Sweet, Smart, and heartwarming
594746
Loved this book. Definitely plan on reading the rest by this author. I good look at family dynamics and understanding that we really don't know our neighbors.
264695
This book is smart and engaging. The pacing is fantastic! Jimmy is arrogant, but he is never off-putting or cruel. He seems very real. Lena is fearless and smart. There is such a great balance of humor and angst here. The story sparkles with wit and emotion!
1887455
I would put this novel under the "Good Escapist Reading" category: a simple, frequently funny, almost always sweet and tender story told with heart.

Tim and Kate married when he was 23, and she 25.  Despite having so many attractive and bound-to-be-financially-successful suitors, Kate - in Tim's mind -- chose to "marry down" when she chose to marry him.  Kate, for her part, found Tim's kindness, soul-baring vulnerability, and honesty touching.

Nine years into their marriage and raising two small boys with Tim's modest private-school history teacher's salary in a tony Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, Tim and Kate find themselves constantly under financial pressure, and for Kate at least, longing for an alternate future, one where they could afford the finer things in life.

In come three people into the picture:  Anna Brody, wife of the newest richest guy in town; Bruno Schwine, Kate's former gay boss who has a new gig running a charitable foundation for a highly successful former classmate, and Jeff Slade, one of Kate's former suitors who is now a rich and famous actor.

Through their encounters with these people, Tim and Kate got a taste of the potential good that fame and fortune can bring to bear on people's lives. But alas, not all of their experiences would turn out to be positive.  How would their lives change as a result?  Would their marriage survive?

The story is told mostly from Tim's and Kate's first person accounts of events and their reactions to them as those events unfold, with the narration occasionally switching also to first person accounts of other characters, most notably Bea Myerly, whose intense student crush on Tim rivals that of Rachel's on Mr. Schuster in Glee's Endless Love episode (smile).  Mr. Hedges used this narration technique to good effects, especially when dramatizing a character's inner conflicts, when the words spoken by a character belie the real thoughts or emotions rushing through the character's mind or heart.

The story contains many funny or amusing moments, such as: Kate's shrieking with pride over the phone to inform Tim of little Sam's singular achievement of the day walking over to a potty and pooping unassisted, Tim's method of determining whether sex would follow depending on how a person hugs you, and Tim's imaginary conversation with Neil Armstrong to help him decide whether to have sex with Anna or not.  And as for what Bea Myerly's role is, well, all I can tell you is this:  Almost always, whenever she appears on a scene, something dramatic or a plot twist is about to happen. (smile)

The novel was a quick read, and I did smile or chuckle many times while reading it. The ending was satisfying to me, but overall, I didn't really find the novel especially stirring, moving, or enlightening;  thus, the four- rather than five-star rating.
1470941
***I received this book as a gift

Anya and the Shy Guy is a special, heart-warming romance. Its sweet, playful, and powerful.

PROS:
Anya is a wonderful character. Spunky, honest, she always says whats on her mind, is quick-witted, and adorable when flustered. A sweetheart with a strong voice, Anya uses her words to make a difference. Living on the streets has made Anya wary of trusting anyone. She pushes away romantic feelings for fear of sinister intentions. Anya cant open her heart, its a matter of survival that carried through from her time on the streets. Anyas anxiety, her constant scanning of her surroundings, how she treats food as something that needs to be stored for later, is all powerful and written extremely well. You get the feeling that though Anya suffered, her past is horrible, that she will not let it break her. Anya is incredibly strong and a wonderful role model. Anya is willing to work hard to succeed.

Anya and Will are deliciously awkward together. Theyve both got huge secrets and aren't sure who to trust. They fumble and make mistakes, its embarrassing, sometimes weird, and yeah the flirting gets a little lost but its more endearing than anything else. Once they start to learn each other, it heats up crazy quick. The chemistry is not overwhelming, its a nice, easy exploration that is laugh out loud hilarious and full of cute blunders.

Secondary characters are fully developed and memorable. The S2J guys are edgy, sexualized, sarcastic, and playful, everything youd expect from a bus full of boys. Natasha is a dazzling, inspiration lady who makes a great friend for Anya. I would have loved a whole book just on her.

Will (Matt) is flirty, sometimes shy, clumsy, and attentive. The way he moons over Anya is enough to make you melt. Will (Matt) is a kind guy who will go to any lengths to save his family and fool the band. Its laughable how bad he is at time sometimes, the mistaken lyrics are hilarious, and hes a romantic. The star-gazing, his casual touching, its a tasty combination that draws you in and doesnt let up.

CONS:
The ending felt rushed and conflict was easily resolved. There was hardly any resistance. The fact that Anya didn't at least pretend to reject the offer wasn't like her and conflicted with her character. Issues with Jude, the Cherry members sort of fizzled out at the end without much follow through though they were major plot instigators.

Sometimes Ellas character was a little confused. The phrasing made her sound British and other times Will (Matt) had an almost Southern accent. Yeah, hes from Jacksonville, so thats okay but it wasn't consistent for either character.
1508710
I love charming book series that has been written by a bunch of different authors, and this series is no exception.
I read this book in one evening, and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Love the idea of having a place that has always been like home, and you can pick up with friends like no time has gone by.
 The dialogue and description of Christmas Falls is amazing and makes me want to visit such a place.
The storyline in this book is smart, fun, sweet, and a little bit sarcastic (which I love). The author draws you in and you can't help but smile the whole time reading the sweet love story. Definitely a must read especially during the holiday season
4426493
I loved this charming story, and Bria and Ben are two characters it's easy to root for (even when they aren't sure what they want). Slip into a sweet story of missed chances, friendship, and loving somebody you shouldn't.
1060279
There are a few things I need in a book to truly fall in love with it.  Likeable characters, witty banter, butterflies, and a happily ever after.  Good Wood delivers on all counts.  I adored Molly -- to the point where it broke my heart that she didn't love herself as much as I loved her.  She's plucky and quirky and kind and spirited.  And Joe -- Joe is swoony and broken and loveable and healing.  The relationship that these two have is so tender and sweet.  I was rooting for them the whole time.  There's also an adorable supporting cast.  I felt like this book was good storytelling, well written, and easy to read.  I couldn't put it down and I was sad that it ended.  But it was a satisfying end, and I highly recommend it!
684480
This book was very sweet, but not sappy.  I was at first drawn in by the title, but I soon began to like the characters.  While it was somewhat predictable at times, it was a very fun and heart warming read.  It's a great book to read when you feel like you've lost all faith in love and the general decency of people.  Pick this up if you are looking for something fun, but not too heavy, and not too over the top in the romance department.
3005845
I read this with a smile on my face. The interaction between h/H is fun, lively and even endearing. The H is a jerk, but don't let that throw you off. I personally go for surly and rough heroes, and in Jason's case, he's more crude than total jerk. He's definitely rough and calls it how he sees it, doesn't mind peppering his language with curse words, and he doesn't suffer fools. But he also has a good, tender side and develops a real sweet spot for his next-door neighbor. Bad boy, meet good girl.

It all started five years ago when Jason moved in and Haley saw him taking a pee on the oak tree in his front yard. Yep, rough and crude, and this behavior scared Haley off, and she avoided him whenever possible. Haley's soft, sweet, sexy and maybe a little nerdy in her glasses, and she's also in need of a backbone adjustment. That's where Jason comes in. One day Haley has had it with being timid and taking crap from most everyone in her life, and Jason just pushes the wrong button that day. This leads to Haley confronting Jason about his behavior, and the rest is history.

From that moment on, Jason's hooked and decides to be her protector. He likes her sweetness, her looks and smarts, and he sees in her a chance to help make her stronger and more likely to stand up for herself. It's really cute and funny how he calls her 'little grasshopper.' He thinks he's Mr. Miyagi, the sensei who will teach his protege the art of toughness. Jason didn't know it yet, but he'd met his match. He doesn't realize that, in protecting Haley from loser guys, he's also saving her to have all to himself.

Brash, protective and possessive, and for all his faults, Jason's charming in his own way, and funny as well. There's so much chemistry between Haley and Jason. I even had to laugh out loud a few times at them. It's one of those stories where you feel as if you spent time with two good friends who have the hots for each other but don't know it yet, and you can't wait to see it when it finally happens. A cute, fun, sexy read, just really a good time.
459568
Plain and simple  this story (and series) is adorable! Mixing a fairy tale feel with a rather improbable but wonderfully enjoyable romance makes for a read that will leave you smiling.  Georgie Poppins is one of those jack of all trades, ok at most sort of girls who cant seem to actually settle on one thing.  While none of her choices have been colossal failures  shes bright, capable and skilled: shes never really felt at home with any of them.  All of her friends have signed on to Impossible Dreams dot com  a site that promises to find the perfect match for them.  They all made their most demanding requirements in their lists, and yet, four months later not a single note for Georgies rather mundane list.

A near financial disaster has her applying for a nanny position for a set of twins, and it just so happens that their guardian is her long-term crush Bryce.  Bryce, however, is ready to leave a dead-end job and the small town of Nowhere  he wants to become a sports broadcaster.  Two people  both desperately in need of their own Mr or Mrs Right  and perhaps the impossible can come true.  If Georgie only can believe in it  and if Bryce can see that what he needs is responsible for the two new lives in his life.

With a solid mix of family, friendship and small town everybody knows you feel, the heart and humor shine through. While the third in the series, this book can be read alone  but why would you want to? Ciotta writes wonderful characters who have the right amount of quirky, plenty of heart, challenges to overcome and solid personalities that could be your friends.  Youll want to spend a weekend curled up with this series  because dreams CAN come true.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the author via Tour Company for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1437601
I'm a huge Tawna Fenske fan already, and this book skyrocketed to the top of my "favorite romantic comedies ever" list. It's sweet and funny, with a swoon-worthy hero in smart, witty Jonah and a relatable heroine in Kate. I loved watching their relationship bloom in the most adorable meet-cute (seriously, you will love that scene) and carry on through the complex world Fenske's woven here.

Reality TV (or, pardon, "unscripted television") is a guilty pleasure of mine, and I'm aware of many of the behind-the-scenes workings of production. Fenske really did her homework on this one, creating a vibrant backdrop for the ups and downs of Kate and Jonah's early romance on the set of a self-help TV show fronted by Kate's idol, Dr. Viv. Side characters such as Viv, Jonah's sister, and the crew are given full, deep personalities and backstories in a way I truly admire; many authors fall short of making the supporting cast feel like fully realized people, and Fenske pulls it off beautifully here. When Kate quotes Dr. Viv's books, you can truly feel how much work, planning, and love went into creating this story.

The witty banter, snarky feline friend, hilarious scenes, beautiful cover, and passion and care behind every word make this one a serious winner. Like many of Fenske's books, I wanted to read it slowly in order to truly savor it. It's an emotional, gorgeously crafted read that runs the gamut from delightful early love to deeply felt betrayal and back around again, and I felt and believed every word. I'll return to this one whenever I need a laugh, and I highly recommend picking it up, well, yesterday.

I was provided a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I also purchased a paperback of my own accord.
4621786
This book was romantic, funny, and heartwarming.
1144723
At first glance, The Gift of Christmas Past seems like a sweet romance between high-school sweethearts who find each other again after being apart for 10 years. And it is.

But its also a story that shines a spotlight on foster care, pediatric speech therapy, and looking past our own biases to see people as they really are. Its fascinating and relatable and will touch your heart.

The writing draws you in immediately, and the story flow keeps you hooked through to the end. The characters are engaging and relatable, and Hadley & Elliott (foster sisters who haven't stopped looking out for each other) are women I would want as friends. Watching them grapple with the wounds of their past and come out victorious is inspiring.

Bottom Line: The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains provide the setting for a tender and engaging novel, and the authors have done a great job of using that gorgeous backdrop to its potential. Along with the scenic views, The Gift of Christmas Past gives us vibrant characters, poignant histories and gentle romance. This is an emotional story, to be sure, but it never feels too heavy. And there are plenty of moments that will have you smiling or cheering or swooning. Or sometimes all three at once! Put this one on your Christmas list!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
4908987
Ok, in some ways this could be the plot of a Hallmark movie.  And coming from me, that's NOT a compliment.  However, the story is really well written, and the characters of Anna and her boyfriend Jeff, are realistic and well filled in.  They adopt a dog, Earnest, from a local shelter, and are moving towards a happy future.  Problems arise, causing them to separate, and they share custody of Earnest.  He wants the people he loves back together, and when a crisis comes up, he teaches them that they all do belong together.  Sweet story, warm and fuzzy, and even those of us who prefer the darker side of stories and human nature will find something to love about Earnest.  Hope the dark side doesn't find out and make me turn my membership card in.
4773014
The Texas Ranchers New Family is a heartwarming story about two people who both have difficulty trusting others due to some past experiences. This sweet romance is full of delightful characters, including Coopers daughter Sophie. Pleiter did a remarkable job writing about a child with a physical disability. That alone makes this book worth reading, but there are many other reasons to love this story. Ultimately, Pleiter reminds us that we need to trust God with our lives, which includes taking the risk of trusting others.

Although it is a standalone novel, characters from other books in this series are a part of this book. (This didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book, but definitely made me interested in reading the other books in the series!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
1156450
AudioBook Review:
Stars:  Overall 4  Narration 4  Story 4

I adore the tensions and narrative voices in a Christina Lauren book, and Roomies is no exception. Smart characters, humor and a touch of sparkle that makes them feel oh so absolutely right together, each one of her books makes me happy.  In Roomies, the setting is New York and the influences of Broadway, buskers, coffee shops and the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps are tactile and present in the story  always waiting stage left to make an entrance.

Holland is an aspiring writer, working for her uncle on Broadway. She loves music and the city, and a well-turned phrase.  A bit at loose ends, the opportunity to be in the middle of the New York scene is too good to resist  and then she spots him.  A busker, playing his guitar on the platform, gentle melodies that speak to the heart.  Calvin is a talented musician with an Irish accent that is beyond adorable and a heart of gold. He just wants to stay in the city for opportunity  but with his visa set to run out, his only chance may be a marriage.

Together these two are off the charts adorable  a flirtation and crush on Hollands part lead to an offer of marriage so Calvin can stay. But theres so much more here:  Calvin is sweet and gentle, challenging Holland to take those chances and grow in ways unexpected.  For her part, Hollands feelings for Calvin are developing, but there are obstacles to cross and secrets to reveal.  The development of their relationship, with plenty of input and interference from secondary characters with sharp comments and questions reveal more layers and moments for both Calvin and Holland to grow, together and separately.  Each moment of their relationship  full of firsts and revelations drags listeners along through the relationship as it grows and changes: allowing the emotions and firsts to feel plausible and possible  and the relationship and romance grow to be real and tangible as the story progresses.

Narration for this story is provided by K. C. Sheridan, and the gentle performance clearly allows the text to speak to readers, while giving moments of additional emotional impact with pauses, hesitations, breathy releases and even a bit of bubbly smiles.  Holland is clearly presented as someone searching for a purpose and attempting to do the best for all in her circle along the way: Calvin has that touch of Irishness that clearly presents in his phrasing and approach to telling a story, smooth and graceful.  A lovely listen and hopefully just the first of many with this narrator.

If you (like me) enjoy a Christina Lauren book  you won't go wrong here. If youve not tried one  go for a trope that is rare in contemporary romance and take a chance with this marriage of convenience story: you won't be disappointed.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
4652495
"Sunshine Picklelime" is a terrific title for this charming novella, not just as the name of its brightly sweet heroine, but as the moral of her tartly-sweet story. It is charming in its characters and locale, a tightly knit community of neighbors of many nationalities, races, and religions (explained by a computer company that has opened across the mountain); it features many recognizable and reassuring features of classic children's literature--barns, tree houses, and beaches; but it confronts some serious challenges to blissful innocence, such as a parental discord, loss, and even death. Making it contemporary are several references to e-mail and laptops, plus the clever triumph over evil-doers by uploading a video to local media's web sites. But tech-y bits aside, the book is a how-to manual in psychic survival for preadolescents navigating today's world. Uplifting without being preachy, it provides lessons in making chocolate truffles, planting and composting an organic garden, drawing to large-scale using a grid, and, most important and centrally, how to deal with grief. It is a perfect read/gift for anyone--of whatever age--dealing with the loss of a pet or friend or parents' marriage.