By Susan Wiggs 

ISBN-13: 9780778314486

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication date: 6/24/2014

Series:Bella Vista Series , #2

Pages: 400

My Rating:  5 Stars

I enjoyed Susan’s “The Apple Orchard” (Bella Vista Chronicles, #1), and was delighted to receive an advanced reading copy of “The Beekeeper's Ball”   (Bella Vista Chronicles #2), as a continuation of thirty year old Isabel, as she transforms her childhood home (Bella Vista), a gathering place for friends and family, for reunions and celebrations. 

In addition her dreams, the Bella Vista Cooking School—a unique place for other dreamers to come, and learn the culinary arts—all while she leaves her past behind with controlling Calvin.

As a chef, she is turning the magical Bella Vista's rambling mission-style hacienda, apple orchards, bountiful gardens and beehives, into an idyllic venue, while she forgets the past. All sorts of fun things:  magazine covers, gourmet cooking, literary agents, wedding plans, photo shoots, stylist, vintage items, delightful cuisine, local gourmet markets, antiques, wine, honey, figs, plus more in this blooming rich in history and charm Sonoma setting (I want to be there-like now)!

Everything is going as planned until delicious and sexy Cormac (Mac) comes into the picture (EpiPen included), to dig up old history of Magnus Johansen (Isabel’s grandfather-a key player in the Danish Resistance) sent by Tess.  He has traveled to many places in his life from war-torn places of the world, airports and grimy cities, and long barren stretches of scorched earth in the foreign lands; however, none compare to the lush and seductive Bella Vista.

His goal was simple after his injury--- heal, gather the information about Magnus the war hero turned orchardist, then settle in and write his story, as after all this is what he does well.   As this hunk slowly lets down his rough outer guard to soften and enjoy the pleasures of this sleepy small town, along with Isabell’s charm in the kitchen- a man worth getting to know.      

From the 1940s in Copenhagen to the present time, Susan seamlessly blends the old with the new with an incredible, magical, and inspiring story-- keeping you reading well into the night.  

As a longtime fan of Susan, her books and writing style, she has a way of drawing her readers into the setting, with strong family historical dynamics and romance.  A delicious read, well-written, with family secrets, adventure, summer days and nights, a family wedding (Tess/Dominic), a Beekeeper’s Ball, and unexpected love.

A special thank you to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. 

By Lynn Cahoon

ISBN-13: 9781601832382

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation

Publication date: 4/17/2014

Series:A Tourist Trap Mystery , #1

Format: eBook

My Rating:  4 Stars

A wonderful book and series to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. A light and entertaining read--Think small business, quaint town, shops, espresso, bookstore, cafe, coffee, galleries, inns, and a good cozy mystery which “Guidebook to Murder” offered -full of loveable (and not so likeable) characters and friends in this small South Cove, CA tourist town.

Jill, a former lawyer has inherited Miss Emily’s house (she befriended her years ago), and of course the city wants to tear down the house for a new condo real estate development. With other things in mind and begins her fight with small town politics, and meets many obstacles, and of course Emily’s family, the mayor, real estate developers, attorneys, threats, and now faced with the circumstances which surround Miss Emily’s death and secrets, and then then her best friend goes missing. 

As the mystery unfolds (who did it), many possible suspects and secrets to keep you turning the pages. My only input would be more background of Miss Emily and her past, as I agree with some of the other reviewers. 

Loved the main character, Jill at times, however other times not, as she was back and forth as a door mat. She owns the quaint Coffee, Books and More, along the coastal Pacific, after having moved from a larger city after her divorce, interacting with many tourists while they are in the area – life is good until she inherits the home of her old friend and Detective Greg (possible love affair)?, gets involved – mystery begins . . .

If you like cozy books, bookstores, small towns, and a light mystery, this book is for you; however, if you are a serious thriller mystery lover, it might not be your cup of tea. The front cover was a nice draw and appealing if you are a book lover. My first book by this author--definitely look forward to reading the next book , “Mission to Murder” #2 in series “A Tourist Trap Mystery.” (sneak preview at the end – with mentions of Aunt Jackie, Sadie, Greg, possibly a mystery writer, fortune teller, a B&B –something to look forward to-coming summer 2014). 

A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

By Beth Hoffman

ISBN-13: 9780143125433

Publisher: Viking Penguin

Publication date: 4/29/2014

Pages: 368

My Rating:  5 Stars 

Words cannot adequately describe this moving, captivating, incredible, and heartwarming story “Looking for Me”, as deserving of top awards for the year. 

Award- winning writing, this is the most moving story-- it captures you from the front cover, middle, to the ending, with meticulous plot planning and character development---Beth Hoffman carefully unfolds every page, offering you just enough to keep you engaged, full of suspense--holding your breath----as it builds (who is the person around the corner or the caller on the other end of the line, what did she see out the window) maybe several paragraphs or pages away before it is unveiled-- (Love it)! 

The book goes from past to present seamlessly for an inspiring story and realistic characters, you will not soon forget. 

This was my first read by Beth (just found out about her) and this author has me hooked for life! I can see early on, I will purchase and read everything she writes, and look forward to following this author for years to come- highly recommend. 

I am a huge fan of southern authors, and have already purchased Beth’s first book, and cannot wait to get back to Palm Beach for some prime alone time reading (as currently in NC for the Thanksgiving holidays and was difficult to escape all the people to get back to my book)…On Friday, afternoon took off to a nearby Barnes and Noble for a comfy chair and cup of decaf coffee for several hours with my e-reader Nook in peace, to get back to Terri/Josh.

I tend to read new releases and if I love the author, I go back and read all their previous books. I look forward to Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, as I have read and heard nothing but rave reviews! Be sure and check out the author’s Facebook, blog, and website as enjoyed reading about Mamie (restoration of her house), and more accolades and meaning behind Looking for Me. 

Again, it is hard to describe the dynamic takeaway from this book. I loved everything about it – Terri was an amazing girl which I was connected with immediately --similar backgrounds and felt as though we were kindred spirits. I appreciated her independence and sense of adventure, to go after what she wanted in life. 

As an interior designer spending many weekends at estate sales and turning careful picked items into cherished treasurers, and later working hand in hand with wood craftsman restorations, I can so appreciate the author’s firsthand experience and her love of design shines through ---and the research with wildlife, and birds was exceptional. 

I also have had the opportunity of living and working with many historic bed and breakfast inns in the south, quaint shops, and meeting some of the many eccentric characters which reminds me of the ones in Looking for Me. They each bring meaning as the characters did for me in this book. 

As a lover of historic homes (reside in a 1920’s Spanish Mission carriage home in one of 13 historic districts in downtown West Palm Beach, FL), and within walking distance of Antique Row – I was all about this book….oh and did I mention a nature lover, lover of books and of course very true to my heart ----having a hotel client in Charleston, SC for years--have spent many days and hours in this charming, and magical town.. Will have to agree with the author – “it encompasses my deepest passions.” 

Without giving away the book (as each character is so special you want to savor every part of this rare gem), it is a perfect holiday book. (Wow, did she have some strong men in her life). Each character brings special meaning and each person was placed in Terri’s life for a reason. Terri reminds me of myself ---parents who did not support or share their children's dreams (I could not wait to escape my NC rural home for the big city of Atlanta)—you will Terri, her dad and Josh- he will make you cry and laugh as a special angel on earth.

The quotes, poems, verses, and portions of this book are ones you will want to highlight on your e-reader or book. My favorite- “We are the authors of our lives, and through choice or circumstance, some of us leave our stores unfinished or untold.” Other great one - "Never tie your happiness to the end of someone else's kite."

Have a box of Kleenex handy as very moving and thought provoking. You will laugh and cry and continue smiling throughout. This book is about family, friends, love, pain, loss and forgiveness and takes you to deep soul searching places—to help connect with identity, value, purpose, and worth—true southern fiction at its finest! Giving back gives Terri her life back and makes her whole.

I wanted to savor each moment of this precious read and did not want it to end. Please, Beth—could you work on a sequel ---these characters are too good to end – we have to make them live on—possibly Josh, Terri/Sam, Gabe/Sally, Olivia/?....or any of her newfound friends. 

I can envision Inez, Albert, and Terri at this quaint shop and so want to visit and join them for a cup of tea. 5 stars does not seem enough – I wish I could rate it 10 stars, as so deserving and one I highly recommend to men and women of all ages.

Looking for Me has been added to my favorite list-- A dynamic storyteller, this author is one to watch and follow for years to come!

By Donna Ball

ISBN-13: 9780985774837

Publisher: Blue Merle Publishing

Publication date: 10/9/2013

Pages: 316

My Rating:  5 Stars

The Hummingbird House e-book was amazing!

This was my first book by Donna Ball, as I was attracted to the book after reading the summary about a B&B (I have worked with B&Bs and hotels across the country for about 25 years in marketing-love them and have stayed at many while traveling)! When working with them, there is always a story with the many colorful guests. 

I was very impressed with this author, her writing style and how she eloquently created real characters -- how they all come together at the ending of the book and how their paths join together. I have already purchased her other e-books (The Ladybug Farm series) and cannot wait to dive into reading this series and following this author! This is one you will want to re-read again and again. 

I loved everything about this book and so deserving of 5 stars (and movie worthy). Derrick and Paul-owners of Hummingbird House B&B (assume were gay, as they are adorable, full of drama and style) and fell in love with them. Anabelle was full of spunk and Megan had much to learn from her grandmother. This book reminds me a little of Richard Paul Evans (Walk series), as during the road trip, meeting many angels along with way. The book can be a standalone without reading the Lady Bug Farm series; however, I look forward to reading. (Sounds adventurous). 

There are many lessons to be learned and great takeaways from this novel. (Destiny or luck)? I urge readers to follow the reader’s discussion guide included at the end --personal responsibility being the theme throughout the book and how character’s actions effected their outcome. Everyone is giving up too soon without seeing the big picture. 

Artie’s (an angel) character was a delight and would love to see a sequel and continuation with Josh, his father, and daughter as well as Nick/Megan, and more stories of guests from Hummingbird House B&B and its owners (maybe hiring Megan/Nick), Purline, more from Harmony, and more from the gals from the farm and other guests. 

I highly recommend for hours of enjoyment as this book is difficult to put down! You will be sad when it ends as Hummingbird House is too good to end – let’s hope for another series.