Book Review for A Snowflake Christmas - The Nutcracker by Vickey Wollan

Title: A Snowflake Christmas - The Nutcracker

Author: Vickey Wollan

Genre: Sweet & Clean Contemporary Christmas Romance

Release Date: November 3, 2021

A Snowflake Christmas -The Nutcracker is the second book of the A Snowflake Christmas series where each novel stands on its own. All are sweet holiday romances set in the fictional small town of Snowflake, Montana.

Olga Vogel, a native of small-town Snowflake, Montana, knows the value of hard work and focused determination. When she finds herself the sole inheritor of the Snowflake Christmas Tree Farm, she decides her personal life must wait while she concentrates on successfully running the business. Olga turns to her father for support and is astounded when he questions her management suitability.

Olga’s decision to step away from romance gets complicated when Eric Lund, a sexy single father seems determined to capture her attention. Then Grant Miller, who broke up with her to become a college football star, returns to Snowflake acting as if he wants to rekindle their relationship. Drawn to each man individually, Grant’s charisma and Erik’s giving nature, Olga struggles with decisions about her future.

Can she run a prosperous company, and find one true love?

My Review:  I read the first book in this series of standalone books and fell in love with Snowflake.  In this book we revisit a few of the characters from the first book but also meet new characters, Olga and Eric.   I loved both.  Olga is strong and trying to prove herself as a successful businesswoman.   Eric is a single dad who is trying to do the best he can for his son, Quinn.  

I loved the setting, the characters, and the strength in the families of Snowflake.   Bringing back Olga’s high school boyfriend gave the story a fun little twist.   The relationship of Olga and Eric was cute at the beginning.   They circled each other, flirted, and just enjoyed being near each other.  Olga is wonderful to Quinn, and this endeared her to me even more.   The ending was too rushed.   I needed more romance.   It seemed like the author decided the book was done so she finished it.  

A Snowflake Christmas-The Nutcracker is a cute and fun story.   It is not long, and I read it quickly. 

Quinn asked to carry the nutcracker to the truck, so Olga put the box and satisfaction guaranteed papers into the bag having not gone near the cash register.

Olga grinned, “I’m so glad I got to meet him. Sorry about Mrs. Jameson and sorry I freaked. First day jitters, probably. Over the next several weeks all my energy will be poured into this farm. I hope you understand if you don’t hear from me.”

Erik blinked, then reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I understand. I’m not going anywhere. In the next couple of days, will you tell me when you have some free time?”

Olga’s smile faded slightly, and she glanced to the side. At what he couldn’t tell. He took that as her polite way of declining his request. With feet heavy as blocks of ice, he made his way to Quinn and together they headed for the door.

Quinn talked to the nutcracker as they settled into the truck and Erik wasn’t sure if he should be concerned by the long one-sided conversation. Then Quinn did the strangest thing. He positioned the nutcracker on his lap and held the toy in its standing position.

“Will you really protect our home?” Quinn asked in a serious tone.

For some reason, the right arm of the toy sprung forward on its own.

Quinn giggled with delight. “Daddy, do you think it answered my questions?”

Vickey Wollan caught the writing bug in elementary school, and her thirst for reading novels started in junior high. Although her career included journalistic and public relations writing, she recently jumped with both feet into writing romance stories.

She writes heartwarming, sweet, contemporary romances that tickle the funny-bone and wrap up with an always satisfying happily ever after.

Vickey lives in Central Florida, but her travels inspire her stories. She likes the outdoors and sports so she creates heroines who are strong and multi-talented, but are still attracted to sexy modern men who appreciate the love of a capable woman.

With a background in wellness, she allows her creativity to emerge during a good workout. When not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking through the beauty of nature, or chilling-out with her husband.

She appreciates hearing from readers. Reach out to her at vickeywollanauthor@yahoo.com

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Spotlight for Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas

 Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Lady Sherlock #6) by 

Sherry Thomas 

Paperback, 368 pages

Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Berkley Books

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime

 

From Goodreads: Charlotte Holmes comes face to face with her enemy when Moriarty turns to her in his hour of need, in the USA Today bestselling series set in Victorian England.

A most unexpected client shows up at Charlotte Holmes's doorstep: Moriarty himself. Moriarty fears that tragedy has befallen his daughter and wants Charlotte to find out the truth.

Charlotte and Mrs. Watson travel to a remote community of occult practitioners where Moriarty's daughter was last seen, a place full of lies and liars. Meanwhile, Charlotte's sister Livia tries to make sense of a mysterious message from her beau Mr. Marbleton. And Charlotte's longtime friend and ally Lord Ingram at last turns his seductive prowess on Charlotte--or is it the other way around?

But the more secrets Charlotte unravels about Miss Moriarty's disappearance, the more she wonders why Moriarty has entrusted this delicate matter to her of all people. Is it merely to test Charlotte's skills as an investigator, or has the man of shadows trapped her in a nest of vipers?

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Meet Sherry: (from Sherry’s website) USA Today-bestselling author Sherry Thomas decided that her goal in life is to write every kind of book she enjoys reading. Thus far she has published romance, fantasy, mystery, and a wuxia-inspired duology. Her books regularly receive starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications, including such outlets as the New York Times and National Public Radio. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language.

Author photo by the lovely and talented Jennifer Sparks Harriman at Sparks Studio.

Book Review for The Attic on Queen Street by Karen White

 The Attic on Queen Street by Karen White 

Hardcover, 384 pages

Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Berkley

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Southern, Paranormal, Womens Fiction

From Goodreads:  Return to the house on Tradd Street for one last time as the bestselling series featuring psychic medium Melanie Trenholm comes to a hauntingly spectacular finale.

After the devastating events of the past few months, the last thing Melanie Trenholm wants is to think about the future. Why, when her husband, Jack, has asked for a separation—a separation that might have been her fault? Nevertheless, with twin toddlers, a stepdaughter leaving for college soon, a real estate career to resume and a historic home that is still being restored, Melanie doesn’t have much time to wonder where it all went wrong—but that doesn’t stop her from trying to win her husband back.

Their relationship issues are pushed aside, however, when longtime nemesis, Marc Longo, comes to them with a proposition: allow their Tradd Street house to be used as the filming location for the movie adaptation of Marc’s bestselling book, and he will help Jack re-establish his stalled writing career. Despite Melanie’s hesitation, Jack jumps at the chance. But Melanie’s doubts soon prove to be well founded when she uncovers ulterior reasons for Marc wanting to be back in their house—reasons that include a hidden gem so brilliant that legend links it to the most infamous jewel of all, the Hope Diamond.

But Melanie has an unexpected ally in protecting the house and its inhabitants—the ghost of a Civil War era girl warns her of increasing threats to her family. But she’s not the only spirit who is haunting Melanie. A malevolent ghost seems determined to stop Melanie from investigating the decades-old murder of a friend’s sister, and this spirit will stop at nothing to protect its secrets—even from beyond the grave.

Melanie and Jack must work together to find the answers before evil spirits of past and present destroy everything they love.

My Thoughts:  Tradd Street Series is wonderful, and I am sad that this is the final book in the series but excited to see more of Beau and Nola in the new series coming from Karen White.   Each book in this series continues exactly where the one before it lets off and I do recommend reading them in order.  

In this book we find Mellie and Jack separated but living in the same house as a movie is being filmed in their house.   The attraction and love between Mellie and Jack is still there and I was cheering for them to get past their differences and find a way to get back together.   I liked that even though they were separated they still respect each other, and the Almost Kiss Count had me wanting them to Almost Kiss through the whole book. 

I loved the family dynamics, the interaction of the ghosts, and the way Karen White pulled all the loose ends together leaving me not needing more but still wanting more.   The theme baby shower was so funny, I cannot imagine what the guests truly thought when they received that invitation and arrived at the party.   The setting of Charleston is rich with history that is shared through the ghosts and through the detailed description of the community.  

The Attic on Queen Street is the perfect last book in the series.  

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About Karen: (From her website) Karen White is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 29 books, including the Tradd Street series, The Last Night in London, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of Glass, and A Long Time Gone. She is the coauthor of All the Ways We Said Goodbye, The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. She grew up in London but now lives with her husband near Atlanta, Georgia.

 

 

Spotlight for The Fastest Way To Fall by Denise Williams with a Q&A

 The Fastest Way To Fall by Denise Williams 

Paperback, 384 pages

Publication: November 2nd 2021 by Berkley Romance

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Sports

 

From  Goodreads: Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it’s unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Britta Colby works for a lifestyle website, and when tasked to write about her experience with a hot new body-positive fitness app that includes personal coaching, she knows it’s a major opportunity to prove she should write for the site full-time.

As CEO of the FitMe app, Wes Lawson finally has the financial security he grew up without, but despite his success, his floundering love life and complicated family situation leaves him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. He decides to get back to what he loves—coaching. Britta’s his first new client and they click immediately.

As weeks pass, she’s surprised at how much she enjoys experimenting with her exercise routine. He’s surprised at how much he looks forward to talking to her every day. They convince themselves their attraction is harmless, but when they start working out in person, Wes and Britta find it increasingly challenging to deny their chemistry and maintain a professional distance.

Wes isn’t supposed to be training clients, much less meeting with them, and Britta’s credibility will be sunk if the lifestyle site finds out she’s practically dating the fitness coach she’s reviewing. Walking away from each other is the smartest thing to do, but running side by side feels like the start of something big.

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Meet Denise:  (from Denise’s Website)Denise Williams wrote her first book in the 2nd grade. I Hate You and its sequel, I Still Hate You, featured a tough, funny heroine, a quirky hero, witty banter, and a dragon. Minus the dragons, these are still the books she likes to write. After penning those early works, she finished second grade and eventually earned a PhD. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Denise now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, and two ornery shih-tzus who think they own the house. How to Fail at Flirting was her debut novel and she can usually be found reading, writing, or thinking about love stories.

1.     Tell us about THE FASTEST WAY TO FALL!

The Fastest Way to Fall is my love letter to feeling strong and meeting someone who makes you feel stronger. Britta is a journalist working for a lifestyle magazine called Best Life. Her opportunity to impress the editor and move up in the company comes when she’s charged with reviewing FitMi Fitness, a body-positive fitness app. Through the app she meets her virtual coach, Wes, who happens to also own the company, and sparks fly as they chat. Wes is a personal trainer turned CEO who is at a professional and personal crossroads and coaching, then becoming friends with Britta gives him the energy and joy he’s found lacking in his life. Their relationship grows, neither knowing the other’s identities as reporter and CEO, all while Britta’s posts about the app and her experience with her new workout journey are going viral. Wes knows he can’t fall for a client and Britta knows she can’t fall for a source, but as they begin running together, the feeling that their footsteps belong side by side is hard for either to ignore.

It’s not a story about weight loss or a fat woman changing to find love, but I do encourage readers to take care if talk about exercise, nutrition, or bodies is potentially triggering.

2.     How did your writing process for this book compare to your process for How to Fail at Flirting?

I started working on The Fastest Way to Fall before I knew How to Fail at Flirting would be published. In that way, working on them was somewhat similar—the writing was an escape. Beyond that similarity, though, I took more time mapping out what would happen in this book. I had learned more about story structure and character development and writing this book was much easier (and much faster!) than writing How to Fail at Flirting.

 

3.     What inspired you to write this book?

Shortly after finishing How to Fail at Flirting, I was part of a retreat for women and non-binary people of color and we were asked to do an activity where we reflected on a time we felt strong. I remember thinking about how I felt when I was at the gym and crushing it, even after avoiding the gym for so much of my life as a fat woman. As I was driving home and reflecting on the retreat, I came back to that idea of feeling strong and began to noodle on what a love story for someone in those moments of feeling strong. The Fastest Way to Fall was born.

4.     What was your favorite part of writing the book? What was your biggest challenge?

My favorite part of writing the book was building the relationship between Britta and Wes. I smiled so much while writing their flirtatious text messages and imagining their affection for each other building to the breaking point. The ways they help each other to be strong in big and small ways emerged from the silly jokes, and soft touches and I am really proud of that.

My biggest challenge writing this book was finding the right balance for Britta. I wanted the character to be happy, confident, and someone who wouldn’t make readers feel bad about themselves, but also a fat woman navigating some real challenges in the world. In the end, I really love how Britta turned out—in some ways I aspire to be like her!

5.     What do you hope readers will take away from reading THE FASTEST WAY TO FALL?

I hope readers take away that happy, swoony feeling one gets after a satisfying conclusion to a love story, but I also hope readers walk away thinking about their own strength—those times when they feel like they can do anything, and maybe the people they want to stand next to in those moments. I hope people walk away from the book feeling strong and beautiful, because they are.

 

Book Review for Maybe We Should by Melissa Foster and a Giveaway

 

An emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will. 

After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island. With two half sisters she never knew existed, a group of friends she adores, and a devastatingly charming admirer who flirts with her at every turn, she’s ready to figure out her next steps. The trouble is, Cait lives in the shadows of a dark past, and she can’t afford complications that might cause her to lose the family she’s only just found―complications like blue-eyed boatbuilder Brant Remington, who is as open as she is guarded. If only the sexy charmer would take the hint… 

Brant is Cait’s opposite in every way, but he’s drawn to everything about the sexy newcomer―from the quiet strength that rivals the caution in her mossy-green eyes to her tough facade that he can’t wait to strip away. 

As Brant works his magic, Cait’s walls come down. But as sweet as that feels, Cait knows how quickly good things can turn bad. It’s going to take more than a little trust to beat the ghosts of her past and claim the future they both deserve.

My Thoughts:  I knew there was more to Cait.   When I was first introduced to her, I was so intrigued that I was anxious for her story.  Melissa Foster wrote the perfect story for her life.   She told of her upbringing, showed her strength, allowed her to be weak, and let her heart find her HEA. 

One of the many things I truly love about Melissa Foster’s writing is how she makes her characters real.   She gives them faults, she lets them hurt, but she brings them through it all with grace, love, and respect.   Cait’s story was not easy.   She met sisters she never knew existed, opened her past to her friends, and opened her heart to a man that just would not go away.    Brant is the most persistent alpha male in all of Melissa Foster’s story so far.   I loved how he never gave up, he tried to let her lead but that alpha part of him had a hard time stepping back and giving her space.  

With every one of Melissa Foster’s books, I meet a wonderful new set of characters while catching up with some of the others that I met in the past and loved.   Each book is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.  I cannot recommend these books enough.  Pick them all up, start with any of them and see what I am talking about.    

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The Silver Harbor series is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a FREE Kindle reading app HERE (or order the paperback)

Also available in audio!

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" - NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely​

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" - New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak 

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" - New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner

Also available...

Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor Book 1)

When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. 

Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose list,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. 

Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden than Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.

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Releasing April 26th 2022!

Maybe We Won't (Silver Harbor Book 3)

Full description coming soon!

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About the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

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Find Melissa on the following sites....

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Spotlight for Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette

In this page-turning new mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby will pull double duty when they take down a killer while preparing to open their new bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits.

When Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge were orphaned at age two, they were separated, but their unbreakable connection lingered. Years later, they reunite and decide to make up for lost time and capitalize on their shared interests by opening up a well-stocked bookstore and cozy soul-food café in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. But this new chapter of their lives could end on a cliffhanger after Koby's foster brother is found murdered.

The murder, which occurred in public between light-rail stops, seems impossible for the police to solve. But as Keaton and Koby know, two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to mysteries. With just a week to go before the grand opening of their new café, the twins will use their revitalized connection with each other to make sure this is the killer's final page.

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Wall Street Journal bestselling author Abby Collette loves a good mystery. She was born and raised in Cleveland, and it's a mystery even to her why she hasn't yet moved to a warmer place. As Abby Collette, she is the author of the Ice Cream Parlor mystery series, about a millennial MBA-holding granddaughter running a family-owned ice cream shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and the upcoming Books & Biscuits mystery series, starring a set of fraternal twins who reunite and open a bookstore and soul food café. Writing as Abby L. Vandiver, she is the author of the Logan Dickerson Mysteries, featuring a second-generation archaeologist and a nonagenarian, as well as the Romaine Wilder Mysteries, pairing an East Texas medical examiner and her feisty, funeral-home-owning auntie as sleuths. Abby spends her time writing, facilitating writing workshops at local libraries and hanging out with her grandchildren, each of whom are her favorite.

Book Review for More Than Enough by Moni Boyce

 

When recently divorced Lexi Campbell walks into Ezra Benedict’s life, all bets are off. Lexi might be out of his league, but when she hires Ezra for a job, he can’t fight the pull between them. Fall for this hard-working hottie in More Than Enough by Moni Boyce, a Fling into Romance, the final book in the Blue Collar Romance Series.

Read Now!

 

  From Moni Boyce comes a fling to forever romance packed with redemption, heat and happily ever after. Her whole life, Lexie Campbell has played by the rules and lived up to everyone else’s expectations, never once stepping out of her comfort zone or putting her needs or wants first.  Divorced and ready for a little excitement in her life, she makes a playful bet to kiss the next guy who walks into the bar where she’s out on the town with her girlfriends. She wasn’t expecting that guy to be bad boy Erza Benedict himself. Ezra has a reputation. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, he’s never been able to outrun his troublesome past no matter how hard he works to redeem himself. As far as relationships go? Lexie is so far out of his league, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting more than one kiss or a one-night stand. When Lexie comes back into his life by grand design and hires him to landscape the homes she has listed on the market, Ezra knows this is his shot. Unlike their one night together before, Ezra won’t settle for hiding their relationship for long. Together they’ll have to learn to forget everyone else's expectations and live (and love) for themselves. Welcome to Oak Bend, where these blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.

My Thoughts:  This is my favorite of the Blue Collar Romance series.    I love this series and that each book is a standalone.  With each book I meet new characters in the wonderful setting of Oak Bend.   Check out this entire series.   Every author did a great job of writing a book set in Oak Bend.   They can be read in any order and share the story of two new characters in each book. 

Lexie and Ezra (love that name) knew each other in high school.  Lexie was the perfect student while Ezra was known as the bad boy.    They never got together; they were not even really friends.   Now Lexie is back in Oak Bend and Ezra has caught her attention.   Their one-night stand was hot, steamy, and so sexy.  I knew instantly that one night would not be enough for them.  I loved how careful they were with each other, how respectful they were, and how they both wanted more but did not know how to put themselves out there and ask for it.  Moni Boyce, the author, did a great job of letting their emotions show while also keeping them true to themselves.  

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Excerpt

Copyright 2021 Moni Boyce

I called Ox. “Change of plans. Bender’s isn’t going to work…” I floundered on an alternative. Ox was really hoping to celebrate. It took a second, but I remembered The Rox. A little upscale for my taste, but it would have to do for tonight. “Meet me at The Rox.” I was already heading towards my truck. “And don’t laugh. I already know what you’re thinking. You’re the one who wants to celebrate, so beggars can’t be choosy.” I ended the call. It was a short drive to reach the nightclub. The parking lot was packed, but I managed to find a space. As I walked towards the entrance, I hoped the place didn’t have a dress code. I’d cleaned up from earlier, but I was still rockin’ just jeans and a t-shirt. When I stepped through the door, I was about to look around for a spot to hole up and wait for Ox, when some woman grabbed my face and crushed her lips against mine. I was about to pull away, but shit, if those weren’t the softest, sweetest lips I’d ever tasted. I shut my eyes and went with it. Whoever she was, she was hard and soft in all the right places, and the woman could kiss. She may have started things, but it wasn’t too long before I mastered her. My tongue swept in to explore the sweetness of her mouth. She tasted of lime and salt. Catcalls and whistles broke us apart. She pulled away before I did. When I laid eyes on who my kisser was, I was stunned. Lexie fucking Campbell? What had gotten into her? Miss Goodie Two Shoes herself. In high school, we hadn’t run in the same circles. She’d been unattainable: respected and well-to-do parents, head cheerleader, student body president, girlfriend to Daniel the Dickwad, captain of the football team. Every guy wanted to fuck her, including me. For a moment she seemed to sober when she looked at me. Realization shown in her eyes. Just as quickly, she doused the flicker of sobriety, and licked her lips in a sexy, suggestive manner. I was sure she knew who I was, but she didn’t acknowledge it. Lexie looked over her shoulder at the bar, still a bit unsure, despite the kiss she’d laid on me. Over her shoulder, I glanced in that direction. Two women stared at us, and I remembered the girls they used to be. Lexie’s girlfriends. In high school you rarely saw one without the others. The one with the short hair glared at me. “Your friends?” Needing something to say, I asked the question, even though I already knew the answer. Lexie whipped back around to face me. It was clear the alcohol was her liquid courage. Nice girls like her didn’t pull stunts like that. Suspicion clawed its way into my brain. I narrowed my eyes at her, wondering if this was part of some prank, joke or dare. Well, if it was, I was calling her bluff. I wasn’t gonna let her back down. Stepping closer, I put my arm around her waist and pulled her into my body. Her swift intake of breath was followed by her tilting her head back to look up at me. My gaze roamed over her face, taking in those beautiful, luscious brown eyes, her warm brown skin, and the beauty mark that sat at the curve of her top lip. The mess of curls that framed her face made me ache to feel the texture, but I knew better than to put my hands in her hair. For a second, I lingered over her plump lips, remembering how they’d felt pressed against mine. I wanted more of her. My gaze snapped back up to meet hers, daring her to chicken out. This was a dangerous game she’d started, and I intended to finish it. Her body trembled slightly. I half expected her to flee back to her friends. Lexie swallowed and licked her bottom lip. “Let’s grab a drink.”

About Moni Boyce

 

  Moni Boyce is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, a filmmaker and a poet. After working in the film industry for fifteen years, helping others bring their visions to life, she now creates characters and worlds of her own. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 34 countries and counting. She currently lives in Virginia but considers Los Angeles her hometown.

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About The Blue Collar Romance Series

Escape to Oak Bend where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder. From broody carpenters to sexy electricians, these eight standalones are packed with small town feels, heat, and heartwarming happily ever afters. Enjoy your favorite tropes written by an amazing group of authors: Jaymee Jacobs, Alexa Rivers, Evelyn Sola, Kate Carley, Tracy Broemmer, Mila Nicks, Claire Wilder, and Moni Boyce. Fall head over heels for swoon-worthy book boyfriends who aren’t afraid of a little hard work for that happily ever after.

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Book Review for The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi

 The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi 

Kindle Edition, 317 pages

Publication: November 1st 2021

Genre:  Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Family

 

From Goodreads:  A gripping, openhearted novel about family, reconciliation, and bringing closure to the secrets of the past.

Early into the tempestuous decade of her thirties, Rae Langdon struggles to work through a grief she never anticipated. With her father, Connor, she tends to their Ohio farm, a forty-acre spread that itself has enjoyed better days. As memories sweep through her, some too precious to bear, Rae gives shelter from a brutal winter to a teenager named Quinn Galecki.

Quinn has been thrown out by his parents, a couple too troubled to help steer the misunderstood boy through his own losses. Now Quinn has found a temporary home with the Langdons—and an unexpected kinship, because Rae, Quinn, and Connor share a past and understand one another’s pain. But its depths—and all its revelations and secrets—have yet to come to light. To finally move forward, Rae must confront them and also fight for Quinn, whose parents have other plans in mind for their son.

With forgiveness, love, and the spring thaw, there might be hope for a new season—a second chance Rae believed in her heart was gone forever.

My Thoughts:  Whether you have read Christine Nolfi before or this is your first book, You Must Read This Book!   The Passing Storm is an amazing story about family, grief, friendships, and dealing with your past.  I devoured every word of this book.

The characters have had a tough past.   They have suffered losses which changed their lives forever.   The lost loves and their hearts never healed completely.  I really enjoyed that they were real, with problems, and were trying to work past them.  The family lives were not easy but the love they have for each other never waivers.  

The book was emotional.   The friendships were not always easy, but they were true.   The families were real, they had problems, but they were also there for each other.  The storyline was so tough.   The abuse, the grief, the losses, and most of all the love made this a book that I could not put down.  

I will recommend The Passing Storm again and again.   I will be anxious to talk to anyone who reads it to see what their thoughts are. 

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Meet Christine Nolfi:  (from her website) Award-winning author Christine Nolfi writes heartwarming and inspiring fiction. Her latest release, The Road She Left Behind, has remained on the Amazon bestseller’s list since its release in June 2019. In November 2021, The Passing Storm will be released.

The Sweet Lake Series has been recognized by the International Book Awards, Royal Palm Literary Awards, Readers’ Favorite Awards, and Best Book Awards. Kirkus Reviews calls Sweet Lake “an uplifting and charming story.” Redbook calls the book “an enchanting story full of lovable characters.” The Liberty Series has been recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards and Put Your Heart In A Book Awards. “Treasure Me is sure to delight and entertain. It’s light and refreshing; your old fashioned feel-good novel.” —USA Today

Prior to writing fiction, Christine owned a small public relations firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Her articles and press releases have appeared regionally in The Plain Dealer, The Akron Beacon Journal, and Cleveland Magazine.

Christine is the proud mother of four adopted children and two stepchildren, all of whom are now grown and in no hurry to give her grandchildren. She resides with her husband Barry and a crazy Wheaten Terrier named Lucy in Charleston, South Carolina. Join her mailing list for news and contests, and chat with her on Twitter at @christinenolfi.