Personal Library Additions

1. Long Gone Girl by Amy Rose Bennett

    Heard about this book from a review at Dear Author. Heroine is a Korean War veteran and it's a second chance romance set in the mid to late 1950s. That is my catnip, plus I dig the cover. Only available in Kindle edition.

2. Lowcountry Bordello and Lowcountry Book Club (Liz Talbot Mystery) by Susan M. Boyer

    This is where most of my Apple settlement money went to, but I am looking forward to catching up with the gang of Stella Maris, SC.

3. Say Yes to Death (Debutante Drop Out Mystery) by Susan McBride

    Apple settlement money went here to; feels like forever since I read a DD Mystery book.

4. When We Touch (Whisky Creek Novella) by Brenda Novak

     NOOK freebie. Probably going to start the books in the Whiskey Creek series I have already next month.

5. The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

     Laurenston did an podcast interview with Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and she seemed like a really great author. I saw this as a NOOK sale or freebie and picked it up.

6. Gambled Away: An Anthology by Various Authors

    Someone on my friends list (sorry can't remember who) just reviewed this a few days ago and it seems up my alley. I liked three of the authors in this anthology, so I have a good feeling about this. Kindle edition only.

Library Loans

7. Bitter is the New Black: A Memoir by Jen Lancaster

    Recommended by the librarian I trust.

8. Troublemaker by Leah Remini

    Awwwwww yeah.

9. Bossy Pants by TIna Fey

    Well, since I picked up Poehler's book, might as well. Plus Grim had a good review of it.

10. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

      What I originally intended on picking up when I went to the library.

*idea created by Moonlight Reader

**SusannaG's name for my reading method of late

Summary: First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next!

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both—if they can forgive the mistakes in their past…

Title: This Heart of Mine
Series: Whiskey Creek #8
Author: Brenda Novak
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Released: 31st March 2015
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Format: eGalley
Source: invitation for an honest review from Author - Thank you :) and via Publisher on NetGalley

I am a big fan of Brenda Novak’s Whiskey Creek series, it is such fun and the characters so varied and lovable. I was excited to read Phoenix and Riley’s story, hearing so much about this woman who went to prison for taking the life of a local girl, I just had to know what was going through her mind. Riley is such a sweetheart, but needs to stand up for himself and his son. Would definitely love to hear more from the Amos brother’s too…. J

Phoenix Fuller has been ridiculed her whole life. Having a mother that’s a recluse, lives in a trailer and a hoarder was hard on everyone. Her father left shortly after Phoenix was born and when her brothers were old enough, they left too. Now back from serving seventeen years in prison for a crime Phoenix is adamant she didn’t commit, life in Whiskey Creek for her is anything but easy.

Phoenix met Riley when he tutored her in high school. They quickly discovered a connection and started dating. Riley Stinson is from a well-respected family in Whiskey Creek and he had everybody in his ear saying she wasn’t worthy. When he broke it off with Phoenix, she had discovered she was pregnant, emotional and distraught with a broken heart and so Phoenix went a little obsessive wanting to win Riley back.

Phoenix is seeing her son for the very first time in person. Jacob and Riley meet Phoenix for breakfast, she’s only been released for three days but is desperate to see Jacob. The only reason she came back to Whiskey Creek was for her mother and Jacob. Now here though, the whole town seems to be against her.

Kyle Houseman is Riley’s best mate and believes Phoenix has served her time and should be free to do as she wishes. He decides to help her out and Riley becomes protective of Phoenix, saying she is the mother of HIS child and warns Kyle away. The more Riley sees Phoenix his feelings come to the forefront from high school and now he is having doubts about the last seventeen years. Should he have listened to his parents about Jacobs’s relationship with his mother? Is Phoenix really innocent? What happened to Phoenix that left her scarred?

Spending time with Riley, Phoenix tries to convince him she won’t ever become a nuisance again like her crush from high school that got out of hand. She doesn’t want to cause any problems that would jeopardise her son. So, did Phoenix really run Lori Mansfield over? Will Jacob want to spend time with her?

Another fabulous Whiskey Creek instalment and the next being, Kyle’s story. So excited for that, poor Kyle hasn’t had an easy love life. Ms Novak is a master of surprises and this intense “love can endure over a decade” story was a heart pumping, drama filled, small town gossip, fantastically written novel. This series is a must read and again, it doesn’t need to be read in order, each book is a standalone with connecting characters. Pick one up now!

THE SERIES SO FAR:

quote:

So her frame of mind clinches the deal? Makes her guilty? Or did my mom go to prison just because she was heartbroken and jealous? She was pregnant at eighteen, with no one to turn to except a weird mother who couldn't really do anything to help, anyway.

~ Jacob to Riley

About the Author

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.

“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”

However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.

Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.

“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”

Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Many of her novels have won or placed in contests such as the National Reader's Choice, the Bookseller's Best, the Write Touch, the Award of Excellence and the Beacon Award for Published Authors.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. She juggles her writing career with her children’s softball and soccer games, field trips, carpool runs and homework sessions.

When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fundraiser for diabetes research—an on-line auction held at her website May 1st – May 31st. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!

Synopsis ~

First love. Second chance? 

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both! 

My Thoughts ~

This Heart of Mine is Phoenix and Riley's story, which starts out with Phoenix getting released from jail after spending 17 years behind bars for a crime she did not commit.  While incarcerated, she gave birth to Riley's son, Jacob, but was never able to hold her baby, so when she gets released, that is her top priority -  getting to know her son.  Riley is hesitant to let Phoenix into Jacobs life, but being the great father that he is, allows it to happen.  As Riley spends time with Phoenix, he realizes that the love he had for her in high school is still as strong as ever, but can he convince Phoenix of that?

Also, we get to see another side of Whiskey Creek and its citizens, and quite frankly, it made me angry and upset on how some of them treated Phoenix.  She has not always had an easy life, with her murder conviction and her mother's hoarding problem, but even after serving her time, Phoenix is still judged by the town folk.  Phoenix does not let this deter her though from getting her life back order and I really admired her for the actions she took.  She is a very strong woman that I instantly liked and cheered on as the story progressed.

Although there is not a ton of romance in This Heart of Mine, it is still a lovely story that kept me turning each page hoping for the best, not only with Phoenix and Riley's relationship, but that Whiskey Creek would give Phoenix the second chance she so deserved.

Brenda Novak has done it once again by giving us, the readers, an amazing story of love, sacrifice and second chances.  But most of all, she has given us a story that is relatable and realistic.  What I really like about the Whiskey Creek series, is that you don't have to read them in order or necessarily any of the previous stories to know what is going on during the current book. 

If you want to read a story of love, second chances and forgiveness, then I would recommend This Heart of Mine.

*I was provided a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn’t have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that’s what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining.

Eve’s worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There’s no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband—until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve’s definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her.

But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve’s happily ever after—just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she’s counting on the best Christmas of her life!

Title: The Heart of Christmas
Series: Whiskey Creek #7
Author: Brenda Novak
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Released: 28th October 2014
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Format: eGalley
Source: received from Author for an honest review - thank you!

I love this series and Brenda Novak has added another fabulous instalment to the collection. Each book revolves around a couple, but mostly around a group of school friends that have stayed in touch long after graduating. I really love idea and with each novel we get to know the characters a little more. The Heart of Christmas was very intriguing with the addition of a mystery man that’s in hiding and discovers love.

Eve Harmon is a thirty-five year old woman that always follows the rules and is predictable. Seeing all her friends in love and starting families has been hard for her. It’s what Eve dreams of now and as one of only a couple singles left in their group, Eve is determined to change her life. Eve’s life has consisted of running her parent’s B&B and with Christmas approaching comes the fun of sharing the spirit with the town. Little Mary’s has been the finest garnished establishment for years and Eve has always enjoyed making it glow. It appears this year though Eve isn’t really focused on the festivities and is too focused on a tall muscled man.

Known as Brent Taylor in the town of Whiskey Creek, he’s keeping low and out of mischief. The only problem is he met Eve at a local bar and together they got terribly drunk which they ended in bed. When Eve woke up next to him, she was shocked, never has she ever done anything like this; it’s so out of character for her and the other problem, she can’t remember much, not even his name.

Brent doesn’t normally drink that much either and when he wakes it’s with anger. Telling Eve he’s only passing through, that it’s dangerous to be with him and he’s being quite rude about the whole thing. At least Brent remembers their evening and the one big question that Eve has for Brent is if they used protection? Will Eve become pregnant from their encounter?

Brent can’t seem to stay away from Eve and somehow they have more one-night-stands but he won’t commit to anything. Eve can’t help but be curious about this man, she knows he’s being vague on answering questions about himself and when some clues come to hand, will she follow up on them to get answers? Will that put her in danger from the gang chasing down Brent? What has he done that’s put him on the run? Who is this mysterious, handsome and dangerously sexy man that Eve is starting to fall for?

The Heart of Christmas was a beautiful tale of love, family and that secrets can be kept for years but will eventually come out. The loyalty of this group of friends is awe-inspiring, the way they all pull together to help the other and when in need, nothing is too great to overcome. I certainly cannot wait to read the next instalment in Whiskey Creek and discover if more secrets are uncovered. I highly recommend this book and the series to all romance readers.

5 MYSTERIOUS and DANGEROUS HEARTS

Other books in the series:

You can read my review of Take Me Home for Christmas HERE and my review of Come Home to Me HERE.

About the Author

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.

“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”

However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.

Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.

“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”

Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Many of her novels have won or placed in contests such as the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Write Touch, the Award of Excellence and the Beacon Award for Published Authors.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. She juggles her writing career with her children’s softball and soccer games, field trips, carpool runs and homework sessions.

When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fundraiser for diabetes research—an on-line auction held at her website May 1st – May 31st. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking–she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!

~ courtesy of Brenda Novak's website

Synopsis ~ 

Just call her Christmas Eve…

Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining.

Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!

My Thoughts ~

The Heart of Christmas is once again a fine example of the spectacular story telling abilities of Brenda Novak. It's been almost a year since I "visited" Whiskey Creek, and right from the beginning, it felt like I was coming home to my favorite group of friends.

This was Eve's story, and long overdue in my opinion. All of her friends are married and have children or in the process of having children. It's her 35th birthday, and feeling sorry for herself, does something totally out of character and wakes up the next morning next to a strange man. My first thoughts were - "you go girl!" This man is a mystery at first....so many aliases to keep up with, but I'm going to just stick with Rex (his real name) for the sake of this review. Rex has a very interesting history, and as luck would have it, he brings the trouble to Whiskey Creek. I really liked Rex despite his past. Despite everything he has to dodge, he is a really good guy....and a sexy one at that.

With a title "The Heart of Christmas", one might think that the story totally revolves around Christmas, but it really doesn't . There is so much drama and suspense with this story, I could not help but become totally immersed in the story and the drama. The ending left me with a big smile and I am already waiting for the next installment of this series so that I can visit Whiskey Creek once more.

If you are looking for a light hearted romance filled with drama and suspense that will keep you turning each page wanting to know more, then look no further than The Heart of Christmas.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.