Movie Based on Book by Lisa Kleypas

Hey all I wanted to take a minute to let you all know the awesome news.  Lisa Kleypas' awesome book Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (  http://www.lisakleypas.com/bookChristmasEveatFH.asp) was used to make a movie on the Hallmark channel.  It's called  Christmas with Holly: Follow the linky!  http://www.hallmarkhalloffame.com  I hope you all enjoy the movie.  I know the book was AMAZING!

Here is a link to the book on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7989800-christmas-eve-at-friday-harbor













*I am one of "Lisa's Divas" - a group of select fans who share info & content related to Lisa's novels and get sneak peeks & chances to win swag in return.(

Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

Goodreads Description:

Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly….

Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.

My Rating:

My Review:

I loved the way this book was laid out. The story was great an the character development fantastic. I love how you get introduced to the whole family and their lives.  It's not just about one person!  I can not wait to try the recipes in the back also! Definitely a book you should pick up if you like contemporary romances and bonus it's all about chocolate! 

Samantha has the hard luck of being the only person who can save the family business from failure.  Blake, the bank manager, has his hands tied but really doesn't want to see Samantha's family legacy close doors or even worse be sold to another company!  Samantha has a quick fuse and makes quick judgments but she also is willing to give credit where it's due.  I love the dynamic between Blake and Samantha and the outcome.  In the story, the author throws in a bunch of wrenches to mess up Samantha's plans and I loved seeing how she rose above the challenges! Definitely pick this up!  

*Book was provided by the publisher for review but all statements are my own.*

Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer

Goodreads Description:

In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold—and hearts to match—but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house…

MARCIA GETS SCHOOLED…

Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor.

ON THE SUBJECT OF LOVE

A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcia’s past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman she’s become. Marcia, too, is surprised—by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why—why—must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcia’s rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellow—when they know that it’s much more than a hunch…?

My Rating:

My Review:

I really enjoyed meeting the whole Brady family and in particular Marcia.  It has a predictable outcome however the road to that ending is very well written.  Duncan has a hard life but is a very generous noble individual and it's very believable that his character would want to do exactly what he did in the book.  In fact I thought all the characters acted in a realistic manner.  I didn't think the story was overly original however it was a good entertaining read.  

Scotsmen Prefer Blondes (Muses of Mayfair #2) by Sara Ramsey

Goodreads Description:

She never wanted marriage…

When a friend is forced to consider a marriage of convenience, Lady Amelia Staunton is determined to rescue her. But her plans trap her in an illicit seduction, and Amelia must marry him herself. Malcolm’s all-consuming kisses and devilish humor might make up for her lost freedom, but she believes he will force her to abandon the Gothic romances she yearns to write. Since she can’t escape him, she must distract him from her secret…

He isn’t looking for love…

A powerful autocrat with a well-hidden rebellious streak, Malcolm MacCabe doesn’t need another beautiful mistress – he needs an obedient wife. Obedience is not one of Amelia’s virtues. But he’s too enthralled by her wit and passion to let her go – even if it means risking the political reputation he is building to save his clan.

Their hearts can’t survive the scandal…

Despite their intentions, every wicked embrace binds them together. But as their conflicting desires combust into insatiable hunger and unavoidable ruin, they must decide whether to pursue their personal destinies alone – or fight for the love that could destroy them both.

My Rating:

My Review:

I liked the overall story however I felt it was a bit long winded.  I found myself putting this down a few times just because I couldn't keep reading about Amelia feeling back about what happened or MacCabe harp on doing right by his family name.  It could have been cut down a lot an still had the same results.  The story as a whole was great though and worth the read. 

A Genleman Says I Do by Amelia Grey

Goodreads Description:

Iverson Brentwood has finally met his match. Catalina Crisp heats his blood like no other lady. Her alluring countenance has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to her, he can't give into his desire to possess her in every way...she is the daughter of the man he's sworn to destroy.

Catalina's father is a well-known writer, but wastrel whose disappearances continuously put them close to destitution. Something drastic must change, so it is with quill in hand, that Catalina completes her father's latest parody of Iverson and Matson Brentwood's spectacular arrival in London. When the story hits the newsprint, a darkly handsome man is at her door, looking for her father.

Seeing the dashing rogue in the flesh, for a bewildering moment dallying with the rake seems like the perfect fictional escape—and it's all she can do not to give into the madness of the intriguing man.

My Rating:

My Review:

I thought this was cleverly written.  I loved the banter between Catalina and Iverson.  I liked Catalina's strong personality and her capability to finish her fathers work when times were tough.  I felt for her when she was confronted by Iverson.  The romance is fantastic and the story funny.  Definitely a great read and a great addition to the series!

The Perfect Imposter by Wendy Soliman

Goodreads Description:

Struggling to escape her past and make ends meet as a modiste, Katrina Sinclair hopes the daring new wardrobe she's designed for her childhood friend Julia—now a marchioness—will attract the business she desperately needs. But Julia's help comes at a price: Katrina must take her place at a house party. They look enough alike for the ruse to work...until Julia's handsome former fiancé arrives.

Leo Kincade has been tasked with catching a traitor who steals from house parties to fund Napoleon's armies. Three women are suspected—including Julia. But when Leo intercepts her at the party, he finds an impostor who stirs an attraction stronger than anything he felt for Julia.

The mysterious woman shares Leo's interest, even if she won't trust him with her true identity. He should expose her at once, but he's too tempted to play along and see where her deception—and their passion—will lead...

My Rating:

My Review:

I thought this book was ok but could have been much more.  I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters however after a while of hearing they can't let anything happen gets sort of annoying.  I also got a little annoyed with the ending, though good and unexpected, it seemed a little out of left field.  

Beauty in the Beast by Christine Danse

Goodreads Description:
Journeying by steam-powered sled to London's Frost Fair to perform, Tara and three friends are trapped in a blizzard in the woods. A gruff, handsome stranger offers them shelter-and wants one thing in return. Stories. 

The travellers are glad to oblige. Their host, Rolph, is especially captivated by Tara's story of an orphaned girl raised by the Fae in the world of the spirits. Equally intrigued by Rolph, and aware of an electric pull between them, Tara encourages him to share a story of his own. When Rolph weaves a tale of a man who is doomed by his own folly to turn into a wolf at the full moon, Tara suspects there is more than a grain of truth in his words. 

When the veil between the mortal and spiritual worlds is parted, and danger threatens, will Tara make the ultimate sacrifice to save Rolph?

My Rating:

My Review:

I loved the supernatural aspects to this story.  I love Tara’s instant attraction to Rolph and her back story a LOT.  Rolph’s story was touching as well.  This book brought out a lot of emotions.  The stories told by the traveling troup are fun and each is different.  I wish it went more into the romance and I wish it didn’t end as soon as it did!   That however was hardly noticeable and I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes supernatural romances!  

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

THE SIREN centers on character Nora Sutherlin, an erotica writer and the hottest author in the fastest growing market in publishing. Nora has the entire industry buzzing about her new manuscript. But editor Zachary Easton, who left London for New York to escape a failing marriage and to work with the best young writers in America, isn’t convinced. He agrees to work with the notorious novelist on the condition that she rewrite her manuscript from start to finish within 6 weeks. Nora is determined to show Zach that while she may have a sinful reputation for play, she’s deadly serious when it comes to her writing.

As their partnership deepens, Nora brings Zach to her private club—an elite underground organization in the sexual subculture of BDSM, where Nora is a famed professional dominatrix. But Zach knows a thing or two about punishment himself and with Nora’s deadline looming, he isn’t going to ease her suffering until her book is perfect. After all, Nora understands that pain and pleasure are flip sides of the same page.

Tiffany Reisz was a former seminarian. She was studying to get her Master's of Theology student at a conservative southern seminary when she quit to follow her true passion - writing erotica.

My Rating:

My Review:

The Siren is one of the best books I’ve read!  The writer, Tiffany Reisz, knows how to write one fantastic engaging story! 

I loved the many different aspects of this story.  One being the romances of the main character Nora, past and present. The two male main characters, Zach and Wesley, interactions together and with Nora are fantastic.  Each scene is only one string in a vast web this story creates!  The ending is perfect but leaves you thinking!  I love the twists and unexpected facts that pop through in the story and I honestly don’t think the author could have done a better job! 

This book isn’t just about erotica and so if that isn’t your cup of tea I’d still recommend it.  This book makes you feel a wide range of emotions and makes you think about some serious things.   The Siren is just mind blowing, ask my husband!  After I read it, I kept saying ‘wow’ and ‘that was one fantastic book!’ 

Pick it up and find out for yourself!  If you do please tell me what you thought!   

Read and Rated but Not Reviewed Part 2

Again if you would like a review and it's not on my Goodreads, just comment and I will make sure to put it on top of my list to review for you.  I read so many books but my kids have been keeping me too busy!

Welcome to Serenity by Sherryl Woods------ 4 out of 5

Home in Carolina ------ 3 out of 5

Sweet Tea at Sunrise ------ 3 out of 5

Honeysuckle Summer ------ 3 out of 5

A Night Like This by Julia Quinns  3 1/2 out of 5

Along came a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle 4 out of 5

A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer 3 ½ out of 5

Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson 4 ½ out of 5

Sold to a Laird by Karen ranney 3 ½ out of 5

Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase  4 ½ out of 5 

A Scandalous Scot by Karen Ranney 4 ½ out of 5  

Scotsmen Prefer Blonds by Sara Ramsey 4 out of 5

Crash into You by Roni Loren 5 out of 5!

Read and Rated but only reviewed a few on my Goodreads

Hello I know I've been lacking on the reviews, but with school coming to a close and dance recitals and gymnastics shows all around I've fallen behind.  I have kept on reading just haven't had time to rate and review them all yet.  Here is the list of Reviews to come soon!

Wanted: Undead or Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks  ------ 3 1/2  out of 5

One Night in Scotland by  Karen Hawkins ------ 5 out of 5

The Memorist by M.J. Rose ----- 4 out of 5

More than Words: Stories of Hope by Diana Palmer, Kasey Michael, and Catherine Mann
-----2 1/2 out of 5

The Perils of Pleasure Julie Anne Long ------- 4 out of 5

More Than Words Volume 2 by Debbie Macomber, Sharon Sala, Jasmine Cresswell, Beverly Barton, Julie Elizabeth Leto.  ------- 3 out of 5

Rogue Dynasty  Amelia Grey             ----4 out of 5 ----- A Duke to Die For
                                                         ----4 out of 5 ----- A Marquis to Marry
                                                         ----4 out of 5 ----- An Earl to Enchant
                                                         ----4 out of 5 ----- A Gentleman Never Tells
                                                         ----5 out of 5 ----- A Gentleman Says I Do

Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle ---- 4 out of 5

Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson ------ 5 out of 5

A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare ------ 5 out of 5

Beauty in the Beast by Christine Danse ------ 4 out of 5

Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear ------ 3 out of 5

Prelude to a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle ----- 4 out of 5

A Courtesan’s Guide to Getting Your Man by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan 4 1/2 out of 5

The Perfect Imposter by Wendy Soliman ----- 3 out of 5

The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods

Goodreads Description:

Falling for "Maddening Moira" O'Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O'Brien's Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled…at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he's totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family.Given Luke's reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father's abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she's offered an amazing chance at a dream career of her own.Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanted as a summer garden.

My Rating:

My Review:


I was very disappointed by this book. There were too many points that were very irritating and the things I wanted to read about weren't elaborated on. I just got soo annoyed with the heroines insecurities and wondering about the same thing every other page. The ending seemed rushed and a total let down. I was just completely shocked with how out of character this book was to the others, IMO.

Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

Goodreads Description:

Lucy Ashton had long ago given up her quest for true love. In the rarified society of Victorian England, Lucy plays the game; flirting, dancing and dabbling in the newly fashionable spiritualism. Even marrying when and who she's supposed to. If the stuffy Duke of Sussex cannot spark the passion she craves, he can at least give her a family, a home of her own, and a place to belong. But when her polite marriage reveals a caring and sensual man, Lucy begins to wonder if she can indeed have it all.

But Lord Sussex is not the man the London ton has come to admire. And Lucy has some ghosts of her own, as well. Thus, when a blackmail scheme turns to threats of danger, the newfound peace of the Sussex marriage is cast upon the rocks. Passion has a price, Lucy learns. And not all ghosts stay buried.

My Rating:

My Review:

Lucy's obsession with her 'love' Thomas takes her to spiritualists trying to connect to her dead love who she though burned to death in his studio.  Lord Sussex, who loved Lucy, wants to prove that her 'love' Thomas was really a murderer and an evil man.  Through out the book the romance builds slowly and I was absolutely stunned by Lord Sussex' confession at the end!  The mystery and action in this book rival the first in the series and are FANTASTIC!  A must read!

Temptation and Twilight by Charlotte Featherstone

Goodreads Description:

Iain Sinclair, Marquis of Alynwick, is certain there is a special hell for him. An unrepentant rake, he holds nothing sacred – except for beautiful Elizabeth York. For years, Alynwick has tried to forget the woman he loved so well, and treated so badly. A woman who could hold nothing in her heart for him except hatred.

All of society believes Elizabeth, blind daughter of a duke, to be a proper young lady. But no one knows of her wanton affair with Alynwick. When Lizzy learns of her ancestor’s ancient diary – filled with exotic tales – she longs to uncover the identity of the unnamed lover within and hesitantly allows Alynwick, who claims to have knowledge of the “veiled lady,” to help her solve the mystery.

Eager to be Lizzy’s eyes, Alynwick brings the seductive text to life, and each night it takes greater effort for her to forget his betrayal. With each whispered word, her resolve gives way, without her knowing that a centuries-old secret will lead them to a present-day danger.

My Rating:

My Review:

I loved this book but not as much as much as the first two. I loved the romance between Iain and Lizzy, which has been building in ways through the series. The mystery of who was trying to take the items from the guardian's was obvious to me most of the book and I thought the ending was very anti-climatic and disappointing. I would tell anyone who read the other books that they have to read this one to have the mystery solved but that it isn't my favorite in the series.

The Werewolf's Wife by Michele Hauf

Goodreads Description:

The legacy he must obey…
The child she must save…
The man who threatens to fulfill her every fantasy…
and break her heart.

Alpha wolf Ridge Addison left his wife in Las Vegas, vowing to put their one reckless night of passion behind him and return to his clan. Thirteen years later he needs a divorce so he can become pack leader. Yet he's never forgotten the sensuous witch whose life he saved…or the knee-buckling kisses he still craves.

After they parted, Abigail tried banishing Ridge from her memory. Now her heart belongs only to her son. But when the boy is kidnapped, she knows she alone can't save him. Though Abigail's body still aches for Ridge, she's willing to give him his freedom in exchange for his help. But who will shield her heart from the only man she's ever let claim her, body and soul?

My Rating:

My Review:

I liked how this story was laid out and written. I liked the different surprises laid with in the story and I enjoyed the renewed romance. I also LOVED the strong personality of the heroine. I did feel the story could have been more but all in all I enjoyed the story. As a mother, I felt for Abigail. I was shocked how it ended and how it affected Ridge, but I was also very happy! I would recommend this to my friends!

THe Half-Breed Vampire by Theresa Meyers

Goodreads Description:

Ignorant of his true heritage, half-breed Slade Donovan is fated to feel like an outsider among his clan. Until a mysterious woman arrives with the ability to unlock his secrets—and make him crave a future he never believed he could have….As a game warden, Raina Ravenwing has only one mission in the Cascade Mountains: to hunt down a pack of rare wolves that is terrorizing her tribe. Her instant attraction to Slade is a distraction the beautiful wolf whisperer can't afford, unless she agrees to let him help her. Yet working so closely together only intensifies their passion…even as the unfolding truth of Slade's identity threatens everything Raina holds sacred.

My Rating:

My Review:

I enjoyed this story but not having read the first two in the series I felt I was missing something sometimes. It could be read alone but there are references to things you can only assume were mentioned in the first two books in the series.  I liked the romance but felt it was not too realistic.  One minute they were thrust upon each other unwillingly then it seems they are in love.  I did enjoy the story line and the action however.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Goodreads Description:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. 

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. 

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Rating:

My Review:

I picked this up because of all the hype around this book.  I really enjoyed it and I did like the unique qualities of this book.  It was definitely not what I expected.  It was more about the story then the erotica content and I really enjoyed that aspect.  I felt for Anastasia and her conflicted feelings about Christian and his unique tastes in sex.  I loved how Anastasia effected Christian as much as Christian affected Anastasia.  I was shocked and excited by the way the first book ended and I hope the second book follows through and makes me more happy.  We will see!

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Goodreads Description:

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind. 

Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles. 

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights... 

My Rating:

My Review:

I truly love the Alpha and Omega series.  I lost interest in Mercedes stories when these came out!  Anna's worry about her husband's stress levels and how he's dealing with the excess amount of killings he has to take care of.  She doesn't stop and finally Charles is given a break by his dad, and Anna is given the lead for the mysterious killings of wolves and other paranormal beings.  I loved the mystery and action and suspense.  Anna and Charles' relationship is renewed and the killer found!  Great read!

Charmed and Enchanted by Nora Roberts

Goodreads Description:

Charmed: Boone Sawyer never expected to move next door to a woman who looked like one of the fairy princesses he often wrote about. Anastasia Donovan had a serene kind of femininity that would baffle and allure any man who was still breathing – and Boone was definitely breathing!

Ana’s gift was for healing. Though her intriguing new neighbor made his living writing fairy tales, she didn’t think he’d easily accept her legacy. But when an accident put a life at stake, she could not deny her powers – though it could cost her Boone’s love, and risked her very life…

Enchanted: IT WAS AS THOUGH SHE WERE UNDER A SPELL

Lovely, guileless Rowan Murray felt drawn to brooding Liam Donovan with a power she'd never imagined possible. And his breathtaking kisses convinced her he felt the same. But she soon realized her darkly enigmatic neighbor was as elusive as the mysterious wolf she'd seen lurking about her cabin.

Liam was tormented by indecision. He understood he had no right to love Rowan, knowing what lay ahead. But the allure of her beguiling innocence overpowered his will until he could resist no longer. And he knew, if he was ever to make Rowan his, he had no choice but to reveal his incredible secret.

My Rating:

My Review:

I loved Ana's story and I really loved her story.  It was sweet and touching.  She had some hard lessons to over come and Boone helps her along.  Boone's daughter is adorable and I thought what Ana did was very brave and in the end proved her point about keeping Boone at arms length.  I like how the author wrapped up the book however and I just all in all thought the story was sweet.

Liam Donovan is a cousin of the characters in the series, and to be the head of the family if he chooses to take over for his father and wear the amulet.  He doesn't want to be controlled by fate but control his own future.  However then comes Rowan and he has some hard decisions to make.  I liked Rowan a lot and was so happy when she decided to take her life in her own hands and not be bullied into a life she didn't feel was right.  I liked the romance of the two but felt it was missing something to make it a all out 5 out of 5.  

Captivated and Entranced by Nora Roberts

Goodreads Description: 

Captivated: Screenwriter Nash Kirkland figured self-proclaimed witch Morgana Donovan would be a great "resource" for his next horror movie. The problem was, getting to know Morgana was becoming an obsession.

Was he truly in love, or was he just bewitched?

Morgana could accept Nash's skepticism, and, fortunately for him, she found him outrageously attractive as well as endearingly sweet. But could an ordinary man handle being in love with a rather extraordinary woman?

Entranced: Obviously psychic Sebastian Donovan was a fraud, but fiercely protective Mary Ellen Sutherland was desperate to find a missing baby and had run out of leads. So, reluctantly, the skeptical private investigator agreed to enlist Sebastian's help. Soon she had to admit - grudgingly - that this man had some pretty remarkable gifts. Especially his extraordinary ability to penetrate her tough facade and awaken her heart.

My Rating:

My Review:

Morgana was my favorite of all the Dovovans.  That being said, since she is the first you meet she makes a great impression!  Morgana has a occult store and has some crazy powers.  Her relationship with Nash is awesome an funny and HOT.  I loved how she finally proved she really was a witch!  

Sebastian is a troubled soul and has a hard magic gift to deal with, psychic abilities.  He can't say no however when a baby boy is stolen, and it doesn't hurt that Mary Ellen is around.  I enjoyed their search and final take down of the people responsible.  And of course the romance was good, a bit slower in pace then Morgana's but the content of this book is a bit more serious then Morgana's as well.  

Definitely recommend these books and the entire series in fact.  

More Than Words Stories of the Heart by Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, and Meryl Sawyer

Amazon's Description:
Even as you read these words, there are women just like you stepping up and making a difference in their communities, making our world a better place to live. Three such exceptional women have been selected as recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award. To celebrate their accomplishments, three bestselling authors have written short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

Debbie Macomber touches the heart in What Amanda Wants—a young woman's story of strength and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Brenda Novak's Small Packages shows us how the love of a very special baby boy helps two people get past their pain and embrace a hopeful future…together.

Meryl Sawyer explores the importance of creating balance in our lives, stopping to smell the roses and making time to chase our dreams in Worth the Risk.

My Rating:

My Review:

I really enjoyed all the stories in this book.  I thought they were well laid out and written. The book definitely made you look at your own life and be thankful for what you had!

Betrayal by Christina Dodd

Goodreads Description:

At nineteen, Noah Di Luca was Bella Terra's golden boy, handsome, confident, and untouched by the shadows that tormented his brothers...or so it seems. Driven by ambition, beautiful teenage Penelope Alonso fought her way out of the ghettos. During one hot summer, they came together in the sweetness of first love...until his past reared its ugly head and Noah walked away.

Nine years later, Penelope returns, never imagining she'd see Noah or that one glance would wake their fiery passion. As peril builds around them, Penelope has one choice: to survive, she must once again trust the man who betrayed her.

Even with terror stalking through Bella Terra's streets, love may be the most dangerous choice of all.

My Rating:

My Review:

I was so disappointed by this book.  It wasn't really the writing but the direction of the plot that made me frustrated.  I felt left wanting and there just wasn't the punch like there was in the other two books and in other books written by this author.  It does wrap everything up and I absolutely LOVE the twist at the end but I guess it was just too neat and not as suspenseful and the others.

So Many Books, SOOO Little Time

I have not stopped reading though I haven't posted any blogs in a while.  I have been reading, A LOT.  I however haven't had any time to blog about them let alone rate them on Goodreads!  BUT I wanted to at least list the books I've read so you know what to look forward to in the next week or so as I catch up.

Betrayal by Christina Dodd 3 out of 5 stars Finished 4/?/12

More than words Stories of the heart: by Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, and Meryl Sawyer 3 out of 5 stars Finished 4/?/12

Captivated and Entranced by Nora Roberts Both books 4 out of 5 stars 4/12/12

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs 4 out of 5 stars 4/20/12

Fifty Shades of Grey 4 1/2 out of 5 stars Finished: 4/24/12

The Half-Breed Vampire 2 out of 5 stars Finished: 4/25/12

Wanted: Undead or Alive  4 ½ out of 5 stars Finished: 5/2/12

One Night in Scotland 5 out of 5 stars Finished:  5/3

The Memorist by M.J. Rose 4 out of 5 stars Finished: 5/4

More than Words: Stories of Hope by Diana Palmer, Kasey Michael, and Catherine Mann 3 out of 5 stars

Finished: 5/6

The Perils of Pleasure Julie Anne Long  3 ½ out of 5 stars Finished: 5/7

So here is a quick review....I'll post my detailed opinions as I can get to it.  

The Reincarnatinist by M.J. Rose

Goodreads Description:

THE REINCARNATIONIST is equal parts modern-day thriller, historical fiction and love story. With one foot in present-day Rome and New York and another in Rome some 1,600 years ago, my story is about two worlds consumed by the fires of intrigue and passion. 

Photojournalist Josh Ryder survives a terrorist's bomb, only to be haunted by near hallucinatory memories of a past life in Rome as a pagan priest whose dangerous congress with Sabina, one of the Vestal Virgins, poses a transgression so serious the lovers will face a certain death if exposed. Scents of jasmine and sandalwood and images of furtive liaisons and violence descend on Josh at will, pulling him to an ancient yet strangely familiar Roman burial chamber harboring the remains of a woman clutching a wooden box. 

A trail of present-day murders takes us deeper into a labyrinth at whose heart lies the enigma of a collection of ancient gems or memory stones whose origins trace back to both ancient Egypt and India. The stones' promise to "assist the wearer in reaching his next incarnation" sets the ancient and modern worlds on a collision course. 

The questions of who we are cannot be asked without first asking who we were. And I've tried to answer that using my own research into reincarnation theory - as well as the tenets and writings of those who have studied and believed in reincarnation over thousands of years.

My Rating:

My Review:

I read the 4th in this series, and had to pick up the rest.  This is the first in the series and was the search for the memory stones in Rome.  These stones are said to help people remember their past lives.  One person, who works for a society that researches reincarnation in children, has had flashes of previous lives ever since an accident involving a terrorist bombing in Rome.  This story is about his story and search for answers and also about the value of the stones and those who do anything to get their hands on them!  Such a awesome mystery and suspense!  I can not wait to get going on the second in the series.