to be donated. What follows is a story of so many things-grief, illness, friendship, domestic issues.

This was my first Amy Hatvany book but it definitely won’t be my last. She writes with such emotion that it’s impossible to not be drawn deeply into the story immediately. Reminiscent of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah, her writing is true to life and entirely believable. This book tackles real-life topics without being preachy or presenting an overly optimistic “happy ending” for all and reads true to life. A warning for those of you who get emotional when you’re reading: this one may require Kleenex. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

~Thalia

Buy it Now: Safe with Me: A Novel

Review: Dating, Dining and Desperation (a Dear Daphne novel) by Melody Carlson

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20140301-231459.jpg Newly released book two in a series, Carlson’s Dear Daphne novel is just as fun as book one. Dating, Dining and Desperation is exceptionally written with heartwarming characters, flawless dialogue, and a thread of faith in God.

In this installment, Daphne tries her hand at dating a few men one after the other. Her dating capers felt real — and I sympathized with Daphne having to endure some of those guys! When she finally re-focuses, an old friend takes notice and opens up about his feelings for her. Before he does, Daphne rounds out her life by spending time with her neighbors, befriending a neglected little girl, and trying to finish her novel.

I am charmed and completely won over by Daphne. She is good-hearted, keeps mostly to herself, is willing to step out of her comfort zone (with a nudge), and can be a little bit goofy. Her faith in letting The Lord sort out her life is exemplary, and she sticks to her values no matter what is going on around her. But Daphne is no goody two shoes. Carlson shows us what’s in Daphne’s head: insecurities, jealousy, complaining, hopelessness, uncertainty. And while we the readers hear Daphne’s inner sighs and see her eye-rolls, she makes sure she puts her best and most Godly step forward whenever possible.

Carlson says book 3 will be out soon. I’ve already googled (in futility) looking for a release date. I’m going to have to practice some patience while I await Home, Heart and Holidays, as well as the fourth and final book.

–Calliope

Buy Dating, Dining and Desperation

Review (Take 2): Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis

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20140225-151742.jpg Fly me to Lucky Harbor, home of strong women with loyal friendships, gossipy old Lucille, and quiet alpha men! This installment finds troubled Aubrey making amends to the people she’s wronged, and strong silent Ben finally ready to fall in love again.

I always enjoy Shalvis’ romantic tales. But I also appreciate Aubrey’s friendship with the women who own shops adjoining hers. How fun to be a fly on the wall while the girls eat cupcakes and dish about their lives!

I also enjoy the recurring character Lucille. She’s one of the threads that gives the Lucky Harbor series continuity, and her gossip is good-hearted and harmless.

Shalvis focused a bit on children’s welfare in this novel, and she did it realistically. Shalvis shows the difference between men who shirk their parental duties (sometimes unknowingly), and men who are nurturing and raise their children well.

Lucky Harbor is a must-read for me. I’m invested in the characters, the shops, the relationships and the romances. Thanks, Miss Jill, for yet another happily ever after.

–Calliope

Just Released!
Buy Once in a Lifetime

Review: Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick

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20140112-094215.jpgThe cover got me. As soon as I saw this sad yet beautiful illustration I needed to know more. Described as a “gripping yet poignant novel about a boy and his dog trapped in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina”, I was immediately intrigued.

Twelve-year-old Zane has been sent to visit his newly discovered great-grandmother in New Orleans. Not a fan of the city he calls “Smellyville”, he nevertheless begins to enjoy the time spent getting to know his long-lost relative. As luck would have it, however, his visit coincides with one of the worst natural disasters in history. After the levees fail, he and his grandmother attempt to leave the city. Zane gets separated from his grandmother and is rescued by a kindly musician and his young charge. Along the way, they encounter much of the horror and lawlessness that pervaded the city during this time. As a young man of mixed race, Zane’s eyes are opened to many societal and racial issues he’s never seen in his home state of New Hampshire.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. Realistic fiction is always a favorite of mine if it’s packed full of historical facts, and this books fits that description. Although Zane is a fictional character, much of his experiences are based on factual information gathered by the author and others. The book explores the issues of economic and racial disparities without being preachy. There’s no question that people are often treated differently because they’re poor or black. Mr. Philbrick did an excellent job of researching facts and conditions of that horrible time in America’s recent history. As a Newbery Honor author, he knows how to speak to his audience of young readers. Although this book’s intended audience is listed as 10 to 14 years, don’t let that dissuade you from reading it.

~Thalia

Buy it Now: Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina

Review and Blog Tour: Midsummer Sweetheart by Katy Regnery

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My review: Aah the romance of Montana summers. This was such a satisfying read. Katrin and Erik complemented each other perfectly: he being exaggerated in size and power, but gentle in spirit; and she being small in stature but powerful in her convictions.

My favorite parts of the novel were Katrin and Erik’s dates. Full of banter and flirtation, lots of conversation, and swoony hand-holding, the picnics and walks and drives felt so real to me.

I’ll be honest, the beginning of the book was awkward. The dialogue was forced, the writing was repetitive, and I felt like I was reading a soap opera.

Then at about chapter 5, the writing tightened up and Regnery found a groove. I was pulled in emotionally and intellectually. I was IN Montana. The suspense was awesome, and the love story had me sighing dreamily.

Though Regnery might have had difficulty with the beginning of Midsummer Sweetheart, she sure has a wonderful way with endings. This happily ever after was sweet, and perfect.

As a language lover, I REALLY had fun reading (ok and trying to pronounce!) the Swedish and Norwegian endearments. Thank you, Miss Katy!

This review was posted on Amazon and goodreads on 22 February.

-Calliope

Buy Midsummer Sweetheart



BLURB:

During the annual Montana festival of Midsommardagen, a law enforcement official must protect a beautiful nurse from her past, thereby breaking his own vow to never risk his heart.
SYNOPSIS:
Erik Lindstrom never had much faith in love. He saw his parents’ marriage collapse and vowed to avoid the same anguish himself. His fiercely protective nature drew him to a career in law enforcement, where he’s managed to keep himself and his heart safe…until now.
Katrin Svenson is in danger. After leaving her home in secret, her only hope for safety seems to lie in the hands of a man who has steeled himself against her deep blue eyes and sunny smile. But sparks fly between the nurse and her handsome protector, and those sparks become fire as Katrin melts the ice surrounding Erik’s heart. That fire will ward off the dark force determined to keep their sweet midsummer nights from being an impossibly perfect forever.


Author Bio:
Katy is a 2013 NECRWA First Kiss and 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations contest finalist who
has always loved telling a good story and credits her mother with making funny, heartwarming tales come alive throughout her childhood. A lifelong devotee of all Romance writing, from Edwardian to present-day, it was just a matter of time before Katy tried her hand at writing a love story of her own. Katy lives in the relative-wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories of all can often be the messy or unexpected ones. Katy has a Paranormal alter-ego: KP Kelley – https://twitter.com/KPKelleyAuthor
Her
Paranormal It’s You is
scheduled for a Winter 2014 release. 
Goodreads:

Katy Regnery – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211470.Katy_Regnery
By Proxy – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18299829-by-proxy?ac=1
Midsummer Sweetheart – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613919-midsummer-sweetheart?ac=1

Purchasing Links ==> will be provided when they become available.




Midsummer Sweetheart Blog Tour
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Review: Killer (Alex Delaware #29) by Jonathan Kellerman

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killerI have long been a fan of Jonathan Kellerman. There was a time where thrillers/mysteries such as Kellerman’s were all that I bothered to read. Kellerman was always a “must-read” author for me during this dozen or more years of my life. The Delaware series has always been enjoyable for me, but after reading so many of them my passion somewhat slacked off a bit and I wasn’t in a huge rush to give up other reads to continue on with the series….as many can relate to, reading time is often a very precious thing. One can never seem to find enough time to read all of the books we so desire….

So, basically it’s been a few years since I’ve picked up a Alex Delaware novel. I must admit, I enjoyed this one much more than I have the last few I read. There was less focus on Delaware’s lady-love.

There were some faults here, I thought….the rapport between Delaware and his mate Milo didn’t seem to be as close as it has been in the past….It almost felt like Delaware was resentful of Milo….too many comments about his overeating and being out of shape….In the past maybe this didn’t bother me…but something about it this time just made me feel like Delaware was looking down upon Milo for these things….that he was a bit resentful and perhaps a bit disapproving of him. The warmth between the two friends just didn’t seem to be there…

Much like real life, I suppose, once the mystery was figured out, it all wrapped up rather quickly….

I am much more likely to hurry and pick up the next installment of this series because I really enjoyed this novel, despite the few flaws I felt it held….

I’m not sure what has happened…perhaps Kellerman is just a bit tired of Delaware…but the character really seemed to lack the warmth and openness of the past….Delaware seemed to want to explore some of his feelings and perhaps some actions, but at the end just didn’t seem like he could be bothered with it all and just let it go….

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review….

Until next time….

Urania xx

Buy it now Killer (Alex Delaware #29)

Preview: Take a Chance, by Abbi Glines

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4 Can I tell you how excited I am for this month’s release of Abbi Glines’ newest book Take a Chance?? Well, I am super excited!!! I have read every single book she has written and I love her to death. I even got to meet her in October, with Colleen Hoover and Jamie McGuire. She has the best accent EVER!! And I’m super excited to be getting the chance to see her again this coming October again!! I’m sorry I keep yelling, I’m just so excited!!!

Anyways, her newest book will be released on the 25th of this month and I personally have been waiting for Grant’s book for forever. I loved him from the moment Blaire pulls a gun on him, in Fallen Too Far. 🙂 Here is the blurb:

When Harlow Manning’s rocker father goes on tour, he sends her to Rosemary Beach, Florida, to live with her half-sister, Nan. The problem: Nan despises her. Harlow has to keep her head down if she wants to get through the next nine months, which seems easy enough. Until gorgeous Grant Carter walks out of Nan’s room in nothing but his boxer briefs.

Grant made a huge mistake getting involved with a girl with venom in her veins. He’d known about Nan’s reputation, but still he couldn’t resist her. Nothing makes him regret the fling more than meeting Harlow, who sends his pulse racing. Yet Harlow wants nothing to do with a guy who could fall for her wicked half-sister, even if there are no strings between Grant and Nan. Grant is desperate to redeem himself in Harlow’s eyes, but did he ruin his chances before he even met her?

Super excited!!!

Make sure you preorder, for Amazon Take a Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series)

For B&N Take a Chance

~Melpomene

Review: R is for Rebel by Megan Mulry

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20140206-215420.jpg Wow! Sexy, royal fun is the name of the game for Abigail and Eliot. The romance goes beyond boy meets girl… The man is so in love he will stop at nothing to be with his woman. It’s a little unrealistic, a little over the top, but I like that in a romance novel. Mulry writes expensive lingerie, fancy parties, executive level jobs, and private jets. The families are intense, the relationships are passionate, and the celebrations are fantastical whirlwinds. It all makes for a riveting read.

–Calliope

Buy R Is for Rebel: …and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love… (Unruly Royals)

Review: The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley

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20140131-203205.jpgFor a self-proclaimed bookworm such as myself, there is no greater joy than finding a story that pulls you in from the first page. It calls to you late at night when you know you should be sleeping. You find yourself rushing through the pages to find out what happens while at the same time slowing down the pace because you don’t want it to end. This new release by Carla Buckley was that and so much more for me.

Fourteen-year-old Tyler is living with a rare medical condition. He’s confined to his house during daylight hours as exposure to UV light can be deadly. Of course, his serious illness wreaks havoc on the family dynamics. Mom Eve is his protector. Her life revolves around keeping Tyler safe. Monitoring the household UV levels, petitioning the neighbors to keep them from using halogen light bulbs, planning nighttime family excursions…she does it all, often at the expense of the rest of the family. Dad David commutes to work in part to support the family but also to avoid the stress and responsibility at home. Sixteen year old sister Melissa is dealing with normal teenage drama along with feelings of being neglected. Tyler’s only contact with the outside world happens after the sun goes down. During the night he secretly explores his neighborhood, gaining glimpses into his neighbors’ lives unseen by others. He realizes that we don’t truly know what goes on behind closed doors. When tragedy strikes the neighborhood in the form of a missing child, there’s no shortage of suspects.

This is a deeply disturbing book on many levels. There’s so much going on in this family, but it never detracts from the main story. It makes you question your values and ask yourself exactly how far you would go to protect those you love. This was my first book by Carla Buckley, and I absolutely loved it. Her writing style reminds me very much of Jodi Picoult, which is a high compliment. She’s a relative newcomer on the literary scene with three published books to her name. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

~ Thalia

Buy it Now: The Deepest Secret: A Novel

Review: At the River’s Edge by Mariah Stewart

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20140128-102744.jpg I’ve got to stop reading new books in a series when I haven’t read the previous books in that series. I’m just so confused by the number of characters and I can’t keep the relationships straight! At the River’s Edge is the seventh book in the Chesapeake Diaries series. It’s a fun read, but I would’ve enjoyed the subplots more had I been familiar with all the secondary characters.

The main plot is terrific! Sophie leaves her old life in Ohio, moves south, joins the family law firm, and buys an old restaurant. In the process she meets handsome Jason, a new local landscaper who has become close friends with Sophie’s grandfather.

I had fun reading about the challenges of Sophie’s and Jason’s respective businesses, the small-town friendships they forged, and the community spirit they made themselves part of. Their romance seemed secondary to their positions in the community, but that was okay. I love a good, sweet, hometown story, and the Sophie-Jason romance was icing on the cake.

Because I like an easy read, I enjoyed the positive, predictable plot direction. Sophie and Jason practicing forgiveness and humility (after their selfishness got in the way) brought a tear to my eye. The happy ending… Well… *sigh* … I love a happy ending.

-Calliope

Buy At the River’s Edge