Happiness in Montanna
587317
A stunning find in my Kindle!  A modern Western love story and although Mari and Trey skirt around the issue of love, I fell head over heels I'm love with them and their world.....a realistic world grounded in today's realities.  This book was an easy, joyous read that I couldn't stop reading but didn't want to end.  I had more laughs with this story than I have had in a long time.  Thank you Hope and could we please have more?  After all you left Sam hanging!!!!  A highly recommended from me...with some sexy parts.  So, PG 17....but NY Times worthy!
3085658
I loved the story and I like the lead character Rick Montoya.  The story takes place in Tuscany, and it makes me want to visit.  Reading the book is like getting to travel there again.  They mystery is not complex, but it is very enjoyable.  I checked out the author's website too, and I liked it.
1218587
I really enjoyed this heartwarming, funny story. Talon has been on her own for awhile. When she moves to Marietta with her son, she plans to put down roots and stay. Colt visits his home town while on a leave from the Special Forces and finds himself being auctioned off! A great addition to the series.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
1497198
I often think when I read books, such as this, that I would love to live in a simpler time. These people are hardworking and life is full from sunup to sundown--busy with surviving and taking care of basic needs. Our time now is filled up with so many distractions, but in the 1860s, life was hard, yet very satisfying.

Soda Springs captured me heart and soul. I loved reading about the sudden decision that Henry made to move his family from their "posh" plantation in North Carolina to Oregon and the heartbreaking tragedies that ensued because of that decision; I loved reading about the day-to-day life and the way Tessa grew up and learned to survive in an extremely small town in Idaho; I loved reading about Tessa's feelings, coming-of-age, and determination to make the best of life; and I loved the sometimes shocking surprises that pop up throughout.

Tessa is in the midst of growing up and sometimes acts childish and sometimes very mature, which is typical. Her emotions can occasionally get the best of her, but for the most part, she's a very likable, generous, and kind soul. I love her relationship with her father, Henry, and Mrs. Holt, a kind, yet no-nonsense woman in town. In fact, Mrs. Holt is one of my favorite characters.

Spanning several years, Soda Springs tackles some tough topics, such as effects of the Civil War, religion, disease, kooky characters, and life on the frontier. I enjoyed it all and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.

Content: no language; mild violence (disease, death, etc--not extremely graphic); mild religious elements (necessary to the story, but not preachy); mild romance (kissing). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
2869950
With a smile on my face and the feel good in my heart, I finished reading Promise Trail early this morning. It felt so good to meet the old friends from former books in the series, as well as, new people moving to Splendor, Montana. This book could be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend this series as they have plenty of action, the integrity of the old west ways and romance between those we have come to love in these books. Ive waited to see if Bull would have his own story and sure enough, here it is with all the problems, laughs and tears, that are part of country life. Lydia has grown into a wonderful young woman and everyone she knows in Splendor considers her a friend.

Im not one to give away the storyline but be assured this is one of the best. In this book we have Indians, cattle rustlers, a kidnapping, a trip to San Francisco with a visit to a military fort along the way, plus the lives of those who helped make our country great. After the Civil War, there was so much heartache and devastation in our country, it is a pleasure to read a book where both north and south work together to provide peace and security for those that come to Splendor and other areas of Montana. I received an early copy of this book and gladly leave this review.
1688737
In Roberts second book of the Born In series we are back in Ireland at the home of the younger Concannon sister Brianna, who is happily enjoying the winter and peace and quiet of isolation in her B&B on the west coast of Ireland.  Brianna enjoyed people but also her quiet time before her winter guest would be arriving  a renowned mystery writer, Grayson Thane, from America.  A nomad by nature, Grayson seeks the isolation to write alone, but from the very first, a fire is ignited as he gets to know his beautiful inn keeper.

***  Lord, but I am just loving this series and these irrepressible Concannon sisters, their significant others, neighbors, workers, and even one very self-absorbed momma! Roberts characterizations of all her people are just so real - non-perfect people in a non-perfect but very real world.  Although, to my mind of thinking Brianna is probably one of the more perfect people who is portrayed as really quite happy with her life, B&B, and meeting all her tenants at the B&B.  Brie is truly a happy person with her life the way it is, but of course, like most humans she does have dreams.  Those dreams of making a truly loving home  one that was filled with happiness, lots of children and above all laughter.  However, that would need a husband to affect that dream.

Enter Grayson Thane, Briannas newest boarder who had booked and paid the first month of his stay planning to stay through the winter.  After the first few days of Briannas cooking - Grayson felt hed died and went to heaven.  A very wealthy and famous author, hed never settled down and wandered the earth keeping only an apartment in NYC close to his publisher.  Partly because hed never had roots or any kind of stable childhood, Gray had never been close to anyone or let himself grow close - too many memories of abandonment.

With a remarkably deft hand Roberts lets the reader enjoy the romance between Brie and Gray as they both quietly discover in their own hearts the way each others hearts were bruised and needed healing.  It was such a pleasure to experience the care and thoughtfulness of two genuinely wonderful people learning to love and trust.  And the bigger bonus was seeing the thoughtless momma bend just a wee little bit and smile - I think it happened at least once in this book.

Bottom Line:  Another remarkable listen to a lovely Irish lilting performance by Fiacre Douglas, who is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators of Irish themed stories. Add to that the excellence of Nora Roberts brilliant story telling and bang - you are in for one very big treat!

Marilyn Rondeau, for [...]
2122648
this was another great story in this series.  i love how some of the characters have been written into to this series that we have read about in past books.  i really loved this couple and their chemistry together.  it was great to be back in montana reading about this magical place where everyone has had heartache but found happiness.  this story was no different.  just a really enjoyable story.
457653
Molly Cordero had been a media darling after she won gold in the Olympics. Then she made bad choices and fell out of favor. Now hounded by the paparazzi, she comes to Marietta to get away. Todd Harris is a ranger. He came here from Chicago to find a different lifestyle. He's happy to be by himself until he meets Molly. I enjoyed their interactions. They may butt heads but they had chemistry. I wanted them to be able to put the past behind them and find love. It was sweet when Molly made herself vulnerable and told Todd her story. I always enjoy visiting Marietta. This small town is perfect for romance. The characters are interesting and charismatic. The story is an emotional journey. I'm enjoying the Men of Marietta series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read. My comments are my honest opinions.
3309812
lot of love between Casey and Dylan that needs just the right mixture of trust, compassion and understanding to make their relationship work together.
Sprinkle it with some wonderful family and friends in the small town of Marietta and include the best frozen hot chocolate from Cooper Mountain Chocolate Shop, and you have a sweet sundae read to relax with.
Great delicious story!
4040725
As I write my review of A little Gumbo in Her Face, I cant help but feel a little homesick for the beautiful city of New Orleans.  Ms. Faustina managed to make me fall in love again with The Big Easy!  I walked the beautiful streets of the French Quarter and ate fried oysters at the Dragos restaurant.  This book will fill your heart with hope, love, and sorrow as you walk the journey of two Creoles destined to be together.  You will find yourself cheering for Manon and Andy.....for true love.
3978241
What do you get when you leave a young bride at the courthouse when she is convinced you love her as much as she loves you?  The answer?  A very bitter and proud woman who overlooks that forgiveness is the best way to handle the situation.  This then leads into another marriage that ends in divorce leaving her as a single mom and trying her best to move forward in Moose Creek, Montana.  Shay is a devoted mom to Olivia and diligent rancher to the property that has been in her family for years, but then the original groom comes back to town leaving her with emotions she thought she had forgotten.

Shay is out of money and out of answers when Travis comes back into town and her answer to prayer ends up being his help.  Not only does he want to make up for his past blunder, but he prays he can earn back her heart once again.

It took me over 100 pages to get into this story and it was bothersome to see how angry Shay acts due to deep hurts and insecurities.  She cares way too much what others think of her and she focuses most of her energy avoiding people or being bitter about the past.  One of the highlights in Accidental Bride was seeing Travis's perspective on why he leaves her at the courthouse and how he regrets it for most of the story.  This is not a wicked man.  He does something foolish, but he spends the rest of the story seeking God on how to reconcile the situation and I admired his patience throughout.  Once I got halfway through this read, I couldn't look away.

I did not laugh out loud reading this and it was sad that Shay was unable to get past her pride, but there were many cute parts and I enjoyed the ending.  Shay finally learns to trust God and Travis; that to me was a miracle and worth reading about.  Even though I read Smitten, I consider this to be my first book by Hunter.  It was a great read with touching moments, but I would've enjoyed the story with more humor and less misunderstandings.  I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would, but I enjoyed Travis's character and the message of faith this story illustrates.

I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the free copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
782241
I just finished this story and what a fun journey from beginning to the end. A sad beginning with lots and lots of little adventures leading to our 'Happy Ever After' ending. I will miss these characters. But I do look forward with anticipation to the stories of the brothers of Conner, our Thea's "Scot". I enjoyed this story so much,, I just must give it 5-stars. I hope, and believe, you will enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy Reading!!
2610874
Great story, with lots of happy family members. A feel good story. Ava and Mateo should have a sequel. Although there were two deaths, it's amazing how people bounce back.
3442831
Dixie Carmichael decides to turn her life around starting with a career change after having to have a lump in her breast biopsied. Thankfully the lump is benign, and Dixie wants to celebrate with a new haircolor and a manicure. Much to her surprise, Jan and the Curly Cactus are no longer in business when Dixie arrives. Instead there is a gorgeous stranger putting Jan's beauty salon equipment into storage and preparing to renovate the building into an Italian restaurant. Dixie doesn't know that the hot stranger is FBI agent Nick Romero, who is on his last assignment trying to crack a smuggling ring in Whistler's Bend. Nick can't help but worry about Dixie's safety and his cover when she starts nosing around, determined to make a story out of smuggling evidence that has been found in the area. At the same time, Nick is fighting a growing attraction to Dixie because while she's just starting to find herself and an exciting new career, he is feeling completely used up and is ready to quit the bureau, settle down and enjoy a nice quiet life. This is the third book in a fun series by the very talented Dianne Castell. Her characters and settings are always written with clarity and realism that make them nothing less than charming. Ms. Castell wraps up this series with this satisfyingly heartwarming story. Great job!
4484620
Gail Fraser's "The Lumby Lines" is a warm story about acceptance and tolerance in a small Northwestern community. The Lumby Lines is actually the name of a town newspaper, and it highlights the latest gossip and news in the small town of Lumby. A married couple, Mark and Pam Walker decide to leave the city life and  move to town. They soon fall in love with a property that used to be an old Abbey. The Montis Abbey was a monastery in 1893, but has since gone to disrepair. Pam has plans to restore the property to make it into an Inn, and her husband Mark agrees to the plan.

Unfortunately, the town is not as accepting of the couple's plans. The Lumby Lines works against the couple by publishing gossip and news that the proposed inn will not be good for the town, in an effort to turn the residents against the couple. The town government is sharply influenced by the Beezer family. They have a say in what does and doesn't happen within the town borders. But the Beezer family has its own secrets that the townsfolk will or will not tolerate coming to light, and the story does square them all in the end for the reader.

The idea that a couple would move to a small town and want to turn an historic property into a profitable inn is not a new one. But this story is fresh and fun to read. Each time the Walkers are thwarted by the town, for not pulling the proper permits, or for not having a business plan sent to the town council, the reader finds that there are people who step up to help the couple at every turn.

There is a festival and raft race in which the town comes together after an accident, and the Walkers find out that the townsfolk are starting to come around. The story shows that people want to get along, and in Lumby, they want to find a way to bury the past in a literal and figurative way, and get on with their lives.

I would recommend reading the Lumby Lines, which is first in a series of Lumby stories.
1061079
Was so glad to see that Gail Priest continued her family story with this wonderful book. I've read all three in the series--Sunrise, Sunset, and now Moonrise-- set in Annie Crow Knoll--a small, picturesque vacation community on Chesapeake Bay. By the end of Moonrise I felt all the characters were members of my own family. Ms. Priest's writing, clear and lovely, had me caring so deeply about everybody. And now I want to visit the Chesapeake area--a place I've never been. The fictional Annie Crow Knoll is a beautiful place to heal one's wounds and begin to truly live again. All three stories carry the themes of grief, change, and acceptance of what one has been through, including, for some of the characters, irrational tragedy. I found Moonrise, in particular, to be uplifting and hopeful, even though it dealt with unimaginable trauma. So sorry to see the series end! I'm looking forward to what this author will be publishing next. I'll be the first in line for your newest, Ms. Priest!
4158662
This was such an enjoyable story to read. I loved the characters and down to earth feel of a small town where everyone knows everyone. It quite honestly reminded me of home. A perfect love story with a happy ending! <3 Jen @ this_mama_reads