Book Review: Christmas in Newfoundland

It's not even technically winter and we are overwhelmed in snow and now we're dealing with temperatures I would expect in January. I am completely over it. The silver lining is that it looks, and feels, like Christmas, so let's read another Christmas book!

Christmas in Newfoundland - Mike Martin

From the author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mysteries comes "Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries," a welcome addition to the Sgt. Windflower family of books. Christmas in Newfoundland is a special time. In the depths of long winter nights memories are made and stories are told. Of Christmas by candlelight and horse and buggy rides to church. Of shopping on Water Street in St. John’s before malls and the Internet. In later years, Sgt. Windflower came to work and then to stay in the quiet town of Grand Bank by the Atlantic Ocean where the salt air froze in the wind and the Mounties were welcomed to warm themselves by every fire. Come and warm yourself by the fire and hear their stories. Some memories and some mysteries. Enjoy some holiday time with Sgt. Windflower and all the familiar characters that you’d come to know and love. Good food, good friends and always another chair at the table.

Do you love small town reads with a little mystery thrown in? You just might enjoy this one. The bonus is its a story that brings you to Christmas of the past, complete with mystery that keeps you guessing. I haven't read any of the other Sgt. Windflower books but it's totally fine, you won't feel out of step, but if you have read others, I think you're going to enjoy getting a new look into what I think are the usual characters.

The book has an interesting writing style, it feels more like a story someone is telling you over an afternoon rather than a polished story. I struggled a little with that but I think it was more of a preference issue than a skill issue on the author's part. The best part of the book is the nostalgia of it, and I think anyone who reads this will be left remembering their firsts of their own. The entire book is made up of several short stories, each one a sweet memory that will leave you smiling.

Overall, this was a pretty cute book. If you like Christmas stories but don't want to commit to a full novel, this is a good option, especially if you only have short spurts of reading time. See below for an excerpt!

Excerpt

A Windflower Christmas


It was just days before Christmas, and Sergeant Winston Windflower only had one big problem. That was what to get his girlfriend, Sheila Hillier, for Christmas. Other than that, life was good for the RCMP officer in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Crime was low, if not non-existent, and spirits were running high as the holiday neared its peak in this little seaside town.


Of course, being the holiday season, the Mountie was concerned about impaired driving. But Windflower and his team had been out on the roads for the past two weekends with the R.I.D.E. program. He figured that meant everyone would be on their best behaviour for the next couple of weeks. That was especially true since one town resident had been charged with impaired driving and two others had received suspended licences because they were just over the legal limit of alcohol.
Fortunately, even the weather was cooperating. They hadn’t had any snow in Grand Bank for almost two weeks. That was a relief to not only the snow shovellers catching a break after a series of early winter storms but also to the RCMP officers, as they had already worked several overnight shifts because of storms. The best news was that there wasn’t even any snow in the short-term forecast.
All of this meant the town could be festive and safe during the holiday season already well underway.
The old Town of Grand Bank went all out to pretty itself up for Christmas. Almost every house had some form of decoration, and Christmas lights were aplenty all over town. Some people went old-fashioned and just had a wreath on their front door and a couple of strings of lights hanging from their eaves. Others decided to splurge on nativity scenes and blow-up Santas, as they held nothing back in their gaudy and joyous celebration of the season.

Old Saint Nick had already made one visit. That was last weekend during the Santa Claus parade led by the antique pumper truck from the volunteer fire department. Local RCMP vehicles were decked out in flashing lights and ribbons as the Mounties collected toys and gifts along the parade route for the Salvation Army. Sheila had rounded up a few extra dollars from local businesses to ensure that even the abandoned buildings near the wharf were gaily festooned with ribbons, bows and the essential Christmas lights in time for the parade. Now, Saint Nick’s return engagement on December 25th was eagerly anticipated.

Thank you to Mike Martin and Pump Up Your Book for having me on this tour and sending me a copy for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own, this post contains affiliate links. Happy reading!

Book Review: Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-Up Christmas Relationship

I looked and last year I only read like one holiday themed book which is just terrible. I'm more than making up for it this year, though so there's that. Of course it's a book by Brittainy C. Cherry because if I had to sum up 2019 with one author, it would be her.

Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-Up Christmas Relationship - Brittainy C. Cherry

All families have secrets, and Jules Stone’s is no exception. Deciding not to follow in her family's Oscar-winning footsteps, Jules chooses to take a more behind-the-scenes career in one of the Top 10 Talent Agencies in Chicago. After being dumped five hours before spending Christmas with her dysfunctional family, she needs a plan to avoid their judgmental eyes.

Enter: Kayden Reece.

Kayden is the black sheep of his family, being the one actor drowning in a world of doctors and lawyers. Never really getting a jumpstart at his acting career or landing a big time role, he can feel his dad’s disappointment soaking into his spirit.

When Kayden gets a chance to meet and sign with a big name agent at Walter and Jacks Talent Agency, he’s ready to prove everyone wrong. Jules stumbles into the building in shambles, ugly crying, and begging to pay an actor a big sum of money to be her made-up boyfriend for five days, Kayden jumps at the opportunity—finally able to say he landed a role.

When secrets start to unravel, Kayden and Jules must learn that all families have their baggage, sometimes co-stars fall in lust, and it’s important to always have invisible mistletoe hanging around.

This holiday season join the two fake lovebirds as they partake in the role of a lifetime. 

I'll tell you right now if you're coming into this book fresh off her other books which are sex and emotional and leave you a gutted mess, you can just relax. A completely out-of-her-norm foray into romantic comedy doesn't leave you disappointed. We still have the angst, we still have the "Oh man, did he screw up too much?!", we still have everything that makes a book by Brittainy C. Cherry great. This one just has a whole bunch of fun holiday humor throughout that makes this an incredibly fun read.

In this book we have Jules, fresh off a really crappy breakup and kind of a clinger. We have Kayden, a bit of an irresponsible play boy who doesn't really know what he is doing in life. They get together (there's a whole thing, you have to read the book, I'm heavily summarizing this) as a pretend couple and basically, it all goes to hell. Jules forgot to mention her family are incredibly famous actors and Kayden forgot to mention he really isn't a hired actor he just happened to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. What unravels is the holiday from hell but in the funniest way possible. The slow burn romance between Jules and Kayden is really great and to see both of them individually grow over those few days is really pretty great.

Also, I loved the epilogue. A lot.

Overall? I'm giving this one 5 stars because I love this author but also because I couldn't put this down and it had me laughing throughout. If you need a fun holiday read- this is it!

   

This post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: I Heart Hawaii

If ever there was a time that I wished I was in Hawaii, it would be this week. We had a massive snowstorm with nearly 20 inches dumped on us, my tree came down, my bushes are destroyed, and I can't see past snowbanks so I'm terrified I'm going to die. I need to be on a beach and Hawaii is a bucket list trip for me, but Christmas sucks us dry financially, so reading a book about Hawaii is my plan B.

I Heart Hawaii - Lindsey Kelk

When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.

 

At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.

 

A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…

While this is the last installment of the I Heart series, it's the first one I've read and even still, I felt OK with that throughout the book; I didn't feel like I was left in the dark. I think if I had read the others though I would have enjoyed this one even more. Also, any book that references hiding in a small space while eating cheddar crackers is a book I can get behind because that is my typical Tuesday afternoon.

Right out the gate I have to tell you that I really loved the humor in this book. It's cheeky and sharp in all of the right places. Though I didn't love Angela, I really liked Alex. I have to also say that I think my issues with Angela were strictly because I didn't know her and I feel like all of the other books developed her much better so by this point readers should really connect with her, I didn't because I don't feel like I understood why she was the way she was... so I struggled. Alex though, really liked him and I felt like their relationship was more believable despite being fictional. Their interactions were more authentic, and if you're a parent yourself you'll really understand their feelings throughout the book perhaps a little better.

Another character I liked? Jenny. She is my kind of girl, she's spunky and feisty. She is who you want to be with you on a trip because she's a great friend but she can also kick the fun level up ten notches.

Parts of this book felt like that show Workin' Moms on Netflix. It's an entire gang of women, in various stages of life, and while some of it has a more serious tone, it's also funny. It's not exactly like the show, but if you like the show you might enjoy this. I really enjoyed this book and I have to give it 4 stars. Honestly, I feel like had I read all of the other books before it this could have been a 5 star so that's definitely my fault. I will say, I liked this one enough that I would like to read the rest of the series for sure.

If you are already a fan of this series, I think you'll enjoy this book. If you haven't read this one, I still think you'll enjoy it but it would be worth reading the others to really love it.

   

A huge thank you to HarperCollins and Lindsey Kelk for sending me a copy of I Heart Hawaii in exchange for review, all thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: A Lady's Past

I just want to say quickly that this is book four in The Everton Domestic Society series but if you haven't read the others, it's totally fine. Each one is a stand alone. Also, can we just admire this gorgeous cover?!

A Lady's Past - A.S. Fenichel

The greatest risk—for the sweetest reward…

His fiancée’s betrayal nearly cost Jacques Laurent everything. Despite his resolve not to trust anyone again, he can’t abandon the young woman he finds alone on the road to London. In the brief hours they spend together, the enigmatic Diana touches his heart in a way he can’t explain. Even after bringing her to the Everton Domestic Society for safekeeping, he can’t get her out of his thoughts. And when he next encounters her, working as assistant to a renowned scientist, he becomes even more intrigued…

The Society’s kindness is especially welcome after everything Diana endured in a French prison, but she fears for the safety of those who get close to her. French spies are on her trail, convinced that her scientific knowledge can help them win the war. As peril draws them irrevocably together, Diana and Jacques succumb to mutual desire. But love may be the most dangerous pursuit of all, when a lady guards her heart even more carefully than she guards her life...

Normally I'm not a fan of historical romance but every once in awhile one comes along and I feel like its too good to pass up, and this was one of them. I'm glad I got a chance to read it because while it isn't going to convince me to grab more historical romances, I really enjoyed reading it.

The book starts off immediately on page one with Jacques Laurent nearly running into Diana, on the run presumably from spies. Diana reluctantly accepts a ride into London with Jacques but after an unexpected storm forces them to stay the night at a nearby inn, Jacques knows he can't in good conscious leave her so he convinces her to accept the help of the Everton Domestic Society. I feel like had I read the other three books I would have more of an idea of who they are and their entire background, but I was still able to enjoy the book, so don't let that deter you.

I really liked Diana because she wasn't afraid to fend for herself or do things on her own but she's also intelligent enough to accept help when that's the most logical choice. Jacques also is rather progressive given the time period and doesn't treat her as if she's below him because of her gender or social status, he sees her as equal and treats her even better. If I had to tell you something I didn't love.. I would say the dialogue is close to cheesy. Granted, this is a historical romance so this might be me not used to it but Jacques fawning over Diana was eye roll worthy and I didn't love it.

The espionage and murder aspects will keep you on your toes (almost making is a suspense) and the romance is an absolute slow burn. Which I suppose given the time period it would be. Danger is abound since Diana is a bit of a target and everywhere she goes, nothing good happens so anytime Jacques gets close to her she bolts because she doesn't want anything to happen to him.

Overall? I'm giving this 3 stars. I liked it, I would read more of this series and this author. If you're a fan of historical romance and are looking for a short read, this would be a good option for you.

   

Thank you to Kensington Books, Lyrical Press, A.S. Fenichel, and Pump Up Your Book for inviting me on this tour! All opinions expressed are my own; this post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: The Cost of Honor

I already completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2019 so any book this month is just extra so maybe it'll motivate me to increase my goal for next year? I don't know... we'll see.

In between baking cookies I've been reading and I'm not hating it because I've had some really good books waiting for me, including this one.

The Cost of Honor - Diana Muñoz Stewart

He gave up everything to escape his family

The only male to be adopted into the notorious Parish family, Tony Parish always did right by his vigilante sisters. But when an attempt to protect one of them went horribly wrong, he had to fake his own death to escape his fanatical family. Tony set sail and ended up in Dominica—face to face with the woman of his dreams...

Now he must give up Honor to save her

After the death of her mother, Honor Silva moved to Dominica, where her family could help her heal and move on. But her activist mother left her more than money, she left her proof that could take down one of the richest and most powerful men in the world.

Tony gave up everything he thought he knew when he fled his family. But when a threat too dangerous for Tony and Honor to fight on their own closes in, he has no choice but to go to them for help. Problem is, they'll demand something in return—something that could cost Tony not just Honor, but also the love that changed him forever.

Let us start by saying this is book three in the Black Ops Confidential series but if you haven't read the other two, I think you should because they are really good. If you don't, it's going to be OK because each book is its own "couple" so you won't be terribly in the dark because the author does do a good job of keeping you up to date on whats going on. I will say if I were you, I'd read them in order because by the time you get to this book, you'll understand why Tony being here is a big "what the hell is going on?!". To recap though, I Am Justice is the first book and The Price of Grace is book two, and I have been liking this series the further I go and The Cost of Honor continues that because I really liked this book. Again, this one is just under 400 pages and you know I normally have a 300 page count limit because I like to get through a book quickly, I had no problem flying through this. The great thing about this author is she doesn't mess around with too much fluff to take up pages, the story is constantly going and you find it hard to put down or at least find a good stopping point.

In this book we have Tony, who we thought died in book one but found out he didn't in book two, and book three is his much needed story. Everything in this book was more of what you liked in books one and two- we have more danger, we have more suspense, we have more sex, we have more heat, and we have more moments that make you physically feel like you're actually in it and that alone is doing it for me.

If I had to give you something that I would put in the "that's kind of weird/meh" column, I would say it's the League of Warrior Women as a whole. In the first book I was kind of intrigued and thought ok, this could get interesting. Book two it's a little stranger and I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but by the end of this book it just feels straight up odd. Almost like a vigilante cult. I'm not sure if the author set out for it to be like that and I don't know if other people are reading it like that, but that's where I am. Except Tony is the exception to the group which is kind of odd but I'll go with it. Him coming back is the catalyst of a whole set of dominoes that move this book along. This family is straight up nuts. I want so badly to talk about what is really going on but it would ruin the book for you.

I can't quite give this 5 stars because the Parish family is just so strange and I really don't think I like them... so I'm giving this a 4. I say that also knowing this one is my favorite of all three.

   

Thank you to Sourcebooks and TLC Book Tours for inviting me on this tour and sending me a copy in exchange for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Book Review: The Billionaire Takes All

You guys... this is maybe becoming one of my favorite series. I know, that's kind of a big thing to say, but truly. I have really loved every single book and they just keep getting better and better for me. Though this is book five in the Sinclair Series, it is absolutely a stand alone, so jump in at any time!

The Billionaire Takes All - J.S. Scott

A-list movie star and billionaire Julian Sinclair learned from past tragedy that life doesn’t come with multiple takes. Now that he’s figured out what he wants—in the lush form of redheaded Kristin Moore—he’s got one chance to claim it. Between working as a medical assistant and filling in at her parents’ bar, Kristin has no time for pleasure. So Julian is bringing her to his brother’s Vegas wedding, where their mutual attraction can finally get a starring role.

What happened in Vegas has followed Kristin right back to Amesport, Maine. In the space of one magical weekend, the leading man in all her X-rated fantasies whisked her off to Sin City for breathtaking sex, followed by an “accidental” marriage she doesn’t remember. Kristin fully expects Julian to demand a quickie divorce. But instead he’s daring her to go all-in. To gamble everything on a love that might be too good to be true…or the best, wildest adventure of their lives.

Do you know what I like about Kristin? She's sassy. She's sarcastic, she doesn't do flattery, she's a tough nut to crack. Julian is the same way though, so it only makes perfect sense that these two are the next ones to come together.

In this book we have Kristin, slaving away at her parent's bar/restaurant at night and weekends after her shift as a medical assistant during the day. Not for fun of course, but because that bar is her parent's livelihood and with her mom having MS and her dad aging, they can't run it but also can't afford to let it go. Enter Julian. A billionaire, A-list movie star, over the fame and being tracked down like game, he's come to Amesport, Maine for a break. He meets Kristin and immediately his interest is there but he can't seem to get beyond her tough exterior. Until he does, they end up married, and their story kind of goes backwards, really.

I won't get into more of it, but I want to tell you their story was really fun and I really loved it. Maybe my favorite part of these books seems to be that the guy knows that the girl is the one meant for him, and it seems to always be the girl who is hesitant to the point of pushing away/ruining a good thing, and this was no exception. Secondly, I really liked the build up of Xander and his story and I really hope that one is next because his will be quite the ride, I think. If I had to pick this one apart and tell you something I didn't love, I would have to say Julian going a little radio silent in the three weeks he's gone on movie. That was weird. Also, Kristin making assumptions of him based on his job. At first, I get it, but as the book develops? STOP IT, ALREADY.

Overall though? A good 4.5 stars for me. I'll round it up to 5 for Goodreads but just know there are a couple of bumps in it but overall it was a fun read. A quick one too! You can get through this easily in a weekend, even if you're a slower reader.

   

Of course I'm going to keep going with this series, so stay tuned for the next one. This post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: The Unfaithful Widow (Ten Years Later)

Well hopefully you've got a game plan for Black Friday and your obscene calorie intake from yesterday is enough to sustain you as you get through the crowds, or at least drive around a mall parking lot looking for a parking spot. In case you're looking to shop online, or maybe find a book for yourself to read, consider this one.

The Unfaithful Widow (Ten Years Later)  Barbara Barth

Welcome Back To My World. Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. From owning an antique shop for nine months to finding a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, trading traffic for views of pastures and cows, and all the folly in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own super-hero facing life’s good and bad moments.

Full disclosure, I haven't read the first book, The Unfaithful Widow, which is her first year following the loss of her spouse and dealing with death, grieving while dealing with death and the logistics of that, get getting back into dating and living as a new person. I haven't read it, and now that I have read this one, I really want to.

Barbara Barth makes things that shouldn't be funny.... funny. The entire book is written as if you're reading her personal journal and not only are you laughing along with her, but you're getting a candid look at what life is really like when you find yourself starting life completely over. Finding yourself (again), learning how to adult but a little differently (again), trying to figure out where your boundaries are (again), but all the while trying to be you. The old you, because sometimes people aren't on this ride with you because for them, things change differently. But also do it all as you're aging and going through that process which is like unlearning what you knew and relearning how to do simple things in a way that you won't hurt yourself. And sometimes it's not even you, but nurses and aides who happen to break your femur and dislocate your hip so you get to have a repeat surgery! (That actually happens to her in this book- I felt rage for her!)

With chapters that include a farting Christmas tree and being "as merry as we get", you are going to enjoy each one. Oh! If you're a dog lover- you will adore this book, it features her dogs heavily and we even see pictures of them, so that's pretty adorable.

Barbara is honest all the way through, talks about the good and the bad, and is honest about grieving and moving on but also about aging. I liked how she was determined to not be defined by her age, and no matter how tough things got for her personally, she was always able and willing to help people in different capacities. Dogs, too.

Overall? A solid 4 for this. If you're into books that are comprised of short chapters that aren't quiet essays but more like journal entries, this is for you. You'll find yourself reading and going for "one more chapter" and suddenly you realize you've read half of the book. I really enjoyed this and it would make for a fun gift (along with the first one) for someone who has lost someone or is just in a weird spot in life looking to reinvent themselves, I'm sure they'll relate to this in some way.

   

A big thanks to the publisher and author, as well as Women on Writing for making sure I received a copy of this for review; all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.