I love Debbie Macomber’s holiday books and have watched all the Hallmark movies as well, so I was excited to get my hands on Starry Night. This novel is a departure from her previous holiday reads as we don’t have meddling matchmakers. Starry Night is a straight up clean contemporary. While I missed the magic of her previous novels this was a fresh, clean, inspiring romance. Mini review: sweet, second-chance romance, heart-warming.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown
Early this year I read and enjoyed the first book in the Cowboys & Bride series, Billion Dollar Cowboy, by Carolyn Brown. I was excited to see the release of The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby. This time she brings us a yummy rancher who has just finished a tour in Kuwait, and the sassy woman he has been chatting with for the last eleven months. Filled with memorable characters, a friendship to lover’s romance and the joy of the season. Mini review: sweet, humorous and romantic.
Somewhere to Dream by Genevieve Graham
Last year I read and enjoyed Sound of Heart book two in Genevieve Graham’s MacDonnells series and truly enjoyed the tale. In Somewhere to Dream we meet Adelaide, a young white woman adopted by the Cherokee Indians and named Shadow Girl. Mini review: authentic, heart-warming and powerful.
Tempting Bella by Diana Quincy
I love arranged marriage tropes and Diana Quincy offered up a most unusual one in Tempting Bella the second book in the Accidental Peers series. While I did not read Seducing Charlotte the first book, each works as a standalone. With fleshed out characters, intriguing secondary characters and a unique arrangement I became completely caught up in the tale. Mini review: intriguing, romantic, witty and refreshing.
Controlling the Dead by Annie Walls
Last year Annie Walls blew me away with her post-apocalyptic zombie tale Taking on the Dead. The first in the Famished Trilogy it earned a top spot on my Adult Top-Ten Reads for 2013. As you can imagine, I was drooling in anticipation of Controlling the Dead. My friends, it was well worth the wait. Walls has created a fascinating world with characters that have become family. We see story advancement and character development as Walls holds are emotions captive. Mini review: engaging, action-packed and heart-wrenching.