Meddling with Mistletoe ~ Review

Meddling with Mistletoe

By Liz Johnson 

Whitney Garrett's ideas always seem to go wrong, and this time, it will cost her if she can't find an oven to use. She committed to selling her pies when her oven goes out. It is cold enough to double for a refrigerator. (Okay, that is an exaggeration.) With her landlord gone for several weeks, she is in a pickle or a whole lotta pie. What's a girl to do when saving for culinary school and putting down a sizeable deposit on her booth? Why call on a friend, of course.

Marie Sloan is up to her knees in things that need to be done at the latest an hour ago. When Whitney asks to borrow The Red Door Inn's oven and kitchen, Marie is more than willing to make a trade. Whitney will watch her kids and make breakfast for the Inn's out-of-season guests. Her need for a working oven is so great that Whitney agrees.

Whitney never expected the mess of emotions and clumsiness Aretha Franklin Sloan's nephew Dan would cause her to become. It is not good when she is facing deadlines, but something about Dan discombobulates her. But Whitney is flabbergasted when his Aunt Aretha asks Whitney to help nudge Dan towards a romance with Ruby. How's a girl who has never had a romance of her own supposed to help steer someone else into one?

As time goes on, Whitney wonders if someone else, someone like her, would be a better fit for Dan. But Dan's aunt has decided who Daniel should fall in love with, and it is not Whitney. Whitney and Dan's feelings don't merit consideration. But when Mistletoe's involved all plans are off.

This is a Christmas story about second chances, first loves, and meddling aunts. And in case you are wondering plenty of kissing once the mistletoe is put into play. This book can be read as a standalone title. Reading the author's previous books set in Prince Edward Island at the Red Door Inn are not necessary to read this book. So if you are a fan of Christmas romance this book could be for you. 

I have to admit this book just didn't grab me. I couldn't get invested in the characters. And Aretha really annoyed me with her attempt to control her nephew's life and force a romance. But maybe it's just me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen 

consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

Fun Fact: I Love You ~ Review

Fun Fact: I Think I Love You
By Gina Lynn Larsen

With 10 days left in high school, Nellie Samsin has the next several years of her life planned out. She doesn't have time for romance. Nope it's on the plan but not yet. She wants to get to college and not lose her focus. But life throws her a curve ball and it alters everything, at least for the summer.

Jensen Nichols has been a constant in the Samsin family for years. Friends with Nellie and her father is his writing mentor. And when Nellie's life takes a major hit it affects him too. Together they support one another and discover they could something more. But could a summer romance become a lifetime?

 This is a teen read that offers a sweet romance that is touched by loss. This is a realistic fiction that offers a clean romance for teens. It also deals with death of a loved one and how this touches one's life. 

As someone who lost a parent at a younger age I can say with certainty a book like this would have been helpful to help others understand what my family and I were going through. Death is never easy to deal with but when it comes unexpectedly or with little warning it is all the harder. One is left wanting one more goodbye, a hug, or even an eye-roll.

Overall this was a good read (a little more kissing than I like) and one that I could recommend to teen readers without hesitation.

I was provided a complimentary ARC of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Fun fact: Nellie Samsin has ten days left of high school, and she’s never been kissed—which is fine with her. Being the yearbook editor and valedictorian has taken all her attention. But when she has a chance to kiss her longtime crush, she hopes it will be a magical experience, except it turns out to be super-not-magical, leaving Nellie heartbroken and angry. 

Jensen Nichols has been keeping three massive secrets: first, he’s been writing a best-selling romantasy series under the pseudonym “Jen Dimes”; second, he’s been harboring a secret crush on Nellie for years; and third, Nellie’s dad has been his writing mentor and coach. Then he sees Nellie kissing his best friend, and his unexpected rush of jealousy means that the time for keeping secrets is over. 

When a family tragedy rocks Nellie’s world, and she learns the people she thought she could trust have lied to her, she feels lost and betrayed. At least she has Jensen. But as their relationship grows closer, Nellie suspects Jensen is hiding something from her. (Fun fact: Keeping secrets is the worst.) It seems Nellie and Jensen are perfect for each other, but they will need to separate fact from fiction for their unplanned romance to last beyond graduation day.

A Cameo for a Cowgirl ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

A Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

A Cameo for the Cowgirl
Three Creek Ranch #1
By Carolyn Miller

Cassie James is burning her candle at both ends and in the middle, so when newly hired actor Harrison Woods shows up on the set of As the Heart Draws and makes some complaints, she's less than pleased to meet him.

It sounds like a match made in nowhere, right? But 

Cassie's first impression of Harrison as a spoiled, ego-driven star isn't quite right. And his impression of her being a cowgirl wannabe is so far from the truth that these two need to have a do-over and start fresh. But it is not as easy to do in real life as it is in front of a camera.

The longer Cassie is around Harrison, the grumpier she gets; she just can't understand her feelings. But those on the outside of the drama have a sneaking suspicion. But the biggest drawback to Harrison, in Cassie's opinion, is his lack of faith. Now, Harrison isn't completely in the dark about God, but he doesn't need a God who is anything like his father. No thank, no how, no way, count him out. 

As the quiet, simple setting of the period drama works on him, Harrison begins to think about things in a different way. Some of the people he meets at Three Creek Ranch and on the set of As the Heart Draws have a powerful effect on him, including a grumpy cowgirl. 

It is interesting to get into Cassie's mind and see all she is feeling and her confusion about her own attitude. I was glad Harrison's internal debates counterbalanced it. It made the story more compelling to see where each was coming from in the course of their verbal exchanges; not all were argumentative. Both seem eager to prove themselves in what they are doing, seeking worth in their deeds and accomplishments. Overall, this was a good read, and I enjoyed getting to know the James family more. (Read Fire and Ice for their intro.)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: A Cameo for the Cowgirl
Series: Three Creek Ranch #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Comedy

Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set. 

Franklin James might be a famous pro hockey player, but just because he's Cassie's older brother doesn't mean she wants to step into the limelight. She's too busy helping her dad run the ranch and managing the ranch's movie set, and negotiating with the giant egos of movie stars like Harrison Woods, who's supposed to be filming the new TV series of As The Heart Draws. And while his TV hero characters might be hugely popular, Harrison's real character seems anything but noble. Cassie is convinced he's hiding something, and that this diva's nice guy moments are just an act. 

Can she remind him what being a true hero is all about?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Carolyn Miller is a bestselling Australian author of historical and contemporary romance. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include the Regency Brides and the Regency Wallflowers series. Her contemporary novels include the Original Six and Northwest Ice hockey romance series, the Muskoka Shores romance series, and those in the Independence Islands series. Her stories have been described by Publishers Weekly as "a winsome exploration of life, love and faith" and witty "with snappy repartee that rockets off the page" (Library Journal). Readers enjoy these books that are humorous yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges. Her novels can be considered 'inspirational', and may appeal to readers of Christian fiction, who want stories of hope and redemption - with a twist of Aussie humour.

Connect with Carolyn at carolynmillerauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win 

a print book (US only) 

or ebook (where available) 

copy of A Cameo for the Cowgirl 

plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 12, 2024, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 19, 2024. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the giveaway's close 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

The giveaway is US only for print. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Just Gus ~ Review

Just Gus

By McCall Hoyle

Gus is a working dog tasked with guarding sheep and chickens. And Gus is good at what he does, keeping the wild prey away. Until Gus comes up against a dangerous foe who injures him badly. Gus needs to rest someplace while he heals. But for a working dog, Gus is driven to do his job, so he needs to be away from his sheep and his need to guard. 

Gus's connection with Diego proves to be a blessing. Diego struggles with worry and fear, but his connection with Gus helps him cope. But can a dog use to open outdoor spaces be content living in a house in a neighborhood?

Just Gus is an excellent book for middle-grade readers. The book is presented through Gus's point of view. We experience Gus's fear and frustration as he faces the unknown when his very identity is challenged.  What determines a person's (or dog's) worth? And how do we handle our fears and worries when they overwhelm us? 

This is a story with heart and is perfect for any young reader who loves animals, especially dogs. I love how it shows Gus's transition from a guardian of livestock to an emotional support dog. I also liked how Diego changes when he has Gus at his side. I have no qualms about recommending this book to middle-grade readers. This book both informs and entertains while exploring this timely topic.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A boy and his dog learn that they are better together.

Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job—protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he’s very good at it.

One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy’s constant worry.

When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn’t risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast.

Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don’t appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner—the junkyard man with the heavy boots.

Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can’t learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can’t protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world.

Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.