The Road to Christmas: Sheila Roberts Interview

I am so very happy to welcome Sheila Roberts today. I'm sure that you don't need an introduction, as you all know her either by her books and/or by the movies that have been based on her books. I am humbled, as well as excited because she's taken the time out of her busy day for an interview!!!

USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance to self-improvement. Over three million books have been sold to date. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her novels have been turned into movies for both the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with her girlfriends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends and chocolate.

Her latest book is the women’s fiction/romance The Road to Christmas (Harlequin/Mira, September ’22)

Visit her website at http://www.sheilasplace.com. Connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Interview

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have been writing for a loooong time and I love what I do. It’ so much fun to sit around and make up stuff. When I’m not writing I’m playing tennis, going line dancing, watching movies with my husband, hanging out with girlfriends or throwing a party. And, of course, there’s reading. So many books, so little time!

In one sentence, describe "The Road to Christmas".

This is a road trip story involving three branches of a family tree, everyone on their way to their holiday destination – three different adventures and one big happy ending.

What inspired you to write it?

That is a good question. Often I am inspired by something that happens in my life or something I read about or see. This time it just came to me that it would be fun to write about a road trip. Road trips are always interesting and often things happen that you didn’t even remotely plan for. So a road trip story offers lots of potential for drama, laughter and falling in love. I hope I’ve given readers all of that in this book.

Do you have a favourite character? Why is s/he your favourite?

One of the first characters I adored was Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. A determined woman, who never let the opinions of others (including a snobby Mr. Darcy) shake her sense of worth. IMHO, we all should get in touch with our inner Elizabeth Bennet.

I know some authors have strange rituals when they write. Some have to have a certain food, lock themselves in a room, only work at night, etc. What's yours?

Alas, I’m boring in that respect. I have no ritual. Much as I enjoy writing, it is still a job. So every day I sit down with my laptop, enter my fictional world, and get busy creating.

Can you give us a hint on what  your next project is? 

We writers are always working ahead. Right now I’m halfway through next year’s Christmas book and enjoying it immensely. (Christmas is my favorite season!) Soon I will be hearing from my editor and polishing my spring release, Mermaid Beach, part of my Moonlight Harbor series. I’m excited about that one and hope readers will enjoy this next installment in the series.

What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Why are things like reviews and pre-orders such a big deal to you writers?

I know it’s not an esoteric or exciting question, but a bit of business it would be good for readers to know. That first week of sales is important, therefore pre-orders are important. A first week of good sales can land a writer on a best-seller list, and our publishers love it when that happens. And we love it when our publisher is happy. Also, it’s a validation for a writer’s work. The same is true of reviews, because those reviews help boost our visibility on sites such as Amazon, and introduce us to new readers. We writers so need our readers. If nobody knew of us, who would we have to tell our stories to? As you can see, reader support is really important. And let me tell you, it’s really appreciated!

Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Only that I appreciate you all so much. I love hearing from readers and I really enjoy interacting with them on social media. So come find me on Facebook (funwithsheila), Instagram (sheilarobertswriter) and now, TikTok sheilarobertswriter, funwithsheila)

Thank you so much Sheila! It was such a pleasure getting to know you!

Thank you so much for having me. I enjoyed chatting with with you!

 

Title: The Road to Christmas

Author: Sheila Roberts

Publisher: Harlequin (MIRA)

Pages: 320

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance

 

BOOK BLURB:

Michelle and Max are not planning on a happy holiday. Their marriage is in shambles and the  D word has entered their vocabulary. But now their youngest daughter, Julia, wants everyone to come to her new house in Idaho for Christmas, and she's got the guest room all ready for Mom and Dad. Oh, joy. 

Their other daughters, Audrey and Shyla, are driving up from California and hoping to meet a sexy rancher for Audrey along the way. What they don't plan on is getting stranded on a ranch when the car breaks down. 

The ones with the shortest drive are Grandma and Grandpa--also known as Hazel and Warren. It's still a bit of a trek, and Hazel doesn't like the idea of driving all that way in snow, but Warren knows they'll have no problem. They have a reliable car--and snow tires and chains if they need them. They'll be fine.

 

Surprises lie in store for all three sets of intrepid travelers as they set out on three very different adventures, all leading to one memorable family Christmas.

 

Book Information

Release Date: January 21, 2021

Publisher:  Harlequin (MIRA)

Soft Cover: ISBN:978-0778386568; 320 pages; $15.29; eBook $11.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BOS5yL 

Walmart: https://bit.ly/3UAwIZs 

Star of Wonder by K. Lynn Smith - Review

Star of Wonder

A Sweet Victorian Holiday Novella

Author: K. Lyn Smith

Release Date: October 27, 2022

Kindle Format

Pages: 108

BLURB:

Will merry hearths and mistletoe thaw this pair before it’s too late for a second chance at love?

A soldier returns to claim the lady of his heart before she marries another in this frosty Victorian Christmas romance.

---

The captain

Andrew Grey has long wished to make Aster Corbyn his, but a lady who’s always been surrounded by brilliance, from her astronomer father to her artist mother, doesn’t deserve mediocrity. So Andrew sets out to achieve, if not brilliance, at least a proper shine, and he asks her to wait for his return. Aaand wait. Then he receives the unwelcome news that Aster has gone and betrothed herself to another.

---

And his lady

At six and twenty, Aster Corbyn thought she’d have married Andrew Grey long before now. But his letters have grown less frequent and she’s grown more impatient. After years of watching their star across an ocean of disappointment, she’s given up on him just as he’s apparently given up on their dreams.

When a St. Nicholas Eve snowstorm thwarts her travels, Aster finds herself stranded with her old friend, who is recently—and quite unexpectedly—returned from India. And to her irritation, Andrew is just as carefree and irreverent as she recalls.

Will merry hearths and mistletoe thaw this pair before it’s too late for a second chance at love?

---

Star of Wonder is a complete story featuring a new generation from the Something Wonderful series. Fans of the series will enjoy this peek into the families of Harry & Celeste (The Astronomer’s Obsession) and Julian & Charlie (The Physician’s Dilemma) while new readers will love this stand-alone tale featuring an independent heroine and flawed-but-lovable hero.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-nominated author K. Lyn Smith writes sweet historical romance with swoony heroes. Sometimes a pig or two. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her own swoony hero, and when she’s not reading or writing, you can find her cooking with family, traveling or watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

Author's WEBSITE

https://www.klynsmithauthor.com

Author's MAILING LIST

https://www.klynsmithauthor.com/readers-circle

MY THOUGHTS:

Romances are usually not my thing, but there are times I just want to curl up with a nice cozy story that takes place around the holidays. Now that the days are becoming cooler, I am getting in that mood again. 

Star of Wonder is a sweet novella that takes place in Victorian England with the likeable characters, Aster and Andrew. Childhood friends, they both grew up and chose different careers, Aster, a teacher and Andrew, a voluntary member of the military. 

The book starts out with letters and sets the stage for what is to come. A lost letter, a tragedy and a snowstorm all fit together to make a sweet holiday story that was both easy to read and clean but still had a few adult type innuendos that were humorous. 

Star of Wonder is a quick read that rivals any Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. That's a good thing - because it was exactly what I wanted!! If you are in the mood for a nice clean holiday romance, then this is the read for you!!

I received a copy of this book through BookSirens. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle

The weather is finally cooling down after a long hot, humid and rainy summer and has put me in the mood for a little holiday reading. Temps have dropped into the 30's at night and yesterday was cold and rainy. It had the feeling of snow and made it perfect for settling down in my favorite chair with a blanket and a cup of hot cider and Nancy Naigle's newest book, Dear Santa (which publishes today).

Dear Santa
Author: Nancy Naigle
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published October 16th 2018
Paperback, 352 pages

About the Book:

Angela Carson wants nothing more than to be the third-generation to run her family’s holiday store, Heart of Christmas, successfully. They’ve weathered over sixty tourist seasons, major hurricanes, and urban sprawl, in their old decommissioned lighthouse. But the national chain that set up shop in their small North Carolina town of Pleasant Sands may be more than Heart of Christmas can survive.

Encouraged by her niece to ask Santa for help, Angela gives in and lets the words fly in a way that, if Santa were real, would no doubt land her on the naughty list. What’s the harm when it’s just a computer-generated response?

Geoff Paisley has been at his mother’s side running the mega-chain Christmas Galore for the last ten years. When his mother falls ill, Geoff promises to answer the town’s Dear Santa letters in her stead. Soon he realizes the woman he’s been corresponding with on Dear Santa is Angela. How could the woman that grates his every last nerve in person have intrigued him so deeply through those letters?

When Geoff reveals that he’s her Dear Santa, will Angela be able to set aside their very public feud to embrace the magic of the holiday and possibly find true love?

My Thoughts:

My husband asked me why in the world I read Christmas novels. The answer? It's books like this that make me want to read them! Nancy has captured the magic of Christmas in Dear Santa. However, I will say that if you are a Christmas movie junkie, you'll notice that the story line has a familiarity about it, but it's the way Nancy tells the story that makes you want to keep reading. Her characters are interesting and the main character, Angela, is just a downright sweet girl who only wants to keep her store afloat. Then there's Geoff - the wealthy, handsome, businessman that is the threat to Angela's success. Yes, both characters are cliche, but still interesting and kept me wanting to read more to see how things were going to finally turn out in the end. Sure it's predictable - it's a Christmas story, but it's the way Nancy tells the story that will keep you captivated and turning the pages until you surprise yourself that you've finished the book and can't believe you've sat reading for such a long period of time.

If you are a sucker for feel good Christmas stories, treat yourself and pick up a copy of Dear Santa. You won't regret it!

About the Author:

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle, writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense.

With a career spent on the cutting edge of technology in the banking industry, she never let go of her dream to write. Now she works full-time writing stories that are a calming blend of community, family, and the simple things in life. She writes the kind of stories she hopes will provide an escape from the hectic day-to-day in the make believe worlds she creates.

Aside from writing she enjoys hunting for treasures in junk and antique shoppes, and getting crafty no matter what the medium from painting and digitizing embroidery designs, to weaving pine needle baskets. She also enjoys horseback riding on her palomino, Tooter.

A Virginia native, and spending most of her life in the Tidewater area, she now calls North Carolina home.

Other Christmas books Nancy has written:
Christmas Joy
Hope at Christmas
Christmas in Evergreen

Want to know more about Nancy or her books? You can visit her webpage at: http://www.nancynaigle.com/

I received an egalley of this book from the NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Summer Plans and Other Disasters Blog Tour - Review

Summer Plans and Other Disasters
Author: Karin Beery
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing Inc
Paperback: 246 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1948888257
Genre: Christian Romance

About the Book:

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track.

Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right?

Trying to figure out God’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Now available from Elk Lake Publishing!

Read an Excerpt Here!!

My Thoughts

Callie Stevens thinks she has everything planned out. She think she's has God's plan for her all figured out and going back to Traverse City is the first step. When she arrives, things seem to be somewhat going in the direction of all her plans, but are they?

This is a sweet romance that has a great message - that God's plans are not always your plans, no matter how much you try to either read or control the situation. Callie found that out.

The characters are lovable and their interaction create an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed Callie. She is not perfect and she has mishaps - some were absolutely funny (the lawnmower incident). They were all quite believable, except for Stacy - I'm on the fence about her.

Mrs. Beery created a nice feel good story that was captivating and easy to get lost in. It's a perfect book to curl up with when you want a nice, easy, feel good read that has a great message. Make sure to add this to your reading list - you'll be happy you did.


About the Author

Karin wrote her first novel in 2007 to cope with her husband’s cancer diagnosis (no worries – he’s cancer free now!). With the support and encouragement of her family, she submitted that manuscript. That particular manuscript has not been published yet, but Summer Plans and Other Disasters, her first published book, releases in September 2018.

Karin writes contemporary and speculative fiction stories with a healthy dose of romance, but she’s also expanded her repertoire: she writes feature stories for the local paper, copy material for businesses, and blog posts for herself and others. She even edits (offering copy editing, fiction editing, and critiques through Write Now Editing Services) and teaches (she’s the Substantive Fiction Editing instructor for the PEN Institute and can be found around the country teaching writing and editing courses at conferences and at her local college).

When Karin’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys cooking and baking. She plays the piano and sings (the key of E, please). She kayaks with her husband in the summer, watches football in the fall (Go Blue!), and enjoys Christmas lights all winter long. Shy but extroverted, Karin adores her nieces and nephew and loves spending time with her family. Learn more about Karin at: karinbeery.com.

You can also follow her on:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/karinbeery
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/

Elk Lake Publishing (for tagging)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElkLakePublishingInc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElkLakePubInc
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elklakepubinc/

I received a copy of these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

The Christmas Singing - Book Review

The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Date: October 4, 2011
ISBN: 9780307446541, 0307446549
Hardcover, 208 pages
Currently $9.62 at Amazon

About the Book:

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk and discover the power of second chances in this touching story from the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Bridge of Peace.

Gideon Beiler has loved Mattie Eash since they were children. But when faced with unexpected circumstances, he makes up an excuse to end their engagement. He doesn’t want to lie to her, but he believes that telling Mattie the truth will be more hurtful.

Brokenhearted, Mattie moves from Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania to Ohio, where she pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator. She finds a new beau—a man offering the secure relationship Gideon has denied her.

When Mattie is forced to return to Apple Ridge, she and Gideon must confront the suffering created by his dishonesty--and address the powerful emotions that continue to bind the two childhood friends.

After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s faith in love?

My Thoughts:

The Christmas Singing gives the reader exactly what they would expect - a heart warming story that is perfect for reading during the Christmas season. I needed a heartwarming story to curl up with, and believe me, it didn't disappoint. I found myself both charmed and captivated and was happy with the ending - it turned out exactly the way I wanted it to. If you love Amish or Christmas stories, add this one to your reading list. You won't be disappointed!


About the Author:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Her ability to authentically portray her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. Cindy lives in Georgia with her family. Visit her website at CindyWoodsmall.com.

I received a copy of this ebook from Edelweiss. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Book Review: Unforgettable by Cherie M. Hudson

Australia.... yes, you are going to hear a lot about it. It's what's consuming my time and energy these days. With the preparations to leave and the phone conversations with my mate, I'm growing more and more excited. When I was offered Cherie's book to read, I was quite bogged down with life, but but this was one that I had to read.... It was by an Australian writer and was centered around an Australian and an American. How could I pass that up?!!! 

Unforgettable
Always Series Book #2
Author: Cherie M. Hudson
ISBN-13: 978-1760301798
Publisher: Momentum (October 22, 2015)
Paperback: 284 pages
Also available in Kindle format.
Genre: Fiction, Romance, New Adult

About the Book:

My name is Brendon Osmond. I'm a 25 year old post-graduate student who knows three things with absolute conviction. I know damn near everything there is to know about keeping in peak physical shape. I have a plan to make a lot of money from that knowledge. I'm an optimist who's not easily rattled. But then the girl I fell in love with almost two years ago texts me out of the blue and everything I know is thrown out the window.

Am I rattled?

No.

Not until I fly to the other side of the world and discover the girl I fell for has kept a very big secret from me.

A secret that mocks all my knowledge of the human body and how to keep it healthy.

A secret that shatters my plans for my own personal training business.

A secret with my eyes.

A secret who needs me more than I can comprehend.

Ask me again if I'm rattled.

Now ask me if I'm still in love.

My Thoughts:

Brendon Osmond.... the man every female dreams of. He's a fitness expert, handsome, passionate, and very much in love with a girl from the United States. Nothing wrong with that, except he's from Australia and they are no longer together. Then, out of of the blue, he hears from her and he decides to fly to California to see her.

Cherie does an amazing job of writing from the male point of view. I swore it was written by a male - since Brendon is so true to character. Since Brendon is an Aussie, be prepared for the Aussie slang and their use of curse words. It's not overwhelming, but it's there and made Brendon extremely believable.

This is one of those heartwarming stories that makes you fall in love with the main character, Brendon. He's every bit a sweet and loving Aussie that loves his woman, Amanda, with ever fiber of his being. His life gets turned upside down when he finds out the secret that has been kept from him and his reaction to it will make your heart break, hurt, and sing as you get to know Brendon and his situation. I will warn you, when you start, make sure you block off a good amount of time, because it's difficult to put down. My advice is to find nice cozy spot and have your favorite beverage and plenty of tissues nearby. Just like the book title, this story is Unforgettable!!

Although this is the second book of the series, I found no problem with starting here. There was enough backstory that I wasn't lost. After reading "Unforgettable" I want to read the rest of the series now!!

***Please note:  Being a New Adult Romance, be prepared for some sex scenes. They aren't overly descriptive but they are there.


About the Author:

Cherie M. Hudson is happily married to the man of her dreams, a busy mum of two little girls (one nine going on sixteen, the other five going on twenty), a proud cat owner (although she suspects the cat thinks she owns her) and an insanely manic writer. She has written over forty erotic romances under the pen name Lexxie Couper. A long time ago she gave up trying to suppress the stories in her head constantly trying to escape and has been blissfully happy ever since. 

You can follow Cherie on her website, on Facebook, Twitter. and Pintrest

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Plain Admirer by Patricia Davids

Plain Admirer
Love Inspired Series
Author: Patricia Davids
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373878178
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages

About the Book:

Love Is Only A Letter Away

So what if Joann Yoder's Amish community deems her a spinster? She's content to stay single. In the meantime, she's working hard to finally buy her dream house. So it's problematic when she's fired from her job to make room for the nephew's owner, Roman Weaver. His blue eyes aside, she simply can't stand him! Good thing she has the secret letters she's been exchanging with a mystery man to keep her going. But who is writing her letters? And could she possibly fall for him in real life, too?

My Thoughts:

Since her parents died, Joann Yoder no longer has a real home to call her own. She is passed from brother to brother since she is now their responsibility. She dreams of having her own home and works hard at her job - saving for that dream. Then, she finds she will be losing her job and has to train Roman, her new replacement.

The only way Joann copes with things when they get tough, it to go fishing. On one trip, she loses her pole and a later trip back, she finds it along with a letter. This starts an unusual and very understanding relationship with someone she has never met.

A well executed story, "Plain Admirer" kept me quite engrossed throughout. It was a hard book to put down because I had to see what the next letter would bring and wondered if and when the big reveal would be. This was a quick read with a spirited female and a broken male that could capture the reader's heart. Although the story was predictable, it was still a very satisfying read.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys Amish or clean romance or anyone who enjoys a quick read with a satisfying outcome.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Forced Alliance by Lenora Worth

Forced Alliance
Love Inspired Suspense
Author: Lenora Worth
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373446018
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance

About the Book:

AN UNEASY PARTNERSHIP

By-the-book FBI agent Josie Gilbert has no business falling for her confidential informant, but she can't walk away. She needs this case—her career needs this case. And suave thief turned FBI asset Connor Randall is too deep in the mob syndicate to pull out now. But when the crime boss they are trying to take down becomes a target himself, Josie is forced to take Connor into hiding without blowing his cover. Now, dodging hit men and fighting a perilous attraction, she has to make a life-and-death decision. Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart…or is he working one last con?

My Thoughts:

This quick paced, action packed thriller kept me turning pages to see what happened. Every time I think I figured it out, some twist would make me second guess myself. Although quite formulaic and predictable, I still enjoyed the story line and the characters. Josie is a strong woman and Conner is a great con-man that you can't help but like but not sure you trust. These characters both worked for me and worked well in the story. Nothing seemed out of character and all seemed quite realistic.

Forced Alliance is a good quick read that will keep you flipping the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed it enough to want to read more by this author and also from Harlequin's Love Inspired Series!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot

On Her Father's Grave
Rogue River Novella Book 1
Author: Kendra Elliot
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Print Length: 100 pages
Kindle Edition - no ISBN

About the Book:

The first of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, On Her Father’s Grave launches a new romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, with each author alternating writing books in the series.

In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.

Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.

In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.

About the Author

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kendra Elliot has always been a voracious reader, cutting her teeth on classic female sleuths and heroines like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden before proceeding to devour the works of Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon, and Nora Roberts. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. A Golden Heart, Daphne du Maurier, and Linda Howard Award of Excellence finalist, Elliot shares her love of suspense in Hidden, Chilled, Buried, Alone, and Vanished. She lives and writes in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband, three daughters, and a Pomeranian, but dreams of living at the beach on Kauai.

My Thoughts:

Stevie Taylor left Oregon to work for the LAPD. After her father dies and she has tired of seeing everything going on in the big city, she decides to return to her hometown - not only to relax but to heal after the passing of her father. Things don't remain quiet though and Stevie is thrown into something that reminds her of her past dealings in LA.

I enjoyed the first book to the series and must read the others. The characters are interesting, Stevie is layered and is slowly revealed throughout the story. She is quite a complex person and she has guilt issues among other things. She is not only interesting but is pretty enough to catch the attention of her boss, but will there be love? Business and pleasure don't mix or do they?

A great story line and good characters make this beginning of the series one to add to your TBR list. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Stevie's not-so-quiet town, the mystery behind her father and finding out if there will there be a love interest after all.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Love is Pink! by Roxann Hill

Love is Pink!
Author: Roxann Hill
Publisher: AmazonCrossing
ISBN: 9781477826836
Genre: Romance

About the Book:

Michelle has everything: good looks, a great job, a fancy apartment, and cash to burn. She also has a boyfriend, Valentin—her dream man. There’s just one tiny snag: his wife.

Valentin promised Michelle that as soon as his children were grown, he would leave his marriage to be with her. But when the time comes—and to no one’s surprise but her own—Valentin chooses his wealthy wife, leaving Michelle stranded in the French Alps. Michelle finds herself lost and without a way back to Berlin. Out of options, Michelle hitches a ride in a rickety pink Citroën with the attractive but ostensibly penniless David and his precocious daughter, Emma.

Over the course of their three-day trip, Michelle comes face-to-face with the life she’s created. With David and Emma offering a fresh perspective, Michelle redefines what love is, and wonders whether it might truly be pink.

My Thoughts:

"Love is Pink" has to be one of my favorite romances. It is a fun and quirky romance that actually made me laugh-out-loud at times. I loved David and his daughter and Michelle was just hilarious! She was a character that I didn't much care for in the beginning, but as the story continued, she grew up and became someone I really liked.

Written by Roxann Hill who was born in the Czech Republic and now lives in Germany, this translated novel is not the formulaic romance that seems to be popular today. This novel was fresh and fun and boy didn't hate girl nor did girl hate boy. This was a well laid out story with no sex or anything objectionable. It was truly a fun and feel good story that had a great ending.

I highly recommend this story to anyone that just enjoys a fun and sweet read with a little romance sprinkled in.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Earth & Sky by Megan Crewe - Review

Earth & Sky
The Earth & Sky Trilogy - Book 1
Author: Megan Crewe
Publisher: Skyscape (October 28, 2014)
Paperback: 306 pages
ISBN: 9781477847848

About the Book:

Seventeen-year-old Skylar has been haunted for as long as she can remember by fleeting yet powerful sensations that something is horribly wrong. But despite the visions of disaster that torment her, nothing ever happens, and Sky’s beginning to think she’s crazy. Then she meets a mysterious, otherworldly boy named Win and discovers the shocking truth her premonitions have tapped into: that our world no longer belongs to us. For thousands of years, life on Earth has been at the mercy of alien scientists who care nothing for humans and are using us as the unwitting subjects of their time-manipulating experiments. Win belongs to a rebel faction seeking to put a stop to it, and he needs Skylar’s help to save the world and keep the very fabric of reality together. Megan Crewe’s latest tale takes readers on a mind-bending journey through time with a cast of unforgettable characters.

My Thoughts:

Skylar is 17 and has always had the strange feeling around certain places or things that something is wrong. These sensations are at times so terrible that she ends up sick or really "out of it". When she meets Win, she finally finds out that these feelings aren't because she is crazy but because they are real and she finds out why and the truth behind them and what she has to do because of them.

Skylar is an interesting girl and Win... well he's just adorable on so many levels. Their partnership, although unlikely at first, ends up being one in which they both need - some for the same reason, some for different reasons.

This is a great young adult sci-fi time travel adventure/romance that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. It is quite fast paced with an unusual story line and a little mystery thrown in. This is a clean read with a few off-colored words and the romance is clean with some kissing.

Although marketed to young adults, Earth & Sky should appeal to anyone who enjoys time travel and a strong young female protagonist. One word of warning - this book is the first part of a trilogy, so the ending is going to leave you wanting more!

This book was supplied through the Amazon Vine Program for me to honestly review.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Review

To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781442426702
Publish date: April 15, 2014

About the Book:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

My Thoughts:

I must be the odd one, because I really can't figure out why this book has received the high ratings and why book groups (like mine) are going crazy over it. For me, it was difficult to read. The main character, Lara Jean Son is a weak and sniveling girl that can't seem to figure out how to do things on her own. She's afraid of everything and she's basically helpless. It took everything I had not to toss the book aside but finally, after about 70 or so pages it began to pick up and get more interesting. Laura Jean starts to grow and learn things, and by the end of the book, I found that I was glad that I didn't give up reading it. This story redeemed itself enough that I might just consider reading the next book to see what happens to Lara Jean.

The Medici Boy by John L’Heureux

Donatello: Art, Pain, Passion, Murder

Renowned Literary Writer Renders Controversial Life of

Mysterious Renaissance Genius

“John L’Heureux has built a gripping story of love, genius and betrayal.”

--JM Coetzee, Nobel Prize for Literature, Booker Prize Winner

“Deeply enjoyable, The Medici Boy soars like an operatic aria, before breaking our hearts.”

--David Henry Hwang, playwright, M. Butterfly, Chinglish

“L’Heureux’s is certainly one of America’s greatest living writers. I’d put him in the top ten...And now he’s come out with his first new novel in ten years, The Medici Boy, and it’s a masterpiece, the most ambitious, beautiful, and complex novel I’ve read this year…”

--David Vann, Financial Times of London

Astor + Blue Editions is proud to release perhaps the most passionate work of master storyteller, John L’Heureux, in The Medici Boy [ISBN:  978-1-938231-50-6 (Hard Cover); ISBN: 978-1-938231-48-3 (E-book); US $25.95; Historical / Literary Fiction; 346 Pages, April, 2014].  Described as “one of America’s greatest living writers” by the Financial Times of London, L’Heureux returns with a long-awaited new historical fiction novel; the result of years of research—backed by a Guggenheim Grant—on location in Europe.

In this well-conceived, historically accurate rendering, the Renaissance worlds of art, politics and passion collide. With his distinct style and rich, sinewy narrative, L’Heureux ingeniously transports the reader to Donatello’s Renaissance Italy—directly into his bottega, (workshop), as witnessed through the eyes of Luca Mattei, a devoted assistant.

While creating his famous bronze of David and Goliath, Donatello’s passion for his enormously beautiful model and part time rent boy, Agnolo, ignites a dangerous jealousy that ultimately leads to murder. Luca, the complex and conflicted assistant, will sacrifice all to save Donatello, even his master’s friend—the great patron of art, Cosimo de’ Medici.

John L’Heureux’s long-awaited hardcover delivers both a monumental and intimate narrative of the creative genius, Donatello, at the height of his powers. With incisive detail, L’Heureux artfully renders the master sculptor’s forbidden homosexual passions, and the artistry that enthralled the leading—and competing—powerbrokers of Renaissance Florence: the Medici and Albizzi families. The finished work is a sumptuously detailed narrative that entertains while it delves deeply into both the sacred and the profane within one of the Italian Renaissance’s most consequential cities, fifteenth century Florence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning poet, novelist, and short story writer, John L’Heureux has taught at Georgetown University, Tufts, Harvard, and (for more than 35 years) in the English Department of Stanford University where he was Lane Professor of Humanities.  There he received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and earned it again in 1998.

A prolific writer, L’Heureux has written more than twenty books of fiction, short fiction and poetry.  His works have appeared in the Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Harper’s, The New Yorker, and have been included in dozens of anthologies including Best American Stories and Prize Stories: the O. Henry Awards.

John L’Heureux has twice received writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2006 he was awarded a Guggenheim Grant to do research for The Medici Boy, his new novel.

He is retired and lives in Palo Alto with his wife Joan.

The Medici Boy may be purchased from the following:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1i8UhyW

Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/1kkIpLL

Astor+Blue:  http://bit.ly/1dIUz2I

My Thoughts:

I am having a difficult time with this review and have put if off a bit trying to decide how to write it. First let me say that The Medici Boy is very well written and comes from the first person point of view of Luca Mattei, Donatello's assistant. 

The opening of the book was captivating, but soon went downhill for me with the description of Luca's life as a child/monk. I know that there needs to be a certain opening, but the discussion of his frequent masturbation was a true turn-off for me. The first few chapters made me want to stop reading, but because of my curiosity about Donatello, I persevered.

I know this has been researched by a well know and respected professor, however, I had somewhat of a hard time swallowing all that was written about Donatello's homosexuality. I had hoped this would be more in tuned with the times and not so much a passionate love affair. It may have been historically accurate, but it wasn't what I had learned in art history.

I found the book itself to be captivating after the first few chapters. It is well written and gets one caught up in the passion and the affairs of the heart and what can happen when one is too dedicated to another.

Although this book wasn't for me because of the sexual nature, it probably will appeal to art history fans, those that like a well written book or just one that wants something captivating and not the normal "run of the mill" type reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions that are expressed here are my own. I was not required to write a favorable review.