A Christmas Novella Evgeniya Gromilina (Illustrator)                 STORY-LINE FOLLOW THE SNOWFLAKES: Cat has not been successful in the love department, and her latest boyfriend is no exception.  Regina, her best friend, shows her a letter to Santa from one of her students.  She asks Cat to meet […] The post Follow The Snowflakes by Angelina Kerner appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

A Christmas Novella

Evgeniya Gromilina (Illustrator)

STORY-LINE FOLLOW THE SNOWFLAKES:

Cat has not been successful in the love department, and her latest boyfriend is no exception.  Regina, her best friend, shows her a letter to Santa from one of her students.  She asks Cat to meet the boy’s father to which she agrees.  However, on the day of the meeting, fate steps in and keeps her from meeting him when she witnesses a hit and run accident;  she rescues the victim, Hunter.  Hunter’s a handsome man with deep sadness in his eyes and a wedding ring on his finger.

She finds herself helping Hunter as he recuperated and wonders about the ring and his status.  She has no intention of involvement with a married man only leads to heartache.  Will Cat find Hunter’s married and happy?  Or will fate hand both of them a chance to let go of the past, move on, and find love.  My romance book reviews below.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Oh my, what a sweet clean romance suitable for any season;  I do not mind reading Christmas stories any time of the year.  Angelina Kerner skillfully developed her characters throughout the story, and her plotting was smooth with scenes which transitioned well.  Authors cannot develop the storyline, plots, or characters to the extent as in a novel. However, Kerner packed a lot of emotion and story into this novella. I liked the fact that we also see our heroine from the perspective of her daily diary entries.

Including Lawrence was a great stroke and his wish from Santa made me teary.  His character is adorable and loveable.  While his dad, Hunter is a hunk who is a real gentleman with morals and values in an age of anything goes.  Adding in a good friend in Regina who wants Cat to find what she and her husband found, added a beautiful element to the storyline.

MY OPINION:

I found this an easy short read filled with loss, betrayal, and letting go. Letting go is hard to do as Hunter’s character demonstrated;  however, when the time is right, the heart will reopen to relationships.  At times the storyline is funny and others sad as I followed this sweet story.

I loved the awakening emotions between Hunter and Cat, as well as the fact they only exchanged a few kisses.  After failed relationships and the latest betrayal, Kerner gave these two a chance at love.  I found this novella an excellent choice for a couple of hours of pleasurable reading.

As a bonus in the back, you will find coloring illustrations which follow the story.  For those who enjoy coloring, these are well-done illustrations by Evgeniya Gromilina.  Also, I loved the whimsical cover of the novella.

I closed my E-reader with a sigh of satisfaction for time well spent.  I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend who enjoys a sweet, clean, contemporary romance.

FOLLOW THE SNOWFLAKES RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received a copy of this novella from the author and chose to review the novella with honest romance book reviews voluntarily.  Furthermore, opinions of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ANGELINA KERNER:

WEBSITE:

My Star Rating System:

I use the 1-4 ratings for reviews. I leave the 5th Star for outstanding exceptional content. My 4 rating would compare to a 5 from other reviewers. This is the system used by onlinebookclub & others.

Break Down:

• Stars 1:  I hated it
•           2:  I didn’t like it
•           3:  I liked it; it was good
•           4:  I loved it. 4 stars equal other reviewers 5 star rating
•           5:  Outstanding,exceptional; has cornerstone content reflecting my blog mission

I decided to use the system because I found I had nowhere to go when an outstanding exceptional novel came my way and felt it was unfair to lump it in with the others.

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  Bridgette Cash Mystery Thriller # 2                 STORY-LINE: Sanbury Police Officer John Tyson, formerly with the Hartbourne Metro Police Department, disappeared during an investigation of an old murder case. In Sanbury, they believe he disappeared in the surrounding mountains while hiking or committed suicide. The Commissioner and […] The post Cold Trail By Trevor Douglas appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

Bridgette Cash Mystery Thriller # 2

STORY-LINE:

Sanbury Police Officer John Tyson, formerly with the Hartbourne Metro Police Department, disappeared during an investigation of an old murder case. In Sanbury, they believe he disappeared in the surrounding mountains while hiking or committed suicide. The Commissioner and Chief Inspector Felix Delray assign rookie Detective Bridgette Cash to investigate and close out Tyson’s file. Little did they know what she would walk into at Sanbury.

This easy assignment quickly turns into a dangerous situation. She comes up against a local Sheriff with a massive chip on his shoulder bent on freezing her out. As well as an old murder without a body, she finds simple Hughey Warren, who went to prison for the killing. To the dismay and anger of the town, he is out on a technicality. Also, the town is gearing up for construction of a new ski resort.

Bridgette finds herself in the middle of a town full of secrets, and someone wants her gone; if not on her own then her death will do. As the body count mounts, will Bridgette’s keen mind ferret out whats truly happening in Sanbury? My book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Once again, author Trevor Douglas created a police procedural filled with suspense, mystery, action, and thrills galore. As with his earlier novel, I found his characters multi-faceted and intriguing. Including a varied cast of personalities, you will either love or hate, Douglas grabbed me in the first few pages. He held me in the palm of his hand until the finale. His well-developed secondary characters are instrumental to the storyline. Bridgette’s personality grows as she learns another life lesson in this intense non-stop thriller.

Of course, Chief Delray’s prominent in this tale. He’s continuing the investigation into her near-death shooting and the death of her father. I loved watching her and Delray interact as he is almost a father figure to her. Adding angst with the Sanbury Sheriff and his department, introduced action and intrigue to the storyline; what a piece of work he created in the Sheriff and his men.

I came to love Hughey with his simple ways and outlook on life.  He knows more of life’s injustices than any young man should know.  He desperately in need of friends who believe in him.  I became so involved in the storyline I wanted to give him a big hug.

In Cold Trail, we do not see Bridgette’s profiling take the lead; the reader’s invited to see a more personable human side of her nature. However, never fear, her keen mind is in action in this case.

MY OPINION:

Trevor Douglas‘ plotting is multi-layered which ramped up the intrigue, spine-tingling suspense, and mystery. I thought I knew the culprit; wow was I wrong! The storyline is rich with varied people, plots, and suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat. Douglas bit by bit revealed the culprit and mystery keeping me turning the pages for reasons and answers. The progression of the plot-threads is skillful and seamlessly. His writing is so descriptive and vivid I could almost breathe in the cold air. I could see the beauty of the mountains, the expressions on the characters faces, and feel the fear.

As in his previous work, this story twists and turns its way to a surprising ending filled with heartfelt emotion, action, dread, and suspense. Never would I have guessed the identity of the henchman in charge of the skullduggery. The epilogue is awesome. It almost had me in tears as Bridgette learns another life lesson by the end of her travail.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves action, suspense, murder, and mystery; all rolled into one well-written book. Be sure to go to the link provided at the end where you will find more information on Bridgette. Cold Comfort is still free on Amazon; I highly suggest you grab a copy. I look forward to the next installment of this series.

COLD TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS:  STARS 4.5

ALSO PLEASE NOTE:

I purchased this novel and chose to review the novel with honest police procedural book reviews voluntarily. Reviews of any novel are dependent on the review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR TREVOR DOUGLAS:

Website

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    STORYLINE: After Roger became an internet sensation taking down a criminal protecting Mandy, she receives an offer for Roger to make a cat food commercial.  The offer came at the right time, as she is looking for a job and thinks Roger could be a success; making them the money they need.  She […] The post Mystery At The Pet Food Corp By Eleanor Kittering appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

STORYLINE:

After Roger became an internet sensation taking down a criminal protecting Mandy, she receives an offer for Roger to make a cat food commercial.  The offer came at the right time, as she is looking for a job and thinks Roger could be a success; making them the money they need.  She has had a hard time finding a job other than her tarot card readings and charts.

Of course, nothing goes as planned as Stacy Parks, owner of the Pet Food Company is suddenly unavailable and her husband, Thomas, wants nothing to do with a cat food commercial. He is adamant there will be no commercial. Mandy just wanted a peaceful life with enough money to live on and felt the commercial was the answer.  Alas, she finds herself once more in the fray.  With a determined animal rights activist, kidnapping, underhanded dealings, and murder, once again Mandy become a detective;  against the advice of her law enforcement friend, Fred.  My mystery book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

With multi-plotting, well-developed characters, and several mysteries, I found this story an excellent cozy mystery which intrigued and entertained.  Eleanor Kittering set the hook deep and reeled me in with the multi-mysteries and action.  Jill plays a substantial part in this tale, and Roger is the star of the plot lines.

Of course, Colin is back in this story.  If you have not read the book one, I will not spoil the adventure for you by elaborating on his part in Roger’s life.  I would suggest reading the first story as it will give you insight and information into Roger and Colin’s background.

I found the scene transitions smooth and seamless, along with well-written prose.  Kittering set the mystery in play almost immediately, and the story barreled to the finale with many surprising developments along the way.  Her characters are believable and realistic with personalities which you will quickly either love or hate.  In this tale, we get a more in-depth look into Fred’s life;  making me wonder if the author has plans for them in the series future.

MY OPINION:

In conclusion, I found that nothing is quite what it seems.  I was surprised by the outcome as Kittering created a first-class cozy filled with suspense.  She also included secondary characters who added to the storyline and intrigue.  Her development of the characters and the plot threads are spot on as she skillfully brought all the threads together to end this mystery with a bang.  I do not hesitate to recommend this story to anyone who loves a good cozy.

MYSTERY AT THE PET FOOD CORP RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4.5

PLEASE NOTE:

Also, I received a copy from the author. I chose to review with honest book reviews voluntarily.  Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TWITTER

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                  STORY-LINE: Four Friends made a promise to reunite in ten years.  On the anniversary of the tenth year, they would meet again; chosen from a spin of the globe as a finger stops the rotation, Seychelles, Africa will be the meeting place. Adoma has it all, […] The post Tenth Year In The Sun By M. L. Wonder appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

STORY-LINE:

Four Friends made a promise to reunite in ten years.  On the anniversary of the tenth year, they would meet again; chosen from a spin of the globe as a finger stops the rotation, Seychelles, Africa will be the meeting place.

Adoma has it all, fame, wealth, and a loving husband.  But the wealth and career did not come easy; she struggled before lady luck smiled on her.  Hungary to know what her aloof parents hold secret about their past, she basks in the warmth others give her.

Mya escaped her past, though still haunted, with scars which did not heal;  she the peacemaker with a compassionate nature. Casey has an addictive nature of sexual exploits; impulsive sex and drinking, a self-proclaimed “nympho,” yet, she hated judgment of her behavior. She’s an adventurer and full of fun.  Genna still affected by memories from her past;  never allows anyone inside her thoughts. She remade her image far different from her humble beginnings, matching the élite and prosperous;  a well-kept facade of every hair in place and full makeup. Not even allowing her husband to see the real person behind the mask.

These four formed a sisterhood. Now ten years later, how have they changed?  What has the world held for each of them?   Will their bond hold through this reunion.  Secrets revealed, a person in jeopardy, and life’s treasures found;  their bond of love’s strong.  But will this sisterhood remain the same or be changed forever?  My contemporary women’s fiction book reviews follow..

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

In this novel, the reader will find an intense read in which time did not stand still for these four friends.  Wonder wove this story full of intense drama and emotion, from grief to pure joy for life.  With four life stories spanning years, told in detail, the reader’s caught up in their lives.  By the time I reached the finale, I felt I knew each character.  Wonder skillfully developed Adoma into the glue which holds this sisterhood together.  Strong, independent, determined, and unwilling to let the group drift apart.

Each character has their own tale filled with trials, tribulations, mistakes, dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled. These are not fairy tales, rather life as it is in all it’s nastiness and it’s goodness. The storyline’s realistic and believable as Wonder gave her character’s real-life issues, crisis, and challenges to face.   Wonder created four women with different personalities, traits, and dreams, who are as close as sisters.  Ultimately it’s a novel of friendship, facing the challenges of life, and unity of spirit.

With smooth and steady pacing, well-developed characters, and a storyline which will not allow you to put this it down, you will love this story. Wonder had many plot lines to weave together before the end of this novel, which she did with a vivid clear writing style.  Her scenes transitioned smoothly from scene to scene making this an easy read.  Intense, realistic, and filled with drama, I found myself reading straight through.  I found myself either smiling, laughing, or crying, as I read Tenth Year In The Sun.   A clean read it does not contain erotica, graphic/explicit sex or vulgarity.  I would not hesitate to buy this novel for my self or a friend.

TENTH YEAR IN THE SUN RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I receive this copy from Shifted Sheets, and I chose to voluntarily review with honest reviews of Tenth Year In The Sun.  Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion.  Consequently, all book reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.  No one influenced my voluntary Christian romance book reviews of  Tenth Year In The Sun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CLICK ON LINK BELOW

GOODREADS PAGE

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The post Tenth Year In The Sun By M. L. Wonder appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and Stuff.

    STORY-LINE: Set in 1958, Friendly Persuasion follows two best friends.  Joyce Williams and Wayne Mahan have always been best friends;  even after graduation, they continued writing letters.  She wanted a life of adventure far from her small hometown.  Pan Am beckons and Joyce answers.  With their ten-year class reunion on the horizon, each decides to […] The post Friendly Persuasion By Jo Huddleston appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

STORY-LINE:

Set in 1958, Friendly Persuasion follows two best friends.  Joyce Williams and Wayne Mahan have always been best friends;  even after graduation, they continued writing letters.  She wanted a life of adventure far from her small hometown.  Pan Am beckons and Joyce answers.  With their ten-year class reunion on the horizon, each decides to attend.  They are once more together in their hometown.

However, Wayne has always had a secret love for Joyce and it is hard to hide when they meet again.  Will his love ruin the perfect friendship?  My romance book reviews of Friendly Persuasion follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

As always, Jo Huddleston created a sweet clean romance filled with small-town values, faith, love, and life-changing decisions.  Her talent for interweaving faith and values into her stories without pushing those beliefs on the reader is evident in this story.

Sadly, Joyce’s character is portrayed as a young woman who has never been close to her mother.  She wanted out from under the stifling environment of her mother and her small town.  She’s deeply frightened of ruining the best thing in her life if she and Wayne change the dynamics.  She is the classic person who does not see what is right before her face, but everyone else had always known.  When she comes to a life-changing revelation, is it too late?

Wayne is a true man of faith, Christian values, and patience.  I loved his personality and willingness to let Joyce go her own way.  Jo Huddleston held the outcome close to her chest as she wove the threads of her story together, including anxious moments for the reader.  Did Joyce wait too late to come to realization?  Will all be lost because of fear and indecision?

MY OPINION:

Friendly Persuasion’s a quick read of seventy-five pages.  The story is well-written with well-developed characters, and excellent plot lines.  Huddleston included many facts about the 1950’s career and requirements for becoming an airline flight attendant;  I found this fascinating.  I did not realize to become a flight attendant that the rules and regulations were so strict.  Her scenes transitioned smoothly, and the writing flowed well, and her characters are full-bodied with a deep Christian faith which is the backbone of their lives.  The love and emotions in Friendly Persuasion are clean and sweet.  Huddleston does not rely on sex to expand the word count or carry the storyline, nor did she include fluff.  I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who reads sweet clean romance novels.   Also included is a preview of the authors coming book, Wait For Me.

FRIENDLY PERSUASION RECOMMENDATION:  STARS 4

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE

In addition, I borrowed edition from Kindle Unlimited and received a copy from the author. I chose to voluntarily review with honest romance book reviews.  Furthermore, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR JO HUDDLESTON

CLICK ON LINK

WEBSITE

RETURN DAILY FOR MORE ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER GENRES.

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  Young Love Historical Romance Vol.II Book 7                 STORY-LINE MAIL ORDER BRIDE: MARTHA: Martha Plinket’s on her way west as a mail-order bride.  When the train hits a mudslide and Indians board, kidnapping Martha, she’s terrified.  Tied, gagged, and thundering, only God knew where the horse falls […] The post Mail Order Bride: Martha By Shae & Grace appeared first on Vera's Book Reviews and...

Young Love Historical Romance Vol.II Book 7

STORY-LINE MAIL ORDER BRIDE: MARTHA:

Martha Plinket’s on her way west as a mail-order bride.  When the train hits a mudslide and Indians board, kidnapping Martha, she’s terrified.  Tied, gagged, and thundering, only God knew where the horse falls in a gully; killing itself and the Indian.  She, with a massive lump on her head, stumbles to the cabin of mountain man Gabriel Marsh.

Gabriel, a loner for many years, rescues her from his yard and the bitter cold.  Waking with a headache and sick on her stomach, she finds a large man staring at her.  Gabriel, fearing they’ll be snowed in, with no way out, knows he needs to get her to town and her fiancé.  But after days together she’s not sure she wants to go to her fiancé. How will this all shake out?  Can Marsh, who has been hurt in the past, see her as a Godly Christian woman of faith?  Will their feelings grow as they travel to the nearest town?  My romance book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Misty Shae and Terri Grace crafted a sweet clean romance filled with heart and emotion.  Marsh’s past haunts him. However, Martha gives him ease.  Knowing she has a fiancé unsettles Marsh. I found Shae and Grace’s characterization of Marsh strong and dependable;  he’s a good solid man who has deep wounds.  They also gave him a caring heart; regretting his past.  Martha’s past allows her to care deeply as she is a giver, never complaining, unused to luxury.  She had a hard life as a preacher’s daughter; used to little food or warmth.  The author’s created a wonderful woman for Marsh;  she’s a woman who has heart, compassion, and a willingness to work.

Although short stories and novellas cannot develop the characters or story-line in the depth of their parent, the novel, Shae and Grace packed this short tale of 48 pages with a solid story.  Their characters are believable and likable, and the writing style flows smoothly.  I loved both characters and would like to see more of them in the future.  Perfect for a lazy hour or so of relaxation.  A solid sweet clean tale suitable for anyone who loves western romances, I would not hesitate to buy this short story for myself or a friend.  I look forward to reading more from Misty Shae and Terri Grace.

MAIL ORDER BRIDE: MARTHA RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Also, I borrowed this edition from kindle unlimited, as well as, receiving a copy from PureRead.  I chose to review with an honest romance book reviews voluntarily.  Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion.  Consequently, all book reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CLICK ON LINKS BELOW

GRACE’S FACEBOOK PAGE

SHAE’S AMAZON PAGE

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