Book Review ~ Sea View and Something New by Kay Lyons ~ 9/11/2024

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Title:   Sea View and Something New by Kay Lyons

Series:  Carolina Cove Book #5

Pages:  220

Date Published: March 7, 2023

Publisher:  Kindred Spirits Publishing

Stars:  ***

 Blurb:

Sophia Shipley will do pretty much anything to keep her secrets secret until she’s ready to reveal them to her family. Coming back to Carolina Cove in disgrace is hard enough, but that doesn’t compare to knowing all of her hard work and career advances were for nothing. Her job in finance, her life in the financial sector, is gone due to the whispers of fraud now attached to her name. She has to start over from scratch and she has no idea where to begin…

Dawson Blackwell can’t believe his luck. He’d finally managed to buy out the awful neighbor next door and renovate the rundown cottage for a rental only to discover his childhood nemesis to be its first guest. From rivals in the classroom to enemies on the debate team and competitors for class president, he and Sophia had butted heads at every turn. But as neighbors and unlikely friends, he finds himself battling a different kind of intensity towards the grown-up version of the spoiled rich girl he’d known.

They say opposites attract but when Dawson finds himself going after the same job as Sophia, will their competitive personalities lead to a show down—or will their forbidden love lead to something else entirely?

My Thoughts:

I was a bit disappointed in this book.  Not that it wasn't a good read, but I was expecting more.  At least more about Sophia and Dawson.

There were almost two story lines going at once throughout the entire book.  Sophia and Dawson.  AND Allie and Brooks.  Allie is Sophia's sister who is married to Dawson's brother, Brooks.

There was a good bit of overlapping of the story lines but for some reason I just wanted more Sophia and Dawson.  I felt like the romance between them was a bit rushed and skipped over.

I felt that this could be two completely separate books.

Sea View and Something New is the 5th book in the Carolina Cove series and while there are mentions of people that I'm sure were in previous books, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

This book is NOT a Christian/Inspirational read although it is fairly clean with only a bit of spice.

I read this as a free Amazon download to my Kindle.

Onto the next book :)

Book Review ~ The Jewels of Halstead Manor by Kasey Stockton

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Title:  The Jewels of Halstead Manor by Kasey Stockton

Series: Ladies of Devon Book #1

Pages:  342

Date Published:  March 31, 2020

Publisher:  ???

 Blurb:

She can only stay as long as the invalid needs her... so he makes it his business to need her forever.

When a cryptic invitation brings Giulia Pepper to her uncle's remote estate in Devon, she arrives in dire need of a benefactor, only to discover that her uncle never sent her any invitation—nor does he want her there. Forced into a corner, Giulia must contrive a way to convince him to allow her to remain, just long enough to figure out where to go next.

Nicholas never asked for an earldom, but when an aged lord arrives at his door and tells Nicholas that he is next in line for the title, he willingly goes to Halstead Manor to learn the role. But someone isn’t pleased with the heir, and after a gunshot wound in the arm, Nicholas must discover who is out to get him.

When Giulia stumbles—literally—over a fallen man on the lane to Halstead, she has her answer: she can stay at Halstead and nurse her uncle's heir back to health. But as mystery builds and danger mounts, will Giulia and Nicholas be able to solve the puzzle before the Earl forces Giulia to leave for good? And furthermore, can they manage to work together without losing their hearts in the process?

My Thoughts:

Kasey Stockton is a new-to-me author of this the first book in the "Ladies of Devon" series.

I love regency romance but I when I've never read anything by the author before, I'm always a bit leery.  However, this book was amazing and I needn't have worried at all!

There were twists and turns and mysteries and adventures from the first page to the last page.  I had an inkling what the "key" was but the mystery was still fun to read as it unfolded.

I loved the chattiness and boldness of Giulia/Jules.  There were times when it was quite comical.

Nick had a reputation to live down before Guilia would give him a second glance.  Then there was Ames, who threw a wrench into things...

What a ride this story was!

I can't wait to read more by this author.  She is amazing!

On to the next book!

Colletta

Book Review ~ Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren

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Title:  Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren

Series: Christiansen FAmily Book #4

Pages:  399

Date Published:  December 18, 2014

Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers

 Blurb:

After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

My Thoughts:

Sigh...

That is how I feel right now after finishing "Always on My Mind" and how I've felt after reading any of the Christiansen Family series!  I've now read the first four books of the series and have the last two books loaded on my kindle.

I met Casper and Raina a long time ago but was just now able to get a hold of their story thanks to kindle unlimited.  I do recommend reading this series in order to get the full back-story of the characters.

Casper was a fun hero.  A treasure hunter and lover of all things history.  Raina was hurting and confused but don't worry; it all works out in the end!

I loved the mystery the author wove into the love story that Casper and Raina are trying to solve.  And find some treasure along the way.

There were times that I'd have liked to wring both Casper's and Raina's necks but that made the finale all the sweeter

Click HERE to read a few lines from "Always on My Mind".

Sigh...

On to the next book!

Colletta

Book Review ~ Lily for My Enemy by L.G. Rollins

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Title:  Lily for My Enemy by L.G. Rollins

Series: Lockhart Regency Book #2

Pages:  273

Date Published:  February 21, 2020

Publisher:  ??

 Blurb:

He's from Lords. She sides with Commons.
Watch out London, sparks will fly.

Felix Lockhart is tired of balls, tired of musicales, and most especially tired of society only seeing him as the heir apparent to a powerful seat in Lords. Then, one evening he meets the witty Jocelyn Hunt—perhaps the only young lady in London who isn’t impressed with him.

Jocelyn Hunt will never hold a seat in the House of Commons herself, but she is no less an ardent supporter. When she meets the brooding Felix Lockhart, she is determined he understand that the House of Lords simply cannot continue to ignore the changing times.

Though they quarrel at first, both Felix and Jocelyn find themselves irresistibly drawn toward the other. But when their roles as heir apparent and daughter of a prominent man in Commons push them apart, can their undeniable connection be enough to bridge two groups determined to hate one another?

My Thoughts:

This is the second book I've read my L.G. Rollins and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book of the Lockhart Regency Series "Wager for a Lady's Hand".

We're introduced to Felix in Book #1 of the series, so I highly recommend reading it first to get the complete back story.  It really adds a lot to the feel for Felix's character and how much he changes over time and through love.

Jocelyn's character is nicely written.  Her character is "new" to the series so it was important to make her as memorable as Felix and the other characters that I'd already become familiar with.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the interactions between Felix and Jocelyn.  They didn't like each other in the beginning...or did they?  Let's say they were intrigued by each other even though they were from opposite ends of the political spectrum of the time.  As time goes by and they spent more time in each other's company, they each grow in different aspects of their character.

This was a quick, clean, sweet regency read.  The kind I adore!

I read this book through Kindle Unlimited and look forward to reading Cassandra's story in the next book of the series, "A Heart in the Balance."

On to the next book!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/5/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, the sun is shining and it is absolutely gorgeous outside.  I was sitting on my swing for a while this afternoon which is something I haven't been able to do for a couple days with all the rain we had!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I am going to love reading on my Kindle Fire!  I've always been a paperback girl and never thought I'd switch to an ereader but I have to say I'm becoming a convert :)

I am thankful:

I am thankful that Kaylee is doing well with her new job.  She worked 3 days last week and will have a 5 day work week this week.  I'm also thankful that this is the last week of her semester at college.  She is looking forward to being done for the summer.  Then she will have to make some big decisions about what direction she wants to go in...

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things are lilacs!  They are getting ready to bloom here at my house.  We have a huge "bush" to the one side of the house with tons of blossoms.  I can't wait to smell them!

I am creating:

I am creating another granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.  I decided not to use the gray on this one.



I joined the first row and fully intend to join the rows as I complete them.  I don't want to have to spend a whole day tying in ends and joining squares like I did on the last afghan I made.

I have three rows done and crocheted together so far!

I am wearing:

I am wearing comfy clothes as I'm getting ready to get on the treadmill.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I downloaded this book for free on my Fire.  I'm almost halfway through with it and am really enjoying the regency era story.  L.G. Rollins is a new-to-me author but I have downloaded the entire trilogy :)

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Laken finishes out this last month of 7th Grade strongly.  So far this quarter she has all A's.  I'm also hoping that schools are able to open normally in the Fall.  Laken really misses the social aspect of school. 

I am learning:

I am learning to be more flexible and patient? you might even say. This has been a really hard couple months for us but I'm actually getting used to wearing a mask in public and thinking about staying away from other people.  At first, it seems really odd but any more it seems old hat.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen on Saturday we made and  Apple Pie and a Fruit Medley Pie.  The Fruit Medley Pie was a combination of fruit we had leftover in the freezer so there were blueberries and raspberries and we threw in a handful of apples to boot!  I ate some of the Apple Pie and it was DELICIOUS!!!!  Probably the best Apple Pie I've ever eaten.  Mom and I did really good!

Shared Quote:

""The second is this:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 2:31

A moment from my day:

Our azaleas are also blossoming!  I wanted to get a close-up of one of the individual flowers to show what pretty bright pink they are but it is SO windy outside that it kept blurring.

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Book Review ~ Wager for a Lady's Hand by L.G. Rollins

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Title:  Wager for a Lady's Hand by L.G. Rollins

Series: Lockhart Book #1

Pages:  206

Date Published:  December 26, 2019

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services

 Blurb:

Forced into a betrothal with an abusive man, the only way out might be to beat her fiancé at his own game.

Miss Marianne Twisden knows her best chance at a safe and happy life is to marry a kind man and leave her violent father behind. When her father signs papers betrothing her to Lord Cockell—a cruel and even more violent blackguard—Marianne is desperate for a way out. Her new fiancé gives her one: if Marianne discredits Lord Sheldon Lockhart, England’s newest barrister, Cockell will release her from the marriage contract.

Lord Sheldon Lockhart is determined to rid his neighborhood of Cockell—a man who preys on gamble-hooked gentlemen by loaning them far more money than they could ever hope to repay and then extracting it mercilessly. What he didn’t expect was to fall for Cockell’s most beautiful victim, Miss Marianne.
The seemingly simple game becomes complex when a deep, abiding affection grows between Marianne and Sheldon. It is made all the more perilous when Cockell refuses to play by the rules. Strategizing together, Marianne and Sheldon must think several steps ahead if they ever hope to out-play their opponent and have a shot at victory and their own happily ever after.   

My Thoughts:

L.G. Rollins is a new-to-me author but I love clean regency romance so I thought I'd give this book a try.  I downloaded the book from Kindle Unlimited for free, so why not?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed "Wager for a Lady's Hand"!  It was quick, sweet, clean and fun to read.  The book reminded me of why I fell in love with regency romance when I was an early teen all those years ago!

Sheldon was the perfect hero.  Maybe a little too perfect if he had any faults.  He was chivalrous, handsome, forgiving and protective even if he was a second son :)

Marianne, while very sharp-minded and cunning, was forced into helping her despicable father and the hateful Cockell try to bring Sheldon down.  Even though she grudgingly was on the "wrong" side at times, she always knew what she was doing wasn't right and wished there was another way.

I loved getting to know the main characters as well as getting to know Sheldon's siblings just a bit as well.  The next book of the series features Felix (the first son) and I have it downloaded on my fire as we speak.

I really enjoyed my first book by L.G. Rollins.  It won't be my last :)

On to the next book!

Colletta