A great addition to Trinity Harbor...
931267
Jenna Kennedy has something to prove.  She's ready to show her father and two brothers that she is more than an empty-headed woman that is only good for answering the phones and doing the filing at their family owned company.  All she has to do is get the attention of Bobby Spencer, and covince him that she's the perfect person to plan his development of the boardwalk in Trinity Harbor.  The problem is, once she's there, Jenna never wants to leave.
Bobby Spencer has had his heart broken and he is determined that it won't happen again.  But he couldn't stop Jenna from bulldozing into his life and changing the way he thought about involvement.  The only thing is, she's determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, because she doesn't want anything interfering in the planning of the boardwalk.
This is my second Woods book, the first one being 'About that Man'.  In her normal light hearted way, Woods brings enough emotion into this book to keep the reader hooked.  With the antics of Darcy, Jenna's daughter and the return of Robert 'King' Spencer, you won't put this book down until you've finished it.
3728676
Originally from the North Shore of Massachusetts, now living in Florida. I am so glad my friend and I decided to have lunch on the patio of Saunders at Rye Harbor, NH. There I met K.D. Mason, purchased his first 2 books which he signed and also had his picture taken with me. I started reading "Harbor Ice" on the plane back to Florida and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I am now reading "Changing Tides" and enjoying it just as much. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very well written mystery with a human and passionate touch. It is so much more than a "mystery story". K.D. makes Jack Beale and the other characters who live and work in Rye Harbor come alive. I'll be anxiously waiting for K.D. Mason's next book. He is obviously a very talented writer.
2137588
I f*ing loved this book.  The Trinity Masters series is fantastic and makes me yearn for my own trinity.  Alas, I will have to live vicariously through these wonderful, thrilling, action-packed, mysterious, funny, loving stories with great historical tidbits thrown in along the way.  Oh and Big Tag, too!

This time we get Tess, Isaiah and their third, and who wouldn't love to be the meat in that sandwich.  The good girl, the mystery writer and the bad boy.  Lots of feels here and some wrapping up of story arcs.  I was glad to see that new arcs began as well; arcs with lots of potential.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book and was glued to my seat the entire time.  You need to read this book!
1092049
I was in Santo Domingo all last week and I had to go to quite a few stores before I could get a copy of this album. I right away suspected that it must be great because many of stores were sold out of Sin ti. I finally did purchase a copy and wow... I was taken aback by how impressive it is. Antony Santos has been on a role with this new style of bachata that he has created since El balazo. Where do I begin- this album is a continuation of Juego de amor (which I am still enjoying) and now El Mayimbe comes with Sin ti, which is full wonderful bachatas. I suspect the big hits will be: Sin ti, La Jaula de oro, and Damelo'to but don't underestimate the other three. They are equally as good. I especially like # 7 Se acabara mi suerte. The mellowest bachata of the group is No es bueno but a nice one indeed. The merengues are tremendous too. I like the rhythm of La camarera (it's not really merengue. It has a nice "son tropical" beat), El Gato triste will definitely get a crowd moving and Yolanda, a merencumbia that sounds terrific. I say Antony Santos really produced a gem of an album, which definitely should keep his bachata fans coming back for more. No question about it ... . Do enjoy.
1435519
These islands and the expectations of the people who visit them have not  changed since "Don't Stop the Carnival". This is refreshing, fast  moving, and a modern update of that tale.  In this instance, the backdrop  is the British Virgin Islands, and since the author is British and has  worked in the industry which he writes about, truly believable, and fun to  read. The additional mystery subplot adds to the whole and explains the  book's racy cover.  This is a must for anyone now living in these  islands, planning a visit, and especially if you plan to charter a sailboat  in the area. I hope the Mr. Putley will write the next book.
2286348
This episode really ramps things up a notch, and the last lines are sigh worthy. I love this pairing.

I have been in heaven, working through the The Kraken King serials, and I have to say though that even with the week between parts, I wouldn't want to wait for the all in one volume instead - some of my favorite authors have been training me to like serials so I am in the right frame of mind for The Kraken King.  The wait isn't as hard as I thought it would be, and it is always exciting to get a new installment, and it's nice not to wait a whole year for *more*.

In the Kraken King so far, there is a good touch of adventure, a bit of humor, and the detailed world building that made me a fan of the Iron Seas in the first place and which makes these new stories so entertaining. But the leads are really what seal the deal for me. Zenobia and Ariq (the Kraken King) are both such great developed characters and the way their relationship is unfolding - despite a few stumbles - is really really good. *happy sigh*

With only four more episodes to go, part four ends the first half solidly but with promises of a wild and steamy ride to come.

(I got an early peek at this, but I also purchased a copy of my very own for my 'keeper shelf' - the gorgeous covers look very nice there by the way:)
4944379
Part of the charm of the three novels in the Beacon Hill series is that the environment is spot on. One should never attempt to write characters into an historical environment without first doing some basic research, and Ms. Peale has this angle very well covered. The mystery the author has contructed is also very interesting, involving the major fads of the day (both spiritualism and the telephone). Once more, Ms. Peale brings Victorian Boston to life in a vivid and appealing fashion.
There are some weaker moments, however, which are rather distracting. The late-night confrontation between Ames and the villain is pure melodrama, and for all of the action, it is actually rather disappointingly pedestrian. The same could also be said for the climax.
Just to nitpick, there is also at least one somewhat minor error regarding how to survive when immersed in cold water. A character thinks the only way to survive it would be to swim furiously, but doing so will bleed off far more body heat than you could possibly generate, leading to hypothermia (pretty much what happened to many of the Titanic's passengers). But, the character's thinking was in keeping with the times in which the story is set, so we may easily overlook this goof.
Since so much more of the novel works then does not work, I think it would be fair to say that this is a very good purchase, especially for those of us already hooked on the characters. The characters make natural progress in their world, evolving and becoming even more and more natural (Addington pursues the elusive Serena Vincent, while Dr. MacKensie is even so bold as to finally ask Miss Ames to go walking in the park!). The entire question of spiritualism is deftly handled, neither overly favorable of the practice, or overly critical. The characters are delightfully "in character," as it were.
One can only hope that the series will move beyond a mere trilogy. It would be quite unfair of Ms. Peale to offer us such interesting characters and not allow us to continue to share in their domestic worries, social dramas, and criminal investigations.
1087653
"Pelican Point" is the fourth Hope Harbor Novel. They can be read alone, but one of the main characters is always introduced in the previous book and events from previous books are mentioned in subsequent books, so I would recommend reading them in order to get the fullest picture. I like how there are constant features throughout the books like Charley, the taco stand man; Gladys and Floyd, the seagull couple that hangs out near Charley's stand; the interactions between Father Murphy and Reverend Baker. The book follows the point of view of the main characters, Marci Weber and Ben Garrison, as well as secondary characters, Rachel and Greg Clark. The book was well written and I liked the twists that I didn't expect. The characters grew in their relationships with each other and with God. I look forward to reading more Hope Harbor novels.

I got a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
3462663
Fleeing the bustling streets of New York after a personal tragedy, Ada Santorini finds herself renting a houseboat in Seattle. She is quickly immersed in the close community of "Boat Street", making friends with its quirky longtime residents. Upon finding a trunk of long forgotten memories in her rental she also becomes immersed in an unsolved disappearance of Penny Wentworth from over 50 years ago.

This story is told in alternating chapters - from Ada's point of view in the present time and also from Penny's point of view in the past. We get to know and feel for both characters and their plight. Each woman had their share of sorrow in their lives and I yearned for their happiness.

As Ada tries to move on and heal from her loss we see the wonderment of Seattle through her eyes. I loved getting to know the small, tight knit community of house boaters. The author lived on a houseboat while writing this novel and I loved the vivid descriptions that could only come about from experience. This truly unique setting came alive in the book.

Ms. Jio does a superb job of weaving together the past and present (as she has done in previous books) perfectly. The novel comes full circle at the end as we see the past and present collide when we discover Ada and Penny's fate.

4 stars for Morning Glory! I highly recommend all of Sarah Jio's novels!
563215
JoAnn Ross introduces readers to the small town of Honeymoon Harbor and the residents that make up this lovely town. When Brianna Mannion decides to quit her high-profile job as a concierge in Las Vegas, she falls in love with this big old Victorian house that she loved as a child in her hometown of Honeymoon Harbor. But when she returns home, she finds her childhood friend Seth Harper grieving for the loss of his wife (and Briannas best friend) and she is determined to make her dream a reality, even if it means working closely with the one man she had a crush on as a kid and teenager.

Seth Harper is enjoying running his family construction business but after the loss of his wife, Seth has just put one foot in front of the other and tried to just live each day even as he missed her terribly. But now that Brianna is back in town, Seth finds himself seeing her in a new light, one that has his frozen heart and emotions ready to thaw. But what happens when the sparks that fly between these two cause a flame to burn out of control and Seth will have to take the leap to the future that includes Brianna and a life filled with love once again?

JoAnn Ross delivers her introduction to her new series, Honeymoon Harbor, with a delightful tale of childhood friends, loss and more in HERONS LANDING. I got to admit, I was hesitant in trying this out but after reading just one chapter I couldn't put it down. I love the history between Brianna and Seth as well as how the author weaves the past of the town into the storyline. I don't want to give too much away so please note if you haven't read one of this authors books, then this is a perfect introduction story to get your feet wet. The story starts off slow as the author sets up Honeymoon Harbor and the main players in the HERONS LANDING. Just make sure to keep reading as it does pick up the pace after a few chapters in.  I loved how this author incorporates the past of how the town became in with the present. The characters, though, are where this author just shines. I love how diverse the population of Honeymoon Harbor is and we got a glimpse into characters that may pop in future books as well. The characters are what makes this story so enjoyable and entertaining in my opinion. You got the colorful characters such as these two 90-year-old twins who run a dress shop and then you got the ones who follow the rules and don't take risks. Each resident we are introduced to in this first book makes the story more real to me. It could be any small town in any part of the world. This is an author who shines in creating entertaining yet diverse characters that readers can fall in love with.

HERONS LANDING is a delightful entertaining read that will lead the reader on an adventure as two friends find they have more in common than they thought and as hearts reach out to one another, it takes a measure of risk to let yourself fall in love again after the death of a loved one. If you are looking for a feel-good story that will charm you, then try Honeymoon Harbor and settle in for the perfect beach read this summer. I cant wait to read book two, Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane and return to this charming seaside town.
1405256
I really enjoyed this book.  Living here on the island and having grown up with the descendants of the families in the story, made reading even more enjoyable for me.

I loved hearing the history of our shipping industry players and of the dredging of the ship channel and those involved. Many years ago, I was invited to Capt. Clarke's home by a delightful gentleman who has since passed on. My children went to school with the current occupants children.  It is truly wonderful that this home remains intact and was such a safe haven for those who lived through our historic 1900 storm.

A very nice tribute to our grand "Galveston Island" itself and to our great visionary's who made it all possible for us to work, live and play here today!
3427389
Whatever you try to do, you just can't leave Lucky Harbor. Once you are there you just don't want to leave. Especially when you get introduced to new characters!!

This time around it's good girl Mallory is a devoted nurse that would rather cure you then figure how your gonna pay her. Everyone in town knows and loves her and is hoping that since she is good girl she will love Mr. Right. Well, Mallory wants Mr. Right NOW!!! (Didn't get the joke listen to Akon/Pitbull Mr. Right Now)

And that Mr. Right Now seems to be the mysterious man in the first three books. Ty can be my Mr. Now anytime by the description in this book!! Has some baggage on him but of course who doesn't know a days?! And since he is helping Mallory out at times, it seems he's losing baggage every time...but is that enough?

Welcome back to Lucky Harbor with three wonderful friends who we can now know and love once again. Thank you Jill for making my wonderful night spectacular!!!!
1735131
Welcome back to Cranberry Island, and the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. Natalie Barnes, proprietor of the Inn, has agreed to host a week long yoga retreat. Although she is known for her luscious meals and deserts, this retreat wants "healthy" food. While she is coping with the challenges this presents, she is also drawn into a conflict between neighbors. Francine, relative newcomer to the island is on a crusade to beautify the island, up to and including ridding the island of some of it's long standing traditions. After becoming involved in what becomes a physical confrontation with Claudette, a long time islander, Francine is found dead. Claudette is the easy suspect, but Nat and her husband John know that just can't be so. And so begins Natalie's investigation into another murder. As she talks to others, it becomes apparent that there is no shortage of Islanders who had some reason to dislike Francine!
This book is so much fun. Being the 8th installment in this series, it was so good to see some of the regular group of islanders! Charlene, Nat's best friend, Catherine, Nat's mother-in-law, Claudette and Eli, her husband are all back. I love the imagery Ms. MacInerney uses to create a sense of being on an island off the coast of Maine- you can almost smell the sea air!! There are plenty of new characters as well, with attendees at the yoga retreat being fleshed out as real characters, not just as a backdrop for the usual suspects. I must admit that I was torn in several directions while trying to decide who the culprit was, and if the two crimes in the book were related.
If you are looking for a great read, filled with mystery, fun and yummy recipes, this is a book you must check out.
1400173
I really enjoyed this novel in the Hope Harbor Series. I was drawn to the characters instantly and could visualize the setting in my mind as I continued to read this easy story. It wasn't difficult to be pulled into the plot and becoming emotionally invested in the outcome. I was a little concerned as I got to the end of the story that so many pieces of the plot weren't wrapped up but the epilogue ties it all together believably, leaving me satisfied overall.

Ms. Hannon delivers characters with depth creating a balanced story that left me wanting more by the time I turned the final page. I haven't read any of the other Hope Harbor Series books so I don't know if there's further development with the main characters from this book but Ms. Hannon does a great job bringing these characters to life that I want to know more about them, which means I'll be picking up the rest of the series soon!

Overall, this is a great book that doesn't come off preachy (in fact, I very much appreciated the delicacy in which Ms. Hannon handles the faith component in this novel) and will be one of my top summer recommended reads for 2017 

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
429709
I loved the book....very, very well written, layer upon layer of intrigue and mystery woven with good "side" stories, well described and likable supporting characters.... at least most of them I liked...wonderful setting and theme......and an interesting and complex main character who I felt like I used to know ! I sure was glad she went back to Sarasota to forgive! At least, that is where I pictured her going! Loved it!
576506
I first heard these guys on the Morning Show on Minnesota Public Radio.  For the rest of the day I was humming and singing "Scolding Wife".  Be sure to listen to the whole album, it's full of gems!  My personal favorite is "Barque in the Harbour", the story of a young sailer's first love.  Great Big Sea has done an awesome job combining the old with the new on this CD, keep it up boys!
4664507
This is a great second book in the series. If you enjoyed What You Need (book 1), then I definitely think you'll enjoy this book.  Trinity and Walker are very likable characters. I especially enjoyed seeing how the impressions of his family were different for Walker than the impressions Trinity had for her family. I also really enjoyed the writing, and even laughed out loud at some pretty humorous scenes and dialogue. I highly recommend this book!