Tag Archives: contemporary fiction

If You Liked . . . The Christmas Tree Farm

15 Dec

My book club chose The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson for our December selection. It was not my favorite by Carlson, but it was a quick, pleasant, Christmas-y read. If you liked it (or share my viewpoint) I have some more recommendations for you. I read all three of these books during the 2023 Christmas season and LOVED them! I usually schedule my If You Liked . . . posts on the last day of the month, but you really need to read these books before Christmas!

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray!

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands.

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no.

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas activities that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger.

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

It’s the most wonderful time of the year–for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn’t bad enough, she’s dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister’s uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding–to Starr’s ex-boyfriend. But when her brother’s best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother’s Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away–to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

November Book Club Pick — The Divine Proverb of Streusel

1 Nov

Is it really November already?! Time to plan for Thanksgiving, shop for Christmas presents, and decorate the house with holiday cheer. I am exhausted just thinking about it. LOL! What to do to escape all the doings of the holidays? Read a good book. This month it looks like my book club picked the perfect one. Take a look at The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold. Let me if you’ve read it and what you thought.

Shaken by her parents’ divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle’s farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She’ll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother’s belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town’s history, her ancestors–and her estranged father. 

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured–with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find his fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family near Kansas City, Missouri, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library. Learn more at http://www.sarabrunsvold.com.

Top 10 Tuesday — Let’s Cook!

3 Sep

Happy Tuesday! Today my TTT list features books with characters that cook. The list includes characters ranging from seasoned chefs to newbie bakers to ice cream makers, plus a few chocolatiers! And they cover a variety of genres — something for everyone’s tastes. 😉 Don’t forget to load up on some snacks for your reading time!

For more mouth-watering lists, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books That Feature Characters That Cook!

All’s Fair in Love And Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

Invisible by Ginny Yttrup

The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Sweet on You by Becky Wade

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns

Top 10 Tuesday — Debuts!

23 Jul

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is Debut Novels. The books on my list really hit it out of the park! No way could they be first offerings by the authors, but they were. And the good news is that many of the authors on the list have other books to read when you finish their first. Hope you find one to love!

For more fabulous debuts, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Debut Novels

Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart

After She Falls by Carmen Shober

All That Is Secret by Patricia Raybon

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels And Misadventure by Angela Bell

Roots of Wood And Stone by Amanda Wen

Shadows in The Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green

Up From The Dust by Heather Kaufman

First Line Friday — Yonder: Going Home Is Complicated

12 Jul

Happy Friday! Today I am sharing a novel by indie author Larry E. Ninas. If you like small town stories, then you need to check Yonder out. One of my friends found the references to real places in Georgia to be a fun aspect of the book. Read all about it below.

In the meantime here’s the first line:

“Bark!”

Going home is complicated. In a small town full of love and joy, James Robert Owens takes us home to Yonder. Here, the simple pleasures are kept simple, and the simple people are revealed to be something more. Whether you are dropping in on Tubs at Smoky Toes BBQ or having a ‘Gunny Special’ with Teal’c at The Diner, anyone can find a familiar face and a welcoming smile in the town of Yonder. Follow this Christian family as they survive the “Not So Great” chicken raid and the cave incident while leaning on love, friendship, and their faith in God. And if you stay awhile and listen, you might learn something about life and yourself. James Robert Owens, known by his friends in Yonder as Jim Bob, comes to understand what it truly means to walk with God.

Top 10 Tuesday — Summer TBR

18 Jun

Summer is out in full force here in the Sunny South. The temperatures this past weekend hovered precariously close to the century mark. Yikes! It is not even July! But thanks to a wonderful doctor from Florida, I have air conditioning! And it is in the house where I plan to read all the books on my Summer TBR. I have included 4 audiobooks that have been on my Audible shelf a long time. Fingers crossed that I stick to my walking goals as well!

What’s on your TBR? And Where will you be spending your reading time?

For more bloggers’ TBRs, check out https://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com.

Top Books on My Summer TBR

An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann

Between The Sound And Sea by Amanda Cox

More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson

Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

On Moonberry Lake by Holli Varni

Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle

Shadows of The White City by Jocelyn Green

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

Where Trees Touch The Sky by Karen Barnett

Top 10 Tuesday — You Just Don’t Listen!

28 May

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is all about buying books and then not reading them. I have that issue across formats! Today my list contains 10 (there are more) audiobooks that I have acquired, but have not listened to yet. Most were either on sale or included with my Audible subscription. If you have read/listened to any on my list, let me know what you thought.

For more book lists, check out https://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com.

Top 10 Audiobooks I Have Not Listened To

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

Emilienne by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Love in A Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews

More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson

Outbreak by Davis Bunn

The Queen by Steven James

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green

Waiting On Love by Tracie Peterson

Watch over Me by Christa Parrish

The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson

Book Review: Sandcastle Inn

15 Apr

About The Book

Book: Sandcastle Inn

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

Click here to get your copy!

My Impressions:

It is always a treat to return to Hope Harbor, Oregon in the contemporary romance novels of Irene Hannon. Her series is now 10 books strong! And each successive story just gets better and better. I loved Sandcastle Inn! In this novel several newcomers are introduced to the small seaside town, but the community is so welcoming that they soon feel at home. Does it sound like I feel Hope Harbor is a real place? 😉 Hannon has created a wonderful setting with charming characters that have continued throughout the series. One old time resident and the two seagulls that seem to witness every new budding relationship are very special additions to each book. In Sandcastle Inn, Hannon focuses on several types of relationships — new romance, family dynamics, and a married couple. As always, the narrative’s main focus is on the the attraction and developing romantic relationship of the two main characters, but I really enjoyed how Hannon explored the varying types of relationships between parents and grown children and sibling relationships. The story line of the married couple was my favorite! All of the stories add a depth that make the book more than just a romance, as well as adding to the feeling that Hope Harbor really exists! A solid faith thread runs naturally throughout the narrative — it’s never preachy.

If you like contemporary romance with some small town charm and well-developed characters, then Sandcastle Inn is a must-read. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, though. While 10 books may sound daunting, think of all the fun you are going to have spending time in Hope Harbor!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

About The Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

More from Irene

In my world, the approach of April signals not only tulips, dogwoods, and daffodils, but a return to my little seaside town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. And this year marks a milestone. Sandcastle Inn is the tenth book set in this charming locale.

When I conceived of this series back in 2013, neither I nor my editor had any idea how long it would run—or that Publishers Weekly would deem my small fictional town “a place of emotional restoration that readers will yearn to visit.”

But visit they have. Hundreds of thousands of copies of the books have been sold worldwide, the novels have been translated into multiple languages, and taco-making artist/town sage Charley Lopez has become an iconic figure.

It’s been an amazing journey—with more books to come.

If you’ve never visited Hope Harbor and are reluctant to dive in at this stage, no worries. Each book stands alone, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story also begins and ends in each book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The town is the unifying element in the series—along with a few secondary characters like Charley, the bantering town clerics from neighboring churches, and the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys, who always seem to be around when romance is in the air.

If you’re new to the series, Sandcastle Inn is a fine jumping-off point. This story features a hero struggling to recoup from a tragic loss and a heroine still reeling from an unplanned career detour. When they join forces to save a floundering inn, challenges ensue…and sparks fly. Because if it’s Hope Harbor, there has to be romance!

The book resonates with multiple other themes too—dealing with grief, moving on, changing direction, mending past relationships, taking a leap of faith. And of course there’s a happy ending.

It’s the kind of book that will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.

So I invite you to find a comfy spot, pour a mug or cup of your favorite beverage, and travel with me to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal…and love blooms.

Insider’s Tip: If you ever decide to book a stay at Sandcastle Inn, ask for the seaside room upstairs at the end of the hall that leads to the right. The view is stunning!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 8

She Lives To Read, April 8

lakesidelivingsite, April 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

The Lofty Pages, April 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 13

Blossoms and Blessings, April 14

Labor Not in Vain, April 14

Wishful Endings, April 15

By The Book, April 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

Pause for Tales, April 16

Batya’s Bits, April 17

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2ac75/sandcastle-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Top 10 Tuesday — The Heavens Above

9 Apr

Happy Tuesday! Did you spend yesterday in the path of totality? The eclipse had everyone looking up. While we only experienced about 75%, our cabin in the north Georgia woods was in that totality path in 2017. It definitely was an awesome and eerie experience! Today’s TTT is a Freebie, and I wasn’t sure what to post until I saw Cindy’s Book Corner’s post. Thanks for the inspiration!

Scripture says you only have to look to the heavens to find God (Psalm 19:1). The sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness . . . . So today I am featuring inspirational fiction with sun, moon, and stars in the titles. I hope you find one to love.

For more Freebie lists, please check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Featuring Sun, Moon, Stars, And Heaven

As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner

Breath of Heaven by Deborah Raney

The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski

The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Star Rising by Janet Ferguson

Stars of Alabama by Sean Dietrich

Sunburst by Susan May Warren

Sunrise by Susan May Warren

Under The Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Spotlight on Contemporary Fiction — This Ain’t No Promised Land

18 Mar

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

This Ain't No Promised Land

Title: This Ain’t No Promised Land
Author: Tina Shelton
Publisher:
Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Genre: Christian General Fiction

“With stellar storytelling skills, Tina Shelton reminds us that while love isn’t always enough to erase the hurts, it’s the only way to survive them. A powerful read!”

Julie Cantrell, New York Times & USA Today best-selling author of Perennials

When her husband dies, Charlotte can’t face the things she’s done that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything–her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she’s made, and the secrets eating her alive.

Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago’s South Side with nothing but their home and belongings. They’re doing everything they can to stay together, but young teens aren’t meant to parent themselves. Their close-knit Black community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but that’s not enough to fix the damage of abandonment.

Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is struggling to keep her own head above water. She’s made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte’s never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, the shaky peace she tried to build shatters. Even if she’s able to find the courage to embrace motherhood again, will it be enough to save the family she left behind?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt

They moved us all out of the way, then bent over Dad. They had electrical pads that they rubbed together and placed on his bare chest after yelling “Clear!” His body jerked upward and then dropped to the ground just as lifeless as it was before. A couple more rounds and then finally, they called it. That meant that was when they called him gone. I looked at him on the floor, and he looked like an empty house. Nobody was home. No light to be seen nowhere, no sign of hope that maybe somebody was making their way to the door. 

We all stood there waiting, holding our breath, ignoring the big people. Just waiting. Mom waited with her head on his heart as her tears dripped on his chest. Eventually, we realized he wasn’t going to return. 

I couldn’t believe the sun had the nerve to still come up as if it didn’t care about what just took place, as if my dad’s life was so insignificant that the rest of the world could go on like normal. Folks around us still went to work that day, and children still ran down the street to make the school bus, and mean dogs still barked when the mailwoman passed by—and there we were, frozen in time, unable to move. Why should we move? How could we?

(pg 20)


About The Author

Tina Shelton

Tina Shelton is registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is also the mother of two young adults, and loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. This is her first novel.

Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram @ts_walking


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of This Ain’t No Promised Land and several book-related goodies, including a friendship bracelet, a mini journal, a pen, and a prayer tin.

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours