Month: October 2015

The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore

Mary BookSparks PR, Contemporary Fiction, Doubleday, Meg Mitchell Moore
  • The AdmissionsTitle:  The Admissions
  • Author:  Meg Mitchell Moore
  • Genre:  Contemporary Fiction
  • Pages:  320
  • Published:  September 2015 – Doubleday
  • Source:  BookSparks

Description:  The Hawthorne family has it all. Great jobs, a beautiful house in one of the most affluent areas of northern California, and three charming kids with perfectly straight teeth. And then comes their eldest daughter’s senior year of high school . . .
     Firstborn Angela Hawthorne is a straight-A student and star athlete, with extracurricular activities coming out of her ears and a college application that’s not going to write itself. She’s set her sights on Harvard, her father’s alma mater, and like a dog with a chew toy, Angela won’t let up until she’s basking in crimson-colored glory. Except her class rank as valedictorian is under attack, she’s suddenly losing her edge at cross-country, and she can’t help but daydream about the cute baseball player in English class. Of course Angela knows the time put into her schoolgirl crush would be better spent coming up with a subject for her term paper—which, along with her college essay and community service hours has a rapidly approaching deadline. 
     Angela’s mother, Nora, is similarly stretched to the limit, juggling parent-teacher meetings, carpool, and a real-estate career where she caters to the mega rich and super-picky buyers and sellers of the Bay Area. The youngest daughter, Maya, still can’t read at the age of eight; the middle-child, Cecily, is no longer the happy-go-lucky kid she once was; and the dad, Gabe, seems oblivious to the mounting pressures at home because a devastating secret of his own might be exposed. A few ill-advised moves put the Hawthorne family on a heedless collision course that’s equal parts achingly real and delightfully screwball.
     Sharp and topical, The Admissions shows that if you pull at a loose thread, even the sturdiest of lives start to unravel at the seams of high achievement.  (publisher)

My take:  This is a story about a family with hopes and dreams…and secrets. It’s about what happens when their secrets become known to others and how each person deals with it.

It’s also about how we view others – our perceptions and the actual reality of what we think we know. Does that family next door really have life by the tail? How can they be so lucky when I’m not? It’s about the expectations we feel or place upon others and the intense anxiety that almost always follows. Anyone who went to college, played a sport in school or participated in a competitive group or had kids who did the same will recognize some of the emotions felt by one or all of the characters in this novel.

There’s foreshadowing from page one but as the author revealed events I was second-guessing myself in what I thought was going to happen. Meg Mitchell Moore’s novel is a warm, entertaining and addictive read that left me missing this family after turning the last page. Recommended.

I read The Admissions as part of the BookSparks Fall Reading Challenge 2015

blog-post-admission

You’re the Best: A Celebration of Friendship by The Satellite Sisters

Mary Nonfiction, Prospect Park Books, The Satellite Sisters, Wunderkind PR
  • You're the Best (10:27)Title:  You’re the Best: A Celebration of Friendship
  • Authors:  The Satellite Sisters
  • Genre:  Nonfiction
  • Pages:  160
  • Published:  October 2015 – Prospect Park Books
  • Source:  Publicist

Description:  You’re the Best is a thank-you note to our female friends, our Satellite Sisters, the women we call when the best thing in our life happens – or the worst. Incorporating voices from 15 to 60, these essays, letters, lists, and texts illustrate – with plenty of the Satellite Sisters’ trademark humor and empathy – how we rely on our friends to get us up, get us going, get us through, and, most importantly, make us laugh.

The Satellite Sisters are Julie, Liz, Sheila, Monica, and Lian Dolan, five real sisters who first won national acclaim with their radio show, initially weekly on public radio and then daily on ABC Radio. Today, they connect with a  podcast, a blog, books, personal appearances, and social media.  (back of the book)

My take:  I discovered The Satellite Sisters when they were on ABC Radio and became an instant fan. I have six sisters and could relate to these five sisters like no one else. They made me laugh out loud and sometimes tear up as they shared their stories and experiences. Now I listen to their podcasts (via Stitcher) twice each week.

You’re the Best is filled with short essays and shorter (mostly) humorous pieces about friendship that had me nodding in agreement or laughing that laugh that makes people ask “what are you reading?” I thought it a great idea to have the next generation of Satellite Sisters (Dolan nieces, daughters and daughters-in-law) add their two-cents. Themes include Life, Love, Family, Play, and Change.

I enjoyed You’re the Best and think it would make a great gift this holiday season for sisters who are more like friends and friends who are more like sisters. Recommended.

About the Satellite Sisters and the Next Generation:
The Satellite Sisters—Julie, Liz, Sheila, Monica, and Lian Dolan—are five real sisters who believe that a sense of connection is what gives meaning to our lives. The Dolan sisters created the Satellite Sisters first as a radio show and website in 2000 and then became podcast pioneers with a devoted national fan base as well as best-selling authors.  Together they have won 13 Gracie Allen Awards for excellence in women’s media, including Talk Show of the Year and have appeared on CBS Sunday Morning and had a regular column in O Magazine for several years.  You’re the Best is expanded to include The Next Generation of Satellite Sisters – their daughters, daughters-in-laws, and nieces.

Visit the Satellite Sisters: Website :: Podcast :: Twitter :: Facebook

 

Bittersweet Creek by Sally Kilpatrick

Mary 2015 Favorite, Kensington, NetGalley, Sally Kilpatrick, Women's Fiction
  • bittersweet creek (10:27-Kensington)Title:  Bittersweet Creek
  • Author:  Sally Kilpatrick
  • Genre:  Women’s Fiction
  • Pages:  320
  • Published:  October 2015 – Kensington
  • Source:  Publisher/NetGalley

My take:  When Romy Satterfield comes home driving a silver Porsche with her boyfriend in the passenger seat she runs a red light and runs over her husband, Julian. She’s back in town to get divorce papers signed and to spend a few weeks helping her dad on the family farm. But things don’t go as planned. Past relationships are revisited, secrets are revealed, and new possibilities are considered.

Sally Kilpatrick’s characters are completely believable and well-formed. As a reader it was easy to have an emotional reaction to the central characters. For me, I’ve found that’s not always the case. I think this was because of the alternating first person POV of Romy and Julian. That was perfect for the story.

I’m not sure what I expected when I began reading Bittersweet Creek but what I got was a thoroughly enjoyable novel that was difficult to put down. There are several Shakespeare references throughout and, as in many Shakespeare plays, it is filled with good and evil, comedy and drama, love and conflict. I enjoyed it all and recommend it to fans of Sally Kilpatrick and women’s fiction. I’m so glad I had a chance to read Bittersweet Creek and look forward to reading more from the author.

Rainy Day Sisters by Kate Hewitt

Mary Kate Hewitt, NAL, Women's Fiction
  • Rainy Day Sisters (8:4)Title:  Rainy Day Sisters – A Hartley-by-the-Sea Novel
  • Author:  Kate Hewitt
  • Pages:  368
  • Genre:  Women’s Fiction
  • Published:  August 2015 – NAL
  • Source:  Publisher

Description:  When Lucy Bagshaw’s life in Boston falls apart, thanks to a scathing editorial written by her famous artist mother, she accepts her half-sister Juliet’s invitation to stay with her in a charming seaside village in northern England. Lucy is expecting quaint cottages and cream teas, but instead finds that her sister is an aloof host, the weather is wet, windy, and cold, and her new boss, Alex Kincaid, is a disapproving widower who only hired her as a favor to Juliet.

Despite the invitation she offered, Juliet is startled by the way Lucy catapults into her orderly life. As Juliet faces her own struggles with both her distant mother and her desire for a child, her sister’s irrepressible optimism begins to take hold. With the help of quirky villagers, these hesitant rainy day sisters begin to forge a new understanding…and find in each other the love of family that makes all the difference.  (publisher)

My take:  Rainy Day Sisters is a novel about two half-sisters who find themselves living together for the first time in many years. Lucy, 26, is younger than Juliet by eleven years. She escaped her life and disappointments in America to live with Juliet in a small town in England’s Lake District. Juliet owns a B&B where Lucy will live and help out while also working at the local school as a secretary.

The two sisters barely know each other so their initial days are quite awkward. Each holds on to hurt feelings from the past – all leading back to their mother. Can they get past that history and move forward as sisters/friends? Kate Hewitt’s novel is warm and witty and heartfelt. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the secondary ones. The setting is lovely (and wet and cold).

I think anyone who enjoys novels about sisters and a British setting will like Rainy Day Sisters. At the end there’s a preview of the next book in the series: Now and Then Friends (August 2016). I look forward to reading it and seeing what’s new in Hartley-By-the-Sea.

Sunday Post

Mary Book arrivals, Mailbox Monday, Sunday Post

Book arrivals:  (linked to Mailbox Monday)

The Seafront Tearoom (12:1)   The Admissions   sleeping with the enemy   9780451473240

Last week on Bookfan:

Bliss  a winter wedding (10:27)

Currently reading:

the expatriates (1:2016)

#FitReaders Weekly Check-in

Mary #FitReaders

FitReaders2015

#FitReaders is hosted by  Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Fitbit steps:

  • Fri    10037
  • Sat      6111
  • Sun    6993
  • Mon  11382
  • Tue    11427
  • Wed    7353
  • Thu     6319

I’m back from vacation. We had a lovely week at the beach and came home relaxed. I managed to average 8-9K steps/day – love walking on the beach.

I came down with a cold yesterday and haven’t felt like getting on the treadmill. Does anyone else get sick after flying? For some reason I do.

I’ll start to put the garden to bed this weekend which may give me a few steps. How was your week?

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A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak

Mary Brenda Novak, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Mira, NetGalley, Series
  • a winter wedding (10:27)Title:  A Winter Wedding
  • Series:  Whiskey Creek, #9
  • Author:  Brenda Novak
  • Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
    • Pages:  384
  • Pub. date:  October 27, 2015 – Mira
  • Source:  Publisher; NetGalley

Description:  One Christmas can change your life… 
Kyle Houseman believes he’ll never find anyone he could love as much as Olivia Arnold, who’s now married to his stepbrother. Not only did he lose her, he’s been through one divorce and has no desire to go through another. He’s determined to be extra careful about the next woman he gets involved with—which is why he fights his attraction to the beautiful stranger who rents his farmhouse for the Christmas holiday.  

Lourdes Bennett is a country music artist. She’s only planning to stay in Whiskey Creek long enough to write the songs for her next album—the album that’s going to put her back on top. Her dreams don’t include settling in a town even smaller than the one she escaped. But as she comes to know Kyle, she begins to wonder if she’d be making a terrible mistake to leave him behind…  (publisher)

My take: If you’re a fan of the Whiskey Creek series you know Kyle and his story of bad luck when it comes to love. The fact that both of his past experiences were with polar-opposite sisters (and neither ended well) has left him extremely reluctant to get involved with just anyone.

When Kyle meets Lourdes he knows she’s special but circumstances lead him to believe it wouldn’t be a good idea to get involved with her. She comes to the same conclusion about him but still wonders “What if?”.  If they decide to go for it do they really have the courage to make difficult choices and see it through?

I enjoyed A Winter Wedding. It was fun to see most of the Whiskey Creek gang and find out what they were up to and I liked the setting of the town decorated for Christmas. I suppose this book could stand alone but you’ll get more context where Kyle is concerned if you read the first few books in the series.

Recommended to fans of the series and contemporary romance.

 

 

Spotlight/US Giveaway: Bliss by Shay Mitchell and Michaela Blaney

Mary Giveaway, Michaela Blaney, Shay Mitchell, St. Martin's Press

Bliss

Praise for BLISS: A Novel

“Readers will be entertained by the world travels, designer clothes and the powerful connection these gals share. Being a 20-something woman isn’t easy, but this dynamic trio of authors portrays the blissful trials and tribulations to a tee.” – Romantic Times, 4 stars!

“A steamy and scandalous read” – Kirkus

“[An] entertaining, escapist novel…BLISS will be in demand” – Booklist

Description:

Set in the sexy, intoxicating worlds of Hollywood, Thailand, and London BLISS follows the ecstatic ups and devastating downs of Sophia, Demi, and Leandra – three best friends navigating their way through dead-end jobs, aspirations, heartbreak, and friendship.

Combining exotic experiences echoing Shay and Michaela’s own wanderlust with honest insights about the beautiful, terrifying experience of the twenty-something woman, BLISS is a delicious read that features honest emotion and captivating prose. BLISS paints a relatable portrait of life in your early twenties with equal parts optimism and fear, hope and disappointment, expectation and reality. It’s the Age of Uncertainty when you can count on nothing, but, if you’re lucky enough to have one truly great friend, you can survive just about anything.

About the authors:

Shay Mitchell is the star of ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars. Mitchell boasts and impressive social media following with 8 million followers on Instagram, over 4 million followers on Facebook, 3 million Twitter followers and 3.49 million Google+ followers. On average, Shay receives nearly 1 million views on each of her Snapchats within 24 hours.

Mitchell recently launched on of YouTube’s fastest growing channels, breaking the 100k subscriber mark in less than 24 hours and taking YouTube by storm. The launch of Mitchell’s lifestyle channel outperformed Taylor Swift VEVO, Markiplier and PewDiePie as the fastest growing channel on YouTube. It currently has almost 457k subscribers and is growing rapidly.

In addition to acting, Mitchell works with The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization; the NOH8 Campaign for marriage and gender equality; and Free The Children, an organization dedicated toward eliminating the exploitation of children around the world.

Michaela Blaney is an American and Canadian marketing professional. She is the co-founder of amoreandviga.com – a lifestyle blog with 75,000+ subscribers.

Shay and Michaela both live in LA.  BLISS is their first novel.

US Giveaway

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GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED

Bliss

Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber

Mary Ballantine Books, Debbie Macomber, Goodreads First Reads, Series, Women's Fiction
  • silver linings (8:11)Title:  Silver Linings
  • Series:  Rose Harbor #4
  • Author:  Debbie Macomber
  • Genre:  Women’s Fiction
  • Pages:  331
  • Published:  August 2015 – Ballantine
  • Source:  Publisher/Goodreads First Reads

Description:  Set in Cedar Cove’s charming Rose Harbor Inn, Debbie Macomber’s captivating new novel follows innkeeper Jo Marie and two new guests as they seek healing and comfort, revealing that every cloud has a silver lining, even when it seems difficult to find. 

Since opening the Rose Harbor Inn, Jo Marie Rose has grown close to her handyman, Mark Taylor. Jo Marie and Mark are good friends—and are becoming something more—yet he still won’t reveal anything about his past. When Mark tells her that he’s moving out of town, Jo Marie is baffled. Just when she is starting to open herself up again to love, she feels once more that she is losing the man she cares about. And as she discovers the secret behind Mark’s decision to leave, she welcomes two visitors also seeking their own answers.

Best friends Kellie Crenshaw and Katie Gilroy have returned to Cedar Cove for their ten-year high school reunion, looking to face down old hurts and find a sense of closure. Kellie, known as Coco, wants to finally confront the boy who callously broke her heart. Katie, however, wishes to reconnect with her old boyfriend, James—the man she still loves and the one who got away. As Katie hopes for a second chance, Coco discovers that people can change—and both look to the exciting possibilities ahead. 

Heartwarming and uplifting, Silver Linings is a beautiful novel of letting go of the past and embracing the unexpected.  (publisher)

My take: Silver Linings is the fourth book in the Rose Harbor Inn series. That said, it can stand alone because author Debbie Macomber gives just enough back story to bring a new reader up to speed.

At first I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the Katie and Coco storylines but that feeling didn’t last long as I was caught up in their dramas. The possibility of understanding and forgiveness ran through as each hoped for her own silver lining. I appreciated that the road to that silver lining was not a smooth, easy one.

Jo Marie and Mark’s story was more complicated but just as satisfying. Once again, as in the previous novel, we are left with a cliff-hanger. Normally, that’s not very satisfying but Macomber left me hopeful. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Rose Harbor Inn series. Recommended to fans of the author and women’s fiction.

 

Spotlight/US Giveaway: Copygirl by Anna Mitchael and Michelle Sassa

Mary Anna Mitchael, Berkley, Giveaway, Michelle Sassa, Spotlight
9780425281123
Kay Carlson is a talented young writer living in New York City for the first time and working alongside Ben, her good friend from ad school and secret crush. But she feels inadequate at work and in her NYC life, while her older brothers always have her parents’ attention for their successes and girls who fit the ideal “It Girl” persona—fun, flirty, and looking like fashion bloggers and real-life Pinterest pages—always seem to overshadow her. Instead of being the girl who parties every night, Kay has a creative side project: “Copygirl,” a series of short videos she makes using homemade dolls in which she skewers the vapid personalities she sees around her.  “Don’t be a Copygirl” her characters warn, a theme Kay struggles with herself as she feels the pressure in every area of her life to be like other girls—the girls who get more attention at work and from the boys.  The videos start out as an escape from her day-to-day struggles, and she sends them to her best friend Kellie overseas—until Kellie sets up a website using the videos and lets them go viral.  While the website gains international fame, Kay stays anonymous, focusing her energies on winning a big campaign for a major new client—and the affections of Ben in the process.
But Kay is much more talented than she gives herself credit for, a fact that Kellie—and other unexpected allies—notice long before she does, while people she thought she trusted are quick to switch sides. And her quiet rebellion against being like everybody else proves to be her strongest asset.

Mad Men gave us an insider look into what actually happens behind the scenes in the seemingly glamorous world of advertising: the high-profile clients, the pressures of creating something brilliant, the hope that a great idea will succeed, the cocktail-filled brainstorming sessions and long lunches, and the difficulties of breaking the glass ceiling as a young woman in an undeniable boys club.  And similar to what The Devil Wears Prada did for understanding the fashion and women’s magazine industry, COPYGIRL combines the back-stage drama of an ad agency with a universal coming-of-age story complete with love, friendship, and a healthy dose of feminism—told from two women who know it best.  As friends, colleagues, and veterans of the ad world, Mitchael and Sassa deliver a delightfully written and relatable fast-paced story filled with quirky humor and a lot of heart about following your instincts, learning who to trust, and taking big risks.

Authors Anna Mitchael and Michelle Sassa worked together in the cutthroat creative department at Berlin Cameron & Partners, AdAge Magazine’s US Ad Agency Of The Year for 2004. Realizing that their insane experiences would make for a great novel, they joined forces to make it happen.  The result is COPYGIRL: A Novel (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; October 6, 2015), a hilarious, yet touching universal story about a young woman’s struggle through the low ranks of a creative department in a hip, cutting-edge advertising agency, all the while trying to decide who she wants to be and be with, both in love and friendship.
 *  *  *
Author Photo 2About the authors:

Anna Mitchael is a Louisiana-born writer who now lives on a ranch in Texas with her family, lots of cattle and a one-eyed dog. She is the author of a memoir entitled Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am, a monthly magazine column and a blog on positive living. She often writes about the modern female experience, hope, perseverance and the comfort of coyotes.

Michelle Sassa is a freelance writer who has created memorable ad campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, Reebok and New York Road Runners. She lives with her husband and three kids by the Jersey Shore, where she is an avid soccer player, rock music aficionado, and disciple of stupid humor. CopyGirl is Michelle’s first novel.

US Giveaway
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9780425281123

Fishbowl: A Novel by Bradley Somer

Mary Bradley Somer, Fiction, St. Martin's Press
  • FishbowlTitle:  Fishbowl: A Novel
  • Author:  Bradley Somer
  • Genre:  Fiction
  • Pages:  304
  • Published:  August 2015 – St. Martin’s Press
  • Source:  Publisher

Description:  A goldfish named Ian is falling from the 27th-floor balcony on which his fishbowl sits. He’s longed for adventure, so when the opportunity arises, he escapes from his bowl, clears the balcony railing and finds himself airborne. Plummeting toward the street below, Ian witnesses the lives of the Seville on Roxy residents.

There’s the handsome grad student, his girlfriend, and his mistress; the construction worker who feels trapped by a secret; the building’s super who feels invisible and alone; the pregnant woman on bed rest who craves a forbidden ice cream sandwich; the shut-in for whom dirty talk, and quiche, are a way of life; and home-schooled Herman, a boy who thinks he can travel through time. Though they share time and space, they have something even more important in common: each faces a decision that will affect the course of their lives. Within the walls of the Seville are stories of love, new life, and death, of facing the ugly truth of who one has been and the beautiful truth of who one can become.

Sometimes taking a risk is the only way to move forward with our lives. As Ian the goldfish knows, “An entire life devoted to a fishbowl will make one die an old fish with not one adventure had.”  (publisher)

My take:  Fishbowl is the story of Ian the goldfish who finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime. He observes many goings-on along his way to the pavement. Each humorously titled chapter depicts a different scene on Ian’s trip.

As the description above notes there are all kinds of people who live in the building. What they need is connection to others so as not to feel lonely. I loved the various ways Somer showed that need in his characters. Not only the need but then actually taking the risk to reach for something more in life.

All this plays out in a quirky, funny, sexy, heart-breaking, and ultimately uplifting story of a brave goldfish named Ian. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it. Adding to the enjoyment of the novel is the clever visual of Ian’s plunge in the margins of the pages. When I finished reading the book I flipped (for lack of a better word) the pages quickly and laughed, knowing the outcome.

Bradley Somer_credit Nenad MaksimovicBRADLEY SOMER was born in Sydney, Australia and grew up in Canada and holds degrees in Anthropology and Archaeology. His short fiction has appeared in literary journals, reviews and anthologies. His debut novel, Imperfections, published in Canada, won the 2013 CBC Bookie Award for debut of the year. Bradley currently lives in a little old house in the city of Calgary, Canada, where he works on his writing projects and tries to ignore the wild growth that his backyard has become.

Sunday Post

Mary Book arrivals, Mailbox Monday, Sunday Post

Book arrivals:  (linked to Mailbox Monday)

Bliss  the last chance Christmas ball (9:29)  christmas at lilac cottage  the gift of a charm (10:13)

Last week on Bookfan:

  • Review:  Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller
  • Review:  Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne
  • #FitReaders Weekly Check-in

christmas in mustang creek (9:29)   Evergreen Springs (9:29)

Currently reading:

Rainy Day Sisters (8:4)

We saw The Martian yesterday and loved it. When my husband told me our tickets were for the 3D version I was pretty sure I wouldn’t enjoy it (I once got motion sickness from a Woody Allen film, lol). I was wrong – it was great and I recommend seeing it that way if you have a choice.

I’ll be away next week but I have a few posts scheduled. I’ll be back visiting blogs and commenting after Oct. 12th. Have a great week!

Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne

Mary Christmas, Contemporary Romance, HQN Books, Little Bird Publicity, NetGalley, RaeAnne Thayne, Series
  • Evergreen Springs (9:29)Title:  Evergreen Springs
  • Series:  Haven Point #3
  • Author:  RaeAnne Thayne
  • Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
  • Pages:  384
  • Published:  September 2015 – HQN Books
  • Source:  Publisher

Description:  Christmas is the last thing on Cole Barrett’s mind this year. He’s barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life. 

Physician Devin Shaw has long researched the curative powers of Lake Haven’s mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch’s attractively gruff owner: she’ll give Cole’s children a magical Christmas, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family’s battered hearts—and her own? (publisher)

My take:  Evergreen Springs is the third book in the Haven Point series. It can stand alone but I recommend reading in order from the start. Even though I’ve read her books for a year or so I consider myself a new fan of RaeAnne Thayne’s books. I love the emotional tone struck in each book.

In Evergreen Springs Cole Barrett is trying to do right by his children. He wants to give them a safe and secure place to live – something that’s been missing in their short lives. He also wants to establish his horse-training business at the family ranch he recently inherited. If that doesn’t seem like enough to juggle his very pregnant-with-twins sister has just moved in with him.

Devin Shaw is a doctor and, of course, wants to help people. When she meets Cole she can see he needs to be helped if not saved. He also needs to cut himself some slack. They hit it off but then he starts to feel she can do much better than him. But what if that’s not what she wants.

The theme of forgiveness runs through Evergreen Springs which makes it a perfect book to read during the holidays (or any other time of the year!). I loved seeing Haven Point decorated for Christmas and the cameos by previously featured characters were fun.

I enjoyed Evergreen Springs and recommend it to fans of RaeAnne Thayne, the Haven Point series, and contemporary small-town romance.

Best-selling author RaeAnne ThayneNew York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. Her love affair started as soon as she learned to read, when she used to devour anything she could get her hands on: cereal boxes, encyclopedias, the phone book, you name it! She loves the way words sound, the way they look on the page and the amazing way they can be jumbled together in so many combinations to tell a story.

Her love of reading and writing those words led her to a fifteen-year career in journalism as a newspaper reporter and editor. Through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best. She sold her first book in 1995 and since then she’s published more than 40 titles. Her books have won many honors, including three RITA® Award nominations from the Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine.

RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at http://www.raeannethayne.com.