Four light novellas to take you away from it all!
342434
This book is another volume of four novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vanetta Chapman.  This time all the stories are centered during the harvest season.

The four novellas are:

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman
I liked this story because it opens with a subject I've never seen in an Amish novel, that of a husband who is physically abusive, as was the late husband of Naomi Dienner.  Her husband has been deceased for a few months and it is time for the crops to be harvested, so Naomi's father hires his friend who is "English" to help his daughter.

This was an interesting story line and I would loved to have had it be even longer.  However, it is a novella and there is no time for long and drawn out relationships here. I was glad to walk alongside these people and wondered all along if it would work out or not.

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston
Janie Lantz is a new cashier at a store which gives buggy rides to tourists.  She witnesses an accident in which a car hits one of the buggies as it is turning into the parking lot.  Janie comes to know the Amish man who was driving and a deep friendship develops.

Will she tell the police that she witnessed the accident even though her father has forbidden it?  Makes for interesting reading.

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller
I very much enjoyed this story about two "special" Amish people who are surprised to find another person who understands them and accepts them as they are.  The young man is autistic (high functioning) and the woman is extremely shy because she stutters.  Both have families who love them but who do not always understand them.

While it is obvious they come to care for each other, it is not a set in stone outcome that they will be a couple due to their special needs.  The story is excellent and some readers will recognize some of the characters from a previous novella by the author.

Mischief in the Autumn by Vanetta Chapman.
Martha Beiler is around forty years old and moves to Shipshewana to live with her aunt after her husband dies and she has to sell their farm.  She goes to work at the auction house and finds some strange goings on which she reports to her boss, who happens to be a bachelor.

This novella takes you through the solving of a puzzle that has to do with the history of Shipshewana. It is a story that people who love to solve puzzles will enjoy very much.  It is also fun to see how a confirmed bachelor learns to appreciate a middle aged woman with firm opinions.

This is light reading and as the stories are fairly short, it is the kind of fiction one can read quickly and an entire day does not go by because you must know how the story ends.  Not that I would know anything about that.

This book was provided by the publisher for the sake of review but the opinions are my own.
4147690
If you need a book that will delight you and transport you far away from your dreary troubles, this light hearted fun is your pick. I will read anything she writes.
2113803
This is an amazing box set of young adult tales in all genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, romance and filled with lots of non-stop action. These tales will keep you on the edge of your seat forever wanting more. All of the short stories included in this collection are either prequels or deleted scenes of longer novels written by 15 different authors. These stories will be expanded in the Marked by Fate box set. There is something for everyone in these stories.

I quite enjoyed reading the box set. I have read books by Melle Amade, Lena Mae Hill, Jamie Thornton, and Erin Hayes before so reading these new short stories were such a treat. I even found a few new authors I must look into. My favorite books were Ninjas & Nephilims by Kristin D. Van Risseghem, The Apple Rebellion by Kelly St. Clare, Instinct by Melle Amade, Before the Magic by Lena Mae Hill (hit close to home for me), Prince of Hawks by Sarah K.L. Wilson, Doormaker: Devils Harvest by Jamie Thornton, and I Want to be a Pirate by Erin Hayes.

I received an ARC of Marked by Fate: Origins by Jamie Thornton in exchange for an honest review of Doormaker: Devils Harvest. In no way did this influence my review.

Doormaker: Devils Harvest is a start of a brand new series full of fantasy and almost horror elements. I liked this story for its mystery. Esson is an interesting character trying to hide a secret, he finds doors that open to other worlds, however he cannot open the same door twice since they never lead to the same place, but while doing a drug deal he gets wrapped up in things way over his head. He wants to do right by his family, but he gets himself stuck in another world with no way to get home. I wonder where his story will lead to next.

Overall Final Rating of Marked by Fate: Origins: 5 Stars

The stories included in this box set are:

Ninjas & Nephilims (An Enlighten Series Short Story) by Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Jonahs Curse (A Midnight Chronicles Short Story) by Rhonda Sermon
Emerge: The Catalyst (An Emerge Short Story) by Melissa A. Carven
The Apple Rebellion (The Tainted Accords: Prequel) by Kelly St. Clare
Time Travel: History and Legal Procedures A Manual for Travel Candidates by Amalie Jahn
Instinct (Shifter Chronicles Companion Book Two) by Melle Amade
A Becoming Attribute (A Balance Bringer Chronicles Short Story) by Debra Kristi
Unsweet (Prequel to Unreality) by Ingrid Seymour
Kingsman (An Edinburgh Seer Prequel) by Alisha Klapheke
Before the Magic (Prequel to Unlikely Magic) by Lena Mae Hill
Prince of Hawks (Prequel to the Unweaving Chronicles) by Sarah K. L. Wilson
Hags Hut on the Hill (Deleted Scene) by D. L. Armillei
Doormaker: Devils Harvest (A short story Prequel) by Jamie Thornton
Wrath of Witches (Shift of Shadow and Soul: A Prequel Story) by Hilary Thompson
I Want to be a Pirate by Erin Hayes
4585985
I loved this collection of novellas! There are 2 new stories in it and 4 from other collections. The first one is A Friend Indeed. It is about Caroline Downy and George Barrington. They have known each other for years. Carolyn must marry to help out her family finances. She has been promised to George a friend of her brother. Caroline thinks George is marrying her only because he is nice and trying to help the family out. George has always loved Caroline and must find a way to prove to her that he wants to marry her because he loves her. This is a heartwarming romance. A Happy Beginning is about Sophia Pemberton and Dermot Buchanan. The story in set in Scotland. Sophia is the unfornanate governess to spoiled and mean children. She is all alone and is desperate for a friend. She has noticed Dermot from her window and her time spent in the stable. She has learned that he is fair and kind and someone she would like to be friends with. Sophia asks Dermot if they can be friends and at first he refuses because the English do not associate with the Scottish. He later changes his mind and the two become good friends. When Sophia needs to be rescued from a bad situation Dermot helps her out and the two become more than friends. I loved the dialogue between the two main characters. The Road to Cavan was one of my favorites from the Winter Collection. It is about being blinded by ambition and not seeing that what you really want and need was right before you all along. A Christmas Promise is set in Ireland. Sean and Meave are the main characters in this story. I loved these characters personalities and the interaction between the two. This story is told with so much character that you can't help getting lost in it and feel diappointed to return to the real world when the story is over. A Dream of A Glorious Season is about Elizabeth and Julian. Elizabeth has not been allowed a Season because her older sister has not yet wed. Julian has known Elizabeth since she was a child. He thinks of her fondly as a friend until circumstances help him see that she is so much more to him than that. This is a sweet romance. A Lesson in Love is a fun story about newly weds who take others bad advice and end up in a feud which causes a separation from each other. Can they get over the misunderstandings to get back together? I loved everyone of these stories and would highly recommend this book!
1937857
Beautiful clean read Regency romance collection!  Some great stories to read in a few hours and satisfy the taste of a little pizzazz in life!
2785335
If you want light reading to pass the time, this book is for you. Each story is short, so you can complete it in a matter of minutes if you have only a few minutes to relax.
4233156
GENTLEMAN OF HER DREAMS - A novella in the The Ladies of Distinction Series
Jen Turano
*o*:*:*Lighthearted and Fun.*:*:* o*

After reading A Change of Fortune, I discovered this little gem free online.  It features some of the same characters, but they are not in the foreground.  This 5 chapter novella showcases a wonderful lifetime friendship between Charlotte Wilson and Henry St. James.  Charlotte is clumsy, inventive, and an extremely free spirit.  She is determined to either find herself a husband or become a devoted spinster.  Henry, on the other had has always loved Charlotte, and left New York to be rid of her and the pain her unreturned love caused him.  He has been gone for 2 years, but her letters have led him to believe he may have a chance with her and he has returned just in time to get roped into her schemes to catch herself a husband.  This novella is a nice afternoon diversion, and gives you a lovely taste of what is yet to come.

The author has shared with me, on her FB page, that this little novella was her editor's idea after she had already finished books #1&#2 as a way to introduce readers to her style, before the books were actually released.  I like this idea, because she could include upcoming characters in this mini prequel.

She also informed me that this character, Charlotte, will make another appearance in Book #4.  How fun to look forward to that! Also, as I was inquiring about Grayson from A Change of Fortune, he will be developed further in Book #3. YAY!!!

I downloaded this copy for free and I am so glad I did.
5 out of 5 stars
April 14, 2013
1931439
I really like these books. This one and half past midnight. I like the novella or whatever they are called. Not quite a novel, not quite a short story.
I think this one in particular has something for everyone. I definitely recommend you try all of the stories! Find the one(s) you like. I personally like all of them. They are all a bit different. I do have my favorites, and other I wasn't as into. But I enjoyed all in their own way. Some of them get really intense for a minute.
2804453
If you like reading stories in this time period, and especially tales about Mail Order Brides, youll love this book.  The stories are shorter but have interesting storylines and characters.  Its perfect for when you want something lighter, shorter, and easier to read.  The authors did a good job on this sweet, clean romance collection.  Im going to buy it for a friend that I know would love it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.  I was not required to give a positive review.  This is my honest opinion of the book.
2380181
I've read all of the books by Iris Abbott and her Enigma, Maine series is one of my favorites, especially because of the paranormal elements.  I do recommend that you read these stories in order because they will make more sense and have more meaning.  While all of these stories are "short" stories, they are complete stories, meaning there are no cliffhangers at the end, though there are hints of possible future stories given.  The first three stories set in Enigma, Maine, also comprise the "Mated Souls" trilogy, in which 3 witches cast a mated souls spell three weeks before Halloween to bring them and their soul mates together.  The first story is about Julie Banks and Alessandro Russo, a witch and a vampire.  The second story is about Selena Hunt and Phillip Saint John, another witch and a cat shifter who's also a Guardian.  The third story is about Brittany and Logan, a witch and a time-traveling wizard/pirate.  The fourth story is only related to the first 3 in that it takes place in Enigma, Maine and a few of the characters from the first 3 stories appear.  It's about Hannah Forrester, her son Jacob and Steve Rivers.  All four of these stories are really fun, sweet and very fast reads.  The story about Hannah and Steve was especially sweet with Jacob being involved.  I recommend this bundle to anyone who enjoys reading stories that are related to each other, feature fun and witty characters and settings and enjoys happy endings!
366879
This is something I haven't done before. Im saying the same thing at the beginning of each of this series reviews. I highly recommend reading all four of the stories. None is too long, but all fit together wonderfully.

A Light in the Window is part of the Christmas in New York series. In the past I have enjoyed the Montana series from this publisher. Then I found the Southern series, which is also very good. However, I love, love, love this series.

 I would be hard press to say which of these novellas is my favorite. The entire series is a true delight. Five girlfriends who mothers were best friends so they feel more like family than friends. While each has a different author, all are well written.

In A Light in the Window, Jade and Ben have their story.  Jade Engel is the sassiest of the girlfriends in this series. I loved that about her in the previous books so I was surprised at how she lacks clarity in her professional life. Ben is perfect for her especially since she has known him for years. It is a chance at love with your best friend from the neighborhood. Perfect. Ben and Jade have such sizzling chemistry when together that it is hard to see how they did not ignite something years ago.

NetGalley provided a copy.
1923815
I am not fond of the shorter novels I think they feel rushed but I really enjoyed this one. The stories were very good. I liked Marriage to a Stranger the best.  HOPE YOU ENJOY!
4726678
Give It Up by Lori Foster is a reissue of the Dean Brothers and friend novellas from anthologies published several years ago. These are light hearted fun reads that will not drain you emotions but provide a quick pick me up for hectic days. Escape for a few minutes with hunky, smart and sometimes smart aleck guys. These are not deep reads but escapism pure and simple.

HE SEES YOU WHEN YOURE SLEEPING
I read this in the Jingle Bell Rock Anthology. Booker and company are all in this but it is Booker and Francess story. Neighbors in the same apartment building they have been friends only since Booker was seeing someone else. Needless to say Booker gets the right girl.

SOME LIKE IT HOT
Fast forward to summer time and the shore is calling. This one can be found in Perfect for the Beach Anthology. Cary is best friend and like a brother to the Dean Brothers. He wants Nora who works in Axel Deans medical office. Of course, no one will do for him except Nora so the chase is on.

PLAYING DOCTOR
Axel Dean finally falls for a younger woman. When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys is where I first found his story. He is in the most precarious situation of the three since Libby come to see him as her doctor after falling for her at a party. He walks the professional line without incident. However, is road to marital bliss is bumpy.

I enjoyed these stories more when I first read them. The guys are good guys but also proud hedonists. This is not so much the kind of guy I would want my daughter to fall for in real life. Still, it is a pleasant thought that one woman could make such a man change his ways.

3.5 Stars
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
1335834
LIQUORICE TWISTS delivers twenty flash fiction treats that twist together humor and crime. Jakobsen lures the reader in with seemingly pleasant scenes that quickly turn dark. Her characters come to life in a few lines, even though some commit murder in just as many! The writing is clean and sharp and quite entertaining.

This collection is definitely worth a read. My favorite stories are "Castle in the Sand", "The Red Sofa", "Cutbacks", and "Mothers and Daughters".
1179693
I don't read romance. Never have.

But these are AMAZING.

But I impulsively downloaded this one night. I figured I had nothing to lose if I didn't like it.

I absolutely loved these three books.

Don't get me wrong - these books are light reads. But they still have substance, and each book continues the overall plot arc of the previous ones. The books each have a romance plot, of course, but there's also a subplot in each book that doesn't completely depend on the romance plot, which makes the books feel more realistic. Each plot moves forward at a pace that feels natural and unforced.

The author has done something in each book that I never thought would happen in a romance - she actually made me care about the characters! That's an author's ultimate goal, and so many authors fail to achieve it. The characters are developed and feel like real people with real problems even though they're all twenty-something and don't have every responsibility that later adulthood brings.

The books are set in rural seaside New Zealand, and it sounds so idyllic that I was surprised to learn it's a real place. The author sometimes uses descriptions of the weather to influence the emotional impact of a scene. For example: "The water looked like blood from a deep vein, dark and red. 'I was thinking what a fool I've been.' [She said.]" I like that symbolism.

Though these books are light, they take on some fairly serious topics: grieving the death of a loved one, the difficulties of starting your own business, clashing with your parents as an adult, the struggle of leaving your childhood behind to fully embrace adulthood, the overwhelm of being a single parent, taking on your others' problems as your responsibility, an inability to move on from the past, lack of self-confidence, what to do when your elderly parents have chronic illness, and, of course, wrestling with relationship commitment, unrequited love, trying to figure out how another person feels about you, and struggling to admit having feelings for someone else.

Despite these heavy issues, the author writes about them in a way that doesn't bring the reader down and lends some insight into them. I particularly appreciate the book that deals with grief. I've lost two loved ones to suicide, and while those circumstances couldn't be more different than the ones in the book, the author's thoughtful treatment of grief after a death gave me insight into my own grief.

But these books aren't doom and gloom - hardly! These reads are very fun.

And I must say, the author's descriptions of sex are absolutely thrilling. Her descriptions of the emotions that happen before, during, and after sex are very realistic.

I never thought I'd spend money on a romance novel, but I just bought the fourth book in the Treats to Tempt You series.

If this author can make a grump like me into a fan of a romance series, then she can convert anyone.

Download this! I bet you'll love it.
3909055
I enjoyed the short stories written by four authors in this seasonal anthology. These are quick, easy reads, perfect for those few minutes between chores, errands, shopping and taking care of the children!
1824285
4.5 stars! What an awesome collection of Novellas! I enjoyed all of the stories, especially Out of Formation by Ella Fox, Cross by Adriana Locke and The End Zone by LJ Shen! They were so good I wish they were full length novels!