Review: How the Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley

Hardworking Isabelle Cook has a serious problem. Her family farm, site of Tilikum’s Christmas Village, is in trouble. Big trouble. And worst of all? The man trying to buy it is none other than the grumpiest, grinchiest man of them all—Elias Stoneheart.

That’s a big nope. She’s not letting him get involved. Not with his heart made of coal.

Elias Stoneheart is in the business of making money, not friends. Especially when his boss is promising a long-awaited promotion. All he has to do is convince one struggling family to sell their farm.

The problem? It’s Cook Family Farm. And Isabelle Cook is his ex.

He might have history with Isabelle, but this is just business. A Christmas-loving farm girl is not going to come between him and his ambition.

And Christmas? He hates it. Christmas Village needs to go.

But as Elias spends time in the small town, holiday spirit—and Isabelle—get under his skin. And she might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Review

This book felt like a cozy, Hallmark movie. There was a second chance romance. An adorable kid. A slightly tragic past which turned someone into a grump during the holidays. A loving, supportive family who has a small-town business which is struggling, and the previously mentioned grump wants to buy it. It had all the ingredients, and it was enjoyable.

This book warmed my heart, and I enjoyed watching everything play out. Clearly, the grump—Elias, would not end up buying their farm. That aspect was predictable. Obviously. Despite that though, Elias and Isabelle had this emotional history, and I was tapped in to see how it would play out between them.

This book is related to the other series that Claire Kingsley had written – the Bailey Brothers series. Before reading, I wasn’t aware of that, so there were some situations, references, and plot lines that flew over my head. It might be better to read those before this one to get the full reading experience. 

Final Thoughts

How the Grump Saved Christmas is a story set in a cozy small town with interesting characters that get you in the spirit for the holiday season. 

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Review: The Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson

It's always bittersweet when you finish a series by Miranda Liasson. As I depart Blossom Glen, The Sweetheart Fix was a wonderful conclusion to the series. In this book, we dive into the journey of Julie Montgomery and Jack Monroe., two lost people who find answers when they let go of their pasts and let in the potential to be loved.

Juliet has a great big heart. She is the middle sis between Tessa and Vivienne. As we celebrated Tessa finding her hea in the first book, it's about time and deserved that we see little sis great some happiness of her own. Sadly, relationships haven't worked out for her. Known as the town's sweetheart, they haven't been something that she's been good at. To her regret, that fact seems to carry over into her professional life.

With a small town and everyone knowing her business, trying to establish herself as a relationship counselor has become quite challenging. Her personal life coming into question, has become a disadvantage to her job. When she is asked by her boss to take some soul searching time off and to regroup, she finds herself with an unexpected opportunity by mayor Jack Monroe.

Jack might come off at first a little rough around the edges but he grows on you. He loves his job but isn't exactly a people person. When a dispute happens with a couple of people in town and Juliet came in and solved their problem, he knew what the town was missing and offered her a job. Giving them both a win, win opportunity.

As they get to know more of each other professionally and personally, opposites attracts with the stars aligning, challenging them to confront their pasts. When a moment happens that challenges a potential future, will Juliet take a chance instead of running from her fear of getting hurt?

I really like these two finding their way to each other. They both have baggage that if they are able to put behind them, they could see how perfect they fit well together. Juliet is different than her sisters. Jack with his past, I really liked that it brought to light the affect on men and relationships when they have a scarred relationship with their mothers.

Overall, like I mentioned in my thoughts on the last book, this was a different type of series from what we've seen in the past. All positive vibes, just different which is welcomed for its variety in perspectives. If you haven't read the first book, read that one first. It can be read as a standalone but for context and background history, you should back read. As with another wonderful read, I'm looking forward to the next small town she introduces us to.

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Review: Forbidden French by R.S. Grey

Summary

A slow-burn romance filled with wit, angst, and forced betrothals from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey.

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was the golden boy of St. John’s Boarding School. The crown prince of his father’s vast business empire, unapologetically attractive…oh, and fluent in French.

At school, I kept a picture of him hidden beneath my pillow, a tiny token of my adolescent infatuation, but I might as well have been worshiping a distant demigod. He was hardly aware of my existence. I was far too young, and he was far too consequential—until one day we found ourselves alone together in the dark library and struck up a friendship…of sorts.

But in the years since leaving St. John’s, I’ve no longer bothered yearning for Emmett. What a useless dream. I would have gone crazy trying to keep up with his jet-setting life. Which Parisian hotel is he calling home now? Is there some new lithe model draping herself across his lap today?

My negligence comes back to bite me. I’m ill-prepared the day he strides into my art gallery. There’s only a mere trace of the boy I once knew. Self-assured, handsome, intoxicating—Emmett is more man than I can handle.

There’s no room for him in my gilded cage. My life is planned to a T. From where I go to how I dress, it all depends on the calculated whims of my grandmother. Soon, I’ll even dutifully walk down the aisle toward a man of her choosing.

Emmett can’t stand my obedience. Now that we’ve rekindled our friendship, he’s intent on unearthing my heart’s true motives.

And therein lies the problem: I was doing just fine without him, but now that he’s rattling the bars of my cage, I’m forced to acknowledge the truth.

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was all I wanted. The midnight wanderings, the whispered nothings, the unbearable longing—they etched indelible marks on my soul. Even now, after all these years, my heart is only fluent in one language.

Review

I had high hopes for Forbidden French. There are so many possibilities when writing about “rich people” problems, and unfortunately after I read this book all I feel is disappointment.

It started off strong. I thought Lainey and Emmett’s first real interaction back in high school was interesting and I was excited to see what led them back together. Especially, since Lainey had already loved Emmett from the jump. As the book progressed, there was a shift for me in terms of my enjoyment. Nothing exciting was happening. Lainey and Emmett would have a small moment and then the story would continue. I didn’t feel the chemistry with them, and once Emmett admitted his feelings towards her it felt like it came out of nowhere.

As far as the characters in general, they were fine. Emmett was a jerk towards the major conflict. And both him and Lainey felt underdeveloped. Lainey and her grandmother’s relationship sounded good in theory and had potential to be really intriguing, but her grandmother’s personality switched so quickly that it left me confused on why and how.

Final Thoughts

Forbidden French has the right set up to be a very good romance; however, it falls victim to a bland romance and almost uninteresting main characters.

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Review: Be Your Everything by Catherine Bybee

Be Your Everything is the second book in The D'Angelos series. This book explores more into Chloe and Dante's journey. If you enjoyed the first book, than you will love this one. This series just keeps getting better.

If you don't know already, Chloe and Dante, their families have been great friends since childhood. With the friendship between the guys, one thing has always been set in stone, Chloe was off limits. Dante has been known for his player ways and with their over protective nature, it would never mix well.

From the last book, you know what happened to them in Vegas. If you don't well, one evening after way too many drinks, they found themselves getting married in Vegas. In their case, what happens in Vegas took an entirely different meaning because when Chloe woke up the next day and saw that ring on her finger, she knew it had to stay in Vegas because the world would implode if her family found out what happened. Between her traditional Italian mother and her over protective brothers, Dante wouldn't have a chance. Trying to figure out what to do, they decide to keep it a secret to avoid any rift between the families.

Even though Chloe has always secretly wanted to date him, being married was a completely different scenario. As they get to know each other, something deep down desires him more knowing that she could be the one. He's always been fond of her but the more time they spend, he sees how special she really is. When their situationship gets tested and Chloe flees to Bali, Dante realizes more than ever their destined to be together. The question is will he be able to convince Chloe to follow her heart without fear?

I really love this series. I feel so invested in their lives. They just invite you in. I love how everything comes full circle and destiny got it right with these two. Their roller coaster journey to getting their hea was worth every page turn. The strength of this family despite the looming reservations she has with what she thought they would feel was so underestimated. No matter what gets thrown at them, that bond is thicker than no other. Chloe is so sweet and deserving of love. Dante, it's nice to see guys like him willing to change and do what it takes to earn the right girl.

I can only assume who will be next in the third book. I have my wishes but we'll see. If you haven't checked out the series, you must add it to your series list to catch up on. Make sure your read them in order because I don't want you to miss anything. So, another wonderful one from Catherine Bybee. I will be patiently waiting for the next.

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Review: Relative Distance: A Memoir by David Pruitt

Summary

Relative Distance is a powerful memoir of resilience and faith. While it’s an unflinching look at brothers being raised by a violent, abusive father and a detached, mentally ill mother, it’s also an inspiring account of two distinctive life journeys and an examination of the role played by family and society in individual homelessness.

After surviving his tumultuous upbringing, David Pruitt rises to become a CEO in Corporate America, while his brother, Danny, becomes a long-time homeless traveler. As David helps to grow a fledgling North Carolina business into what is at the time the largest specialty bicycle retailer in the United States, Danny sleeps under overpasses, jumps passing freight cars, lives in and out of shelters, faces death more than once—and encounters the best and worst of America in a restless search to find a better place in the world. Yet, despite their differences, a common thread runs through the distinct trajectories of the brothers’ lives: each of them struggles with difficult psychological issues stemming from their troubled past.

This deeply moving memoir examines the lifelong challenges that often come for those raised in an abusive home, along with the limitless possibilities we open ourselves to when we allow faith and determination to overcome judgment and fear.

Review

There are no words to describe the experience of reading this book. This was a difficult journey to read but a story that needed to be told. It saddens me deeply how their circumstances robbed them of perhaps a greater destiny but at least for one, found light from a dark place.

Relative Distance hit the core of my being. David, sharing the life of himself and his brothers, just aches the heart. Growing up with a mother with mental health challenges and a father who’s love went hand and hand with his impulse for abuse, crippled their chances of a life full of dreams, hope and aspiration. Despite this, what inspired me the most was how each tried fighting through the adversity to work towards being better than anything they ever knew.

Despite the hardships two of the three brothers faced trying to find their way through life, David is such a testament of the power of faith and perseverance. There is a moment in the book that just exalted my spirit when he decided that he wanted to go to college and do better. That moment despite the lack of support and pushback, the catalyst that ignited that fight within, really inspired me. When you’re told over again that you are nothing and won’t amount to anything, that moment that he decided to defy that fight for himself to show that he was somebody truly was remarkable. The trajectory of his life from that moment on, no one can take that away and for those who experienced the same give hope that anything is possible.

Overall, this is a beautiful memoir that is honest and filled with a story that deserves to be told. I truly feel that the journey of his family is similar to others and can bring hope and healing for those who have struggled or want to have a better life. If you like memoirs, consider this for your reading list.

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Review: All Downhill With You by Julie Olivia

Summary

The moment we meet, it’s all downhill.

My job is providing happiness and smiles at Honeywood Fun Park, and Emory Dawson is the frown our park didn’t ask for.

When our star roller coaster malfunctions with me on board, the manufacturer’s heir and lead engineer, Emory, vows to renovate the attraction. So instead of having a fun summer season as Marketing Manager for Honeywood, I’m now saddled with playing host.

Wonderful.

Emory is the opposite of a good time. He’s the grump that won’t stop grumping, and our arguments escalate quicker than my heart rate after a roller coaster’s fall.

He knows I can see right through his broody gaze and big ideas. Repairing the coaster? More like overhauling his own company’s reputation, regardless of whether it helps our local theme park.

But when our firm handshakes start lingering too long, or when his muscled thighs rest against mine under the table, I’m thrown for a loop.

Most roller coasters are fun, but I’d like to get off this emotional one, please.

Review

From the jump, All Downhill With You had a difficult task to complete. At sixteen, Emory Dawson had designed a ride at Honeywood and twice while riding it, Lorelei had gotten hurt on that ride. And now, she was suing his family’s manufacturer company. This book had to sell a love story between them.

It made sense for her to hate him, and given their first interaction, he didn’t do much to change her opinion of him and his company. And given their complicated history and the present lawsuit going on between them, I was intrigued to see how and why they would fall in love. Unfortunately, after they kiss, a flip is switched, and they both do a one 180. I was looking for a little bit more build up between them two. The lawsuit isn’t really focused on a lot.

Also unfortunately, I felt that development wise both main characters were lacking. And a lot of the supporting characters were forgettable. I had trouble remembering who they were, their relationship to the main characters, and what they did. However, I did like how most of them worked at the park.

Final Thoughts

All Downhill With You takes place in a charming theme park with a decent romance that does feel rushed at times. 

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