The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

 

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the Book- 

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

My thoughts-

I love the magic of this novella. The Santa Suit Ivy finds ties together the whole story in the end which was absolutely lovely. I always like a good Christmas romance and Mary Kay Andrews delivered just that. I love the added touch of suspense surrounding the mystery of the letter to Santa from the little girl thats in the pocket of the suit, as well as Ivy's sweet relationship with her elderly neighbor. If you love small town Christmas romance, you will love The Santa Suit.

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

 Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter's spirits.

 
Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she'd wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen's encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic—especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate—Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

My thoughts-

I am in the camp of people that think Hallmark movies are absolutely wonderful, and I count down the days every year leading up until it is time to watch them. I also love books that read like Hallmark movies, and find myself reading them often between August and December. Dear Santa is the perfect sweet small town romance with a twist of Christmas magic to make you soon. The characters were well developed, and the story was a page turner. I highly recommend to my fellow hopeless romantics. 

Falling in Love on Willow Creek by Debbie Mason

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Fall in love with thelatest Highland Falls romance about a single mom-to-be's surprise delivery and the undercover FBI agent who rescues her and her heart in the small town of Highland Falls.

Single mom-to-be Sadie Gray will do anything to find her younger brother before the law catches up with him. Even if it means returning home to the small town of Highland Falls with a baby due any moment. But when that moment comes sooner than expected, and Sadie finds herself stranded on the top of a mountain—in labor--she couldn’t be more grateful for the park ranger who finds her and helps deliver her daughter safely. Soon they’ve formed a tight friendship, and while he may be hinting at more, Sadie isn’t planning to stick around after she finds her brother.

FBI agent Chase Roberts wasn’t looking for love when he agreed to go undercover as a park ranger to find an on-the-run informant. But he can’t help being drawn to beautiful, warm-hearted Sadie and her sweet baby daughter. He’s always longed to put down roots and start a family. But how can he hope to keep Sadie’s trust when she finds out that his job is to arrest the brother she’s been looking for? 

My thoughts-

I have really liked all of the books in the Highland Falls series so far and Falling in Love on Willow Creek fell right into line. I don't think any of the books in the series will top Christmas on Reindeer Road for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I liked the mix of suspense with the traditional romance elements of the series. It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. What I love most about small town romance series is that we get to know pretty much everyone in town, so it feels like you are living there and a part of the action yourself. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!

The Dating Dare By Jayci Lee

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.

Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a fun little game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.

But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.

My thoughts-

This was such a cute love story. Both Tara and Seth have been hurt in the past, and Seth is about to leave to move across the world for a job in a month, but when they both find themselves attracted to one another a no strings attached fling sounds perfect. As the story unfolds and they inevitably begin to fall for each other, we learn about their pasts and why they are both so reluctant to trust someone with their hearts. I loved the story from start to finish. It was a cute story of two people figuring out with the right person, the stuff from the past bad relationships is irrelevant. I listened to this as an audio book and absolutely recommend it, the narrartor was great. If you love romance, you will love The Dating Dare.

Food Saved Me by Danielle Walker

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Diagnosed with an extreme form of ulcerative colitis at 22, Danielle was terrified she’d never be able to eat all the wonderful, great-tasting foods she loved growing up or host warm, welcoming gatherings with family and friends. So when the medicine she was prescribed became almost as debilitating as the disease itself, Danielle took matters into her own hands, turned her kitchen into a laboratory, and set to work creating gut-healthy versions of the foods she thought she’d never be able to enjoy again. Three New York Times bestselling cookbooks later, Danielle has become a beacon of hope for millions around the world suffering from autoimmune diseases, food allergies, and chronic ailments.

Now for the first time, with stunning transparency about the personal toll her illness took on her physically, emotionally, and spiritually, Danielle reflects on everything she’s learned during her decade-long journey toward healing—including the connection between gut health and overall well-being, the development of her favorite recipes, and the keys for not simply surviving her autoimmune disease but thriving despite it. Through her resilience, Danielle tells a story that provides hope—hope that despite your ailments or hardships, you can live a full, happy, and healthy life without ever feeling excluded or deprived.

Food saved Danielle Walker. And it can save you, too.

My thoughts-

Many years ago, a friend of mine told me about Danielle Walker's first cookbook. I was trying to cut gluten out at that time to see if it would help some of my own issues, so I thought it was a good place to start. Her recipes are always delicious and always friendly to food sensitivities. I knew Danielle Walker had a history of autoimmune disorder before picking up this book about her journey, but I had no idea the extent of the struggles she went through. She is very candid in this book, and shares all of the ups and many downs shes gone through. I appreciate the honesty of sometimes needing more than dietary changes to heal because everyone's journey is different. Some people may indeed only need dietary changes, but there is no change in utilizing medicine when it is needed either. However, when doctors push medicine and tell you diet has nothing to do with it, that is where the problem lies. I do not believe most traditional medical doctors are trained in nutrition. They are trained to medicate, and that is something that really needs to change. This book is great for anyone struggling with autoimmune diseases, or even food intolerances and food allergies (like me). It's always nice to feel someone can relate and to have hope for things to get better in the future. 

Sunkissed by Kasie West

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks--mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks--who just happens to be on staff--which means he's off-limits.

What starts as a disaster turns into. . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.

My thoughts-

Sunkissed was a fun, mostly light YA novel. I enjoyed the relationship between Avery and her sister the most, although Brooks was also a great character that I enjoyed getting to know. I found the idea of a family summer camp interesting, it is definitely something I have never heard of, so having Avery figure out who she is and her dynamic both within her family and as an individual was a wonderful story line. Some of the less prominent characters were not my favorite, particularly Avery's "best friend" from back home. She is  barely in the book and easily the worst character. I also had a love/hate relationship with Kai, Brooks's best friend and band mate, he seemed incredibly whiney any time he didn't get his way, but seemed like a nice guy on the surface. This was a quick read, if you love YA and first loves this is definitely a great book for you.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

  

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book- 

After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

My thoughts-

Kristin Harmel might be my favorite author so I always look forward to her new releases. I have been a reader since The Sweetness of Forgiving, and I haven't missed a single book of hers since then. I absolute loved the last book she wrote before this, The Book of Lost Names, anad I wasn't sure another book set in the same WWII era could surprise me or add a new subject matter that I haven't previously read (since WWII historical fiction is my favorite genre), but Kristin Harmel surprised me with this one. I don't know how I never knew that there were Jewish people hiding in the forest during the holocaust, but it was interesting reading this fictionalized version of the people who did. Even though The Forest of Vanishing Stars belongs to the WWII historical fiction genre that Harmel has been writing in for years, there were some elements to this story that were different that I really enjoyed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. 

At Any Cost by Rebecca Rosenberg; Selim Algar

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book- 

Wealthy, beautiful, and brilliant, Shele Danishefsky had fulfillment at her fingertips. Having conquered Wall Street, she was eager to build a family with her much younger husband, promising Ivy League graduate Rod Covlin. But when his hidden vices surfaced, marital harmony gave way to a merciless divorce. Rod had long depended on Shele's income to fund his tastes for high stakes backgammon and infidelity--and she finally vowed to sever him from her will. In late December 2009, Shele made an appointment with her lawyer to block him from her millions. She would never make it to that meeting.

Two days later, on New Year’s Eve, Shele was found dead in the bathtub of her Upper West Side apartment. Police ruled it an accident, and Shele’s deeply Orthodox Jewish family quickly buried her without an autopsy on religious grounds. Rod had a clear path to his ex-wife's fortune, but suspicions about her death lingered. As the two families warred over custody of Shele’s children—and their inheritance— Rod concocted a series of increasingly demented schemes, even plotting to kill his own parents, to secure the treasure. And as investigators closed in, Rod committed a final, desperate act to frame his own daughter for her mother’s death.

Journalists Rebecca Rosenberg and Selim Algar reconstruct the ten years that passed between the day Shele was found dead and the day her killer faced justice in this riveting account of how one man’s irrepressible greed devolved into obsession, manipulation, and murder.

My thoughts-

This was a tough read. It was intriguing in the worst way because just when you think you have heard it all, it escalates. I found myself growing more and more furious as I read along and saw what Shele's family had to endure, especially her parents. The things that this vile man did and got away with before he was finally charged with the murder of his wife are outrageous. The way in which he has manipulated his daughter her entire life, and the things have made her (or tried to make her do unsuccessfully in some cases) are beyond belief. I read through the entire book in two days because I just couldn't put it down. If you are easily triggered, I wouldn't suggest this book for you, but if you are the type of person that likes to read stories about real people, and learn their stories, At Any Cost is a well written book that tells Shele's tragic story in full.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book- 

Single mom Jessica Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents—who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno—Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands.

At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: one of GeneticAlly’s founders, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond Match” that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought.

My thoughts-

One of my favorite current author's is Christina Lauren (who are really a duo of best friends tag teaming their authoring duties, which makes them even more compelling to me). I think I have read pretty much all of Christina Lauren's books at this point and was super excited for The Soulmate Equation! I thought the book started out kind of slow but once it got going I couldn't put it down. I love the concept of the book, DNA telling you who your soulmate is, and I love the dynamic between Jess and River from the very beginning. I also like the strong bonds Jess has with her family and her daughter. This book was equal parts funny and sweet, with a health dose of drama to keep it interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels. 

Raised in the kitchen by Carrian Cheney

 

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book- 

From the time her children were toddlers, family cooking blogger Carrian Cheney found creative ways to get her children interested in cooking, partly to teach them basic kitchen skills so they could be part of the solution when they were hungry and partly to instill in them a joy of creating and presenting delicious meals, as her own mother had taught her.

From food prep to clean-up, this unique cookbook guides the way through every step, including meal lists and easy-to-follow recipes, and features dollops of heartwarming family stories, insights, and kid-friendly food activities to keep young chefs focused on fun in the kitchen.

The book includes 75 recipes that begin with basics such as fried eggs, pizza dough, and baked potatoes. As new cooking skills are learned, the recipes progress to guaranteed kid favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, steak fajitas, and apple dumplings. Recipes are joined with tips to help home chefs master the art of cooking, from stocking a pantry to proper kitchen etiquette and safety to how to add flair to a table setting—even how to coax a picky eater by tempting their tastebuds.

Raised in the Kitchen is a cookbook for parents and kids about much more than learning to love to cook. It’s about bringing families together with cooking memories that will last a lifetime.

My thoughts-

My kids are getting older. They are all in the pre-teen to teen stage but something we have always done is hang out in the kitchen to gether making recipes, so I adored the concept of this book. I thought maybe we could find new recipes for my 11 year old boys who still love to cook both with me and without me now. I love the way the book is set up, starting with simple, basic recipes and progressing into family friendly favorites that might be a little more challenging (yet still doable) for little ones. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends with younger children, and we will also be utilizing some of these recipes in ourkitchen as well! 

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

My thoughts-

I love historical fiction, but I tend to stick to my favorite go-to time period which is the WWII. Sometimes I may veer out of this era to something interesting that grabs my attention but I will admit the last time I remember reading a book set durng the Dust Bowl/Great Depression era was in high school for my senior research paper when I very begrudgingly read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. I haaaaaated it. I don't think I even finished it and because it was such a long project it turned me off of books set in that same era. I figured if anyone could write a book about it that would hold my attention it was Kristin Hannah and I was right. I couldn't put it down. The book was interesting from start to finish. It was set in Texas (which may have been more interesting to me than Steinbeck's novel set in Oklahoma, because I am a Texan) and California and deals with not only a family's particular struggles but also protests about unfair wages and living conditions. I found it to be such a great book that all these many years later it made me feel like maybe I should give The Grapes of Wrath another chance.  Kristin Hannah's historical fiction is always excellent. I recommend it to anyone who loves history. 

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks by Ashley Craft

 

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Stroll right down the middle of Main Street USA, journey from Adventureland to Infinity and Beyond at Pixar Pier, and explore every avenue in between to taste the flavors of the Disney Parks…all without leaving your kitchen.

With The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook you can bring the magic of Disneyland and Walt Disney World snacks and treats right to your home. Recreate favorites like the classic Dole Whip and Mickey Pretzels to new favorites like blue milk from Star Wars land and Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums from Pixar Pier.

My thoughts-

There are so many people who are just itching to go travel right now, but some people are still not feeling comfortable doing so or some places are still closed down or they lost jobs during the pandemic and it just isn't possible. Disney parks are open but for those who can not make the trip but who want to bring a little magic home, The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbokok is a great way to do so. The ever popular, and my favorite Disney treat, the Dole Whip makes an appearance here, but there are also so many different treats, drinks, and foods to try at your home. If you are ever planning a Disney themed party, this could be the sole resource for food. It is also a great go to for fun treats for your kids (or the Disney kid in your) especially during this tough time we are all going through right now with the pandemic. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a little magic and light or of course to Disney lovers. 

Liar Liar by Laurie Katz

 

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Like any student about to start university, Laurie Katz was excited to see what the year would bring. Little did she know that just three weeks into her first term, her life would come crashing down around her. What had started as a fun night out with friends ended with Laurie, alone with a terrible secret: she had been raped. Traumatized and confused, she set out to get justice against her attacker. But when the authorities at her university dismissed her case, and warned her that she could be expelled, she was left unsure where to turn. It seemed as though things couldn't get worse, then her attacker filed his own case. Laurie's story is a brave and honest reminder of the injustice still felt in society around sexual abuse. Laurie offers readers her advice, and provides them with the hope that they too can overcome a similar trauma.

My thoughts-

First of all, props to Lauri Katz for being candid and vunerable. This could not have been an easy book to write. She shared pretty much everything, including the parts that some might perceive as making her look bad. I was enraged during the good majority of this book about the way the university handled this case, but sadly I wasn't shocked. We have seen it time and again in the news, even still in 2020, where the victims of these assaults at colleges all over the country get blamed and the actual assaultors get off either scott free or with maybe a slap on the wrist. Laurie's school took it to a new extreme, opening a case against her and finding her guilty of making it all up. It is evident that the school was attempting to bury that this happened to save face and not make the school look bad and some of the things the adults in charge at the university said to her were absolutely atrotious. This account of Ms. Katz's case really resonates with me because she was in college at the same time as my little sister and this could have easily been her story. Or any college woman's story. And it is definitely time to change that. The victim blaming has got to stop. The holding the guilty party accountable needs to be the new normal- which it always should have been.

If you have a similar story and need to talk to someone, there is help. Please reach out to National Sexual Assault Hotline or call them at 1-800-656-4673

The 30-Minute Cooking from Frozen Cookbook

 

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

If you’re not someone who plans out their weekly menu days in advance, then this cookbook is for you. Thanks to your freezer, you can create more than 100 different recipes for fresh, delicious meals that you can devour in less than 30 minutes. No need to wait hours for the ingredients to thaw and defrost, simply grab your ingredients and start cooking.

Filled with simple solutions to your dinner dilemmas, The 30-Minute Cooking from Frozen Cookbook allows you to spend less time shopping, prepping, and planning your meals and spend more time doing the things you actually enjoy! Save money and eliminate food waste by storing the ingredients you buy in the freezer, keeping them fresher for longer. Cooking from frozen ingredients is a quick, cost-effective way to feed your family and with this cookbook to guide you, it is now easier—and tastier—than ever.

My thoughts-

I recently started working again after not working for over a decade of dedicating my life solely to taking care of my 3 kids. The last time I was working full time I was pregnant with my twin boys who just turned 11 a few weeks ago. I am finding it difficult to balance mom and wife life with work life, even though I am working from home. We are also renovating our house, which throws an extra challenge into me fitting in all that needs to be fit in to a 24 hour day. The 30-Minute Cooking from Frozen Cookbook makes meal planning even easier than regular meal planning cookbooks by including many recipes that are cooked from frozen foods which takes an extra step or two out of cooking and condensing time for people like me who really don't have any to spare. This will be a go to cookbook for the modern day busy person. 

Christmas on Reindeer Road by Debbie Mason

 *Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Mallory Maitland knows all too well what it's like to feel abandoned, which is why she's sworn never to give up on her two stepsons - her late husband's children. But when the teens land in hot water, she's got a whole new problem: how to resist the caring and incredibly hot Chief of Police Gabriel Buchanan. All Mallory wants is to give the boys a magical holiday. She doesn't need the distraction of wondering what it would be like to kiss Gabriel under the mistletoe.

After his wife died, Gabriel left his job as an adrenaline-chasing New York City homicide detective to focus on raising his three sons. But back in Highland Falls, he doesn't have to go looking for trouble. It finds him - in the form of a beautiful neighbor and her troublemaking stepchildren. With Gabriel's mother-in-law looking for any excuse to gain custody of his sons, Gabriel can't risk getting involved with Mallory, even though she's the only woman capable of making this Christmas - and all the rest to come - his best ever.

My thoughts-

This was pretty much the cutest romance novel I have read in a long time! I absolutely loved the first book in the Highland Falls series (Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge) and I was so excited to get to see a focus on Mallory and Gabe. Christmas on Reindeer Road was equal parts endearing, heartwarming, and hiliarous. I particulary enjoyed the always adorable and incredibly precocious Teddy, who I think stole the show a lot of the times and added a new level of heart to the story. This is the perfect book to usher in the fall holidays and get in the Christms spirit early. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center (Audio Version)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.
But she wasn’t always that way.

Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasn’t always that way.

And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.

As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.

With Katherine Center’s sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.

My thoughts-

What You Wish For was engaging right out of the gate. Sometimes I have difficulty getting into audio books when they are fiction because they can be very long and I am usually a fast reader and get inpatient. However, when there is an excellent narrator and the story is fast paced I can get behind them and this narrarator was great at keeping me interested! I also liked that it was set in Galveston, TX where I was born. There are not a lot of books I have come across set in Galveston, and it's a cool place so it's nice to see it featured in a book. I absolutely loved the story. It was funny, emotional, and an overall great contemporary book. 

Keto Celebrations by Mary Alexander

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or are simply craving classic comfort foods, you can have your cake and eat a ketogenic diet, too. Keto Celebrations is filled with 100 special-occasion recipes you know and love, but with a keto twist—from cocktails and appetizers to entrees, side dishes, and desserts.

Try sweet and savory recipes like Toast-less Blueberry French Toast, Pizza Pull-Apart Bread, Slow Cooker Brisket, and Apple Pie Bites that use easy, affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Get cooking tips, prep pointers, and substitution suggestions for creating crowd-pleasing dishes that make the most out of each celebration.

My thoughts-

This is the best Ketogenic cookbook I have seen in a while. I already have a similar cookbook on my shelf, but it doesn't even tough this book in terms of the absolutely delicious recipes included. I just restarted my Keto journey because I have had a bad couple of years where I got of track and kind of went off the deep end and find myself at the heaviest I have ever been. I have not been happy, I don't feel comfortable and I am fed up with feeling that way so I am back on track and I wanted to to get a leg up on the holidays which is when I tend to spiral back into bad habits. There are so many delicious recipes here that I can bring to the family Thanksgiving and Christmas get togethers I won't have to feel like I am missing out on all of the good stuff! There are other celebrations covered as well, and some of these I would eat at any time during the year, celebration or not! I absolutely recommend this book to anyone on a Ketogenic or low carb diet.

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.

Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.  

Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.  

Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

My thoughts-

A Walk Along the Beach was definitely a tug at the heartstrings. I was immediately pulled in to this little town, Willa's little coffee shop, her family life, and her love life. Sean O'Malley is an interesting character who I want to know even more about, but I enjoyed his persistance with Willa and the cuteness of the things he does to get her attention. The book got heavy towards the end so if you don't like a good cry, this one isn't for you, but if you like books that make you feel something you will want to pick this one up. 

Sunshine on Silver Lake by Annie Rains

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

With summer just around the corner, Emma St. James is eagerly planning a 5K run at Sweetwater Springs National Park. But first she needs the help of one charming, rugged, and handsome park ranger. Her brief high school romance with Jack Hershey may have ended in heartbreak, but Emma can't deny that he still gives her butterflies. So when Jack responds to her request with an all-too-tempting plea to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer, how can she say no?

Jack would do anything for his sister -- even pretend to give up his bachelor life to care for his nephew. Passing his days with his high school sweetheart guarantees one long, hot summer -- but only because every moment together leaves him wanting a real relationship. He can't imagine spending another season without Emma by his side. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance before the summer draws to a close?

My thoughts-

I aboslutely love all of the Sweetwater Springs novels. I don't think I will ever get enough of this little town and it's inhabitants. I always breeze through these books in a day or two! This book was focused on Emma St. James, the owner of the local coffee shop and her lifelong best friend Jack Hershey. Emma and Jack both have a lot going on and both have had feelings for each other for pretty much their entire lives but something that happened ages ago halted romance before it was able to begin. I loved watching this story unfold. I also liked the story of Jack's nephew coming to stay with him for the summer, and I am hoping that we get to know him and Jack's sister Amanda more in future books. If you love sweet small town romance I recommend this series to you. They can stand alone, but I have loved them all so I definitely recommend reading the entire series!

The Paris Library by Jane Skeslien Charles

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

My thoughts-

I read a lot of historical fiction set during this war torn era. I like when there is a story in a different time period to help us better understand the character and to maybe add a little mystery. I loved the way this story was set up, introducing us to Lily and her lonely neighbor Odile in 1980's Montana. We see Odile as an adult and wonder what has brought her into this isolation and away from all of her family. The part of the story set in Paris in the late 1930's and early 1940's is heartbreaking as all WWII stories are, but I love that the theme of this story is Odile working at the American library and sharing these books even when she isn't supposed to. I also got quite a kick out of all of the fantastic books that were name dropped in this one. It would be a fun challenge to read all of the books mentioned in a year. At the end of the novel, the author talks about how some of these characters are based on real people, which makes the story even more compelling. I recmomend this book if you enjoy historical fiction, are a lover of classic books, or are a Francophile.