THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH by Amanda Quick

This is a period piece that takes place the early 1930’s. It is not the best book this author has ever written, but it isn’t bad. On a scale of one to five, I would rate this at three and one-half.

It was slow getting started. I had difficulty keeping my mind in the correct time period. While reading, I would slip into contemporary mode, until some telltale would bring me back to the correct decade.

​Once the story finally gets started it is a maze of crimes, suspects, red herrings, and, of course, risk for the heroine. Hang in there and be prepared to slog through the first few chapters. Once the book takes off, it is fun to watch the characters develop. 

​The romance is understated, there are no bodice ripping sex scenes, which is fine by me. My imagination is excellent, I don’t need a play-by-play of what happens in the bedroom. I recommend this as a lazy afternoon read.

​I borrowed this book from my local public library.

​Four stars for DEVIL IN SPRING by Lisa Kleypas

​A Victorian romance that takes place in England in 1877, this book stands out because of its attention to historical accuracy. The book highlights the progress of this period. Sterile medicine, delicate procedures and surgeries, indoor plumbing, the struggle for women’s independence are all part and parcel of this story. I received a painless education about the time period.

The characters are well defined with strong motivations. Neither the hero nor the heroine are likely to be confused with other romance characters in other stories. The romance itself isn’t especially unique. The couple meet, their relationship is fraught with challenges, they marry, and live happily ever after. What makes this book singularly readable is the author’s pacing and descriptive abilities.

This story has more graphic sex descriptions than are absolutely necessary. I would rate this a five star if not for the overly descriptive bedroom scenes. I borrowed this book from my local library.

This is a book about second chances. We are introduced to people who find, in the coastal town of Miramar Bay, the opportunity to reflect on the past and more forward in new and better directions. The characters are multi-dimensional. They have flaws and weaknesses, but we want to encourage them to seek resolution. But they also have strengths and good intentions. There is conflict, suspense, and sweet romance. Written by a male author, with the main point of view that of a male character, the book presents a delightful contrast to female dominated romance genre.

The plot is somewhat predictable. I was not surprises to learn the identity of the villain, and how and why he was in opposition to the heroine. But the book is not intended to be a mystery. This novel stands alone and has a satisfactory conclusion.
​
This is the first book by Davis Bunn that I have read. It won’t be the last. I borrowed this book from my neighborhood public library.

COME SUNDOWN by Nora Roberts - release date June 6, 2017

COME SUNDOWN is stand-alone offering, not part of a trilogy. In my mind this is a plus. The reader can begin on page one and know that the entire story is complete when reaching THE END.

In traditional Roberts’ fashion, this is a sweeping romance. We follow three couples to happy endings. Suspense and tension are introduced with a kidnap victim held in bondage for a significant length of time. The question is whether this victim will ever be rescued. I will admit to being disturbed by the dark aspects of this plot. But accept the necessity for realism. Roberts is to be congratulated for her accurate portrayal of the sovereign citizen movement.

Further complications occur with a grudge-holding deputy sheriff, and the murders of local women. At no point in the book did I find myself wishing the pace to quicken, nor did it need to be slowed. The book is a compelling page-turner.

With a large cast of characters, Roberts has done a terrific job of clearly defining who is who and where each fit into the saga. The characters are distinct. The individuals each have explicit flaws and virtues, and personal histories.

One of the best features for me is how Roberts handles sex scenes. Too many authors today feel it necessary to give physical blow-by-blow descriptions of what happens in the bedroom. Roberts involves the reader in the emotions of the characters, not the physical aspects of who does what.
​
I can easily give this a five-star review. I received an ARC asking only for an honest review. My review would have been the same had I purchased the book or borrowed it from the public library. This is a book I will read more than once.

I loved this book. I didn't necessarily expect to because it was free, and all too often free books are second rate. Not so with Ticket to Paradise. I would gladly have paid for this book. The writing is professional. The story is engaging. The characters are well defined, with identifiable problems. Even the secondary characters actively contribute to the plot. And the plot is unique. I read hundreds of books, mostly romance, every year, and I've not come across one with this particular plot idea. Yes, there is sex, but based on much of what is out there, the sex scenes in this book are relatively mild. So, if you are looking for hot erotica, this is not the book for you.

After I read this book, I read the negative Amazon reviews to see what peoples' objections were. I was surprised at the reviewers who complained about all the swear words.  The few I found in the book were so mild I couldn't believe the comments. Hell is a word that is found in the Bible, so is damn. Do these reviewers refuse to read the Bible because these words appear. And would the negative reviewers have preferred the word feces to the word shit? If these words offend you you probably shouldn't read my reviews.

Ticket to Paradise is a charming love story with a rating of mild on the chili pepper scale.

I read for entertainment and Montana Cherries kept me entertained and provided education as well.

I loved the second chance love story; the family dynamics, the portrayal and drama when secrets are revealed. The book is an easy read while at the same time challenging the reader to absorb the depth of the different characters. This book can be read on various levels. The choice is the reader's. If one just wants a shallow romance, it can be read at that level. If a reader wants to examine the psyche of complex characters, that option is available.

I was unfamiliar with Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome and found myself prompted to research the topic after finishing this book. Be certain to read the author's notes at the end of the book for in depth sources to provide insight.

I did not know that there are cherry orchards in Montana so I visited the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers' website and found the information provided in Kim Law's book to be an accurate portrayal of the area.

So, I award kudos to Kim Law for taking the time to research and get the details correct. It is always a pleasure to read a book authored by a professional.

​​​While this is the first book in a three book series, Sleepless in Manhattan is a complete stand-alone read. I’m anxiously waiting the next releases, that’s how good this first book is.
 
The plot pursues the attraction between a young woman and her older brother’s best friend who has, of course, sworn to keep his hands off. While not a new plot line, this one is well handled and keeps the pages turning.
 
The characters are well developed and believable. I am completely in love with the H and the h. Additionally, there are her two best friends who will undoubtedly be the heroines of the two subsequent books.
 
And while Manhattan is not my favorite city – yes I have been there – the author makes the social element I find disturbing seem exciting. The Manhattan setting is integral to the story. This story couldn’t have taken place anywhere else.
 
And while not technically a sweet romance – there are sex scenes in the book – the bedroom scenes aren’t insultingly graphic and they aren’t used as filler just to make the book longer. So rather than a red flag, I will wave a yellow. The book is good enough that if you must, you can ship by those few pages.
 
And it has a satisfactory conclusion. 

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge
​by Sheila Roberts

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge is not truly a romance novel. I would more accurately describe it as women’s fiction with romantic elements. It is a sweet read. There are no graphic sex scenes, which is fine by me. Unfortunately, too many authors use graphic sex as filler because it is easier than creating plot points and character development. But that is another whole blog topic.

This is really the story of a group of women who are dissatisfied with their day-to-day existences—justifiably so—who are inspired to make changes which simplify their lives and allow them to focus on what is truly important to each of them as individuals.

The characters are all sympathetic. They are women we would all like to have as friends. We learn enough about each of them to understand their motives, their strengths, and their flaws. Icicle Falls, where the novel is set, is a charming town east of Seattle in the Cascades.

The book concludes satisfactorily with happy endings for all.
​