My Review - One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

4 out of 5 stars

ONE MORE LAST CHANCE is the second book in the A Place Called Home series by Cathleen Armstrong. ONE MORE LAST CHANCE is an easy read, with a simple love story.  Nothing too outlandish to stretch the imagination, but a feel good book just the same.

Sarah Cooley has returned to Last Chance, New Mexico, her hometown.  Taking a job as a school teacher and being near family were perks, but the main reason she’s returned to Last Chance is because nothing ever changes there.  Ever.  After a failed relationship, with a man that seemed to thrive on change, Sarah is looking forward to the constants that Last Chance provides her. 

As the new owner of the Dip’n’Dine, Chris Reed can’t wait to put his mark on Last Chance.  Owning his own restaurant is his dream, and he can’t wait to change up the menu and bring new life to the old diner.  But, he soon finds out the people of Last Chance like things just the way they are.

Sarah and Chris get off on the wrong foot, and continue to trip over each other.  Sarah hates the fact that Chris wants to change things, and Chris can’t seem to get the beautiful, but stubborn, brunette out of his head.  As they both deal with personal issues, somehow, their paths keep intersecting. Last Chance holds changes for both Sarah and Chris. The question is, will they allow the other to help them through their journey.

I really enjoyed ONE MORE LAST CHANCE.  The story was pretty predictable, but that didn’t impact the entertainment value.  Chris was a true hero in every sense of the word.  And Sarah, thought headstrong and tenacious, softened her sharp edges enough to allow her heart to experience love again.  Secondary characters like Juanita, Carlos, and Elizabeth definitely added warm and richness to the story.   The A Place to Call Home series is definitely worth picking up.  I will be looking for book three coming out in Spring 2015.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available May 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

4 out of 5 stars

FATAL EXCHANGE, the second installment in the Southern Crimes series by Lisa Harris, was a fast read with suspense, and a few more twists than expected.

Emily Hunt comes from a law enforcement family.  And though she respects her family tremendously, being a school teacher is more to her liking.  After a failed engagement, Emily learns two things.  Marriage without love is not the way to go, and cops are off her approved dating list.  But, when undercover cop, Mason Taylor reinserts himself into her life, she’s not sure if the feelings stirring inside her are personal or a knee-jerk reaction because of the drama surrounding them. One thing she does know for sure, without his help, tragedy is going to continue to touch her family.

Mason Taylor is no longer welcomed in the Hunt home.  After the death of Michael Hunt, his partner, the Hunt family blames Mason, even accusing him of being a department mole.  But, when his involvement in a kidnapping intersects with Emily Hunt, old feelings are brought to the surface.  Mason has no intention of failing the Hunt family again.  But being objective in his latest case is difficult because of his personal feelings for Emily.

FATAL EXCHANGE is fast paced, making for a very quick read.  Twists come at unexpected times, drawing you in, not allowing you to put it down.  The relationship between Emily and Mason is electric.  The Hunt family is tight-knit, reminding me of the bond shared by the Reagan family on Blue Bloods, on CBS.  Though a few plots were guessable, it didn’t distract from Lisa Harris’ overall storytelling.  And the hook for book three, has been anxiously awaiting its release.  I encourage readers to also pick up DANGEROUS PASSAGE, book one in the Southern Crimes series.  It will bring you up to speed on Emily’s sister, Avery North, and give you more insight into the Hunt family.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available May 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - One Perfect Spring

4 out of 5 stars

ONE PERFECT SPRING by Irene Hannon was a warm, entertaining page turner.

Claire Summers, Keith Watson, Maureen Chandler, and David McMillian; have been brought together by a very unique circumstance.  What ensues is a life-changing journey for everyone involved.

Claire is shocked when she finds out her daughter, Haley, has written a letter to David McMillian.  Known for his charitable acts, Haley asks Mr. McMillian to assist in finding Ms. Chandler’s son−a son she gave up for adoption over two decades ago. Mr. McMillian agrees, and sends his assistant, Keith Watson, to get the ball rolling. Keith wants nothing to do with this project because of the insecurities in his past.  But, being the professional he is, he follows through with the plan. While his meeting with Ms. Chandler goes as well as can be expected, it’s his confrontation with her neighbor, Claire Summers that has him stewing. But, his frustration towards Claire soon turns to attraction.

Maureen is shocked when David McMillian himself pays her a visit regarding Haley’s letter.  She is even more surprised when he asks a favor in return.  Neither Maureen nor David can ignore the chemistry between them.  But, Maureen is gun-shy.  Not only because of her past failed relationship, but because of the cancer battle she hopes is in her past.

While these two relationships blossom, the insecurities they all carry cause the four of them to take things slow.

I really enjoyed ONE PERFECT SPRING. Each character exuded such warmth and authenticity. Though ONE PERFECT SPRING is not the suspense-filled story I am use to from Irene Hannon, it clearly shows her versatility as an author.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available April 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.