The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins is the second book in the Blue Heron series. I did not realize at the time that this was part of a series, but it worked well as a standalone. Second chance love and a marriage arrangement are tropes visited in this small-town romance, but side stories added depth and connection to this tale that kept me turning the pages. Mini review: heart-warming, and realistic with lessons and love.
I have been enjoying author Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard series, with it’s fleshed out characters and small-town charm. I was delighted to finally read Autumn in the Vineyard which shares Frankie and Nate’s story. From an adorable alpaca to smexy rough and tumble Nate DeLuca, I enjoyed my time spent at the Sorrento Ranch. Mini review: romantic, humorous and touching.
The Hero by Robyn Carr is the third book in her Thunder Point series and for the first time I got that sensation of coming home. The town and the people residing there are beginning to feel like family and while I still miss my beloved, Virgin River, I am now confident Thunder Point will be a wonderful replacement. Hopefully there will be Christmas issues and all will once again be right in my universe. Three word review: heartwarming, romantic and suspenseful.
When it comes to contemporary romance one of my personal favorites are those set in small-towns. Anything But Sweet by Candis Terry set in Sweet, Texas delivered a delicious tale with townsfolk that captured my heart, had me singing country western songs and swooning over a hot, ex-marine, cowboy. Three word review: romantic, captivating and hot.
I was excited to return to the small town of Thunder Point in Robyn Carr’s second novel The Newcomer. Filled with fleshed-out characters, real life drama, and a touch of romance I easily consumed this and look forward to visiting again. Three word review: small-town, love, friendship
I love small-town series and when you add in swoon-worthy cowboys it easily becomes one of my favorite new series. Big Sky Summer is the fourth book in the Swoon-Worthy Cowboy series and we finally get Walker and Casey’s story. From the moment I stepped back into Parable, Montana I was captivated and consumed this in one sitting. While they can each be read as a standalone I think you’d miss getting to know the folks of this small Montana town. Three word review: Fun, sweet and enjoyable.
Last year I read a collection of short stories called Thrown Out: Stories from Exeter by Jennie Coughlin. My favorite was the story of two young boys who found dead bodies in a marsh outside of town and All That is Necessary takes us back to Exeter twenty years later with some of the same characters. This isn’t your typical story, there are relationships but romance isn’t the focus instead we revisit the past when it collides with the present and the effects it has on our main characters. I easily consumed this in a single afternoon and while not flawless it certainly held my attention.
Last winter I read and enjoyed Kissing Under the Mistletoe the first book in the St. Helena Vineyard and was excited to read Summer in Napa. Adair delivers another DeLuca brother’s story and I enjoyed it. The tale is filled with lovable characters, humor and romantic moments.
