Asleep Without Dreaming by Barbara Forte Abate

Asleep Without Dreaming
by Barbara Forte Abate
Publisher: Halcyon Moon
Publication date: September 18, 2012
Genre: Literary fiction
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

Fourteen year old Willa Burkett has been waiting her whole life to leave Hoosick Falls—a nowhere place that fails to hold even a single good memory. But, when a series of vengeful incidents stir Willa’s mother Stella to impulsively pack-up and go, it is only to find themselves stranded in yet another ugly, near extinct town, only now, with a broken down car and no ready way out. Unable to move on until an alternate plan shows itself, they accept a job working for Omega Pearl Bodie, proprietress of the Moonglow motel—a long forgotten, steadily decaying relic, where mostly nothing happens—except now, when everything does.  It is here in this place of desperate loneliness and restless boredom that Willa will have her world rocked to the core in ways she doesn't immediately comprehend. The craziness of the life she’s left behind all but eclipsed by the dark turn of the here and now, as Willa attempts to keep one step ahead of the ever-twisting whims of a mother prone to keeping secrets and telling lies, a murderous arsonist returned to the scene of his earlier crimes to dole out revenge one fiery victim at a time—and Jesse Truman. A boy with indigo eyes that Omega Pearl has hired as handyman at the Moonglow—who Willa longs to save—if only she understood what it is he needs saving from.

Barbara Forte Abate’s writing style has always delighted me and I was pleased to accept an arc of Asleep Without Dreaming. Abate took me on a coming of age journey at the Moonglow motel with fleshed out characters and a look at life in a forgotten town. I quickly became caught up in this slow moving tale and let her words carry me away.

We meet protagonist fourteen year old Willa Burkett and her mother Stella, as they leave the town of Hoosick Falls in a dilapidated car with a cardboard window flapping in the wind. We learn this is a spur of the moment decision by Stella after a series of vengeful incidents occur. Twenty-four hours later, in the middle of nowhere USA, their car breaks down. A kindly man drops them off in the closet town and the Moonglow motel. When the car cannot be fixed, they find themselves stuck in this decaying long forgotten town, where nothing happens; that is until now. Here Willa meets Jesse Truman, a boy with the most beautiful indigo eyes. Between an arsonist, the colorful owner of the Moonglow and the ever charming antics of her mother; Willa will have her world rocked to the core.

Abate always provides us with the most colorful, fleshed out characters and this book was no exception. I found Willa fascinating and the mother in me just wanted to hug her. This summer would forever define her life and I enjoyed the journey. Her relationship with her mother, Stella was completely dysfunctional. The roles of parent and child was often reversed. Stella longs for something more and is selfish. I loathed her at times and sympathized with the life she has. I understand the loop she was trapped in. I could never overcome my feelings with regard to how she treated Willa and therefore she was my least favorite character. Omega Pearl Bodie the proprietor of the Moonglow, brilliantly captured the town busybody and shed truth on townsfolk turning a blind eye. Jesse Truman was a bit of a puzzle, but the more I got to know him, the more I liked him. The romance was sweet, fragile, and tragic. It showed the budding of a young girl’s feelings. An escaped convict named Norman Hitchcock and an arsonist add to the tale.   

The poignant tale Abate weaves unfolds like a slow, hot southern afternoon. This is a heartwarming tale with characters you become invested in. Glimpses into Willa's mind, hear heart and thoughts was so surreal.  While the pace is slow, the journey and its moments are enthralling as you read what transpires over this long lazy summer. With her pen, Abate paints the landscape surrounding the Moonglow. I could see the decay of the small town, the neglected flowerbeds, and the overgrown weeds. I could smell the fouled lake and feel the sun beating down on Willa’s face. Everything from the buildings to the people had a feel of being forgotten and used up. I was captivated by the mystery surrounded the escaped convict, the arsonist and Jesse. It was amazing seeing how all the different threads wove together in this beautiful, heartbreaking novel.

I highly recommend Asleep Without Dreaming to fans of literary fiction and character driven novels about coming of age. I enjoy this author and the places she takes me. I recommend that you check out her novel The Secret of Lies. 

I want to thank the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 5 cups of coffee out of 5

My review of Secret of Lies

Your House Is on Fire, Your Children All Gone by Stefan Kiesbye {review-giveaway}

Your House Is on Fire, Your Children All Gone
by  Stefan Kiesbye
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: September 25, 2012
Genre: Horror
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository 

The village of Hemmersmoor is a place untouched by time and shrouded in superstition: There is the grand manor house whose occupants despise the villagers, the small pub whose regulars talk of revenants, the old mill no one dares to mention. This is where four young friends come of age—in an atmosphere thick with fear and suspicion. Their innocent games soon bring them face-toface with the village's darkest secrets in this eerily dispassionate, astonishingly assured novel, evocative of Stephen King's classic short story "Children of the Corn" and infused with the spirit of the Brothers Grimm.

When I was younger I read two short stories that gave me the chills. I still remember them as if it were yesterday. They were Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. (click on the links to read them..eep)  Your House is on Fire, Your Children All Gone reminded me of those dark tales. The book takes us to the superstitious and creepy town of Hemmersmoor, Germany.  Four young friends share dark tales from their own childhood. This was spine-chilling and the perfect read for fall.

The tale is told from the points of view of four children who grew up in this remote village. They are Christian, Anke, Martin and Linde. While the book reads like a collection of short stories the author ties them beautifully together from Christian's POV. Christen has returned home after a death in the family. While there he revisits his youth. I wasn’t so much scared by the tales as totally freaked out, repulsed and fearful of the unknown. Told in a matter-of-fact tone each tale made me shiver. The stories overlap in time frame and that added to the tale. Kiesbye makes the accounts seem eerily real and I had to remind myself this is fiction.

From the ominous Kamphoff manor, to the family that mysteriously disappears and the child who kills; these tales will definitely give you the chills. The author cleverly revealed bits and pieces and set bait to keep you on edge. Is this town cursed? Are the people possessed? Is something in the water? The thrill in these tales lie in how close they come to reality and the way in which the author shares them with you. The synopsis refers to the Brothers Grim and this town definitely gives off similar vibes. *shivers* It reminded me of those old Hitchcock episodes I watched as a kid.

I enjoyed this strange little book and if you like creepy tales, then Your House is on Fire, Your Children All Gone is for you. I was at B&N and happen to see this on display and picked it up. I love the little creepy girl on the cover and as I picked it up *squeee* Be sure and check out the book cover -turn the image ever so slightly and eeeeeeeee! Brilliant, just brilliant! 

I want to thank Penguin books for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. *Purchases made through buy links result in a small commission which is used to fund our giveaways.

I gave this novel 3.5 coffee cups out of 5.

Giveaway Time!

Penguin Books has agreed to send a copy of 

Your House is on Fire, Your Children All Gone

to one of my followers

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Wait till you see the cover!!

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Every Day by David Levithan

Every Day
by David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf
Publication date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA Fiction
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

When I read the synopsis for Every Day I knew that I had to read it. I found the idea of waking each morning in strangers body thought provoking. Could I love someone who appeared differently each morning? What about all the senses surrounding that love..like the way they smell, the feel of their hand, the way their eyes sparkle when they laugh. David Levithan not only addressed these questions, he made me think about so much more. I feel in love with the characters, the journey and didn’t want this bittersweet novel to end.

The tale begins when we meet "A". Every morning "A" wakes up in a different body, sometimes male, sometimes female but always "A"’s age. "A" takes a moment and accesses the bodies memories and proceeds to live in them for a day. Every night at midnight "A" falls asleep  and every morning the cycle repeats.  "A" follows simple rules, avoids harming the body and goes about life. "A" has accepted the way things are, until the day "A" wakes in Justin’s body and meets his girlfriend Rhiannon. This is the day "A" begins to break the rules. Why?  Because "A" needs to see her again. The tale that unfolds is absolutely beautiful, heartwarming, thought provoking and original.  

"A" is such an unusual soul.  "A" is neither male nor female. He is a soul, a mind , an essence. For as long as he has lived this is the only true version of life he has ever known. Despite this crazy life he lives, he cares for his hosts..even does their homework for them.  He is careful not to permanently affect their lives until he meets Rhiannon. Rhiannon is sweet, sad and maybe a little shy. "A" loves when she opens up and her face glows. She holds back a lot and "A" blames Justin. Justin is a typical, self-centered high school dude and I didn’t care for him. The relationship between "A" and Rhiannon was complicated and sweet. At times "A" seemed a little obsessed but I kept asking myself how I would feel. While their relationship, screamed insta-love, it was the catalyst necessary for "A" to break character. The characters that "A" spends a day in came from every background  and I became wrapped up in each of their stories. They had as much substances as the main characters .

The world building is absolutely spectacular. From the first few pages I knew I was embarking on a journey that would forever change me. Levithan provides a beautiful tale of love, wonder and loss. He offered me a thought provoking read that I won’t soon forget. This was a fascinating look into life’s complexities. Levithan provided me with a window to countless souls; their joys and tribulations.  The author wove moral messages and questions about whom and what we really are. My emotions were all over the place on this journey. I laughed, I cried, I experienced shock and anger, hope and fear. It was mesmerizing. There wasn’t a single character that did not affect me or leave their mark. The flow was perfect and I loved the author’s writing style. His words rang true and made the tale feel genuine and the characters real. I quickly consumed this as the outside world melted away. The ending was beautiful, bittersweet and touched me in so many ways.

Every Day is an absolute must read; a book you will want to think about, talk about and share long after you finish it. This is a timeless tale and will appeal to all ages. I think it's the perfect read for a book club, group or high school English class. I have added David Levithan to my list and look forward to reading more of his work. I am also hoping he continues A's story.*hint-hint*

I want to thank Knopf Publishing and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. Purchases made through buy links on this site earn a small commission which helps support giveaways. 

I gave this novel 5 coffee cups out of 5.

The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson Tribute Blog Tour

I am happy to be a part of Tribute Books Blog Tour of

 The Priest and the Peach.

 Please take a moment to read my review and learn about the author.

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral. 
They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, uncharted and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson captures the life of the newly orphaned Peach kids as they struggle in the aftermath of their father’s death and plan his funeral.  This touching tale of faith and hope offers a glimpse into the lives of this working class Catholic family set in 1960’s Bronx, NY.  Steeped in faith and laced with humor Peterson’s tale delivers a powerful message "to love thy neighbor."

This was an emotional and heartbreaking tale. This dysfunctional family has seen a lot of heart-ache. They lost their mother to leukemia; their grandma stepped in to help and recently passed away. Mr. Peach suffers from grief at the lost of his wife and turns to the bottle. The church and Father Sullivan step into help, but sadly the liquor takes its toll, leaving eighteen year old Teddy and seventeen year old Joanie to care for their three younger siblings.  Teddy really steps up and trys to take care of them. Each of the kids is suffering and shows it differently. The youngest Joey thinks he is having conversations with his Dad. Add a nosy neighbor named Beatrice, an Aunt named Vera and a couple of drunks, you get quite the tale.

While I found parts of the tale to be rough, like the dialogue, which at times seemed awkward, the overall message and tale was delightful.  I enjoyed the lively cast of characters and their antics. Peterson captures their thoughts and emotions giving them depth.  This was a quick and easy read that I finished in just a few hours.  Peterson provides a touching tale of family, survival, faith, and hope. LYN.

I recommend The Priest and the Peaches to fans of faith-based tales and human endurance. Defined as young adult I think the tale is timeless and perfect for all ages. The Priest and the Peaches is currently available in eBook format.

I want to thank the author and Tribute Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this novel 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

About the author:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984. His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.  Larry posts a weekly commentary on his blog. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

Author's Links:

Blog

Facebook 

Twitter

The next stop on the blog tour stop will be at the blogs of

A Pocket Full of Books and Lissette E. Manning  on March 22, 2012.

To learn more about this tour and others visit the home of Tribute Books. 

You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby

Spare Change is the story of Olivia Westerly, a woman whose father disowned her when she tossed her nose in the air and left home in pursuit of a job he considered scandalous. He expected that she'd marry and settle into having babies as her friends had done; but Olivia simply couldn't tolerate the thought. Why just the mere mention of children sent chills up her spine.

Believing that children weigh a woman down like a pocketful of stones, Olivia avoids such entanglements for over forty years...but then she meets Charlie Doyle and everything changes. Even though Charlie has a son and a grandson he's supposedly never seen, Olivia is blinded by love and happily says "I do."

That happiness is cut short when Charlie dies before the honeymoon is over and Olivia returns home to find eleven-year-old Ethan Allen Doyle sitting on her doorstep. His parents are dead and only two people know the truth of what happened- Ethan Allen isn't talking and the murderer wants to make sure he never does. Olivia is the only one who can stop it from happening.(synopsis from Goodread)

Every once in a while you read a book with characters that touch you. It’s the kind of book you want to share with others.  Spare Change is that type of book.  It’s the story of a woman who fears marriage and children at a time when all women long to walk down the aisle. It is a beautiful, heartwarming tale about love, loss and unexpected gifts. It deals with a violent murder, a witness and those who wish to keep it a secret. Above all, this novel offers characters you won't soon forget. 

Told from multiple points of view, this tale seeped from the pages and wrapped itself around my heart. I loved Crosby’s writing style. She took me into the mind of each character and with the character of Ethan Allen; she touched my heart. I am the mother of three and I had this overwhelming desire to scoop him up and hold him.  Olivia cracked me up with her fears and superstitions and touched me with her bravery. Ethan Allen's mother is a memorable character who will shock you with her antics.  The folks within the apartment community were delightful and I loved the way they protected Ethan Allen. While Spare Change, could have been delivered in a dark tragic tone; Crosby focuses’ on the strength of humankind and the power of faith and love.

I highly recommend Spare Change to everyone. I read this novel in a few hours, but it will stay with me a lifetime.  In my opinion this novel could find itself on the classics bookshelf. This would make an excellent book of the month, as it is sure to create discussion and evoke emotions.  I am adding Betty Lee Crosby to my list of must read authors. This novel is available in paper and eBook formats. 


I want to thank the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this novel 5 coffee cups out of 5.                  Kimba


Author's website: Bette Lee Crosby

Buy at B&N(click cover below)

Or Buy it from Amazon here: 

Must Love Mistletoe (Holidays #1) by Christie Ridgway

A full-length contemporary romance for readers who enjoy Barbara Freethy, Susan Mallery, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Nora Roberts.

Bailey Sullivan can't stand Christmas, even though her family's business is a store specializing in the perfect holiday. But now her hometown's chief supplier of rooftop Rudolphs and treetop angels is in danger of going under--and it's up to Bailey to save the shop. She has it all planned: She'll arrive on December 1 and be gone by Christmas. Plus there's always spiked eggnog to ease the pain. But "Humbug" Bailey's not the only one home for the holidays. Finn Jacobson, legendary local bad boy turned Secret Service agent and Bailey's long-lost high-school boyfriend, is once again the boy next door. Only this time he's all grown up, and the sparks are flying faster and hotter than ever! Bailey believes in true love about as much as she believes in Santa Claus. But as the holiday draws closer, she's starting to think about one thing she'd like to find under the tree...(synopsis from Goodreads)

I purchased Must Love Mistletoe, for my Nook, because I was looking for a novel to put me in the holiday mood.  I have enjoyed other novels by Ridgway and the synopsis piqued my interest.  Must Love Mistletoe was a delightful romance about taking risks with your heart, empty nests and small towns.

The novel centers on Bailey Sullivan who left her hometown of Coronado the second she graduated. Despite the fact that she had plans with her neighbor’s bad-boy grandson Finn. Bailey and Finn spent every summer together, had a steamy teen romance and talked about plans after graduation. Bailey decided to to run before things got ugly. 

Bailey is a bright, hard working lawyer who drops everything to come home for the month of December. Her Mom and stepfather have separated and someone needs to run the family Christmas shop.  Imagine her surprise, when she sees the only man she has ever loved (not that she would ever admit it), all grown up and even sexier.  Just looking at him, is giving her flashbacks of their summers together. She is determined to stay as far away from Finn as possible. He got to close once and she can't take that risk with her heart. If only he didn't look so smoking hot in his jeans.

After an injury, Finn has taken time off from work to help his ailing grandmother. He never thought he’d run into Bailey. He’s determined to keep his distance. Bailey broke his heart and he’s never letting anyone get that close again. She made him believe in magic, then left without a word. Keeping away is going to be a problem, because the sight of all grown up Bailey is making him crazy.

The tale that unfolds is humorous and touching. The chemistry between Bailey and Finn is steamy, romantic and heart-breaking. I loved their witty banter and the nicknames they gave each other.  Ridgway had me flipping the pages hoping one of these idiots would open up and confess their true feelings. For the delicate reader, I must warn you some of the love scenes were very detailed.  

I highly recommend Must Love Mistletoe to fans of contemporary romances. Although, it centers on Christmas, this would be an enjoyable read anytime.  Ridgway is the author of How to Knit a Wild Bikini (Malibu and Ewe #1) and Crush on You (Three Kisses, #1). She has over fifty published works.  Must Love Mistletoe is available in paper and digital formats.  The second book in the series is entitled Not Another New Year's (Holidays #2). Each novel can be read as a standalone.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

                                          Kimba

Buy it now at B&N

click on the cover below:

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..(synopsis from Goodreads)


This gorgeous cover immediately caught my attention and after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read this debut novel. Everneath offers a modern day twist on the Greek myths Hades and Persephone and Orpheus and Eurydice.  Words that come to mind after reading this are brilliant, sweet, tragic, unique, dark and fascinating.

The protagonist Nikki Beckett is seventeen and has spent a hundred years in Everneath as Cole’s forfeit. Everneath is a world between heaven and hell where everlivings feed off forfeits to keep their immortality. When she returns to Earth, only six months have passed. She longs to reconnect with her boyfriend Jack and her family. She only has six months before the underworld will claim her again.  Cole is as an everliving and he returns to the surface to convince Nikki to stay with him and become an everliving. She must decide whether she will go to the tunnels and feed the everlivings or go with Cole and feed off others. Secretly, she longs to find a way to stay on the surface with Jack.

The tale that unfolds is beautifully written and goes back and forth between the year before Nikki went to Everneath and the six months before she has to return. This could have made the story awkward and confusing, but Ashton seamlessly takes us back and forth. She slowly reveals things, both frustrating and engaging the reader.  The characters are wonderful, and my opinions of them changed as the story unfolded. My feelings for Cole and Jack were all over the place, and I love when a writer is able to make me see more than one side. At first I found Nikki depressing and morbid, but as her story was revealed I fell in love with this troubled girl. She is stronger than she thinks and capable of more love then she knows. I found myself turning the pages to find out if Nikki would return to Everneath and be lost to Jack forever.  I figured out early on, how the ending would be. The author revealed clues and yet I continued reading hoping for another way out. The ending moved me and left me wanting more. I am anxiously awaiting the second book in this series.  I still have a few unanswered questions and a ray of hope that there can be a happily ever after.

I highly recommend Everneath to fans of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. If you enjoy Greek mythology you are sure to enjoy this refreshing modern take. I have added Brodi Ashton to my list of must read authors. This novel is available in both paper and digital formats.

I want to thank netGalley and HarperCollins publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5.            Kimba

Author's website:Brodi Ashton

Click on cover to buy at B&N:

Buy from Amazon here:

Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter and Diann Hunt

Four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway-and each finds her own true love along the way.

With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners-Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese--decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They'll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination! As Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese work to save the town, each discovers romance in her own life. Meanwhile, the faith of a little child reminds the whole town what it means to have real faith in the God who is the always and forever Love. Discover a novel written by four of Christian fiction's most popular romance novelists- friends in real life who've drawn an amazing story of four friends! Includes a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors". (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 Smitten was featured in the November newsletter of Booksneeze.com and I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis. I marked my calendar so that I could request it. There was a problem, and the release date was rescheduled to begin at midnight on Nov. 24^th. Not wanting to miss out, I set my alarm, and crawled out of bed to order it. I am so glad that I did because I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming tale.

Smitten is a contemporary romance with a dash of faith. Not to sound cliché, but I was completely smitten with Smitten.  Coble, Billerbeck, Hunter and Hunt deliver a fast paced romance, complete with small town charm. Main characters, Natalie, Julia, Shelby and Reese are completely different right down to how they exercise; but they are the best of friends. Each is a successful business owner, whose fate is tied to the closing of the lumber mill. They form an idea to turn the town into a romantic tourist destination. The only problem they face is getting the men of the town to agree. The main character's personalities are based on the author's themselves. I thought this was a unique way to get to know each a little better. In real life the four authors are best friends and lean on each other for support and faith. This was evident in the bond the characters shared. The characters are flawed, independent, smart, genuine and care about each other and the town of Smitten.  Two young characters Mia and Willow are refreshing and their unwavering faith a wonderful reminder to us all. The tale that unfolds is delightful, and as each woman brings her own visions to fruition, she unexpectedly finds true love. The romance between the couples was sweet. The interaction between each couple, made my heart flutter, made me cry and even laugh aloud.

At its conclusion, I was saddened that my time in Smitten had come to an end. Imagine my delight when I saw the announcement of next year’s novel Secretly Smitten. It promises to reveal a long-held secret. The release date is expected in December of 2012. I highly recommend Smitten to fans of contemporary romances, small towns and faith-based messages. All of these authors are successful in their own right and I encourage you to check out their published works. I am hoping that the four of them continue to collaborate.  This novel is currently available in both paper and digital formats.

I want to thank Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson publishing for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 5 coffee cups out of 5.

Buy here:B&N or here:Amazon
Author's websites:
Colleen Coble
Kristin Billerbeck
Denise Hunter
Diann Hunt

The Secret of Lies, by Barbara Forte Abate

Propelled by an insurmountable sense of desperation, Stevie Burke is recklessly abandoning home, husband, and outwardly contented life under cover of night; at last resigned to defeat in her long battle against the tortured memories of her past.  Days later, lost and floundering in a dreary motel room without plan or destination, it is a long ago song playing on the radio that gently tugs Stevie back through the dust of remembrance. 1957 - The last summer spent at the ancient house overlooking the North Atlantic.  A season which had unfolded with abundant promise, but then spiraled horribly out of control - torn apart by a shattering tragedy that remains splintered in fragments upon her soul.  And it is only now, when Stevie at last lifts her eyes to stare deep into the heart of her long sequestered memories, that the long held secrets of past and future are at last unveiled. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate has to be one of the best novels I have ever had the pleasure to read.  I was shocked to learn this is Abate’s first published work.  Her writing style brings to mind such authors as Harper Lee and John Steinbeck.  She writes with such detail, bringing images to life with the stroke of her pen. In her debut novel, she delivers a touching tale about, love, innocence, betrayal, loss and lies.

 Secret of Lies reflects back on events that occurred off the Atlantic coast during the summer of 1957. The story unfolds through the voice of protagonist Stevie Burke. When the tale begins, Stevie is sneaking out of her home and leaving her husband. She is driving aimlessly and ends up in a dark musty hotel room three days later. We can tell that she is deeply troubled by something. It is here, as an Elvis song plays on the radio,  that she reflects back on the summers, she and her sister spent at the shore home of their Aunt Smyrna and Uncle Cal.

Abate writes with a paint brush, bringing the seaside, storms, and fields to life. I could feel the wind and smell the sea air.  She has a gift for beautifully expressing the emotions and feelings of a first kiss, a betrayal and loss.  She unfolds the tale allowing the reader to put the pieces together before Stevie, giving us a sense of foreboding. While the subject matter is dark, Abate also shows us the light. We experience the joy of first love, childhood, and innocence.

Abates creates characters that you will love, pity and loathe.  The character of Stevie is beautifully portrayed and you cannot help but like her. The way in which Abate shows the interaction between Stevie and her sister Eleanor reminded me of my own childhood.  After the tragedy of 1957, we see firsthand how this affects Stevie. She struggles with the secrets and her memories. Years later,she meets Ash Waterman; through him she may finally find peace and happiness.  I found myself rooting for this young man as he struggles to understand Stevie.  The romance that develops between them is sweet, witty and romantic.

The story, the circumstances, and the impact it has on the characters is believable and touching. The events that occurred in the summer of '57 could have happened to any family. The ending is not wrapped up in a pretty little bow, but instead allows the reader to determine the outcome. While some may not like it, I feel it was appropriate. After all, life and family drama, do not come in neat little boxes.

I highly recommend this novel to everyone, but particularly those who enjoy books based on family, tragedy and human emotion. This would make a wonderful book club read.  I have added Barbara Forte Abate to my list of must read authors and look forward to her next book.


I want to thank the author for providing this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this book 5 coffee cups out of 5.

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

Author's website: Barbara Forte Abate

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock is a faith based novel set in Serenity, Texas.  This was a heart-warming novel about faith, love, second chances and the spirit of one small town.  I enjoyed the characters Blackstock created and the wonderful tale she tells. 

Carney Sullivan is tough as nails, a good mother and loves the people of Serenity as if they were family. Raised by con artist in a traveling carnival she knows a con when she sees one.  When Logan Brisco show up promising to make the dreams of this financially depressed little town come true she smells a con.  Despite her best efforts the people she loves can’t seem to get enough of Logan and his sweet words. 

Logan Brisco has one thing in mind when he enters the town of Serenity and that’s money. That is until he gets one look at spunky Carney.  The more trouble she gives him, the more he wants to win her over. Logan knows he should pack his bag and leave, he’s breaking all the rules in the business…but he just can’t resist Carney.

What unfolds is a delightful tale of faith, love and redemption. Blackstock creates a town and characters you will instantly love.  Suspense builds as you wait to see if Logan can be the kind of man Carney needs.

 Shadow of Serenity is beautifully written and its message clear. There were several suspenseful and touching moments in the book. The tale unraveled easily and I finished in less than two days.  I just have to tell you dear reader that I loved Jack and I am sure you will too.I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a faith based message.  I look forward to exploring more of Terri Blackstock’s novels.

 I would like to thank Shelby Sledge of Shelton Interactive for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

Author's website: Terri Blackstock

The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna

The iconic Cowboy: Pure alpha male, fiercely protective of all he holds dear. The last of a dying breed. Otherwise known as a pain in the rear.

City girl: It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse… With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can’t afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.

Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade’s world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

The Last Cowboy had all of the elements necessary to create the perfect feel good western romance.  The backdrop for the story was Jackson Hole, Wyoming near the Teton Mountains. McKenna had me longing to see this picturesque country side.  Next, she stirred in sexy, heart weary rancher, Slade McPherson. She introduced Dr. Jordana Lawton, a woman who could see through his stubborn exterior. Then, she sprinkled on a villainous neighbor, an estranged brother, disaster and a couple of beautiful horses.

The Last Cowboy grabbed me at page one and held me till the final page. The characters had depth and the plot moved quickly. The storyline was believable and the romance felt fresh. The sub-plot to the novel dealt with horse training and McKenna’s knowledge of the subject was apparent.This took up a large portion of the book but I found it to be interesting and it made ranch life burst to life. 

While this tale offered nothing new it was the perfect read for a rainy day and I enjoyed it immensely. McKenna left the door wide open for follow up stories to this tale, and I’d be happy to go back again.

I want to thank netGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review. This book will be released around November 29, 2011 and is available for pre-order. 

I gave the book 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

 Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon 

 Author's website: Lindsay McKenna