Book Review: The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

Publisher & Release: Entangled Amara, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew in this laugh-out-loud and heartfelt Regency romance.

Lord Nathaniel Harte, the disagreeable Duke of Beswick, spends his days smashing porcelain, antagonizing his servants, and snarling at anyone who gets too close. With a ruined face like his, it's hard to like much about the world. Especially smart-mouthed harpies—with lips better suited to kissing than speaking—who brave his castle with indecent proposals. 

But Lady Astrid Everleigh will stop at nothing to see her younger sister safe from a notorious scoundrel, even if it means offering herself up on a silver platter to the forbidding Beast of Beswick himself. And by offer, she means what no highborn lady of sound and sensible mind would ever dream of—a tender of marriage with her as his bride.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Beast-Beswick-Amalie-Howard-ebook/dp/B07N62XFG2

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beast-of-beswick-amalie-howard

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44645043-the-beast-of-beswick

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for accepting my request to read and review The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard, this awesome novel, prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Wow, just wow! What a fantastic, emotionally-charged reading experience. The Beast of Beswick is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite fairy tales. I could not put this one down. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me to the last. The writing is emotional with great suspenseful scenes and amazing sensually, romantic scenes.

Astrid Everleigh’s character can do it all. Normally that might annoy me, but she does it with such finesse, I totally fell in love with her character. She could do no wrong. Her loyalty to her sister is amazing. She will do anything to save her sister from the villainous man who ruined her when she refused his proposal ten years before. Then to add to her already awesomeness, she is perfect for the beast!

Nathaniel Harte, well, just wow! He is the best beast of all time, well, at least since the original telling of Beauty and the Beast. He is surly, like a wounded bear. His servants run from him, except for a few old retainers, his friends have deserted him, society cannot bear to look upon him. He is scarred inside and out. I could feel his pain and understood why he refused to go about in society, but when he does for Astrid, well, let’s just say, he completely stole my heart!

Talk about fantastic scenes, there are so many it’s hard to choose which one is best! However, when Astrid bears his den, she strides in with her arsenal full, determined to convince him he must marry her. Awesome scene! Then her snarky attitude when she becomes his housekeeper, well, I totally LOVED her.

Astrid and Thane are PERFECT together from their first encounter. The chemistry between them is combustible. The push and pull of their relationship is incredible. I totally understood why Thane kept pushing her away, then he was completely unable to resist her because Astrid will NOT give up on him, no matter how nasty he can be at times. The sensually, beautifully written sexual scenes are amazing. In the last couple of years, I’ve lost the need for graphic sex scenes, but Ms. Howard’s are so emotionally-charged, they thrilled me as I haven’t been thrilled in some time!

If you want to become enmeshed in a story that will have you suspending your normal “Oh, that’s not historically accurate” then you will totally adore The Beast of Beswick. I’ve never read any books by Ms. Howard until this one, but I look forward to reading more of her incredible books. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

AMALIE HOWARD is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid's INDIE NEXT selection. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 bestseller in gothic fiction, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national IPPY silver medalist and Children's Moonbeam Award winner. She is also the co-author of the #1 bestseller in Regency Romance, My Rogue, My Ruin, in the Lords of Essex historical romance series. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. 

Social Media:

Website: https://amaliehoward.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmalieHowardAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amaliehoward

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaliehoward/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amaliehoward/

Book Review: A Cowboy like You byDonna Grant

A Cowboy like You by Donna Grant

Publisher & Release: St. Martins Paperbacks, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 287 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In the Heart of Texas, a heartthrob cowboy may get his second chance at love…

Danny Oldman, the handsome Lone Star sheriff, is still single. He tells himself, and anyone who asks, that he is married to his job—and what matters most is keeping the people of his beloved Texas hometown safe. The truth? Danny still hasn’t gotten over his high school crush. She moved away after graduation and took Danny’s heart with her.

Skylar Long never thought she would have to flee Houston and return home—where it all began for her. But that’s what happened after the man of her dreams turned out to be an actual nightmare. Now, Skylar is desperate to escape her obsessive boyfriend. Nothing shocks her more than seeing Danny again and realizing that their long-ago attraction is more powerful than ever. But can she and Danny find a way to fight against Skylar’s wealthy, powerful ex who is dead set on tearing them apart?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboy-Like-Heart-Texas-Book-ebook/dp/B07P9LPZDW

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cowboy-like-you-donna-grant

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44431686-a-cowboy-like-you

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review A Cowboy like You by Donna Grant, in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

It’s been quite a few years since I’ve read a book by Donna Grant, and the first western romance. Her writing is smooth and flows well. The pacing is steady and kept me engaged from the beginning to end. Not only are the main characters intriguing with multiple facets, the plot is unique and involves a very real issue. A controlling man who sees nothing wrong with knocking a woman around, is a true villain, and this one is a doozy!

Skylar Long is a fascinating character. She’s an independent woman, yet she manages to end up with an abusive ex-fiancee, bend on keeping, even when she has escaped his clutches. One doesn’t expect a woman who likes her freedom becoming involved with a man like her ex, but it just shows the power of a mulipative man. I liked her character a lot and wanted her to break free and find a happy ending.

Danny Oldham is a great hero with warrior protective tendencies, especially for Skylar. He knew her in high school and crushed hard on her, but they didn’t move in the same group. When he ends up helping her get away from her abusive ex-fiancee. He sees this as a chance for them to explore the attraction that burns hot between them. I always enjoy a warrior and protector, a strong man willing to go to the ends of the earth to protect the woman he falling in love with.

The romance between Skylar and Danny is combustible. The chemistry between them is fantastic and is there from the start. I particularly enjoyed the sexual tension Ms. Grant builds between them, instead of having them fall into bed. I could see them as a forever couple and wanted them to have their happily ever after.

If you enjoy a romance with a real hero and a damsel in distress, then you will love A Clowboy like You as much as I did. I look forward to reading other books by this talented author. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshoppresenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.

Social Media:

Website: https://donnagrant.com/bio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.grant.7549

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/donnagrant1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor/

Book Review: The Cost of Honor by Diana Munoz Stewart

The Cost of Honor by Diana Munoz Stewart

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Dominica

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating:  3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

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.

Black Ops Confidential Series:
I Am Justice (Book 1)
The Price of Grace (Book 2)
The Cost of Honor (Book 3)

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cost-Honor-Black-Confidential-Book-ebook/dp/B07T91DZFD/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cost-of-honor-diana-mu-oz-stewart

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46651179-the-cost-of-honor

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review The Cost of Honor, book 3 in the Black Ops Confidential series, in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is the first book I’ve read by Diana Munoz Stewart. Her writing is quick and sharp, making this an action-packed reading experience. There are quite a few secondary characters, which had me shaking my head in confusion a few times. The plot is fast paced and the writing flows nicely.

Honor Silva’s character is full of energy and determination. She runs a cocoa farm she inherited when her mother died. She cares about her employees, and at times, it blinds her to issues within her business. She is fiercely loyal and can’t understand who could want her to fail.

Tony Parish, aka Laz, is an exciting hero. He’s bigger than life and is able to do a multitude of things at the same time. He carries a great deal of guilt regarding a failed project with his sister, which caused him to fake his own death. This part was a bit fuzzy for me, and I believe it would have been helpful if I had read the prior two books in this series.

The romance between Honor and Tony/Laz is fast and furious. This is a perfect story for readers who like plenty of sexual action because there’s lot in this romantic tale. The emotions run high at times, but not quite as deep as I enjoy. I missed the sexual tension in a story where something is keeping them from each other. Nothing interferes with this couple’s time between the sheets!

If you enjoy a fast-paced romance with an intriguing hero and a heroine with a huge heart, then you will enjoy The Cost of Honor. While this wasn’t a top pick for me, I did enjoy the suspenseful scenes. It certainly kept me engaged. Happy reading! 

Author Bio:

#1 Amazon bestselling author. 
Armed with a razor-sharp wit and a rolled-up MFA in Creative Writing, Diana Muñoz Stewart cartwheel-kicked her way into publishing with her fiery Black Ops Confidential series. Washington Independent Review of Books called the series' award-winning debut, "original, impressive" a "rollicking good ride" and "high-octane."

Of her writing Publishers Weekly declared, "Stewart plays adeptly with the reader's emotions" and noted that in her series, "Stewart's talent shines."

Of her unflinching openness in taking on today's relevant topics, Booklist said, "Munoz-Stewart discusses such sensitive topics as human trafficking, sexual violence, and sexism...while the diverse ...Parish family and their mission to protect women everywhere give these topics...hope..." 

Social Media:

Website: https://dianamunozstewart.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMSwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmunozstewart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmunozstewart/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dmunozstewart/

Book Review: Wish Upon a Cowboy by Jennie Marts

Wish Upon a Cowboy by Jennie Marts

 Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Creedence Creek

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Hot on the ice and tall in the saddle...

Rancher and hockey coach Logan Rivers' attempts to hire a housekeeper are hindered by women more interested in marriage than meal-planning. So when snarky Harper Evans arrives with zero romantic interest in him, he couldn't be happier. But as he gets to know her, he finds himself hungering for more than her cooking.

Down-on-her-luck single mom Harper Evans came to Colorado with one goal: to find her son and bring him home. Temporary work for a local rancher seems perfect, but to keep the job she has to deny her feelings for the hot cowboy who's heating up her kitchen.

Logan's secret learning disability has caused a financial mistake that could cost him everything. With the holidays approaching and a storm closing in, he and Harper have to save his ranch and fight for her son. But can Harper trust the cowboy who is offering her both a home—and his heart?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Wish-Upon-Cowboy-Cowboys-Creedence-ebook/dp/B07T7YW98F

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wish-upon-a-cowboy-jennie-marts

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46384136-wish-upon-a-cowboy

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review Wish Upon a Cowboy, Book 4 in the Cowboys of Creedence series, in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is the first book I’ve read by Jennie Marts, but it will not be the last. Wish Upon a Cowboy grabbed me from the first page, and I remained enmeshed in this story until the end. While this romance is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, it has plenty of deep emotional writing as well.

Harper Evans is an endearing character. She stole my heart when she’s willing to pay for a little boy’s meal, knowing she could only afford a bowl of soup for herself. Harper keeps giving throughout the story. Although she knows she can’t stay, she also can’t resist the hero.

Logan Rivers is an amazing character. He’s a bit shy and emotionally-scared from his mother’s rejection and abandonment because of his learning disability, which has plagued him all his life. The last thing he wants is a woman trying to get his attention, so when Harper shows up applying for the housekeeping job and shows no reaction to him, he relaxes his guard and hires her. Although he’s attracted to her, he is determined to resist her. I loved that he lost his battle!

The romance between Harper and Logan is sweet. When they come together, I wanted to stand up and cheer. They are so prefect for each other. They really deserved to find each other and their happy ending. 

If you enjoy heartwarming Christmas stories with characters that will steal your heart and a unique plot, then you will love Wish Upon a Cowboy as much as I did. I will be going back and reading the books that came before this one. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”
She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.

Social Media:

Website: https://jenniemarts.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennieMartsBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniemarts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniemartswriter/

Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/tjmarts/

Book Review: Ride the High Lonesome by Roseanne Bittner

Ride the High Lonesome by Roseanne Bittner

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Post Civil War, Wyoming Territory 

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 320 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A man bent on revenge
A woman determined to survive
A land that knows no mercy
Meet the Men of the Outlaw Trail

When Kate Winters is left stranded and defenseless in outlaw country, she knows there's little chance she'll make it out alive...until she stumbles across a ruthless gang hanging a cowboy for his cattle. She waits until the outlaws are gone, desperate enough to claim the dead man's horse to make her escape—only to realize he's not dead after all.

Those outlaws should have made damn sure Luke Bowden was good and gone. Now he vows he'll have his revenge no matter the cost. But they're miles away from the nearest town, and the woman who saved his hide won't survive the ride back. He owes her his life—he owes her everything—and it doesn't take long before he's faced with a terrible choice: stand by Kate...or claim his revenge?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Ride-High-Lonesome-Outlaw-Trail-ebook/dp/B07T7ZC474

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ride-the-high-lonesome-rosanne-bittner

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46408619-ride-the-high-lonesome

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review Ride the High Lonesome by Roseanne Bittner, in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Ride the High Lonesomestarts out brilliantly, pulling me in at the first page. After all, the heroine manages to save the hero, even though he’d been hanged and left for dead. I became excited over the possibilities with a beginning like that. The action continued with the hero leaving the heroine alone in a cave to travel to Landers and find the men who tried unsuccessfully to hang him and get his horses and cattle back. He quite ruthlessly goes after the villains, killing all but one who is killed by a known outlaw in the area. Evidently this is a character from one of her other books.

While Luke’s gone a man stumbles upon the cave and Kate kills the dastardly man and manages to hurt herself in the process. The hero returns and finds a half-naked heroine on the point of death. This all happens in the first 25% of the book. At that point, I couldn’t read fast enough. 

However, the romance between Luke and Kate is non-existent until around 50%. They leave the cave, having shared one kiss which felt contrived. Then as they head to a cabin Luke knows of, and along the way, they suddenly fall into each other’s arms and make love. That is the basis of their love story. I struggled with the abruptness of this encounter. 

The rest of the book has Kate exhibiting low self-esteem regarding her age and how the hero could never be attracted to her. It became a bit tedious to be honest. I don’t believe that at any time her age is mentioned but I could have missed that.

Luke is bent on revenge for a good part of the book. First, he goes after those men, then he goes after one of the men who planned to rape Kate, during another exciting action scene. Luke’s back story is that he returned from the Civil War to find his sweetheart married to his brother with an infant on her hip. Because of this, he has a difficult time trusting any woman. 

While I absolutely loved the action and suspense, the romance between Kate and Luke fell flat. I never felt any fire and passion between them. Then he leaves her for months in a lawless town filled with outlaws and where she knows no one. It just didn’t work for me.

You may be wondering why I’ve rated this book 4 Gold Crowns, if I didn’t enjoy the romance. The book is well written. Ms. Bittner is a master at painting the scenery and there’s no doubt she knows her historical period. As I’ve mentioned, the action and suspense are amazing. For those reasons, I am comfortable with my rating. Oh, and the ending turns out well.

If you enjoy historical westerns with vivid descriptive writing and plenty of suspense and action, then you will like Ride the High Lonesome. If you are looking for a romance that will have you sighing and waiting in eager anticipation for the hero and heroine to find their happy ending, then this might not be the book for you. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800's and feature vividly-described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I must be doing something right, because more and more men are writing to tell me how much they enjoy my westerns, too. Louis L'Amour has always been one of my favorite writers, and I am very flattered that my male readers compare my books favorably with his!

       I’ve been writing all my life – wrote my first poem in 3d grade and my first short story in 4th grade. I was editor of my high school newsletter and wrote many, many poems and articles for the local newspaper. I have been writing novels since 1979 – sold my first book in 1982 and haven’t stopped since then! The photo of me at my typewriter was taken ca 1985-86, after I had five books in print -- I just finished my 61th book, with lots more to come! I never, never stop thinking about that “next book,” and I can’t get enough of western history. And I love the western hero – tough, take no crap, can handle himself – but he loves his woman to no end and will offer his life to protect her – and the women in turn are strong and brave and a real match for the heroes. 

      

       I hope (and I have received thousands of comments verifying this over the years) that readers come away from reading my books with memories of characters who will stay with them forever, and with a new knowledge of American history – something they never learned in school. Most of all I hope they come away with an appreciation for the courage and strength our pioneers needed to settle untamed lands.

Social Media:

Website: http://www.rosannebittner.com/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosanneBittnerAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosannebittner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosannebittner/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rbamericanhisto/

Book Review: Lake Season by Denise Hunter

Lake Season by Denise Hunter

Publisher & Release: Thomas Nelson, November 12, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, North Carolina

Genre: Women’s Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The first story in a brand-new series, Lake Season invites readers to the Bluebell Inn in a small North Carolina town where a lost letter, a chance for new love, and old secrets beckon.

When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream of turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina, home back into an inn. Staying in town would be temporary—three years at most—then they plan to sell the inn, and Molly can get back to chasing her own dreams.

Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathaniel Quinn) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There, he meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.

Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn, she and Adam embark on a mission to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets he isn’t ready to share. Past and present collide as truths surface, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Lake-Season-Bluebell-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07QH4MQDY

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lake-season-denise-hunter

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45163636-lake-season

Vikki’s Musings

An inspiring love story with a subtle Christian message. I'm amazing I haven't read any of Denise Hunter's novels. I will correct this soon! Thanks goes the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review Lake Season in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Lake Season may very well be the best book I’ve read in 2019. The writing is emotional and moved me on more than one occasion. The character growth is amazing and greatly enhanced my reading experience. Ms. Hunter paints a unique picture of the small town in the lake area of North Carolina, and the beauty of the historic home, the setting for the novel. 

There are twin stories in Lake Season. The one between Molly and Adam and one that happened in 1962. Molly finds a letter stuck in a wall. It starts her on a journey to find the person who wrote the letter and the man who was supposed to receive it and never did. This is such a heartwarming part of this story and possibly what had me feeling this is the best book I’ve read this year.

Molly Bennett is an endearing heroine. She’s recently lost her parents, and she and her siblings, are determined to fulfill their parent’s dream of turning their historic home into an inn. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between the siblings. Molly, of course is the main character, and she is delightful. Not only she’s grieving the loss of her parents, she is also suffering from a bad breakup with a man who almost broke her and damaged her self-esteem. I could feel her confusion when she is attracted to one of the inn’s guests.

Adam Bradford is the hero, and he’s not the typical alpha male. He is a beta character in the true sense of the word. He is a reclusive writer and writes under the pen Nathanial Grey. His novels have put him on the best-seller lists. As he gets to know Molly, and discovers she’s a huge fan, and has somewhat of a crush on him, he knows he should reveal his true identity, but his low self-esteem makes him reluctant to do so. His low opinion of himself comes from his father who only valued athletes, which Adam is not. I felt his pain whenever he thought of his father. No parent should ever deride a child because they aren’t passionate for their favored pursuit! It’s no wonder Adam has his issues.

The spiritual thread in this story is very subtle and easy to overlook, but it’s there none the less. Both characters are believers and try to rely on God when making choices, but as with all humans, they constantly question and can’t always hear Him. I enjoyed this real depiction of Christian life. So many times, the characters are too pure to feel real. Both Molly and Adam breathe life, making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. This is a very powerful message.

The romance between the pair starts as friendship and slowly blossoms into a moving love story that is emotionally-charged with great depth. I truly enjoyed their romance and really wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy a romance that will touch your heart and make you smile, and possibly shed a few tears, one with engaging characters and a unique plot with a touch of mystery, then you will love Lake Season as much as I did. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 books, including "The Convenient Groom" and "A December Bride" which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

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