Well written, multifaceted love story!
580290
Let's start with the fact that I have never written a Kindle review before.  I am going to search for other titles by this author now.
148329
What a well-written and beautiful love story!

I bought this book one day and couldn't put it down. Then once I was done, the romantic in me soared.

Great, great, great story!
1887824
I received this book as part of a book promotion and glad i took the opportunity to read it.
Love is Never Past Tense might seem to some as a historical fiction, but it is SOOOO much more than that! Based on true events, you can't wait to see what happened next to Janna, only to be left wanting more.
The book unfolds as an old man reminiscences about his first love, whilst doing the UNTHINKABLE! You can't help but be shocked and appalled. Then, after years apart, the two former lovers reunite. A gripping tale follows, revealing human nature's true colors in times of depravity, mayhem and struggle. But does their love story continue after all that was said and done? You will have to find out!
The book is well written by the Protagonist, in several catalysts, broken up in several parts, and delivered in several POV's. The four parts of the book flow effortlessly. The mix of history lessons, teamed with romance, action, mystery and drama, just works! This book gets a well deserved 5 stars and I know that soon this book will qualify to for a Guild Review.
3338468
What a beautiful and complicated love story. The author writes with incredible detail and makes you feel like you're in the story with the characters... taking the journey with them. A lot of emotional highs and lows and an overall great read!
1489826
I loved reading this book.  It held my attention, even with my busy surroundings.  Kudos for such a well written, heart felt romance! And it had a sweet ending. I am familiar with rekindling past relationships and this is exactly what it's like....great writing!
492582
The Letter is a historical romance that spans across three generations, and like most love stories it tells about love found and love lost.

Even though this subject is often predictable with its indiscriminate apportioning of pain and heartache...still each story has its own unique experiences...this is one such story.
It's not a fluffy read, it's a story about two women, a generation apart, who's struggles have a lot in common, and how time and circumstance will conspire to bridge the gap between them to uncover their stories and bring some much overdue healing.

This story was more compelling, I thought, in that it goes into the details of the lives of those involved and gave good depictions of the types of bias and misguided judgements of the time, along with a clear sense of the struggles brought about by the first world war. How these individuals were directly and indirectly affected and how, as individuals, they coped.
The choices they made were not always the preferred choices, mostly they were borne out of necessity due to the circumstances of that era.

Although it follows a remarkably incredible pattern of events, I found this story mesmerizing as each piece of a puzzle fell into place to build on a much bigger story.
If you can somewhat suspend belief and read this at face value, it is quite a clever and satisfying read.
We learn that even the smallest of oversights now, can sometimes count in the larger scheme of things, enabling the possibility of a later action which can have equally profound effects.

I really enjoyed this read. 4s

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
2043031
This is how I believe great romance novels should be written - the love story as part of life, not the only focus of the novel. Main character and romance writer Cali has a wicked sense of humor, I so liked hearing both her thoughts and her lines throughout the story. While dealing with a bad case of writer's block, mainly caused by a broken heart, she finds refuge in the countryside. The peace of mind she wanted is no where to be found, as she is caught between brothers that hate each other, Flynn and Liam, a fireman, her family issues, her fallout with her best friend, and the novel she's supposed to write. It's hard, it's complicated, but she does take step after step and manages to find her way.

I was so curious about the title of this novel, and when I read the scene that inspired it, it made so much sense. Other than the writing itself, some of the chapter headlines simply cracked me up! I wholeheartedly recommend it if you want to read about a funny, interesting, complicated, touching love story.
3417740
I enjoyed it thoroughly!  This is a well-written and passionate story with multiple characters you're rooting for!  Great imagery.  Long live love!
4851141
This was a touching love story of a young high school couple who fall in love...and being so young don't communicate well. Their lack of communication cause them to lose their way and make assumptions, as lots of us do.
Stacy Wray takes an interesting twist in the traditional romance novel - she starts out with the breakup of the couple rather than the meet, fall in love, insert catalyst, breakup, then get back together. This was a welcome change and made me want to know more, therefore I couldn't put the book down.
The only criticism I can offer about Unclaimed Regrets would be that I wanted more details on the "get back together" parts, but this was a sweet love story.
Great read! I recommend it!
3118920
Holly and Josh shared an epic love as high school sweethearts. Not some juvenile infatuation that would fade, but a deep, soul-level love that would last through the rest of their lives. Or so it should have. When Josh successfully began college at MIT, Holly broke off the relationship at his mother's concern that with her in his life, Josh would never reach his full potential. Although Josh did go on to fulfill his mother's dreams for him by becoming a successful businessman, inventor, and billionaire, her misguided motherly love caused great heartache for both Josh and Holly. Now, years later Josh returns to his hometown for his best friend's wedding and unexpectedly reconnects with Holly, the church's wedding coordinator. Both realize their feelings are as strong as ever, but neither one knows if they can bridge the gap of awkwardness surrounding their broken past. When Holly finally after all this time shares the real reason behind the breakup was Josh's mom's concerns, barriers are removed and both of them have to decide if they can rebuild the once soul-satisfying love they shared as youth.

Love in the Details was such a heartwarming "reunion" story! I found it unique that the prologue and epilogue were letters that Holly and Josh had written to each other. Also enjoyed Josh's clever tactics at trying to spend more time with Holly while "planning" the rehearsal dinner! Sweet story with a happy ending for all!

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated in any way by the publisher or author for this review.
3503660
Without You is a well weaved story of love. No love is perfect, and often love evolves. I really enjoyed this book. I found I could relate to the characters, their emotions, and even their struggles.  The author does a terrific job of painting a realistic world and helping the reader understand her characters. The plot kept me so intrigued, I devoured the novel in two days.  I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Detwiler's work!
2290974
Such a perfectly paced love story with plenty of depth. I loved the back stories for both main characters, as well as the setup for future characters in the series. Especially the fact that the main part of the non-romance left me asking, what's next?! This book had such a good pace and was so well written that I finished it in a single day! So pleasantly surprised, I WILL be reading the rest in the series.
1715076
I grew up in south Louisiana, and hubs accuses me all the time of being a French-lover. So it's possible my love of this book is rooted in that, but I doubt it. Perkins's debut is a delightful love story, and by page 20, I was hooked.

When we meet Anna, she's being left at the School of America in Paris (SOAP) by her pretentious, nouveau riche writer-dad and her teacher-mom for a senior year abroad.

She's crying and is befriended by her neighbor--a bushy, bushy blonde soccer player named Meredith. Then we meet Etienne St. Clair, Meredith's secret crush and ultimately Anna's. He's very attractive, with great hair and a British accent. All major pluses.

Once St. Clair appears, the book tends to focus primarily on Anna's growing feelings for him, but that's okay because while it's happening, the reader gets this amazing trip through Paris as St. Clair shows Anna the city and helps her venture out of her shell.

Perkins does a great job with this part, and I enjoyed "seeing" the sites with these guys and learning about historic landmarks. Great writing here.

As the story progresses, it's clear Etienne likes Anna, too, but they face some challenges--he has a college girlfriend he's reluctant to break up with, Anna has a crush back home she still has feelings for, they both know the end of the year will be the end of their time together. It's an engaging set-up that works... for most of the book. And that brings me to my only small quibble.

I felt like Perkins did a great job creating realistic teenage emotions--the intense awkwardness and insecurity (also the clumsy, embarrassing moments when sex comes up). The characters' feelings are palpable and very relatable. But after Christmas break and particularly after Anna's birthday night out, I grew weary of St. Clair's dithering.

It's a pretty long book (384 pages), and perhaps some cuts would've helped. But! This isn't a major detraction, and the great chemistry between Anna and St. Clair keeps you wanting to know how it will end.

The cover is totally deceptive, just fyi. To me, it looks like Gidget goes to Paris, and the characters are not that square. Anna's got a blue stripe in her hair and wants to be a film critic, and her best friend's a drummer in a punk band.

Heads up to moms: there's an F-bomb, there are references to characters having sex and sexual parts (but in a totally immature teenager way), and there is alcohol use (and misuse). But I think all situations are handled realistically and appropriately, and consequences as well as responsible behavior are presented.
178066
There was a definite interest on my part after reading MYSTICA's review (HERE) of 'A Place In The Country'!
This is a complex tale of love, both romantic and filial, covering two continents with multiple characters, each more intriguing than the other with at the centre of it all, women or in this case a young divorcee, her fifteen year old daughter and even a fun living grandmother.

Caroline Evans has recently ended her 16 years marriage, leaving her cheating husband in Singapore and taking along their fifteen year old daughter Issy, short for Isabel. A prenuptial agreement has left her with little to live on and she takes refuge with her parents for awhile in London. Cassandra and Henri however are moving to France and Caroline realizes it is time to start living again! First order of the day is finding a job as her ex is not regularly paying child support. Second, adjusting to single life and parenthood as Issy misses her dad and her friends. As a typical teenager, Issy's character is right on!

Call it fate or karma but while taking a weekend off to relax the pair ends up in a Cotswold's country lane in which Caroline stumbles on an old barn for sale, complete with a sign of 'Bar, Grill and Dancing'. Perhaps she could open her own restaurant? After all, once upon a time she graduated from culinary school...
Dismissing her mother's as a whim, Issy is rebelling of course wishing for both of them to return to their past life in their luxurious penthouse in Singapore.

We now come to two memorable characters in this plot: Jesus and Maggie, husband and wife team, owners of the local pub and would you believe, Mexicans? Tacos and Ploughman's platter on the same menu?
On a typical English wet and dreary evening, they welcome a distressed Caroline and morose Issy in their Cotswold pub and into their lives with open arms. Their daughter Samm is an immediate hit with Issy and soon the two teenagers are inseparable.
To repay Jesus and Maggie's kindness, Caroline works in the Pub's kitchen delighting the villagers with her tasteful cooking, including a chicken pot pie to die for and one villager in particular, who despite their difference of age, hopes to know her better ...

Just as Mystica hinted, this is not your typical English country tale for we discover mayhem is about to descend on the little Cotswold village in the form of a Far East murder and Caroline and her friends are soon playing sleuths 'Poirot' style.
The exquisite balance reflected in the multi faceted emotions of each individual in this tale gives an amazing twist to rights and wrongs in life. In 'A Place In the Country' Elizabeth Adler clearly excels in her ability to describe a romantic moment only to hit on reality right after.

A heartfelt story for women of all age, reminding each one of us us living means after all taking the good and the bad together! Trust me, Caroline, Issy and Cassandra do it with flair!

My first read by Elizabeth Adler, and by no means, the last!

I give it 4 stars.
My reason(s): Adult thematic contents including some expletives and an attempt to sexual crime leading me to recommend it for mature readers only.

Note to Readers: As you will remember, unless stated otherwise reviews reflected only my opinions!
2441576
I loved how the author unfolded the story from multiple perspectives but kept along the same timeline. I thought it was well thought out and written coherently. It allowed for different aspects of the character to be described, so like a mix of third person and first person views.
I was also deeply moved by the moments where characters experienced grace and mercy. It really brings to question, "are all things/people redeemable?" The author did a wonderful job getting us connected to these characters in order to really empathize with them. Many profound messages in this book that I will continue to ruminate on.
My only regret is that I was so into the book that I would read it on the go and short chunks at a time, so in more dramatic scenes I wasn't able to fully give myself to the story. Even so, when semi-distracted, I got teary eyed in a few parts!
Will definitely continue with the trilogy and would Highly Suggest this read!
28490
I loved the writing in this charming segment! I was quickly entangled in the complex and deeply emotional relationship between Sinclair, our protagonist, and Margot, a fellow agent and special friend of hers. I appreciated the character development throughout the story, as more are introduced and memories of the past are brought forward, the author's excellent writing and use of language really drives a rich and heartfelt plot through the pages. I am left completely hooked and will be purchasing the prequel and sequel(s) shortly. The plot is diverse and compelling, the characters are strong, yet vulnerable and so very real. I also enjoyed the very tasteful writing used in the love making of Margot and Sinclaire. This is wonderfully written and very clever! 5 stars for this, thank you Jaye Rothman!
1427376
Wow, I loved this love story!  The book is filled with an engaging cast of characters I'd personally love to spend more time getting to know.  Fletch and Roger's story takes lots of twists and turns and as a reader I was instantly pulled along for the ride.  New York is brought to life in all its wonderful much-ness as a backdrop to a tale of romance and redemption between two guys who worm their way into your heart right along with the Scottie who bridges the gaps between them.  A thoroughly enjoyable page-turner for those who are romantic at their core.