Romance | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

2024 HOLIDAY READS

November 8, 2024

I have read quite a few holiday books this year, so here are some of my favorites! In no particular order…

CHRISTMAS SWEATER WEATHER by Jaqueline Snowe

Christmas is both naughty and nice this year when a single dad and his best friend’s sister celebrate with some secret (steamy) romance and festive fun, perfect for fans of Maggie Knox and Lyssa Kay Adams.

Charlotte Calhoun has avoided Hayden Porter, her older brother’s sexy-as-sin best friend, ever since that mortifying night when he flat-out rejected her. Fine. Except this Christmas season, they’re thrown together at a snowy ski resort for her brother’s bachelor party, complete with mistletoe, cozy fireplaces, and adjoining rooms. She can tell herself to get over Hayden, but holiday cheer is turning to holiday lust every time he is within ten feet of her.

Between being a full-time single father and his high-pressure college coaching job, a romantic relationship is off the table for Hayden. But he’s fought his attraction to Charlotte for as long as he can. A one-night stand is starting to sound like a good idea—as long as her brother never finds out. But with two long weeks until the wedding, hiding their growing feelings is going to take a Christmas miracle.

From the BookBitch: This was a fun, sexy Christmas romance and completely entertaining – everything I want in a Christmas romance.

A CHRISTMAS EVE LOVE STORY by Ginny Baird

Annie Jones is stuck repeating Christmas Eve until she finds everything she’s been missing in life in this heartwarming time travel Christmas romance for fans of Miracle on 34th Street, Groundhog Day, and Josie Silver’s A Winter in New York.

Annie Jones works hard designing windows for iconic New York City department store Lawson’s Finest. So when her Christmas window display gets upended by some rambunctious kids on Christmas Eve, the all-too-realistic store Santa gives Annie a little decorating tip on how to start over. With help from friendly security guard Braden Tate, Annie repairs the damage and heads home. But when she wakes the next morning, she’s bewildered to find that it isn’t Christmas day at all, but Christmas Eve all over again.

Trapped in a time loop, Annie doesn’t know how she’ll ever make it back to the present. Luckily, she has an infinite number of chances to get things right. As little everyday choices bring her closer to Braden and to Christmas day, Annie starts to picture what her new life― one full of friendship, love, and community―could look like.

From the BookBitch: “Groundhog Day” is one of my favorite movies, and this book has a similar premise around Christmas Eve instead. Annie was a sweet character, as was Braden, and as the days keep repeating, they learn more about one another and themselves – and how much reaching out to strangers can matter.

THE DECEMBER MARKET by RaeAnne Thayne

The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season…

Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he’s just as fiery as his grandfather—and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.

As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.

From the BookBitch: This is the second book in the Shelter Springs series, and I loved it. Not sure why the publisher is harping on the grandparents relationship; that is really a subplot. It’s the heat between Rafe and Amanda that makes this story fiery and unputdownable.

A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Taylor Hahn

A witty, warmhearted novel about coming to terms with grief, taking a chance on unexpected connections, and finding family in time for the holidays

For wedding singer Mel Hart, the holidays have always retained a certain magic. Her mother, Connie, always managed to pull off spectacular Santa hijinx that convinced Mel to keep believing in Santa way longer than other kids. Those moments meant everything to Mel because the rest of the year, life was unpredictable because of her mother’s alcohol use.

But two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the hospital: her mother has died.

Then a woman shows up on Mel’s doorstep, claiming to be Connie’s estranged best friend, promising to tell Mel a different narrative—one in which Connie was almost a famous country music star, if only a man hadn’t gotten in the way. Instead of spending Christmas alone in her dead mother’s house, Mel agrees to stay with Barb for the holidays, finding herself in the middle of Barb’s complicated family and uncovering secrets while fighting an attraction to Barb’s in-the-middle-of-a-divorce son. As Christmas approaches, Mel reckons with how little she knew about her mother’s past while reexamining her own future.

A Home for the Holidays is a moving exploration of complicated grief, mother-daughter relationships, loving someone with addiction, and the redemptive power of opening one’s heart to love in all its forms.

From the BookBitch: I loved learning with Mel about her mother’s life, and seeing her relationship blossom. While not your typical Christmas romance, the additional depth here was welcome.

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS MATCH by Winnie Griggs

Can one Amish woman give a struggling widower with five rowdy boys a helping hand—and chance at love—this Christmas season?

Phoebe Kropf knows everyone thinks she’s a bit odd—and more than a little accident-prone. She doesn’t understand why they fuss over her at home rather than see her as a bright, independent Amish woman. So when a friend asks Phoebe to help care for a house full of young men in nearby Sweetbrier Creek, she leaps at the chance to prove she’s more than her shortcomings . . .

Widower Seth Beiler is in over his head with his five orphaned brieder to care for and all the Christmas orders his woodworking shop needs to fulfill. When he asked for help with some cooking and cleaning, he wasn’t expecting a housekeeper as unconventional—or lovely—as Phoebe. Yet her warm care and holiday traditions win their hearts one by one. And soon the farmhouse finally starts to feel like home again. When the Christmas season and Phoebe’s time there is nearly at an end, will Seth convince her that the greatest gift would be her staying . . . as part of their familye?lationships come into play here when team captain Beckett’s sister moves into the same building as his teammate, Garrett. Garrett is tasked with watching out for Jennie, and he does, happily. But as they grow closer, their friendship soon turns into a more physical relationship. When big brother finds out, that happy ending seems in jeopardy.

From the BookBitch: I love Amish romances, and this was a good one – light on the preaching/religion, but heavy on the character development. I loved seeing Phoebe realize her self-worth.

Previously reviewed this season:

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Susan Mallery

WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey

LOVE YOU A LATKE by Amanda Elliot

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM by Laurie Gilmore

LOVELIGHT FARMS by B.K. Borison

11/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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Spotlight Review: EIGHT NIGHTS TO WIN HER HEART by Miri White

November 5, 2024

From the publisher:

Bask in the warm glow of the menorah in this debut Jewish romantic comedy featuring a hard-of-hearing hero and a Chanukah meet-cute, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Jean Meltzer.

Andie Williams is not looking forward to spending her first Chanukah alone after her father’s death. About to lose her job, with her only prospect across the country for another work opportunity, she could use some chutzpah to make it through the eight nights alone.

Leo Dentz has had a crush on the girl across the hall from his apartment for years but has never had the courage to say anything—until she drops her grocery bags and he notices her drug store Chanukah candles. Ready to take a chance outside of his comfort zone, Leo offers to join Andie on the first night, sharing his dinner with her.

As Andie and Leo fall for each other one night at a time, and the clock ticks down on Andie’s move, will this season of miracles light their way forward?

“White combines scrumptious descriptions of comfort food, massive winter lights displays, and believable family drama in her entertaining holiday contemporary.” —Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/4ebJ2Yo

Yes, it’s a Hanukkah miracle – another holiday romance set around Hanukkah instead of Christmas. Now my regular readers know I LOVE Christmas romance; in fact, I’ve read so many this year I’m going to have to do a compilation review (coming soon!) But I am thrilled to be reading my second (or third?) Hanukkah romance this season, and it’s a good one. It’s also a debut novel, so hopefully more to come.

Andie is one of those amazing preschool teachers you wish for but rarely get. Sadly, her school has lost its funding so she’s looking for another job. Preschool teachers usually make bupkis (nothing much) and tend to burn out, so you wouldn’t think it would be hard to find another job. Yet Andie would like a job that pays more than minimum wage, and benefits would be nice, too. And she finds it – unfortunately, that job is in Ohio, precipitating a real soul-searching decision. She loves living in Boston, but as a young single woman with no family, she has no obligations to stay there. Except the memories of her father, and she is torn about leaving their apartment and all the memories it holds.

Leo lives down the hall from Andie and has had a crush on her for a couple of years now. He had a bunch of ear infections as a child that he never outgrew, and eventually lost his hearing, and he wears hearing aids. It was interesting to see a young person with that issue.

Their meet-cute happens when Andie drops a bag of groceries, revealing Hanukkah candles. Leo finally gets up the courage to ask her to spend her first night of Hanukkah with him. Leo finally realizes this is his big break, his chance to get to know her better and see where it goes. When he finds out she is moving for a new job, he realizes he has eight nights to get her to stay.

Leo has some family issues of his own. He works with his brother, both working for their father in their grandfather’s antique business. When Leo and his brother were teenagers, they were fooling around in the shop and broke some valuable pieces. Their father has never forgiven them. Now that he is getting ready to retire, his sons want to buy the business from him, but he doesn’t think they deserve it and is entertaining offers from outsiders.

Andie and Leo grow closer, but problems arise when he offers to fix her beloved mother’s desk. It is an antique and in terrible shape. But Andie lost her mother as an infant, and it is all she has of her so she very reluctantly lets Leo take it to the shop. You can see what happens next from Mars, but this is a romance so a happy ending is guaranteed.

There is some humor here, and some steamy sex. But mostly, it is about family and love and Hanukkah, and it is a terrific holiday read. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this new author.

11/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

EIGHT NIGHTS TO WIN HER HEART by Miri White. Alcove Press (October 15, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-1639108923. 304p.

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM by Laurie Gilmore

October 25, 2024

Dream Harbor, Book 3

From the publisher:

From the author of the viral TikTok sensation, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, comes the only spicy grumpy x sunshine Christmas romcom you need this year!

Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.

Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place…

The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

Grumpy x Sunshine

Small Town

Forced Proximity

One Bed

“A charming break from reality”– Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/3UjYUkw

I’m not really a TikTok girl – I prefer reading to viewing videos, so I wasn’t aware of these books until they were traditionally published. This is a fun series though, and I especially love the ties to the Gilmore Girls, one of my favorite TV shows that I watch repeatedly. I do like long-form videos, like TV shows and movies; apparently, I don’t like the 30-second videos. Anyway, while this isn’t set in the Gilmore world, it is set in a small New England town full of quirky but loveable characters, and that works for me.

Kira has grown up in the lap of luxury in Georgia, but when her sister meets her true love and moves to Denmark with him, she decides it’s time for her to move on, too. She impulsively buys a Christmas tree farm in New England with the last of her trust fund and moves into the farmhouse, which is badly in need of renovation. It’s freezing and needs a new heating system, among other things. She avoids town and is living a hermit-like existence until she realizes if she doesn’t get some income from this place, she’s going to either freeze to death or have to move back home, and neither option is the least bit palatable.

Bennett is in town visiting his family. He followed a girlfriend to California, but she dumped him, Repeatedly. His family is thrilled he’s back, even temporarily. Their meet-cute happens when Bennett walks his dogs through Kira’s fields. She’s not happy with him, but they keep running into one another and it turns out he is a bit of a fixer. A nice guy who likes to help. And even though she hates to admit it, Kira needs help.

Eventually, she opens her Christmas tree farm to the public, and business takes off. Kira is intrigued by this nice guy, but even more so once they really get to know one another. Turns out Mr. Nice Guy isn’t exactly nice in bed, which works for Kira. But Bennett is going home to California so geographically, this isn’t going to work. Until they make it work.

I love the setting, the characters are believable and interesting, and the romance sizzles. This was another fun read in a series I’ve really been enjoying. Looking forward to whatever comes next!

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM by Laurie Gilmore. One More Chapter (October 22, 2024). ISBN: 978-0008610746. 368p.

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TOUGHER IN TEXAS by Kari Lynn Dell

October 25, 2024

Texas Rodeo, Book 3

From the publisher:

He’s got five rules and she’s aiming to break them all.

Rodeo producer Cole Jacobs has his hands full running Jacobs Livestock. He can’t afford to lose a single cowboy, so when Cousin Violet offers to send along a more-than-capable replacement, he’s got no choice but to accept. He expects a grizzled Texas good ol’ boy.

He gets Shawnee Pickett.

Wild and outspoken, ruthlessly self-reliant, Shawnee’s not looking for anything but a good time. It doesn’t matter how quickly the tall, dark and intense cowboy gets under her skin―Cole deserves something real, and Shawnee can’t promise him forever. Life’s got a way of kicking her in the teeth, and she’s got her bags packed before tragedy can knock her down. Too bad Cole’s not the type to give up when the going gets tough…

“In Dell’s incredibly realistic third Texas Rodeo contemporary, a rodeo producer meets the woman of his dreams when he least expects it. Cole Jacobs has Asperger’s, which makes social situations challenging for him . . . Dell takes the reader deep into the fascinating world of rodeo, and her effortless storytelling, three-dimensional characters, and heartwarming romance bring the novel to life.” —Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/3BSXE1E

My first read from this author was Tangled in Texas, the second book in this series, and I really enjoyed it. This follow up is another good read, especially if you have any interest in rodeo. From what I can remember, there isn’t any reason to read them in order, I think both books stand alone beautifully.

It was interesting to see the male lead character has Asperger’s. For some reason, the romances I can remember with characters on the spectrum, it is usually the woman. Cole has learned to adapt so he can manage his crew, but it isn’t always easy. When Shawnee is sent to replace an injured crew member, Cole isn’t sure how they are going to get along. But to his surprise, she really seems to understand what he needs.

Shawnee usually competes in the rodeo, but the money for this temporary job was too good to pass up. Turns out she really likes the work, and especially her boss, Cole. The next thing you know, they are falling in love.

There is a lot of information about rodeos and the different jobs that make up the crew behind the successful shows. I literally knew nothing about rodeos, other than what I’ve read, so I found it all interesting. Combining an interesting setting with unusual characters and lots of conflict makes for a terrific read. This appears to be is a reissue of a 2017 book, so there may be other books in the series out there. I am going to look for them for sure.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

TOUGHER IN TEXAS by Kari Lynn Dell. Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 3, 2024). ISBN: 978-1464220128. 464p.

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LOVE YOU A LATKE by Amanda Elliot

October 18, 2024

From the publisher:

Love comes home for the challah-days in this sparkling romance.

Snow is falling, holiday lights are twinkling, and Abby Cohen is pissed. For one thing, her most annoying customer, Seth, has been coming into her café every morning with his sunshiny attitude, determined to break down her carefully constructed emotional walls. And, as the only Jew on the tourism board of her Vermont town, Abby’s been charged with planning their fledgling Hanukkah festival. Unfortunately, the local vendors don’t understand that the story of Hanukkah cannot be told with light-up plastic figures from the Nativity scene, even if the Three Wise Men wear yarmulkes.

Desperate for support, Abby puts out a call for help online and discovers she was wrong about being the only Jew within a hundred miles. There’s one other: Seth.

As it turns out, Seth’s parents have been badgering him to bring a Nice Jewish Girlfriend home to New York City for Hanukkah, and if Abby can survive his incessant, irritatingly handsome smiles, he’ll introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make the festival a success. But over latkes, doughnuts, and winter adventures in Manhattan, Abby begins to realize that her fake boyfriend and his family might just be igniting a flame in her own guarded heart.

“This novel will melt everybody’s hearts, but Jewish romance readers in particular will be thrilled to see Hanukkah reflected so authentically and lovingly. … This holiday treat is as wonderfully sweet and gooey as the traditional Hanukkah doughnut.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Latkes and jelly donuts (sufganiyot) are a must for this read!”—Booklist (starred review)

“Reads like a dream of a Hanukkah Hallmark movie. I bet it would make an excellent holiday gift for a reader in your life.”—Deb Perelman, creator of Smitten Kitchen

https://amzn.to/485HQo4

Elliot has created a niche for herself, writing terrific Hanukkah romances. I’m sorry to say this book sort of got lost in the shuffle with so many holiday reads in October, until I got my newsletter from Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, one of my favorite recipe websites. Turns out Elliot has a day job helping Deb with her newsletter and possibly the website as well. Not totally clear on what she does, but Deb mentioned this new book was out and sure enough, I found it on my Kindle. Thanks for the reminder, Deb!

Abby grew up in New York City but had a rough childhood with parents who were emotionally abusive. She escaped to a small town in Vermont and bought a small cafe there, with an apartment above. She’s on the small business committee in this small town, so when they decide to have a Hanukkah festival to bring in tourists, they turn to Abby, the only Jew in town. Unfortunately, what this town knows about Hanukkah is that it’s a Jewish holiday, and that’s about it. When they suggest to Abby she decorate the large Christmas tree with blue and white lights and slap some yarmulkes on the three Wise Men, she realizes this is not going to be easy.

Desperate for help, she jumps on a dating app, looking for any Jews in the area. She gets an immediate reply from Seth, her most annoying customer. He’s such a morning person, and Abby isn’t, and his smiling face every morning drives her crazy. He’s willing to help with the Hanukkah festival, but he has an ulterior motive. They strike a deal; he’ll help her find vendors, and she will spend Hanukkah with his family. All his mother wants is for him to bring home a nice Jewish girl and Abby fits the bill.

The Hanukkah festival isn’t happening during Hanukkah, but rather between Christmas and New Year’s because the small town in Vermont doesn’t know any better. Abby’s business is barely breaking even, so she’s all in on bringing in more tourists, even if the festival isn’t exactly what she envisions it to be.

Abby and Seth stay with his family on the Upper West Side of New York City for the eight days of Hanukkah. There, Abby reconnects with the Jewish community and realizes how much she’s missed that connection. This really brought back memories for me – when I was first married, my husband and I moved to Dallas for his job. In the early 1980’s, there was a very small Jewish community there. We had to drive half an hour to get a bagel. We joined a temple, and that helped a bit, but it wasn’t ideal for a Jewish woman who grew up in New York and went to school in South Florida. I worked with a woman who thought I had horns growing out of my head. She was kind, just ignorant, and had never met a Jew before. So I truly related to this Vermont issue in the book.

As Abby and Seth fake date for his parents, Abby starts seeing the good in Seth and finds he isn’t quite as annoying as she first thought. And when she accidentally runs into her parents, he’s there for her, and that makes all the difference. They meet lots of Hanukkah vendors, and even though the town wants her to use Christmas vendors, she stands firm, and the festival is a huge success. And Seth and Abby find their happy ending, too.

This was a terrific holiday romance, and I’m thrilled it was about Hanukkah for a change. I loved it!

LOVE YOU A LATKE by Amanda Elliot. Berkley (October 8, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593815830. 368p.

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WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey

October 18, 2024

From the publisher:

A sizzling, feel-good, opposites-attract holiday romance from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer and Wreck the Halls!

Two weeks before Christmas and all through Manhattan, shop windows are decorated in red and green satin. Stella is standing alone outside a famous department store, when a charming man asks her opinion on the décor.

It’s a tragedy in tinsel, she says, unable to lie. Then he asks for a better idea, with a twinkle in his eye. She didn’t know he owned the place, when he put her on the spot, and now she’s working for that man, trying to ignore that he’s hot.

But as a down-on-her-luck girl with a difficult past, Stella knows how to make a good opportunity last. So she gives it her all, working without stopping. Trying to resist temptation, because she’s just window shopping.

https://amzn.to/4eFlwV5

I love Bailey’s books, and this one is a reissue of a book originally published a couple of years ago. Maybe it was self-published? Not sure of the whys or hows, but I’m sure I enjoyed reading it!

Stella has served her sentence for armed robbery and is looking to start over. Easier said than done when every job application has a little box to check off if you’re a felon. But Stella is lucky; while her parents don’t really want anything to do with her, her uncle is letting her stay in his empty apartment in New York City, so at least she has a roof over her head.

While wandering through the city, she stops at a fancy department store, horrified by their Christmas window displays. Window dressing is something Stella has always dreamed of doing, and took several classes in design while she was in prison. But what retail store would hire a felon? A man approaches her and asks what she thinks of the window display. Stella holds nothing back, and the man seems to agree with her. Then he asks her what she would do differently. Turns out that man owns the department store and is looking to hire someone to redo their windows.

Stella gets the job despite human resources not liking her application. As she spends more time with her new boss, they start developing feelings for one another, but there are rules about subordinates dating their supervisor, and for good reason. But this is a romance, so they overcome all the obstacles including his overbearing family and HR to find their happily ever after.

Bailey is known for her steamy sex scenes and she does not disappoint here, so if that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip those pages or find another book. This is a fast-paced story with interesting characters that have unusual backstories, and it was a really fun holiday read.

WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey. Avon (October 1, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063330085. 256p.

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ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Susan Mallery

October 11, 2024

From the publisher:

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn’t love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don’t come home for Christmas. Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Julie Murphy!

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

“It’s refreshing to read about a slightly older heroine, and her relationship with Heath is both hot and supportive . . . Mallery does a great job capturing both the chaos and the joy of a family Christmas. Readers will be heartened.” –Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/4dFvJiP

I love all the holiday books that are out this time of year, and this is a good one! Julie’s been divorced for many years, and she had a good relationship with her ex, which was a good thing since they share two kids who are now grown, but he passed away earlier in the year.

What her family doesn’t know is that she is dating Heath, a man twelve years her junior. Julie isn’t entirely comfortable with the age difference, and fears being ridiculed when people find out. So when her kids end up having plans over the holidays, Julie is secretly thrilled. Heath is divorced and his ex has their much younger kids for the holiday this year, so he is having some work done on his house since they won’t be around. Julie invites him to stay with her for the two weeks the work will take.

But Julie’s kids have a sudden change of heart, and want to spend Christmas with their mom up at the cabin they own where they have spent summers and holidays for many years. They are missing their dad and they feel like this would honor his memory and maybe give them the peace and closure they need. Julie acquiesces, and impulsively invites Heath, too, meaning she has to tell her children about him. Then his ex asks if he could take the kids; her boyfriend has planned a trip away for the two of them. Heath is thrilled to have his kids over the holiday, and while Julie hasn’t met them yet, she invites them to the cabin as well. Her daughter-in-law, who she adores, then tells Julie that her mother has moved to town and asks if she can come along, too. The daughter-in-law and her mother have a terrible relationship, and that really makes things difficult for everyone.

One thing leads to another and Julie has a very full house for Christmas. Luckily, the “cabin” is in actuality a massive house, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Things get more complicated when her daughter’s ex gets shot while working and ends up recuperating at the cabin as well. Then Heath’s ex gets dumped the night before her trip, and Julie ends up inviting her to the cabin too. There is so much drama going on here that it’s a wonder whether anyone will have a good Christmas, but they do, and there are even a couple of happily ever afters.

This was a really engrossing read with characters I couldn’t help but care about. The romances are sweet and there is a lot of humor, despite all the drama. Another excellent read from one of my favorite authors, and a terrific start to the holiday season!

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Susan Mallery. Canary Street Press; Original edition (October 1, 2024). ISBN: 978-1335008404. 320p.

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COURTING MISS EMMA by Linda Broday

October 11, 2024

The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2

From the publisher:

“One day I intend to court you, lady. That’s a promise. Hangman’s daughter or not.”

She finally found a place to belong.
But can he give her the life she’s always dreamed of?

Texas, 1868. When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighbouring land and moves in, hangman’s daughter Emma Taggart’s world changes forever.

But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his.

Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone and help him give her the life she’s always dreamed of?

https://amzn.to/3Yjs4CU

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I think it is probably better to read book one in the series, Winning Maura’s Heart, first. I could definitely tell this was part of a series and while I could figure out who the main characters were in the first book, I think this would have been a better read if I had some background information.

Maura’s sister, Emma, is the female protagonist in this story. Her love interest is Stone, who recently purchased the land next door. Emma and Maura run an orphanage in an old abandoned Mission, but there are people who are trying to take the land from the sisters using any means necessary. These same people are also after Stone’s land and the rest of the neighbors on this stretch of property outside of town.

I read a lot of cowboy romances, but historical ones are new to me. Emma and Maura’s father is the hangman in town, and the sisters are ostracized because of that. Maura is married and expecting, but Emma doesn’t think anyone will ever want to marry her. She’s fine with raising the orphans, but when she meets Stone, she can’t help but be attracted to him. And he seems to be interested in Emma as well.

They band together to fight off the predators trying to take their land, and eventually, a lot of the drama is resolved and Emma and Stone find their happy ending. I found the book to be somewhat repetitive and meandering, so I was surprised by how short this book was. I’m not sure if I’ll bother with the first book as I didn’t love this one. It was historically interesting, and the romance was sweet, so I did ultimately enjoy it. If you love historical western romances, give this a try.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COURTING MISS EMMA by Linda Broday. Severn House; Main edition (September 24, 2024). ISBN: 978-1448314355. 256p.

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Spotlight Review: COUNTING MIRACLES by Nicholas Sparks

October 8, 2024

From the publisher:

From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

“The romance between Tanner and the doctor sizzles, and Sparks is a master at creating fully developed, sympathetic characters with complete and compelling backstories. Readers will be drawn into this touching story of hope, faith, and love, and Spark’s many fans will find just what they’re looking for.”—Booklist, starred review

“Bestseller Sparks brings all the emotion fans expect in his heart-tugging latest. . . . Sparks enriches Kaitlyn and Tanner’s love story with a striking supporting cast, especially Kaitlyn’s kids, Casey and Mitch, and an elderly neighbor named Jasper. The mystery of Tanner’s parentage finally unravels at the story’s end, delivering an emotionally satisfying finale. This is sure to be another hit for Sparks.”—Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/3zMTxTU

I was a bookseller for Borders when The Notebook came out. My mom asked me to get her a copy – she wasn’t much of a reader, maybe read a book a year, but I was happy to get it for her. I had an appointment to get my brakes done, and since I had the book with me, I started reading it. I finished it before they finished my brakes, and had to pay through my tears. I didn’t pick up another Sparks book for many years.

Ron Charles of The Washington Post reviewed this, and snarky as his review was, it was the headline that grabbed my attention: “Nicholas Sparks knows what he’s doing; Sparks’s new romance novel, “Counting Miracles,” might be just the escape readers are looking for.” He followed that up with “As a professional book reviewer, confessing how much I enjoyed “Counting Miracles” is almost more humiliation than I can bear, but what can I say?” The snark got deep after that, but I was intrigued, so I started reading. As with most of Sparks’ books, at least the few I’ve read, once you start, it is almost impossible to stop, and that was certainly the case here. I am also happy to say I didn’t find myself in tears as I turned the last page. I also didn’t know how religious his books could be, and this one has enough bible quotes to please any fan of inspirational fiction, I’m sure. There is also just the intimation of sex – they kiss, and the next scene is a few hours later getting dressed. So maybe not inspirational enough. What do I know?

The story revolves around Tanner Hughes, an ex-military man who has traveled and worked all over the world, eventually as part of the elite Rangers, then Delta Force, followed by some private security work for organizations doing good work, like vaccinating kids in Africa. Raised by his grandparents after his mother died in childbirth, he never knew who his father was. As his grandmother lay dying, she told him his father’s name and the town he was from; Asheboro, North Carolina. Although he’s a young man, Tanner is basically retired until he agrees to go work with a friend in Cameroon, but before he leaves, he hits the road visiting friends until he finally arrives in Asheboro.

His first night there, a teenager backs up her Suburban into his brand new muscle car. Being the gentleman that he is, he calms her down and drives her home. There he meets her mom, Kaitlyn, and there is instant attraction. Kaitlyn has been divorced for several years, and has two kids. She is a doctor that does quite a bit of volunteer work, too. While theirs is the romance in this story, there is another plot line.

Jasper lives nearby and has been teaching Kaitlyn’s young son how to whittle, a lost art for sure. We slowly learn Jasper’s incredibly biblical backstory, and it is pretty easy to figure out where these two plotlines will intersect. Nevertheless, the fun is in getting there.

The scenery is beautiful, the characters full realized, and the story moves along at a good pace. While there are a few pages that had me tearing up on occasion, it is not his usual weepie, especially since there is a happy ending. This book is on par with a Hallmark romance movie – if you like those, you will like this. I did.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COUNTING MIRACLES by Nicholas Sparks. Random House (September 24, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593449592. 368p.

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THE HIGHLANDER’S RETURN by Lynsay Sands

October 4, 2024

Highland Brides, Book 12

From the publisher:

A bold warrior who never expected to marry meets his match in a fiery young widow in this latest installment of New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands’s Highland Brides series, perfect for fans of Outlander.

Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. A second son, he left home years ago to battle his way through Scotland as a mercenary. But with his brother William’s death, Graeme is forced to return to his clan—which now includes William’s grieving widow, Annella Mackay. And Graeme is stunned to find that the beautiful, determined woman at the keep is nothing like the meek lass he remembers from William’s wedding years ago…

Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she embraced the roles of both laird and lady of the Gunn clan with spirit. But with William’s death, she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won’t let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the strong-willed warrior, or how much she enjoys his kisses…

It’s an explosion of passion and clash of wills from the start, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. And when the threat of a hidden enemy rears its head, Graeme and Annella realize that in fighting for their home they might also be fighting for their love.

“Her trademark humor and genuine characters…kept her series fresh and her readers hooked.” — Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/4gK1Ssk

This is a terrific series, and I’ve read them all. This book can be read as a standalone, as it is the next generation from the first book in the series.

Annella was married to the laird of a neighboring clan, the Gunns. It was an arranged marriage, but she was hopeful that it would be a good one. But her husband abandons her on their wedding night. Her mother-in-law gives mothers-in-laws a bad name, she is just awful to Annella. And her father-in-law, the former laird, is bedridden from a nasty fall and can’t speak. That leaves the running of the clan to Annella, who is completely inexperienced. It takes her more than a year to find her footing, but six years later the clan is thriving and everyone is happy – except her in-laws.

Annella’s brother-in-law, Graeme, returns to the keep with the sad news that her husband is dead. He is mercenary and has been off fighting wars for years. Annella is not unhappy to hear the news, and begins to pack to move home to her family. But Graeme is smitten at first sight, and devises one excuse after another as to why she can’t leave yet. Once the kissing starts, Annella is not so sure she wants to leave either, especially after they end up in bed. But her brother finds them in her bedroom, and demands they marry. That works for Graeme, but Annella is not happy about it for a variety of reasons.

Graeme and Annella find their happily ever after, but there is a lot of drama before that happens. Someone is trying to kill them both, and the mystery is at the heart of this story. There is also a lot of sex and some laughs, which defines this series. Another excellent Lynsay Sands reads!

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE HIGHLANDER’S RETURN by Lynsay Sands. Avon (September 24, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063411135. 272p.