Book Review: "The Inn at Rose Harbor" By Debbie Macomber

Book Description:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes a heartwarming new series based in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove, where a charming cast of characters finds love, forgiveness, and renewal behind the doors of the cozy Rose Harbor Inn. — — Jo Marie Barlow first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast?the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn?ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine.

Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua?s high school days proves to him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it?s least expected.

The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother?s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn?t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

A touching novel of life?s grand possibilities and the heart?s ability to heal, The Inn at Rose Harbor is a welcome introduction to an unforgettable set of friends.

My thoughts:

I almost stopped reading after two chapters.  It was very 'paranormal' for me - I had to relook at the cover because it sure didn't sound like a Debbie Macomber.

Then starting with Chapter 3 it seemed more like a Debbie Macomber book.  She did reintroduce a couple of Cedar Cove characters that I loved!!!

But.... half way to two-thirds the way through the book, it happened again with another character - the paranormal thing....UGH!  But by then I was already invested in the book.  

I did like the rest of the book.  But was very disappointed in the way this one took to the paranormal. 









Will I read the next one?  Yes.  I will give her one more chance. =) 

Happy Reading!

 ... more »

Book Review: "Sealed WIth A Kiss" by Carly Phillips

Book Description:

On the outside, Molly Gifford has it all -- a hot legal career and Daniel Hunter, her equally hot boyfriend.  But what she really wants is a family.  So when she discovers her real father, she doesn't hesitate to pack her bags.  Even though it means leaving her old life behind.... — A year later Daniel Hunter's still trying to get on with his life.  Then Molly shows up at his door, begging for help.  Her newfound father is under arrest for murder, and she's convinced Hunter is the only attorney with the skill and reputation to get him off.

Hunter can't resist helping an innocent man.  But this time he'll be the one walking away -- even if it breaks both their hearts to do it....

My thoughts:

This was the second (and the last that I know of ha ha) in the "Ty/Hunter" series.  This one focuses on Daniel and Molly.  Ty and Lacey are still a part of the book, so don't fret. =)

In the previous book, Cross My Heart   (click to see review) - you met Daniel and got a little bit of his history.  Molly was also a part of the book, but you see her as a main character along with David in this book.  

The chemistry with Daniel and Molly was undeniable.  Watching (well reading) them break down their own personal barriers kept me from putting the book down.  Without giving spoilers - loved the family dynamics for Molly and liked how Daniel became a part of it through his job helping Molly.

I was sad to see the series end, but I know not all series have to be LONG!  =)

Happy Reading!

Picking Your Next Book

How do you pick your next book?

I was pondering this before starting "Cross Your Heart" by Carly Phillips.  I really wanted to pick a stand alone book and realized I don't have a lot of them on my TBR.  I have a LOT of series.  As you can see, I started yet another series, but I am ok with that because it is only a two book series.  =)  See my rationale?  ha ha

Seriously - when you pick out a series - do you read until you are 'up to date' or done with the series?  I have to say I do both.  With this series I am reading now, I am reading it back to back, but with other series - I read when the mood strikes. 

I love the "Virgin River" series but I can't see myself reading ALL those back to back to catch up. 

I think I am just all over the place with this one.  Am I the only one?

Book Review: "Cross My Heart" by Carly Phillips

Book Description:

Lacey Kincaid is a classic New York success story. As the owner of Odd Jobs, she's gone from rags to riches?sort of. Because Lacey's harboring a secret -- she was born Lillian Dumont, and spent her childhood with a silver spoon in her mouth, until the deaths of her wealthy parents and the evil schemes of an abusive uncle forced her to take drast... more »ic measures. She'd never planned to return to her former life or her abandoned identity -- but when her childhood sweetheart, Ty, resurfaces and urges her to claim her rightful inheritance, she decides that maybe being the Dumont heiress wouldn't be so bad. Lacey's uncle doesn't see it that way, though -- and he's willing to do anything to stop her.

Now, it's up to Ty to protect Lacey before that silver spoon becomes a silver bullet. But if they live through this, the future's looking bright for this downtown guy and his brand-new uptown girl!

This is book one of a 2 part series revolving Ty, Hunder, and Lacey/Lilly.  These three grew up together and share a secret.  The secret is forced out by Lilly/Lacey's uncle trying to get her trust fund.

Ok that sounds like a cheesy beginning, but let me assure you - it is anything but cheesy.  You get thrown into the story right away and you never look back.  The stories with the three now-adults kept you interested in what is happening next.  So enjoyable.  It is one of those - hard to put down books.


It has been awhile since I have read Carly Phillips - once I read this book - I wonder to myself "Why?" 

Book Review: "Better Than Chocolate" by Sheila Roberts

Book Description:

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank -- and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha... more », the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?

After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly….

Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.

My thoughts:

This is the first in the "Icicle Falls" series.  Wow!  What a great book!!!  I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author.  This one didn't disappoint.  The family dynamics were great in this book.  I loved how the family pulls together to save the family business. 

The writing of the book is great.  I love to feel a part of the story as a reader and this book did it for me.

There are recipes also included in the book.  YUM!  It made me hungry for chocolate no matter what time of day I read the book.

Haven't heard of Sheila Roberts?  She writes on the same lines as Susan Mallery, Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, etc.  Give it a try.  You won't be disappointed.

I can't wait for the next one in the series!

Happy Reading!