These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...
580458
Let me just start with WOW! This book is intense and fast paced. It took me a few days to read and not because it was a hard read or long, life kept interfering. I didn't want to put it down!

I love the chemistry between Emily and Shane. They have so much in common yet are still trepid. The trepidation they are feeling is not unfounded though. They both have a great deal to fear in their personal lives and business-wise.

They take a big but natural step in this book and we find out Emily's secrets. Be prepared to be angry. I know I was and righteously so on her behalf. But, maybe things aren't as they appear. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I need to know what I'd going on and will happen! I also want to know more about Jessica and Seth! Maybe they'll get there own stories one day??

This book is a cliffhanger like the last one as they immediately pick up where the last one finished. Trust me when I say the game is afoot because, as we learned from the last book, Brandon Sr. is cold and calculating as if his life is one big chess game. Be prepared for some shifting players and more than just Emily's secret see light.

Grab this book and find out why it's one of my faces! We already know there is no ending, so no Happily Ever After this time.
3550219
I love these books I don't know why it just feels like I'm reading a actual life and magic and adventure my love for it poured out like a river of tears
It felt like I was reading a sad,happy,funny,charming joke oh and scary too
Anyway I just loved it love it I been reading it 3 days straight :D
2887060
Hope is such a good thing - I really pondered my random acquaintances vs. forced friendships (family, co-workers, etc.) after reading this.  And I also thought awhile on the dreams we have as youths vs. what life looks like as we age.  And were the motives of those dreams for our own happiness, to please others, or was the motive fame and fortune.  I don't know the answers to these questions, but I do know my life personally looks nothing like what I pictured it would and I couldn't be more content.  Pile of Hope made me feel comforted to watch he friendships that were formed and the heart that the main character developed.  This book did make me tear up, and I will end my review by saying, I believe.  Period.
1318929
Some books I devour and enjoy, then lovingly place upon my bookshelf where I can walk by it and smile, remembering that first reading with fondness. I may pick them back up weeks, months, or years down the road, but often I just put them up like trophies in a `display case' while I move onto new stories, worlds, and characters.

Other books I turn the final page, close the cover, sigh, and then start all over again. These books teach me about myself or shed light on something I never thought of before, or simply involve characters who become a part of me during the reading process. Their story becomes my story.

This was the case with PLAYING HURT by Holly Schindler.

I discovered this book from YA Outside the Lines and, to be perfectly honest, I fell in love with the author. I loved the path to publication story, reading what she learned from her characters, and mostly, I loved the passion she showed for her writing. I wanted to support her so I bought the book.

Then I got it, cracked the cover, and fell in love with the story. And Clint.

Holly's writing is lyrical and poetic. She paints with words. Visually, PLAYING HURT is a wonderland of images, and emotionally, it's a feast for your heart. It is a romance, but more than that, it is about two people finding each other, discovering themselves, and working through just about every emotion conceivable. With the pasts of these two characters littered with sadness, it would've been easy to fall into melodrama. But that never happens. And while the pain is real and dealt with authentically, there's also hope on every page.

And lots of swooning.

Chelsea is an awesome protagonist. She's strong and her voice is part-humorous, part-romantic. Her inner-battle between staying faithful to Gabe, her amazing boyfriend back home who stayed with her during the hardest year of her life, and following her heart with Clint, her trainer who understands everything she's gone through and makes her feel alive again, is spot on. And Clint is the perfect mix of wounded hottie and strong protector. Originally, this was strictly told from Chelsea's point of view, but I'm so glad Holly made the change. Clint's voice and backstory is probably what made this story so special for me.

In the book, Chelsea and Clint vow to "never live timidly," and to never take the coward's way out again. As a storyteller, Holly follows her character's advice. She doesn't hold anything back, whether it's exploring sexuality, living with regret and pain, or hurting the ones you love the most and dealing with the fallout. Her characters live and breathe, and in the end, become a part of you.
3739346
It's funny how a book sometimes chooses you vs you the book. I needed some of these own reminders in my life, especially the one about wanting my own happiness just the same or above others that I love.  I look forward to reading more of this author's writing.
1616665
Wow... *sigh* That was... Unexpected. Beautiful. Poetic. Ethereal.

I want to carry these feelings with me, to be able to touch them when I need something aching and yearning and tender and healing and oh so beautiful. I think I need a hard copy to carry in my purse... This is definitely one I will read again. And again.

4.5 stars
4133639
I couldn't stop reading, and when I did I was constantly think of what might happen next, and than I would just read again till my heart was filled with joy
2951952
I simply loved every detail. I think this really happens to me it's so romantic and cute! I get all weird when I read this book first book I take my time writing a review!!
2502342
Spring time is a wonderful time to think about all things new--budding trees, blooming flowers, greener grass, new birth and discovering a love fresh and new with that special someone. Springs of Love: An Amish Spring Collection is exactly that with three novellas set in different areas with characters that must overcome obstacles to find that chance at love with the newness of spring. Each tale is distinctive and held me captive till the end.

The Kissing Bridge by Laura V. Hilton heightens Hiltons writing in not sugar coating issues within Amish families and communities. The Amish may have their secrets, rules and faith but there are unspoken issues that need to be addressed.  Anna left her community to escape what she was enduring with only Rueben knowing where and why she left. When she returned she stood strong in her resolve to face the one who had caused her deep emotional and physical pain. I was right in the midst of all the emotions evoked from this novella along with my senses.  Readers will appreciate Hiltons heartfelt and touching story. Will Anna and Rueben be able to find their way together when members of the community want to turn their heads with what Ruebens brother Mark is doing? Who within the community will step forward to try to end the inappropriate behavior toward family members and others?

Sold on Love by Rachel J. Good has the readers attending a mud sale filled with action, food, people and animals. Lavina had her hands full caring for her familys home and younger brother, Stephen, who happened to be accident prone. She lacked confidence in being able to be a good wife in the future, thus ending her relationship with Aaron. Aaron is an EMT within the community and still attracted to Lavina as well as Stephen looking up to him as a big brother. Stephen worked hard at the mud sale after listening to Aarons instructions to reduce his accidents with the EMT crew present. Good draws her readers in with this realistic tale. What unexpected event will happen to Stephen that may wake up Lavina? Will Lavina, Aaron and Stephen be able to overcome their fears when verbalized?

Cowboys and Amish Girl by Thomas Nye is not your usual Amish story. But oh my, Nye knows his horses and the life of a cowboy. I was right there with Truman explaining his younger years on a ranch with his grandparents and then turning to the life of a cowboy. Will he find a connection to the Amish family that opened their home to him after saving Charity from her runaway horse and buggy? Can Truman really tame a horse like he claims so Charitys dad will not sell Trouble?

I received an advance e-book readers copy of this novella series from the publisher, Celebrate Lit Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
1459334
I Believe in Love great ~ so inspiring ~ lots to think about ~ will read over & over I'm sure...
1228543
I'm always a little hesitant about reading M/M romance set in the Regency period, because the very nature of society at the time makes it less certain that the characters will get their Happily Ever After. I spend a good part of this book reassuring myself that it simply HAS TO have a happy ending, or at least a "Happy For Now," because it's a romance novel and that's a hallmark of the genre. Still, I was kept on tenterhooks trying to puzzle out how on earth it could all come out happily.

Ben reminds me a bit of Pollyanna: I almost expect him to start quoting all the glad verses from the Bible. (I love Pollyanna, btw, so this is a good thing. Just in case there was any doubt about that.) There are several lines in this book about Ben and his faith that really resonated with me, like one about being able to worship God just as much in the sunshine and fields as in church, and how doing small acts of kindness and service for people is doing God's work. He is such a steady, soothing, joyful presence, like a babbling brook flowing peacefully along in the sunshine.

I also really liked Phillip, and appreciated his flaws and vulnerabilities, as well as his growth and realization about what's really most important in life. The way Phillip and Ben's relationship unfolds is so beautiful and gentle and low-drama, it's just wonderful. This book was such a joy to read as they both learn to make themselves vulnerable and grow together. *dreamy sigh*

I would have liked to see Phillip's children a little more fully developed and fleshed out, though I did think Ned was nearly a fully realized character. I also loved several of the side characters, and would love to see a novella for Alice as well as to hear more about what happens to Martin. I'm SO excited to read more about Hartley, who features in the next book in the series. I went to go buy the next book, A Gentleman Never Keeps Score, and MAY have yelled "Nooooo!" like Vader just told me he's my daddy when I realized it won't be published for another 3 months. (Overdramatic? ME? Never!)

A wonderful start to a new series by the fabulous Cat Sebastian, It Takes Two to Tumble is one Regency romance you don't want to miss.
1823188
How can you go wrong with a collection of these wonderful romances?!

The collection is beautifully done and definitely a keeper. I keep thinking of people I should give them to because they would love them, but I just can't give them up.

There are times in my life when I just want to slow things down and enjoy a romantic novel that I don't have to read. Those are the times when nothing good is on television and I'm just too tired from working on my computer for hours to want to read anything.

This collection has a permanent place in my home.
3003993
Fire, death, loss, hurt, freedom, sorrow, anger, letting go, moving on, matchmaking, sparks, trucks, rebuilding, kids, scrubs, uniforms, food, peanuts, parties, shoes, clothes, safety, smiles, happiness, cute, cute, cute!

Those are a few words that describe this novella really well. When I picked it up it was listed as #1 in the series on Amazon, and if you know me, I love order and especially reading a series in order, or watching a tv series in order. I don't want to miss anything. Lol. My hubby loves to turn on Netflix, find a series(especially one that I'm in the middle of) and skip to the end and start watching it. A debate ensues, more like me asking him to go back to where I'm at and wait or watch it when I'm not around. He's wonderful and does wait for me but he wants to know the ending and then is happy even if he doesn't watch all the in between. I just can't miss any of the little details. Those are all little signs and they all build and reveal and weave together the whole story(especially murder mysteries). That's what I love about reading, and series especially because I get to have this beautiful tapestry woven together strand by strand until I have the full picture.

Ok, little tangent there but needless to say, I went forward and didn't go back to the beginning of the series even though I realized this was the end. I did do some digging to make sure this would work as a stand alone and it does. Except after this one I'm going back to the beginning. Hee Hee! I actually listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. I've listened to her narrate another book by Lindzee and thought she did a great job. I believe she's the same narrator for this whole series. I'm loving these audiobooks, I can listen to a book while I'm working and chauffeuring my family around(I spend a lot of time in my truck in the mornings getting everyone off to school).

Kate is trying to move on and has a lot of pain from her past that she's dealing with. She was a strong female character that I loved. There were a few moments that she got pretty straight forward with Taylor and called him out for something that she wasn't ok with. More so something that occurred in her marriage and she had since realized she didn't have to put up with that and she could choose very carefully what she wanted and how she was going to move forward with her life.

Taylor had some of his own battles he was dealing with and needed to learn and realize that he wasn't always right in his choices. But he was definitely a great hero and gave a great swoony aspect to this story of love and healing.

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses. Some talk about characters being drunk and alcoholics and the effects that caused in their lives but nothing graphic.

I received an audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
1310424
What I like, is very good fills my heart with joy. And some subjects leave my head. Hahaha!!!
They are a good alternative for the days you need them.
4350577
Stacey, I wish I had your imagination. I would be forever entertained. At least you share with the world these wonderfully amazing stories. I can't wait for the next. And OMG, do I love Sprig. I want one. Hehe
4520282
I feel inlove with Kai and her family! Like I'm going through all the emotions I wish I wouldn't have read them all so fast now I gotta want  but it takes place in my hometown so I can see some of these places!
223973
I think I have just about every book Ms. Medeiros has written...some are lighter read than others but all have that twist of whimsy and humor. There are too many wonderful stories that I could not speak of each. I'm writing today because I have been rereading those favorites , the four most recent; Breath of Magic, Touch of Enchantment, After Midnight, and The Vampire Who Loved Me. I thought to write to Ms. Medeiros but couldn't find a site not on Facebook, etc to which I do not have any longer. I would have liked to ask for spin offs from The Vampire Who Loved Me through the child characters of Eloise and the Larkin twins. But will just remark again how enjoyable the stories she spins.....