Welcome to some of my June reading thoughts!
It was such a pleasure to read the newest release from D.L. Finn!
It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy. Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.
PURCHASE LINK
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from this author and this book is no exception. The author has a unique talent for making you stop and think, “What if?” In this book about the tree fairies and the ancient Redwood trees, we find an ordinary family with an extraordinary connection to nature on a camping trip. What happens to the children first, then to the adults is both heartwarming and magical. The family is given a mission to save the beautiful Redwood forest from destruction. Then the author takes us years ahead and we find the two children, Daniel and Colette grown, married, and with children of their own. The tree fairies visit again and the connection is forged between the human and fairy families, and the Wise Trees who speak to the fairies. The two following short stories, are in two different fairies’ POV and are delightful as well. This book is classified as a Middle School level, but at almost seventy, I thoroughly enjoyed it, so it is a wonderful read for all ages! If you love magic, nature, and fantasy all combined into a lovely heartwarming story, you will love this book! I highly recommend it.
Violet Ashwood arrives in Wildcat Bluff County with one agenda: convince the hunky Mr. July from the Wildcat Bluff Fire Rescue’s annual benefit calendar to be the face–and body–of her new lonely hearts online dating service. She didn’t count on his firm refusal, nor did she count on seeing him again. Until she discovers he’s her new landlord.
Kemp Lander, aka Mr. July, wants nothing to do with Violet’s schemes to make him a model for her Cowboy Chat Corral, particularly once he finds out she fudged the truth on her rental contract by claiming she was a cowgirl. He’s got enough problems trying to keep trespassers off his ranch and doesn’t need the distraction of his sexy renter.
All Violet and Kemp want is to save their livelihoods and have their lifelong dreams realized. But it’ll take joining forces and discovering they’re better together to finally meet their goals.
MY REVIEW:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own thoughts. What’s not to love? A rugged handsome cowboy who is also a firefighter sets the tone for this smoking sexy read. When Violet Ashford comes across a calendar from Wildcat Bluff County, Texas that features its volunteer firefighters, she is enthralled with Mr. July. He would make the perfect face for the new online dating site she is developing. But she has to meet him. She puts her life in San Antonio on hold and responds to an ad to work as a cowgirl in Wildcat Bluff County. This is the perfect opportunity to meet Mr. July and approach him about being her model for the site. What a surprise when she finds it is Mr. July (Kemp Lander) himself who has hired her to work on his ranch. Violet knows nothing about being a cowgirl, but she’s a fast learner and determined. The sparks fly between Violet and Kemp but with trespassers digging holes all over Hallelujah Ranch looking for hidden bootlegger gold, and Violet learning how to be a cowgirl, there is no time to explore the sparks. One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the tertiary characters. Bertha, who runs a gourmet chocolate shop, Cousin Lester, The Buick Brigade, Sydney Steele, the other firefighters, the radio DJ and many more helped add layers and dimensions to this story. So, it’s not just a romance. It’s much deeper. Add Fernando the wonder bull and his love, Daisy Mae, and you’ve got all the makings of a busy and engaging read. Also, the added layer of the history of the Hallelujah Ranch and the hidden speakeasy along with the mystery of Lady Mauve was fun. So, anyone who is looking for a hot sexy romance with lots of layers will enjoy this story as much as I did!
When Emerson Tyler’s unrequited high school crush crashed into her first group meeting of the DSN’s social media department, it was strange, to say the least. When she learned that her crush wasn’t as “unrequited” as she’d always believed, things got even stranger. On the day Bryce Nordlinger had crushed her teenaged heart—not to mention ruined her reputation in order to save his lady-killer status—she’d sworn that she’d never trust him or any man ever again. And she had no intention of breaking that oath, no matter how much more tempting he’d become as a grown-up NHL star.
Bryce had always wanted Em to be more than the smart, snarky high school girl who helped him with his terrible English essays. But he’d been busy burnishing his rep as future jock stud, and when his fellow hockey bros caught him skating with her alone in a deserted rink, he’d chosen the easiest path—one that left her hurt in a way he never thought he’d be able to heal. His complete shock at seeing her all grown up and more beautiful than ever in the meeting room at DSN morphed into a steel-plated resolve. He would win her back and make up for the mess he’d made of her high school senior year while dragging the once-proud Detroit hockey program out of the dumpster fire and back to prominence at the same time.
MY REVIEW:
I received a PDF in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
A second chance love story. National Hockey League star, Bryce, returns to his hometown when he’s traded in the league. A chance encounter with an old high school flame sets this story in motion. But it takes more than one encounter to repair the damage Bryce inflicted on Emerson’s heart. He has to work hard to earn his way in, to her forgiveness and to her love. I received this book as a gift and although it was a bit confusing at times, by the end, it worked itself out. The author did a good job of combining sports and romance. This book is Steamy and the language is foul. I do not find either of those offensive but some readers might. I enjoyed tagging along with Bryce and Emerson for the ride!
A visit to the coastal Oregon town where her brother is a lighthouse keeper opens Gala Pedersdotter to the wider world. So much so that she dreads returning to the family dairy farm in the eastern part of the state. She’d rather while away the summer on friendly outings in the company of two attentive loggers, Hal and Bork. Her secret wish is that roguish Hal will ask to court her.
Instead, she’s surprised by Bork’s fervent request to act as his pretend fiancée during his parents’ upcoming week-long visit. Of course, she agrees to help out this quiet man with his dilemma. When her decision threatens the balance among the friends, Gala is torn between Hal, who has suddenly shown interest and fulfilling her promise to Bork.
MY REVIEW:
I received this novella as part of a contest entry. I struggled with the first part of the book. The author did a lot of “telling” in narrative form. There was no action and little dialogue. But as Gala’s friendship with Hal and Bork developed and her attraction to Hal grew, the dynamics of the story picked up. A pretend engagement for the sake of Bork’s parents who were coming for a visit seemed simple enough. But nothing is ever as simple as it appears. I won’t leave a spoiler for the story but by mid-story, my attention was captured and I had to see what Gala would choose. The story has a satisfactory conclusion.
Rebecca Layton returns to her beachside hometown of Sunnyville, California, determined to explore the possibility of rekindling her past relationship with the love of her life, Raymond Colton. She’s devastated to discover that he has moved on and is now engaged.
Raymond Colton harbors resentment towards Rebecca for abandoning him to pursue her dreams of life in the big city. Now she’s back and more beautiful than ever. But Raymond’s heart has been broken more than once and risking more heartache with Rebecca isn’t a gamble he’s willing to take.
When Rebecca agrees to use her marketing expertise to help Raymond’s father salvage his failing family business–Colton’s Ice Creamery–she and Raymond are thrown together, and old flames are ignited. Can they heal the wounds from their past and embrace the possibility of a brighter tomorrow?
MY REVIEW:
This is a novella I received in exchange for a fair and honest review. It was a quick, entertaining read. It is a romance set in a small town with unrequited love between two adults that began as teenagers. But there are lots of obstacles in the way that prevent them from finding the courage to revisit the flame that sparked so many years ago. There’s a lot of water under the bridge. I loved the plot. I loved the characters and this novella has a satisfying ending.
Hi Jan,
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing my second chance romance, A Whirl With My Mocha Chocolate Swirl. I’m glad you enjoyed it.😊
Dalia Dupris
It was a fun read, Dalia!! Thank you for stopping by!
I love the way you organized your reviews Jan. New reads for me, I had not heard of until I clicked her. Thank you.
Wonderful, Rox! Thank you for stopping by!
Wonderful reviews, Jan. I see some new reads for my Mt. Everest TBR list, lol
Lol, Jacquie! I totally relate to the Mt. Everest TBR list! 🙂 What a great problem to have!
Excellent reviews, Jan. Loved Denise’s Fairies:)
Thanks for stopping by, Sandra!
Loved your reviews, Jan. I have some books to add to my TBR list.
We can never have enough books, can we, Karen? 🙂 I do love to read and I know you do too. I think you would enjoy any of these books. Thank you for stopping by! Hugs!
Great collection and excellent reviews. I’m enticed!
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui! I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews and that some of these books caught your eye! Have a great weekend!
Great reviews, Jan! I loved Tree Fairies and other Stories. 😊
I did too, Yvette! Such a magical story. Thank you for stopping by! Hugs!
Thank you Yvette xo
Super reviews, Jan Thanks for sharing.
Happy to, John. Have a great weekend!
You as well, Jan.
Wow! Some good books. I’ve got to download D.L .Finn’s new one. It sounds excellent.
It is such a magical book, sister. I know you would enjoy it. It left me with renewed hope for the world! Thank you for stopping by! Hugs!
Thanks, Linda 🙂
You’ve been really busy devouring books, Jan. I have Denise’s fairy book waiting on my Kindle and TBR.
I don’t read a lot of romance these days, but every now and then I like to curl up with a good one. Many of these sound intriguing. Congratulations to all the others.
That was supposed to be “authors” not “others.” Doh!
Lol, Mae. I hate that WP doesn’t have an edit button on comments. 🙂 I understood!
Thanks for stopping by. I do love to read! And I love to read all kinds of books. Three of these were mandatory reads for a contest. The others were by choice. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Yay! The fairies are happy to hear that 🙂
My review just posted today, Denise. I was enchanted!
Thank you Jan for including the fairies here! I’m doing a happy dance in my kitchen while the fairies are able to do theirs in the air amongst the trees 😉 What a great roundup of romance reading. One or two caught my eye! Thanks for sharing your insights, much appreciated.
Awwwww, I love that scenario. Denise! I can visualize the fairies dancing happily among the Redwoods. I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on your new book. It’s magical! Have a great weekend!
🙂
You’ve been a busy reader, Jan. Thanks for all the reviews and recommendations. You give such great insight into the books. Here’s to another month of reading!
Thanks for stopping by, Diana. I do love to read! I hardly ever watch TV and reading is how I wind down in the evenings. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews!
Reading is way better than television. 🙂
Excellent reviews!
Thanks for stopping by, Mark!
Thanks for sharing these lovely books and reviews, Jan! Congrats to all the authors! 😀 xo
Hi, Vashti! It’s great to see your profile picture pop up on my blog! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
It’s always a pleasure, Jan! <3
What a lovely variety of books, Jan. I agree completely about Denise’s book. The others will be in my future. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Hugs on the wing.
Thank you, Teagan. I appreciate you stopping by!
Thanks, Teagan xo
Nice reviews Jan. Thanks for sharing some new books I would like to read.
Thank you, Balroop, I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!
You’ve been a busy readers. Romance and fairies.
Yep. Great combination. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Craig!
You’ve been a busy reader, Jan. Congrats to the authors on their reviews!
I do love to read, Teri. 🙂 It’s my favorite pasttime. I’m currently reading “Cold Dark Night” by Joan Hall and loving it!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Jan. Great reviews. Best wishes to all the authors.
My pleasure, Staci. Thanks for stopping by!
Great reviews, Jan! Thanks so much for sharing. Enjoy the weekend!
My pleasure, Jill! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jan,
I am a romantic at heart so I love all of the books that you have read for June. I have also put each one on my TBP (To Be Purchased) list except for Denise’s book. I was so pleased to see the review on her book and have purchased it today. I like that the book is composed of short stories, and I like the tension built up in the main story and look forward to reading about Danny’s adventure.
In fact, all of the stories are very impressive. Thank you for sharing.
All the best to you and have a lovely weekend.
Shalom aleichem
I loved Denise’s book and fell in love with the characters, the magic and the lessons they share. Thank you for stopping by, Pat!! Have a great day!
Yay! Thanks, Pat 🙂 I hope you enjoy your adventures with Danny and the tree fairies! Happy reading 🙂
Great reviews, Jan. Best of luck to Denise, Kim, Liz, Dalia, and Linda 🙂
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
My pleasure, Harmony! Thanks for stopping by!