A Sugar Creek Christmas: A Novella (A Sugar Creek Novel) by Jenny B. Jones

Book Description:

Sometimes all love needs is a second chance. 


Morning television show darling Emma Sutton has just been fired. The only way to get her job back is to find a holiday story to warm the coldest heart. So when her hometown of Sugar Creek, Arkansas, needs a Christmas event planner, Emma moves back, sure her story lies in the town’s desire to become a tourist’s holiday wonderland. The plan is perfect—until Emma meets her new boss. 

Charming, handsome Noah Kincaid isn’t just Sugar Creek’s newest mayor. He’s also Emma’s ex-fiancé. Ten years ago Emma left Noah her ring and a goodbye note, but it’s haunted her ever since. The last thing Noah wants to do is work with the woman who broke his heart, but Emma’s desperate to prove to him that her bah-humbug ways won’t interfere with her work. 

Emma finds it’s more than the mistletoe drawing her back to Noah. Whatever they had is clearly not over, but Noah’s kisses can’t protect Emma from a past that won’t leave her alone. As the snow falls and the trees glisten, love will come to Sugar Creek. But will it come in time to make all of Emma’s Christmas dreams come true? 

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What a great novella! This one will put a smile on your face and warm your heart! I loved the characters (main and secondary), the sparks, the story and how it all came to life! I flew through the pages and couldn't put it down till the last page - literally! It was the perfect read for the evening and in general... I came away from this one with that awww, giddy, sweet romantic, happy feeling.

Christmas or not, this is a story to be enjoyed! I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. It will be fun to see the "crazy" and completely lovable grandma again, not to mention more of the characters that were so endearing in this novel. Jones has a way of gifting you not only with humor, romance, and truth but the ability to believe it is all real.

So pick this one up and settle in for a good read!

The Wishing Season (A Chapel Springs Romance, Book 3) by Denise Hunter

Hunter has crafted another well written and engaging novel, filled with chemistry, heart and a plethora of other things to keep the pages turning! PJ and Cole are sure to find a soft place in your heart; you will cheer for them, hurt with them and enjoy flying through the pages to see how things work out. I chuckled, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

This story is so well done, the characters' lives seem to leap off the pages. And Hunter's message woven in and out, of faith, hope and love comes through so naturally, not pushy or seemingly out of place but all part of the overall story. It rings true! 

This is one of those novels, that when you reach the end you are sad to see the last page. I can say, that I highly anticipate Hunter's next release, Married til Monday (Book 4 in the series, coming in June of 2015)! So for all of you out there looking to read a romance with some heart, look no further this one is for you!

Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope, Prequel): A Novella by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:

Having grown up in a lighthouse, loneliness is all Isabelle Thornton has ever known--and all, she assumes, she ever will know. But when her lightkeeper father rescues a young man from the lake, her sheltered world is turned upside down.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund's Out of the Storm is her first ever novella and introduces readers to Beacons of Hope, a new series set in the 1800s amid the romance, history, and danger surrounding the Great Lakes lighthouses of Michigan.

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I absolutely adored Isabelle and Henry's story! A delightful, little novella and prequel to the Beacons of Hope series. If you have a chance, start the series off with this one, but you certainly don't have to. It can be easily read alone or after Book 1.

Hedlund amazes me with her ability to craft characters with depth and a story that shines within such a short amount of pages. You will be fully engaged from the beginning and left with a smile upon your face at the end. Truly, a sweet romance!

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, Book 1) by Jody Hedlund

Hedlund once again captures your attention and your heart, as she propels you through a novel rich with history, hope, engaging characters and a plot that holds you until the very end! I have yet to read a novel of hers that I have not loved. 

Not only are her novels so well written, her characters and their chemistry so engaging but she captures a place and time in history and brings it to life. I eagerly look forward to the end of her novels where she reveals her source/inspiration for the novel.

Helund also manages bring forth truth in a way that is not pushy but flows. Themes of grace, mercy, hope, forgiveness, trust and more abound in this one. Definitely, a novel not to be missed!

*** I discovered after finishing this novel that Hedlund actually has a prequel/novella for this series called Out of the Storm. You may want to check that out for yourself prior to this novel. Or like me, follow-up with it!

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

I am short on time today, so forgive my brevity. Let that in no way dissuade you from reading this novel!

Klassen writes an intriguing and well crafted tale, in The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Mystery, a dash of suspense, add in romance,  well developed characters and a good plot, and you will find yourself immersed in this novel. While, I could guess at who or what I thought might solve the mystery, really until the end you cannot figure it all out. Well done!

While this is not my favorite novel of Klassen's, I did thoroughly enjoy it! And I hope you will too!

Hawk (The Quiet Professionals Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

Book Description:
Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an “other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

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Another enjoyable read from Kendig! While the first half was interesting - no doubt, the second half of the book definitely picked up speed! Towards the end I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. There are definite hints towards Book 3 and a nice lead up.

I only hope I get to see more happening with our other couples in Book 3, as well. While there was a a romantic interest in Book 2, it was really more geared toward military stuff, action and suspense. So if that is what you are looking for... this is right up your alley!

A Katie Parker Production Series by Jenny B. Jones

In Between (A Katie Parker Production Book 1) 

Book Description:

Can we overcome our past? 

Katie Parker is about to get a new life—whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full-scale plan to get sent back to the girls’ home when she finds herself in over her head...and heart. When Katie and her new "wrong crowd" get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring a historic theater with a crazy grandma who goes by the name of Mad Maxine. In the midst of her punishment, Katie uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realizes she's not the only one with a pain-filled past. Katie must decide if she'll continue her own family’s messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.

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What a fantastic YA novel! And I am not even a YA reader, but believe me it doesn't matter your age, I think anyone can enjoy this novel. Also, I can think of several YA, I will recommend this novel to! Not only does Jones paint a scene and circumstance so realistically, as well as characters that ring true, she manages to do this all while captivating your interest and engaging your heart! It has both humor, wit and depth. I am looking forward to book 2 and seeing what will happen next!

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On the Loose (A Katie Parker Production Book 2)

Book Description:

Six months into her stay with her foster parents, Katie Parker is finally adjusting to her new family. But when a tornado rips through the town of In Between, nothing is ever the same. When her foster mom, Millie, is diagnosed with cancer, Katie begins to doubt if God really does care. What will happen to Katie? Could she possibly have to leave In Between and the family she's come to depend on? Things spiral even further out of control when Katie juggles a malfunctioning best friend, Spring Break plans, and holding the attention of her own Prince Charming. It's going to take more than a glass slipper and some fairy dust to fix Katie's problems. But will help come in time?

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Katie Parker is a character not to be missed; nor this series! I laughed (out loud several times), I cried, and I devoured this novel! This may be a YA novel but I challenge anyone to give this series a try, you will not be disappointed. Jones is a brilliant author, who not only crafts a well written story but does it while keeping you completely charmed and captivated all the way through!

With witty writing, completely believable and likable characters, and insightful humor this novel navigates the ups and downs of life, family, friendships, faith and more. Jones manages to impart some wonderful and insightful truths while not being preachy, it just flows and breaths true. Bring on Book 3!!!

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The Big Picture (A Katie Parker Production Book 3) 

Book Description:

How do you walk away from love? 
Katie's bio-mom is fresh out of prison and wants to start a new life with her daughter--in a new town. Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving the family she loves, an endangered town drive-in, and a boyfriend who can't take his eyes off his ex. 

As life with her mom takes a serious nosedive, Katie must rely on her faith to keep it together. Yet God seems to be nowhere around. Katie struggles to keep it together, taking care of her mother and spending time with a handsome new friend who makes her question everything. Will her big picture ever include a happily ever after?

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Another ace in the hole! While this novel started off a little slower, it picked up pace and didn't leave my mind, even when I had to set it down. While, this one was not as humorous, it had some really intriguing aspects to it. You really get to see some character development and growth, and meet a few new additions to the cast of characters! One not to be missed! Bring on Book 4!

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Can't Let You Go (A Katie Parker Production Book 4)

Book Description:

An old love whose kisses make her weak, but whose secrets threaten to destroy all she holds dear... 

Fresh out of college, Katie Parker had it all—a charming romance, a role in a famous stage production, and an idyllic life in London. Until she found her boyfriend cheating and got herself fired from the play. Leaving everything behind, Katie hops a plane home, only to run into her first love, Charlie Benson. As the couple returns to In Between, Katie questions everything she ever thought she wanted—including a renewed romance with her high school flame. 

While she attempts to rebuild her life, Katie's plan to manage the family’s theater meets a devastating obstacle, dragging her into a legal battle that will rock her small town. And the boy who once broke her heart seems to have the power to do it again. As Charlie’s secrets unravel, Katie must make a choice. Can she overcome her past and trust Charlie with her heart again? 

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I absolutely loved this series! From the great characters, laughs, drama and faith insights, it was in every way compelling and enchanting! I am terribly sad, to bid ado to Katie Parker and the wonderful and zany characters, I have come to care about.

Jones truly has a gift and I am so glad she is sharing it with all of us! I look forward to reading more by this author and I highly recommend this series to one and all, YA or older... Take a chance, you will be delightfully pleased!