Summer at Willow Lake

A wonderful start to a great, albeit predictable, series!  With the exception of the newest installment (Marrying Daisy Bellamy), I knew exactly who would end up with who in every book of The Lakeshore Chronicles... but that didn't stop me from reading them!  The writing is great, the content humorous, and the characters lovable.

Susan Wiggs spins a tale revolving around an old summer resort camp, Camp Kioga.  Olivia Bellamy's grandparents own and were married at this camp.  They decide to renew their vowels in the same spot on their 50th wedding anniversary and Olivia is hired to do a complete renovation of the now vacant property.  When she first arrives, an old camp mate, Connor Davis, finds her in a rather embarrassing situation.  Will he even recognize her after all this time?

Summer at Willow Lake, a romance set in New York, alternates between present day, Olivia's childhood camp days, and her parent's Camp Kioga memories. 

Let's break it down...

Olivia Bellamy
After being heavy as a child, Olivia is now a fit and beautiful business owner that can't keep a fiance.

Connor Davis
The product of a self-absorbed mother and an alcoholic father, Connor is a contractor... not just any contractor, but the only contractor in town.  (How convenient... ;)  He broke Olivia's heart years earlier and is surprised to see her again.

RATINGS

Writing Style:  6/10

Characters:      5/10

Storyline          5/10

OVERALL   5/10 

 If you're looking for a light read to pass the time, give Summer at Willow Lake a try!


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*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

One for the Money

With the release of Smokin’ Seventeen only a few days away, I thought it would be nice to share a little about the first installment of the Stephanie Plum Series.

One for the Money takes place in Trenton, New Jersey where donuts are a food group, gun carrying is the norm, and the funeral home is the happening place to be.  Janet Evanovich weaves a wonderful mystery that will keep you guessing while delivering just enough humor and romance to have you pleading for more. 

Let’s break it down…

Stephanie Plum

After getting laid off, Stephanie takes a job as a bounty hunter.  With the intent of making all her financial woes disappear, she agrees to bring in Joe Morelli, a former classmate, lover, and pain in her you-know-what. 

Joe Morelli

A handsome vice cop wanted for murder, Morelli refuses to let Stephanie bring him in, insisting instead to try to prove his innocence.                                                                                                                                

Ranger

Yes.  He only needs one name.  An expert bail bondsman (among other things), Ranger gets called in for help finding Morelli.  He’s big, domineering, and incredibly sexy… will Stephanie be able to concentrate long enough to learn anything?

Grandma Mazur

In a word: crazy.  You can’t help but love Grandma Mazur and her wild antics throughout this book!  She’s a character you’ll quickly grow to love!

RATINGS

Characters        9/10                                                                                                                

Writing Style    9/10

Storyline           9/10

OVERALL         9/10

Read.  This.  Book.  ;)   

*Kindle Users:  Get it here!*

*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here.* 

Sizzle

Let me just start by saying, if you’re looking for a book with memorable characters that makes you think and feel and beg for more… this is not the book for you.  If you’re more interested in a nice, light mystery and romance that keeps you fairly entertained and maybe even makes you blush occasionally… you have a winner!  Julie Garwood’s Sizzle is full of quirky characters that are sure to make you laugh a time or two.  Add this to the raw attraction shared between Lyra and Sam and the almost-but-not-completely predictable mystery and you have an enjoyable summer read!

Let’s break it down…

Lyra Prescott

A film student in Los Angeles, Lyra is quickly coming up on graduation.  While traveling back and forth between her near-campus apartment and her grandmother’s house, she inadvertently throws herself in the middle of one menacing scenario.  Even while being forced to stick with a body guard, she can’t seem to catch a break.  Throughout the story, Lyra must also juggle working on her final film project, as well as two she’s doing on the side, and dealing with her preposterously selfish parents.  

Sam Kincaid

Although his place in this novel is completely predictable, you can’t help but like this FBI agent with his Scottish brogue and dashing good looks. 

Gigi

If there IS anything you remember from this book, it will be Lyra’s holy water stealing grandmother.  Gigi is funny, feisty, and an entertaining addition to Sizzle!

RATINGS

Writing Style:  6/10

Characters:      4/10 (for predictability)

Storyline          5/10

OVERALL              5/10

I wouldn’t rush this one to the top of your book queue; but, if you want a poolside read that doesn’t require too much thought, this is the book for you!

*Kindle Users:  Get it here*

Safe Haven

This book is nothing if not predictable, but Nicholas Sparks gives his characters enough personality to make it worth your time.  Although I can say it was unlike any Sparks book I’ve picked up so far, it is still a wonderful showcase of his writing abilities.  Set mainly in present day Southport, North Carolina, Safe Haven is your classic romance novel with a dark twist.  

Let’s break it down…

KATIE

Katie is a beautiful young woman trying to start over and run from her disturbing past.  Now a small town waitress, she spends all her time waiting tables or working on her tiny home.  Although she is lonely, she refuses to develop relationships with anyone.  When Katie starts falling for a local store owner, can it work out despite someone from her past trying to interfere?

ALEX

The owner of a small grocery store, Alex is a widower and the father of two young children.  When he falls for mysterious Katie, he must work overtime to get her to trust him. 

JO

After moving in next door, Jo finds a way into Katie’s life and considers the two friends.  She’s a little flighty and a LOT nosy, but her friendship finds a special place in Katie’s heart. 

KEVIN

Katie’s demented ex-husband and a detective in Boston, Kevin is a control freak you’ll love to hate.  The chapters written from his perspective are particularly creepy and are likely to stick with you well after you put this book down.  

RATINGS

Writing Style:     8/10

Characters:         8/10

Storyline              8/10

OVERALL:       8/10

Fans of Nicholas Sparks won’t want to miss this suspenseful, contemporary romance! 

*Kindle Users:  Get it here*