Tag Archive | romance

Katie’s Attic

Oct28

Book Link

From Amazon:

After the loss of her mother the previous year, Katie finds solace in a newfound fascination with her family history ignited by a school genealogy project. But her journey takes a mystical turn when she discovers an extraordinary ability to astral project through time, sharing the body of her ancestor during the American Civil War. Katie learns the true power of family bonds and resilience as she tracks a treasure through time into a world fraught with battles, disease, wounded soldiers, and the unsanitary conditions endured. The past and present collide unexpectedly, shaping Katie’s understanding of herself and her place in the world.

This first installment in the “Thread Through Time” series is an unforgettable time travel journey through history that will captivate readers of all ages. “Katie’s Attic” is a spellbinding tale of courage, love, and the timeless threads that bind us together even after death.

“From the moment I started reading this, I was hooked.”

“…engaging characters who carry the reader along with enthusiastic excitement, and it is historically informative too.”

“I can’t wait for The Golden Locket.” (Book Two)

My Review:

This book by Kusma struck a direct hit to my heart. In those lucky enough in life to have known family and heard about their ancestors from their known family, will understand this book better than those who did not have the advantage of learning about their ancestors and their trials and tribulations. I packed a lot into that sentence, but it’s true. Yet, for those who don’t have an ancestral lineage due to adoption or other reasons, this story offers the reader a vision into the past that becomes part of the readers soul.

The House on The Cliff

Oct27

Book Link

Facing mortality for the first time in its life, a two-hundred-year-old house vividly recalls, in its own words, two of its beloved families.

Magnus Quinn, a reclusive sea captain, whose heart has been marred by a horrific tragedy, hesitantly agrees to marry Audrey, a pregnant woman with whom he shares a volatile past. As they forge a tentative bond, their relationship is hampered by secrets—one, long-buried, one, still raw—which threaten to tear them apart, along with Quinn’s brooding and vindictive brother Callum, who will stop at nothing to end their marriage.

Charlie Montgomery just turned thirteen and shares a bedroom with her younger brother Travis and his invisible friend Billy. She lives with her divorced mother and grandmother, who reads palms to help make ends meet. Notably missing from her family unit is her older brother Tyler, who has been sent to fight in Vietnam, and her estranged father, who’s in a rock band that no one has ever heard of.

As Charlie tries to traverse the perils of middle school, as well as the challenges of growing up in an eccentric family, she is suddenly bestowed a gift that follows the line of her grandmother. When this gift allows her to see a disaster that threatens to end the very existence of her family, she must come to terms with a life she never wanted in order to try and save them.

In the present day, Wren Sutcliffe has suffered an unspeakable crime that has left her unable to cope and in fear for her life. Taking refuge inside House’s darkened rooms, she spends her days working her way toward the bottom of a bottle as she struggles to make a fresh start. When her twin sister Zoe shows up: penniless, jobless, and needing a place to crash, Wren welcomes her with open arms, but the pair’s fragile relationship is immediately put to the test when their diverse personalities knock heads. As Wren begins to spiral out of control, the special bond that holds her and Zoe together starts to unravel when certain childhood secrets come to light, and she learns that a dangerous man from her past may have followed her to Echo Point.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars  Life lives on despite aging

Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024

Verified Purchase

Life lives on despite aging. One can think that metaphor applies to human life only, but in the real world it can apply to mostly inanimate objects such as a house. This novel reads as a point of view from a house itself, one two centuries plus old. A house in which, if one is sensitive, can feel the heat and energy soar throughout and knowing that the house is alive!!! That is why you want to read this book. Two plus centuries of different people and family that have lived inside come to life. I was mesmerized while reading.

Empire State

Jun27

Book Link

From Amazon:

Returning to Brooklyn after attending the wedding in the Sunshine State of her beloved brother, Salvatore, Loretta intends to resume the quiet life she has led for the last several years since retiring from being a nurse. Sixty years old and described by her best friend as a beautiful woman with curves, divorced for the last thirteen years she has given up on any notions of finding someone to love again. The only man romantically interested in her is her ex brother-in-law. Loretta is determined to never date him.

A pleasant encounter with a handsome mature man from Texas who has recently moved to New York at the bakery where she works part time complicates her decision to remain single. A curious infatuation turns to undeniable attraction when she again sees him at the bakery the next day.

Shepherd Sumner left Texas in the hopes of healing his broken heart after a bitter divorce. Hesitant to start a new relationship as his past emotional wounds continue to tear him apart, Loretta’s beauty and spirit weaken his resistance not to love again. Being a western romance author, he can seduce with the words he writes. He soon discovers the will to say what’s on his heart. In doing so, Loretta finds the courage to fall in love with him and to feel like a princess who has met her fairytale prince in a place referred to as the Empire State.

My Review:


Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice short romance Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024

Verified Purchase

This was a nice short romance read perfect for those who prefer two hour reads. Lots of romance, lots of sass, and the pain from broken relationships. The end is nicely wrapped up.

Mollie McQueen is NOT Ruining Christmas

May30

Book Link

From Amazon:

Mollie is back for Christmas!
“Be naughty and save Santa a trip. It’s better for the planet…”

There was little over a week to go until Christmas Day, but Mollie McQueen hadn’t sent a single card. She hadn’t purchased one gift, and she hadn’t decked the halls with anything other than mountains of wet laundry.

Usually, come the first of December, the McQueen house resembled Santa’s grotto. Stockings would hang from the fireplace, his and hers advent calendars would be propped up on the mantlepiece, and the two sparkly polar bears bought by Mollie’s mother would stand proudly on the windowsill.

This year, all was quiet on the Christmas front. The door was missing its usual wreath, the sprig of mistletoe was absent from the hallway, and the alcove in the living room was minus the retro tree that Mollie normally insisted on rolling out on the first day of December.

When Mollie first announced her plans to strip Christmas back to basics, she received nothing but negative feedback. Max accused her of trying to ruin Christmas, Margot advised her to chuck back a daily vitamin D pill in a bid to rediscover her Christmas spirit, and Mrs Heckles had taken to singing Christmas carols through Mollie’s letterbox.

Despite their grumbling, Mollie was determined to prove to everyone that you could enjoy Christmas without falling victim to the endless marketing campaigns that emotionally blackmailed you into purchasing unnecessary gifts for people who would rather have a pack of socks and a slice of Yule log.

With her no-Christmas Christmas amassing quite the guestlist, Mollie had an almighty task on her hands.

Can she convince her nearest and dearest that the true meaning of Christmas had nothing to do with expensive gifts and garish decorations?

One thing’s for sure, Mollie McQueen is NOT Ruining Christmas.

My Review:

This book is funny. Hilarious, actually. Mollie decides to make Christmas all about the reason for the season and helping less fortunate people through actual working for free, while all the while bringing the true and best of any Christmas come to be. Never mind the kooky homemade gifts Mollie made, or tossing beans into mashed potatoes, but Mollie has everyone worried about what they will eat and the gift giving doesn’t line up with past years. Decorations are off the table and slowly but surely, time happens, and the true sense of the best Christmas ever happens.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy

Apr4

Book Link

From Amazon:

What secrets lie in Mr. Darcy’s past?

During a summer sojourn in Ramsgate, Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—an irresistible, eminent, and seemingly unobtainable model of an ideal gentleman. Following a whirlwind romance with Mr. Darcy and a blossoming friendship with Georgiana Darcy, her life is forever altered.

When Darcy disappears under mysterious circumstances, the new Mrs. Darcy’s world is thrown into chaos. A friend of Darcy’s provides much-needed support as Elizabeth is confronted with rumours insinuating lewd explanations for his absence. Could any of them be true?

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, a Regency mystery romance, Elizabeth cannot be certain what to believe or whom to trust. She is determined to find out what befell Darcy, but will the truth break her heart?

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS STORY MENTIONS A PAST ASSAULT ON A YOUNG WOMAN THAT IS THWARTED BY A MAIN CHARACTER.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best one yet Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024

Verified Purchase

Miller doesn’t let up one little bit. In this Pride and Prejudice version, she has outdone herself. I loved this novel. Of course, most all characters are known to me, having read all of her other versions, and Jane Austin. I do find I love this version the best. Thanks.

Masked Intent : A Modern-Day Morality Play

Feb16

Book Link

From Amazon:

CAN YOU TAKE SOMEONE AT FACE VALUE?
OR IS THERE A DEEPER STORY BENEATH THE MASK?

Masked Intent is a debut novel that takes a taut, complex look at how we hide behind inauthenticity to guide us through interpersonal relationships. Through a series of detailed, interconnected storylines, the novel takes a timely look at our relationship with the truth and how it drives our actions and motivations.

Where do you draw lines in a world where authenticity takes back seat to the power and seduction of influence?

“An excellent romance novel (complete with several steamy scenes) that is also literary, intelligent, and partly inspired by ancient Greek plays.”

From being denied by her birth parents to marrying the wrong man, Alexa Winston has learned to cope with disappointment and heartache by masking her true self from the world.

Divorced and finally living on her own terms, she shrouds herself in half-truths and bravado, content to live her quiet, predictable life – until she finds the job and the man of her dreams.

As she falls deeper into both, and into a world ruled by powerful players jockeying for influence and dominance at all costs, she’s forced to weigh her truths against reality.

Trouble is, though she’s a master at detecting self-deception in others, she’s slow to recognize it in herself.

My Review:

This book is a true epic read. One can not help but feel the emotions except when cloaked and shut off to the world. This love story is different from others I’ve read and unique. Alexa must protect her heart. Mateo brings out deep emotions. Do you hide your heart, or are you an open book? I’ve been an open book all my life. The pain is devastating to relate my life to that of Alexa. Regardless, pain and doubt are dominant in this novel, but so is love. The characters are realistic and that’s not found in many books. Definitely a deep novel.

Genavine’s Hell: Frozen in the dark

Jan17

Book Link

From Amazon:

Immerse yourself in the thrilling depths of “Genavine’s Hell,” a captivating book that seamlessly blends dystopian suspense, paranormal romance, drama, and supernatural elements into a suspenseful adventure like no other.

It all began with the government’s abandonment of society, but it has developed into something far more sinister. Six years later, the secrets of the past rise from their graves, revealing a world mired in darkness. A virus unleashed upon the world was meant to decimate civilization, but its unintended consequences have created a reality even bleaker than Gena could have ever imagined.

Amidst the chaos, Gena embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and the secrets that have haunted her. As she delves deeper, she discovers shocking revelations about her identity and is forced to confront her true nature. With treacherous alliances and unexpected allies, Gena must navigate a treacherous path where every step risks her sanity, her life, and everything she holds dear.

The paranormal world intertwines with her reality, threatening to consume her piece by piece. As darkness engulfs her surroundings, Gena must learn to harness her newfound powers and face the daunting challenges that lie ahead. Her destiny hinges on her ability to strike a delicate balance in the face of unparalleled adversity.

Prepare to be enthralled as you explore the intricate web of mystery and supernatural intrigue that envelops Gena’s world. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, leaving you breathless, craving more. “Genavine’s Hell” will keep you on the edge of your seat, your heart pounding, as you journey alongside Gena through a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

Embark on this thrilling, genre-blending adventure where dystopia, suspense, paranormal romance, drama, and supernatural elements converge in an exhilarating narrative that will leave you yearning for the next installment.

My Review:

Wow. This book is woven tightly, and Genavine continues on in her battles against all the darkness going on in this second book in this series. To grasp what’s going on, please read book one first. By doing so, you will understand this book, and appreciate what is written and why Genavine does what she does for her family. Genavine fights. She fights for what is right. The mix of evil, angels, humans, etcetera is tangled in struggles and passionate moments of love, actually. Gena is more than one sum of her parts and for that hook, you must read this book. Genavine is strong in many ways, a warrior even, but she feels like a normal human person does, yet she’s far from being a normal human. Five stars.

The Trouble With Friends: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Jan16

Book Link

From Amazon:

A country miss from a modest estate may destroy Fitzwilliam Darcy’s closest friendship!

Darcy and his good friend Simon Lockhart are guests of Charles Bingley at Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. When the otherwise sensible Lockhart becomes infatuated with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who has neither wealth nor a renowned family name, Darcy attempts to make his friend see reason. But there is a complication—Darcy’s growing attraction for Miss Elizabeth.

Elizabeth has an instant liking for the amiable Mr. Lockhart, whilst she deems the arrogant Mr. Darcy to be an undesirable entity. In time, though, she is coaxed into judging Mr. Darcy anew. But when an unexpected predicament forces her to make an undesirable choice, it seems all hope of a happy outcome is lost.

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Darcy faces a dilemma: Will he heed the yearnings of his heart—even at the expense of his principles?

The Trouble With Friends is a clean, light-hearted Regency romance of approximately 54,000 words written from the author’s imagination without the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence).

My Review:

Miller has done it once again. This variation on Pride and Prejudice was a delight to read. The foibles made between friends and confusion over who loves who is wonderful to read. Characters are the same, yet each version is different. Since I can’t decide which version I like best, I will leave it be that they are all my favorites.

Clara’s Last Christmas

Dec31

Book Link

From Amazon:

“Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.”

Just a few months ago, life seemed pretty rosy indeed…

With Lianna back in London for good, Clara had been enjoying every second with her best friend.

From blinged-up baby shopping with Eve to wedding planning with a delirious Dawn, Clara and her friends were happier than ever.

Unfortunately, they are brought back to reality when just weeks before Christmas, Oliver and Marc discover that their jobs are in jeopardy.

With Clara helping Eve to prepare for two new arrivals, news that Suave is going into administration rocks her to the core. It may be December, but the prospect of being jobless at Christmas means that not everyone is feeling festive.

Should they give up on Suave and move on, or can the gang work as one to rescue the company that brought them all together?

With so much at stake, can Clara and her friends save Suave in time for Christmas?

Jump into Clara’s world for a heart-warming and hilarious festive ride in Clara’s Last Christmas!

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, Lacey London. This is also a book that is part of a series. I bought it because of the Christmas theme. There is enough back story that made for this book making sense to me. Anything and everything, /yet nothing can or does happen. I rooted for Sadie until the last page. The nuances of life not knowing your father, love ending, people changing, it’s real life yet also contains enough hilarity to equal out the emotions in this book. Not all writers can make that happen.