Finding Our Forever by Brenda Novak

• Title:  Finding Our Forever
• Series:  Silver Springs #1
• Author:  Brenda Novak
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Pages:  224
• Published:  March 2017 – Harlequin Special Edition
• Source:  Publisher; NetGalley

My take:  Cora Kelly was adopted as an infant by affluent parents and lived a good life. That didn’t stop the need to know who her birth parents were and why they gave her up. When her search leads to her birth mother will she be prepared for the answers.
Cora, an art teacher, interviews at the school for troubled boys that was founded by Aiyana, her birth mother. The person who hired her is Eli, one of Aiyana’s adopted sons. Cora is stunned to know that her birth mother would let her go but adopt several sons. One more question that needs an answer. Eli will figure prominently in Cora’s story. They have an attraction to each other that neither bothers to fight. Lots of intimate scenes for these two. On one level that kind of bothered me. On another level it was understandable.
I thought the resolution of Cora and Eli’s story was surprisingly quick and pat. I can live with that. Finding Our Forever is the first in a new contemporary romance series by Brenda Novak. I liked it and look forward to reading the books that follow.

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The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne

• Title:  The Holiday Gift
• Series:  The Cowboys of Cold Creek
• Author:  RaeAnne Thayne
• Pages:  224
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  November 2016 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher; NetGalley

Description:  With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe… 

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.  (publisher)

My take: The Holiday Gift is the third of the Nichols sisters’ books within the Cowboys of Cold Creek series. It can stand alone but I think you’d enjoy it a bit more if you read the previous two books ( The Christmas Ranch and A Cold Creek Christmas Story).

I love a good Christmas romance and this one didn’t disappoint – even despite Faith’s frustrating denial of her true feelings for Chase. But I trusted RaeAnne Thayne to bring her characters to a HEA and she didn’t let me down. The Idaho mountain ranch setting as described by Thayne is wonderfully inviting. It was fun to read about all the happenings at The Christmas Ranch and with Faith’s sisters.

The Holiday Gift is a lovely story and a satisfying completion to the Nichols sisters’ trilogy. Recommended to fans of the author, novels about families, and a nice Christmas romance.

A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne

• Title:  A Cold Creek Christmas Story
• Series: Cowboys of Cold Creek #14
• Author:  RaeAnne Thayne
• Pages:  240
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  December 1, 2015 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher; NetGalley

Description:  Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More. Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?  

Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?  (publisher)

My take: RaeAnne Thayne’s new Christmas story is a sweet tale about coming to terms with a new normal – especially for the young daughter of Flynn Delaney. When he comes back to Pine Gulch to prepare his grandmother’s house for sale Flynn meets Celeste who also happens to be his daughter’s favorite author.

Celeste and young Olivia find they have more in common than most people realize. That connection is a gift to them both. What no one expected was the connection made between Flynn and Celeste. What Flynn didn’t expect was a joyful Christmas this year.

A Cold Creek Christmas is a lovely novel and perfect for the season. I enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of RaeAnne Thayne and contemporary romance with a Christmas theme. Although this is the 14th book in the series it can stand alone. I’ve only read one other (last year’s Christmas book) and had no problem keeping up.

The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne

• Title:  The Christmas Ranch
• Series:  The Cowboys of Cold Creek #1
• Author:  RaeAnne Thayne
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  November 2014 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family’s property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holiday. This will be the most memorable Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle. 

Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope’s tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn’t know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him.  (publisher)…

My brief take: The Christmas Ranch is a lovely story about two people who go above and beyond to help the people in their lives. Rafe put his life in San Diego on hold to care for his nephew in rural Idaho. Hope is determined to get the family Christmas Ranch up and running again in time for the holiday season. Once Christmas is over the two will go back to their separate  lives – or so they plan. Eventually they figure out that “sometimes what you think you want is different from what you really need”. It’s a sweet story that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Recommended to fans of the author and a sweet Christmas romance.

Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery

• Title:  Yours For Christmas
• Series:  Fool’s Gold #15.5
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  October 2014 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together.  (publisher)

My take:  Yours For Christmas is a novella featuring two characters that fans of the Fool’s Gold series have come to love. We learn that Kenny has issues stemming from an emotional event years earlier that prevent him from wanting to become involved with Bailey. Bailey is a widow with a seven year old daughter and they both have a huge crush on Kenny. Bailey wants to provide a safe and normal life for her daughter but she doesn’t want her to get too close to Kenny if there’s a chance he’ll leave – becoming yet another loss for the little girl.

Susan Mallery filled her novella with a lot of heart-tugging emotion but the title reminded me that things would most likely work out for Kenny and Bailey. I enjoyed reading how it all came about and recommend this novella to fans of the Fool’s Gold series.

Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

• Title:  Until We Touch
• Series:  Fool’s Gold # 15
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; series
• Published:  June 2014 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold, California. 
Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother! 
When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?  (publisher)

My take:  Jack McGarry has been operating on autopilot for most of his life – ever since his twin brother died when they were teens. He’s a self-described shell of a man who financially backs the causes of his friend and assistant Larissa. When the two become romantically involved everything is great – until it isn’t. Pressure from unexpected sources throw Jack into a tail-spin and he lashes out at everyone near and dear to him.

I really wanted to love this addition to the Fool’s Gold series but ended up liking it. The actions of Jack toward those he loved most were explained but, I don’t know, I just didn’t buy it. Regardless, Susan Mallery wrote an emotional ending that was sweet (although rather abrupt).

Despite that I found Until We Touch not as strong as others in the series, I’m a fan of the Fool’s Gold series and look forward to the next book.

Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

• Title:  Suddenly Last Summer
• Series:  O’Neil Brothers #2
• Author:  Sarah Morgan
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; series
• Published:  June 2014 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the grand opening plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O’Neil is back in town and looking more delectable than ever. Memories of the electrifying night they shared last summer leave Élise very tempted, but she knows all too well that eventually Sean will be leaving…again. 
Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O’Neil’s worst nightmare. Returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means confronting the guilt he feels about rejecting his family’s lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise is still in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Remembering last summer and how good they were together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine….  (publisher)

My take:  Sarah Morgan introduced us to Elise and Sean in the first book of the series, Sleigh Bells in the Snow, so I had the sense that they were both passionate about their work and a bit on the stubborn side. In Suddenly Last Summer we find out just how passionate and stubborn these two can be. At times I wanted to say “enough, already!” But that would have made for a very short book.

A family emergency brings the two together and, over the course of several weeks, they learn more and more about each other. More importantly they learn the motivation behind their reluctance to let a connection become a relationship.

By the last page I was pleased with how Morgan tied things together and look forward to seeing these two continue in the third book due out this fall, Maybe This Christmas. Recommended to fans of Sarah Morgan, the O’Neil Brothers series, and fun contemporary romance.

Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

• Title:  Before We Kis
• Series:  Fool’s Gold #14
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Published:  May 2014 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life. 
Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice. 
His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?  (publisher)

My take:  This book was a lot of fun. Sure it had it’s emotional moments but, that aside, I also laughed a lot while reading it.  Sam and Dellina’s love story was a good one but even more entertaining were their family members. His uninhibited, inappropriate information sharing parents and her sister who had to find a way to make her boyfriend propose after asking him to wait – they added a lot of humor to the story.

Susan Mallery also set up future books in the Fool’s Gold series by having Mayor Marsha take a mysterious trip to New Zealand. I look forward to those books. I can see a never-ending source of books for this series and I’ll probably want to read them all.  Recommended to fans of the series and small town contemporary romance.

When We Met by Susan Mallery

• Title:  When We Met
• Series:  Fool’s Gold; #13
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  April 29, 2014 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool’s Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed… 

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe. 

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses. Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

My take:  This is the story of two people who vow never to give themselves over to a relationship. Taryn because of the devastating rejection she felt as a young girl and Angel because of the unimaginable loss he suffered in the not so distant past.

Taryn and Angel are very likable characters. They are confident yet also vulnerable. Determined to just enjoy dating, will they be able to keep it at that level?  I enjoyed Susan Mallery’s latest addition to the Fool’s Gold series. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for both Angel and Taryn. Their reluctance to give themselves over to a chance for love was understandable yet I hoped for more. Mallery didn’t disappoint. She also added comedy in the form of Angel leading a group in a local organization. At the time he volunteered he had no idea his group would be made up of 7 year old girls. It was a fun storyline. There’s exciting drama near the end of the book that kept me turning the pages. All in all, if you’re a fan of the series I think you’ll like When We Met.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan

• Title:  Sleigh Bells in the Snow
• Series:  O’Neil Brothers, #1
• Author:  Sarah Morgan
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  November 2013 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green’s favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year. 
Jackson O’Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family’s resort—it’s in his blood, and he can’t let it fail. Now that he’s got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus. 
Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she’s out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it’s terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?  (publisher)

My take:  Kayla and Jackson are perfect for each other and the fact that their story didn’t feel cliched to me (when it very well could have!) is all due to Sarah Morgan’s writing. It was easy to understand where they were coming from and I was curious as to how Morgan would give them their HEA given all their emotional baggage.

I loved Jackson’s family – from his cantankerous  grandfather to his loving mother to his equally magnetic brothers (this is the O’Neil brothers series after all) – they all added to the complete picture of Snow Crystal. It will be fun to return to the characters as well as the beautiful setting in the next book of the series.

If you like Contemporary Romance with a Christmas theme you’ll want to read Sleigh Bells in the Snow. I liked everything about it: the attractive characters; the Christmas card setting; and the happy-ever-after ending. Don’t miss this engaging Christmas Romance!

A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

• Title:  A Fool’s Gold Christmas
• Series:  Fool’s Gold #9.5
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  October 2013 – Harlequin
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  The cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. An injury has forced her to return home to her estranged family. So she won’t add to the awkward scenario by falling for the charms of her brother’s best friend, no matter how tempting he is. When she’s recruited to stage the winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move on, anywhere but here. 

Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the town he now calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his office is more than he can take. When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for their searing attraction. Evie is his best friend’s sister—off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is dangerous, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….  (publisher)

My take:  If you’ve read the previous books in this series you know Fool’s Gold, CA prides itself on celebrating holidays in a big way. Christmas is no exception – the annual Christmas Eve performance of The Dance of the Winter King features the young students of the town dance classes. Evie, the dance teacher, has a personal history she’s worked hard to overcome. The same could be said for Dante. When the two get together (after agreeing on a no-strings arrangement) they set themselves up for disappointment during what should be the happiest time of year.

Over all I enjoyed this Christmas addition to the series. The only thing that kept me from loving it is the trope of the guy doing something that causes emotional pain to the girl. That issue aside, I liked Mallery’s story and characters. They are as charming and attractive as usual. The HEA wrapped everything up with a nice bow and left me looking forward to the next book in the series.

Sunday Post

Book arrivals:

      

• My Own Miraculous (a short story) by Joshilyn Jackson (purchased)
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (purchased)
• The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch (purchased)
• The Life I Now Live by Marilyn Grey (purchased)

Last week on Bookfan: (since I missed posting last Sunday I’m highlighting the past two weeks)

• Review: Take Me Home For Christmas by Brenda Novak
• Guest Post by Jodi Thomas
• Review: Promise Me Texas by Jodi Thomas
• Review: Provence, 1970 by Luke Barr
• Review: The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

What I’m reading:

• A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
• Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby

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I hope you’ll take a minute to vote for Harlequin’s More Than Words program. Read about the nominees at this link  and then cast your vote at this link. You can vote each day through November 21st.

*   *   *

Only a few days left for US audiobook lovers to bid on exciting items in this

online auction benefitting ALS and Bob Deyan.

Time to vote for Harlequin’s More Than Words award winners!

VOTE FOR HARLEQUIN’S MORE THAN WORDS AWARD WINNERS
GIVE THANKS THIS SEASON BY VOTING FOR THOSE WHO HELPS OTHERS

 

Harlequin has just opened the voting for their annual More Than Words awards – a charitable program that honors women, real-life heroines, making a difference in their communities.

How often do we get a chance to say thanks to someone who is dedicating their life to helping other people? By voting for your favorite woman and charity, you give one of these impressive women a chance to win $15,000 for her charity of choice and to be paired up with a bestselling Harlequin writer, who will turn her inspiring story into a novella that’s released to the public as a free e-book.

There are 5 finalists and only 3 winners, so vote now and vote as often as once a day through November 21st at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced in January.

Vote at this link

MEET THE FINALISTS:
Linda Burston has been the Support Coordinator at the Women’s Lunch Place for the last 14 years. As a former homeless drug addict rehabilitated through the help of the Women’s Lunch Place, she is determined to help homeless and poor women get off the streets and develop independence. Learn more about Linda here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/linda-burston/

Sarah Cronk, the Founder of The Sparkle Effect, also serves as its President and Creative Director. Currently a student at Whitman College, Sarah helped to create and coach the nation’s first high-school based inclusive cheerleading squad at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, when she was just 15 years old. The Sparkle Effect is a student-run program that empowers teens nationwide to include students with disabilities in school-based cheerleading and dance programs. Learn more about Sarah here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/sarah-cronk/

Shari Duval is the president of K9s For Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury as a result of the wars since 9/11. The service is free and gives each warrior a three week, live-in program with a trained service dog, equipment, vet care, all meals and emotional support. Learn more about Shari here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/shari-duval/

Ann McGee, founder of Miracle Flights for Kids® , recognized the need for coordination of aviation services that could provide no cost transportation for blood, donor organs, and sick children to medical facilities around the country that they otherwise couldn’t get to because of financial hardship. Through her dedication, the program has grown from a handful of flights for local kids to a nation-wide effort that flies boys and girls from all corners of the country. Learn more about Ann here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/ann-mcgee/

Megan Yunn, founder of Beverly’s Birthdays, believes in spreading birthday cheer 365 days a year and that every child, regardless of personal or financial circumstances deserves a birthday celebration. The organization currently serve ten homeless shelters in the Pittsburgh region by throwing birthday parties for the children living in the shelters. Megan receives no income from the organization and hopes that in the future, Beverly’s Birthdays can provide a birthday celebration for every child living in transitional or emergency shelters in the Pittsburgh region. Learn more about Megan here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/megan-yunn/

Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

• Title:  Christmas on 4th Street
• Series:  Fool’s Gold  #12.5
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance; Christmas
• Published:  September 2013 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush. 

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing. 

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….  (publisher)

My take:  It’s been too long since my last visit to Fool’s Gold, CA. I need to go back and catch up in this series because while reading this latest installment I was reminded how much I enjoy Susan Mallery’s novels.

Christmas on 4th Street is filled with likable characters who are in the midst of the build up to Christmas. That’s a big deal in this small town known for big celebrations. What makes this Christmas extra special is the added surprise to the upcoming annual Dance of the Winter King.

What makes the book special are the two main characters: Noelle, an optimistic, funny and smart (not to mention beautiful) young woman and Gabriel, a handsome army doctor on leave and visiting his brother in Fool’s Gold. He’s seen the worst of war and thinks happiness is fleeting. Can Noelle convince him to take a leap of faith and believe he can find joy not only in this season but every day?

Like I said, I’m a bit behind in the series but that didn’t impede my enjoyment of this book. Mallery filled in with pertinent information on characters from previous books and she also hinted about a few people moving to town. Nice to know the series will continue!

If you’re a fan of Christmas romances, Susan Mallery, or the Fool’s Gold series you’ll want to add Christmas on 4th Street to your list of books to read this season. If you’re like me, it will put you in a Christmas decorating mood!

Harlequin’s More Than Words Awards Nominations

 

HARLEQUIN’S MORE THAN WORDS AWARDS, 2014:
CALLING ALL REAL-LIFE HEROINES!

Each year, the Harlequin More Than Words award is given to three women who have worked hard to change people’s lives for the better. Inspired by their accomplishments, Harlequin donates $15,000 to each winner’s charity of choice and then pairs each winner with a bestselling Harlequin author who turns her story into a novella that’s released to the public as a free e-book.

Nominations for the 2014 awards have just opened and will be open until August 9th. To nominate someone you know who is making a difference in the world, or to nominate yourself, you need to submit a few sentences on the nominee, the charity she’s involved in, what inspires her and how she’s inspiring others. The nomination form is available here:
http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/nominate/.

After the nominations are closed in August, the entrants are narrowed down to 5 finalists and the public votes for 3 winners (in November). Then, winners are announced in December, and honored through the $15,000 donation, the novella written about them and feature coverage on Harlequin’s site! (http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/). It’s a great program to honor all of the women who spend their time and energy doing things for others and might not be getting the recognition they deserve!

As a bonus, you can check out the 3 ebooks about the 2012 winners – available for free!

The books are:

– Good Neighbors by Sheila Roberts (inspired by Sally Spencer, who manages a mentoring program that rescues at-risk children)
– Just Joe by Carla Cassidy (inspired by Helen McGovern, who oversees Emergency Food Network, a food bank that serves all county residents, including those with health restrictions)
– Light This Candle by Cindy Dees (inspired by Mindy Atwood, who runs Patches of Light, a nonprofit organization where anonymous angels pay the rent for parents of desperately ill children)

Download them for free from Harlequin here.

Download them for free from Amazon here .(Kindle-friendly versions)

Download them for free from B&N here. (Nook-friendly versions)

The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

• Title:  The Newcomer (Thunder Point series #2)
• Author:  Robyn Carr
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  June 2013 – Harlequin
• Source:   Publisher

Synopsis (publisher):  Single dad and Thunder Point’s deputy sheriff “Mac” McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy. Now he’s found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they’re feeling like teenagers themselves-suddenly they can’t get enough of one another. 

And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac’s long-lost ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. Mac and Gina know they’re meant to be together, but can their newfound love withstand the pressure?

My take:  Robyn Carr put family dynamics right at the forefront in the second book of the Thunder Point series. It was easy to relate to the difficulties of raising a family in the 21st century. There are several types of family units in this book and I thought they were depicted honestly and believably. Issues concerning hormonal teenagers, cyber bullying, the uncertainty of family stability are just a few of the themes.

Mac and Gina are the main characters but running a close second are Cooper and Sarah (from the first book The Wanderer). Changes out of their control threaten their relationship and test their ability to trust. The two couples aside, the emphasis of this book seemed to be on the children involved. I like that aspect and hope it continues with each book.

After enjoying the Virgin River series for years I’m now fully on board with the people of Thunder Point and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

A Summer Reunion by Kasey Michaels, Sarah Mayberry, Teresa Southwick

Title:  A Summer Reunion: All Our Yesterdays/All Our Todays/All Our Tomorrows

Authors:  Kasey Michaels, Sarah Mayberry, Teresa Southwick

Genre:  Contemporary Romance Anthology

My summary:  Just over fifty years ago a couple went out to celebrate their tenth anniversary but never made it home. A truck broadsided their car killing them and leaving their three small children orphans. Peggy, Tory and Stephen were adopted separately but now, so many years later, two of the siblings have found each other again and plan a family reunion and 60th birthday party for Peggy. The party will be at Peggy’s Cape May beachfront house. Peggy is recovering from a broken foot and has a more serious health condition so this party means a lot to her.

The first story in the anthology is about the second child. Tory, a successful graphic artist/author, raised a daughter on her own who is now married and the mother of three. Tory’s daughter was curious about her father’s identity and found him through searching the internet. Tory wasn’t sure this was a good thing. After all, she’d never told him he had a daughter, much less three grandchildren. What will happen when they meet again three decades after Tory left Sam without a word.

In the second story the family discovers that Stephen died a few years earlier in a tragic accident in Australia. Stephen was a mentor to Adam and left his construction company in Adam’s capable hands. When contacted by Stephen’s sisters Adam agreed to come to the party. He planned to share photos and memories of their brother but he didn’t plan to meet Peggy’s daughter. They live on different continents so getting involved is out of the question. Or is it?

The third story is about Peggy’s son David. A serious and  buttoned-down lawyer, he has carried the guilt of a friend’s accident since they were teenagers. Kinsie is Peggy’s physical therapist and a family friend. She’s always had a crush on David but was afraid to let him know. Circumstances put them together in preparation for the big party – will she get him to loosen up and take some chances, will he get her to feel secure enough to admit her feelings?

My thoughts:  I haven’t had much luck with the few anthologies I’ve read but I was intrigued when I read about A Summer Reunion. I’m glad I gave it a try because I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the setting. It’s the first I’ve read by the three authors and I’ll look for more of their books.

I liked the way each short story is connected and then tied together in a satisfying epilogue. I think fans of Contemporary Romance will enjoy A Summer Reunion. It’s a heart-warming anthology and perfect for a day at the beach.

Source:  Harlequin via NetGalley