The Wanderer by Robyn Carr

• Title:  The Wanderer – Thunder Point series, #1
• Author:  Robyn Carr
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance, series
• Published:  March 2013 – Harlequin MIRA
• Source:  Publisher via NetGalley

Synopsis (publisher):  Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land’s unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he’s been left an old friend’s entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community’s destiny in his hands. 

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful. 

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

My take:  Robyn Carr has done it again. She’s imagined a community of interesting characters as the basis of a new series – and I was sold from the first page.

I loved the Oregon coast setting and the people who live in the small town of Thunder Point. There’s Hank Cooper and Sarah Dupre, Mac McCain and Gina James, Mac’s aunt Lou and her beau, Joe. These characters and the people in their lives experience relatable challenges that kept me interested and turning the pages. A bit of mystery was woven throughout the book and was satisfactorily solved by the end. 

I’m so glad Robyn Carr has ventured outside of Virgin River (the series that made me a fan) and look forward to reading the second book in the Thunder Point series. 

Treadmill Reads: Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins

Synopsis (Publisher):  After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon’s Cove, Maine to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father’s wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she’s not thrilled…even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.
Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist’s assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn’t the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC…

My take:  Kristan Higgins did it again. She managed to make me laugh out loud one minute and the next minute was pulling the old heartstrings.  I loved the story of Parker and James and how they learned that sometimes you have to ask for a second chance and sometimes you have to give one. A sweet story that has me checking my shelves for another Kristan Higgins novel. Reading Somebody to Love made my treadmill time a breeze!

• Title:  Somebody to Love
• Author:  Kristan Higgins
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  April 2012 – HQN Books
• Source:  I bought it

Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas

• Title:  Chance of a Lifetime (Harmony series #5)
• Author:  Jodi Thomas
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  December 2012 – Berkley Books
• Source:  I received a review copy from the publisher

Synopsis:  [Jodi Thomas, the] New York Times bestselling author takes us back to Harmony, Texas, where big dreams are brewing—and anything and everything is possible… 

Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony’s library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adams. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before…

My take:  If you’ve followed my reviews of the Harmony series you probably think they all sound similar. But that’s because they are consistently good! I love the small town setting and characters. I love the stories Jodi Thomas writes for her characters.

Main characters from previous books make appearances in Chance of a Lifetime but in this book the spotlight shines on Emily and Tannon, Rick and Trace, and Beau and his mystery girl. In typical fashion, Jodi Thomas kept me guessing to the end about how things would wrap up for them all. I enjoyed their stories and can’t wait for the next book in the Harmony series. Write fast, Jodi

This is a series and I suggest starting from the beginning:

1. Welcome to Harmony
2. Somewhere Along the Way
3. The Comforts of Home
4. Just Down the Road

 

My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr

Title:  My Kind of Christmas (Virgin River #20)

Author:  Robyn Carr

Genre:  Contemporary Romance series

Published:  October 2012 – Harlequin/MIRA

My take:  Angie LaCroix cannot spend another minute under her parents’ roof. She’s grateful that her mother took care of her after a terrible car crash several months earlier but she can’t take the micromanaging where her future is concerned. She decides to get out of town for a few weeks and heads to Virgin River where her uncle Jack and other relatives live.

Patrick Riordan landed in Virgin River to take some time and figure out if he wants to remain in the Navy or take his life in a new direction. He’s staying at the cabin of one of his brothers – he has four and most live in the area. Patrick is dealing with PTSD after his best friend (and wingman) was shot down in the middle East. He feels responsible and has pledged to look after his friend’s wife and child – maybe even marry her.

What Angie and Patrick don’t count on is meeting each other. It’s an instant attraction that can’t be ignored – even if they tell each other it can’t be permanent.

Well, this is a romance. A Robyn Carr Virgin River romance. You can guess where this story will go and Robyn Carr doesn’t disappoint. It was hard not to smile while watching the love story unfold. It was fun to see appearances of characters from earlier books in the series – most of them relatives of Angie and Patrick who provided a lot of comic relief. There’s also a heart-warming subplot within the love story. It allowed Angie to shine and find a bit of herself she thought was gone.

If you’re a fan of the series I think you’ll enjoy My Kind of Christmas as much as I did. If you like Contemporary Romance but haven’t read a Virgin River book I recommend starting with book one and enjoy getting to know the people of the small California mountain town. It’s my favorite CR series.

Disclosure:  I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review.

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Title:  Rainshadow Road

Series: Friday Harbor #2

Author:  Lisa Kleypas

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Published:  February 2012 – St. Martin’s Griffin

Synopsis:  (from the back of the book) Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful Friday Harbor, Washington, with a boyfriend, Kevin, who she believes is her soul mate. She has always had a magical side – a gift that finds its way into the breathtaking glasswork she creates – and she struggles to keep it contained. But when Lucy is blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal, she questions many of her choices. . . Lucy’s bitterness over this devastation is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life.  As Lucy questions her beliefs about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings, she explores the possibility that some things in life – even after being broken – can be re-made into something beautiful. And that it is only by discovering who you really are that you can find the one who truly deserves you.

My take:  Book two in the Friday Harbor series is the story of Lucy and Sam. Both have trust/commitment issues. Sam because of the way his alcoholic parents raised him; Lucy because of a betrayal by a family member and because of the way her parents treated her so differently than her sister when they were young. It’s the betrayal that brings Sam and Lucy together.
I liked Sam and Lucy’s story but at times I just wanted to urge Sam to get therapy and move forward.  Also, as described in the synopsis, there’s a magical realism aspect to the story. It’s not at the forefront but I found it an intriguing connection between Lucy and Sam.
Ultimately, Lisa Kleypas does what she does so well, she had me cheering for Lucy and Sam (even though I knew the HEA would be there I wasn’t sure how) and I was happy with the ending.
I look forward to the next book in the Friday Harbor series.

Disclosure:  I received this book from the publisher via Goodreads First Reads program. I was not compensated for my review.

Just Down The Road by Jodi Thomas

Title:  Just Down The Road

#4 Harmony Series

Author:  Jodi Thomas

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher:  April 2012 – Berkley

About:  (back of the book)  Harmony, Texas is a place where dreams are born. As the townspeople face unexpected endings and new beginnings, they also come face to face with themselves—and what’s most important in life…

When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing, and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both their lives, forcing them out of the past—and into a future where love is just down the road…

In the meantime, as Reagan Truman grieves her beloved uncle, she finds comfort in the makeshift family she’s made in Harmony—and in a new baby, the first born in the Wright Funeral Home in 45 years, proving that life does go on…

My take:  With each new book the Harmony series just gets better and better. I loved how Jodi Thomas continued the stories of characters we met in the first book. Reagan Truman finds herself on her own again and wondering just what the future has in store. The near future involves her in a drama that literally takes her by surprise. We also watch as Tyler Wright waits for Kate to return from her final mission. She’s put him off about marriage so long he wonders if a life together is still in the cards for them.

Now, in the fourth book, we meet Tinch Turner. He’s a young widower just hoping to find a way to die. When his latest attempt,  a violent bar brawl, lands him in the care of ER doctor Addison Spencer he’s not sure if she’s going to save him or put him out of his misery. He soon finds a reason to live in the little boy who is thrust upon him after his mother is found dead. It seems that Tinch’s wife was little Jamie’s aunt and Tinch is the only surviving relative. Soon it becomes apparent that Jamie is in danger. His mother stole something that some dangerous thugs want back. They think Jamie can tell them where to find it and won’t rest until they find him. It’s up to Tinch to keep Jamie safe.

Jodi Thomas is a wonderful storyteller. She uses just the right amount of drama, humor and romance to tell the stories of her small town characters. That’s what I love about her books. She always leaves me smiling as I turn the last page. I can’t wait for the next book in the Harmony series.

Source:  Berkley

Disclosure:  See sidebar. I was not compensated for my review.

You can read a guest post by Jodi Thomas at this link.

There’s a giveaway (US readers) at the end of that post.

GIveaway ends on April 5th

You must fill out the form which is found

at the giveaway link provided in the guest post.

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

Title:  Making Waves

Author:  Tawna Fenske

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Published:  August 2011 – Sourcebooks Casablanca

About:  (Goodreads synopsis) When Alex Bradshaw’s unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world’s largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex…

My take:  I first heard about Making Waves at The Debutant Ball. Tawna Fenske was one of the Debs of 2011. I like Romance and I like it funny. Fenske did not disappoint! Juli is a charming and quirky heroine. She becomes an unwitting stowaway on a ship that happens to be manned by first-time pirates. Let the hilarity begin. And it does. I read it quickly because the pages almost turned themselves – and I giggled a lot. It’s a funny and sexy romp filled with memorable characters in wacky situations.

If you enjoy Contemporary Romance that makes you laugh you might like Making Waves. I really did and I look forward to reading Tawna Fenske’s next book.

Source:  I bought it.

Disclaimer:  See sidebar.

1105 Yakima Street by Debbie Macomber

Title:  1105 Yakima Street – A Cedar Cove novel

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Published:  August 2011 – Mira

About:  As with each Cedar Cove novel, the reader is updated with a note from one of the main characters. This note is from Bruce:

Dear Reader,

You’ve probably heard that my wife has left me. Rachel’s pregnant, and she says she can’t handle the stress in our household anymore. My thirteen–year–old daughter, Jolene, is jealous of her. Maybe it’s my fault. As a widower I spoiled her—

Jolene was reading over my shoulder just now and says that’s not true. She claims Rachel ruined everything. But that’s not true. The real question is: How can I get my wife back? I don’t even know where she is. She’s not with Teri Polgar or any of her other friends from the salon. The other question is…when will Jolene grow up and stop acting like such a brat?

Of course, I’m not the only one in town with problems. Linc Wyse’s father–in–law is trying to destroy his business. And you know Charlotte Rhodes? Seems she’s becoming forgetful, and the family’s worried about her and Ben. Lots of other stuff going on—but Rachel is better at keeping up with it than I am.

If you have any idea where my wife is, give me a call. Please.

My brief take:  I’ve enjoyed the Cedar Cove series and  1105 Yakima Street is no exception. As Debbie Macomber’s small town series winds down (there’s still one more book) she ties up a few story lines started in previous books.

A few thoughts: I wondered how the Rachel, Bruce and Jolene problems would be resolved but, happily, they are.  Linc Wyse lives up to his surname and solves some issues in his wife’s family. It was hard to see a beloved character like Charlotte Rhodes begin to decline. It’s something many readers will relate to. One of my favorite story lines in this book was that of Gloria and Chad. Life has changed for them both and the future is theirs to decide.

If you’re like me and have kept up with the series you’ll want to read 1105 Yakima Street. If Cedar Cove is new to you – well, you’re in for a treat. Begin with the first: 16 Lighthouse Road. It’s the start of a heartwarming series. I’m glad there’s another book to read before the series ends and I’m happy to report that Debbie Macomber has a new series in the works.

Source:  I bought it.

Disclaimer:  See sidebar.

The Comforts Of Home by Jodi Thomas – review and giveaway

Title:  The Comforts of Home – A Harmony Novel

Author:  Jodi Thomas

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Published:  November 2011 –  Berkley

About: (Pub. synopsis) In Harmony, Texas, twenty-year-old Reagan Truman has found her place, and found her family. But with her uncle taken ill and her friend Noah lost and disheartened with his life, Reagan is afraid of ending up alone again, and she’s not the only one. When a terrible storms threatens the town, the residents of Harmony are forced to think about what they really want. Because making the connections they so desperately desire means putting their hearts at risk…

My take:  I love my visits to Harmony, Texas. Jodi Thomas takes us back to see what’s new in The Comforts of Home – the latest novel in her Harmony series. If you’re not familiar with the series I recommend starting with the first book Welcome to Harmony in which you’ll meet the descendants of the three founding families of Harmony. The series involves them and many more citizens of the small Texas panhandle town.

In The Comforts of Home we catch up with Reagan Truman and her uncle as well as Ty Wright and his friend Kate. Ronelle (Ronnie) Logan, a young twenty-something woman who has been in the background in previous books, is front and center this time. Ronnie lives with her mother who has managed to make her feel worthless her entire life. She’s the type of person who doesn’t look anyone in the eye when speaking (which is almost never), dresses so no one will notice her, and has no friends. She works sorting mail at the post office and comes home at the end of each day to verbal attacks from her mother. One day she is sent to deliver mail to someone who will eventually challenge and inspire her to find what life has to offer.

There are a few other story lines in this installment – all enjoyable. Jodi Thomas’s novel is filled with amiable small town folks, romance, drama, and a lot of heart. I recommend this series and especially The Comforts of Home to fans of Jodi Thomas and Contemporary Romance.

Source:  Publisher

Disclosure Policy:  see sidebar

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Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Title:  Until There Was You

Author:  Kristan Higgins

Genre:  Chick Lit; Contemporary Romance

Published:  October 2011 – HQN Books

About:  (Pub. synopsis) Posey Osterhagen can’t complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she’s surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something’s missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he’s back, sending Posey’s traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….

My take:  Sounds like another fun Kristan Higgins novel, doesn’t it? Well, it is that and more.

Higgins’ trademark humor and sympathetic heroine-with-a-wacky-family are definitely there but, in my opinion, the true star of Until There Was You is Liam Declan Murphy.He is not your run-of-the-mill former bad boy. Liam Murphy is a complex man. He is also a widower with a teenage daughter. He’s just trying to be a good father and make a home for his daughter. I loved that Higgins revealed his layers throughout the entire novel and not in one pat description.

Posey is an ordinary young woman who wants to find what seems so easy for her brother and cousin – someone to love. She is such a relatable character that it was easy to cheer her on. What she finds is that her impression of people and events (present and past) may or may not have been accurate. That knowledge makes all the difference to Posey and her life going forward. Until There Was You  is charming and heartwarming. I really enjoyed it.

Recommended to fans of Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, and Kristan Higgins.

Source:  HQN

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