Category: Women’s Fiction

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Shifting Sands by Meredith Summers

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  • Title: Shifting Sands
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series:Lobster Bay #4
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place: Lobster Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Andie, Emily, Mary, Jules, Shane
  • Other Characters: Jane, Claire, Maxi, Damien
  • Stars: 4

I am really enjoying this series. This book is the 4th in the Lobster Bay Series.

Andie returned to Lobster Bay because their mom was going into a memory care facility. She has also been helping her sister get their family inn back in shape so she can begin making money. Andie took a leave of absence from her job in New York to help her sister and now she is wondering if she even wants to return to New York or stay in Lobster Bay. She bought an antique store that includes an apartment above it, but still, she feels like something is still missing. She still needs to have a purpose and project to keep her happy. Then an opportunity falls in her lap. She takes on the project of helping to renovate one of the oldest homes in Lobster Bay. That is if the ruthless Inspector doesn’t get in her way. To add to the drama, an old flame just happens to be one of the people helping to renovate the home, so some sparks are sure to fly.

This wasn’t my favorite from the series, but I did enjoy reading it. It is a great book to read while at the beach lounging. You can read it as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in order so you can really learn about each character. If you like a sweet story about friendship in a small town with a little romance thrown in, then you will love this book. This author knows how to spend a story so you feel like you are there.

Happy Reading.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Making Waves by Meredith Summers

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  • Title: Making Waves
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #3
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place:  Lobster Bay Maine
  • Main Character: Maxi, Andi, Jane, Claire,
  • Other Characters: James, Mike, Rob
  • Pets: 2 cats – Rembrandt & Picasso
  • Stars: 5

If you have read the first two books, then you already know that this series takes place in the coastal town of Lobster Bay and is about 3 best friends and their friendship and challenges. I really am loving this series and all the characters. They seem so real that I start to think of them as friends. Lobster Bay is a place I would like to visit.

This book can be read as a stand alone but it is best if you read them in order. That way you can get to know all the characters. This book’s focus is on Maxi. Maxi and her husband have been married for years and have recently become empty nesters. Everyone thinks that Maxie& James have the perfect marriage but do they? Maxi starts to wonder as her suspicions rise. Maxi’s dream has always been to become an artist so when she meets a guy who is opening an art gallery in Lobster Bay, could this dream finally come true?

Over at Tides, the Bed & Breakfast owned by Jane, is planning their first event, a wedding with a Bridezilla and mom who is even worse. This wedding could be what they need to save Tides, so it is very important that it goes off with a hitch. But does it?

Jane’s sister, Andi, is trying to make some tough decisions. Does she go back to her Job, Does she take the job her old boss offered her in New York or does she stay in Lobster Bay? You will need to read the book to find out.

I recommend this series. I can’t wait for book #4.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Death is Better at the Lake by Ashley Albi

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  • Title: Death is Better at the Lake
  • Author: Ashley Albi
  • Series: Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Spirit Lake, Iowa
  • Main Character: Scarlet James
  • Other Characters: Jasper Hall, Gabe, Justin, Julie, Ellie, Lily, Bree, Zoey, Della,
  • Stars: 5

Death is Better at the Lake is the first book in the Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and, I have to say, I am hooked. I love her writing and the mystery she weaves.

Scarlet is a literary agent in Chicago and she just broken it off with her boyfriend because of his betrayal. She got an urgent phone call that her grandmother, who practically raised her, has fallen, so she immediately heads home to Spring Lake, Iowa. While her grandmother is in the hospital, Scarlet stays at her house and gets together with some long time girlfriends.

She is worried about her grandmother but still able to enjoy her friendships with her girlfriends, that is until her ex shows up. She immediately puts him in his place and he leaves. Everything is going fine until her ex ends up dead and Scarlet is the prime suspect. Scarlet is determined to prove that she didn’t kill her ex.

I really loved all the characters in this story. The author has really developed the characters in such a way that I can really picture them. The protagonist is a strong independent woman who is determined to prove she is innocent.

The author will take you on lots of twists and turns until the Climax of the book. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of twists and lovable characters, you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Changing tides by Meredith Summers

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Tuesday, May 2, 2023

8:01 PM

  • Title: Changing Tides
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #2
  • Genre: Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place: Lobster Bay, Main
  • Main Character: Jane, Andie, Mike
  • Other Characters: Claire, Maxie, Addie, Sally , Shane
  • Pets: Cooper
  • Stars:5

Once again, we visit the quaint little town of Lobster Bay, Maine in the 2nd book of the series. This time the focus is on Jane Miller and her Bed & Breakfast, Tides, which has been in her family for generations.

Since Jane had to make the tough decision to put her mom in an assisted living home, the burden of running Tides has fallen on Jane. Unfortunately Tides is losing money. Jane promised her mom she wouldn’t sell it so she has to figure out how to save Tides.

When Jane is literally knocked over by a friendly dog, things seem to change. She also gets a little help from her friends and her estranged sister shows up.

If you love books about friends, family and community you will love this story. Read to find out if Jane is able to save Tides or does she have to sell. I am really loving this series and can’t wait to read book #3.

Happy reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

The Bucket List by Rachel Hanna

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  • Title: The Bucket List
  • Author: Rachel Hanna
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place: South Carolina
  • Main Character: Jill
  • Other Characters: Monica, Levi, Annie, Lila
  • Stars: 5

Wow, Just wow. That is how this book left me feeling. Rachel never disappoints. This book had me captivated by the very first word until the very end.

Jill’s best friend, Monica , dies way too young. To Jill’s surprise, she is in Monica’s will, but there is a catch. Monica left her a bucket list that she wants Jill to complete. She has to complete each task and then blog about it. Monica’s lawyer will keep up with the blog to confirm that each task is completed.

Jill has anxiety and she is not adventurous at all. Her husband died suddenly 15 years ago and it takes everything in her just to get out of the house. Of course her best friend Monica was the complete opposite and would go on all sorts of adventures. This is Monica’s way to get Jill out of her comfort zone.

This book was very relatable. I loved all of the characters but I could really relate to Jill in so many ways.

It is hilarious, sweet, romantic and all about discovering things about yourself that you didn’t know existed. I highly recommend this book.

Quote from the book:

“Anxiety is a thief. It steals your focus. It steals your fun. It steals your peace. It steals large chunks of your life as you zero in on your symptoms and your thoughts instead of paying attention to everybody around you. For the first time in my life, I’m determined to defeat it. I’m determined to tell it to sit in the back seat while I take us on the rides. Instead of letting anxiety drive, my new goal is to put it in the trunk.”

Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Borrowed Time by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Borrowed Time
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Anna
  • Pets: Diesel who is shared by Taylor and Sam
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, we visit Taylor Gray’s dysfunctional family. This time the focus is on Anna, whose husband has left her and has secrets of his own that will begin to unfold. We see a different side of Anna who is becoming a bit more human and relatable. She is learning how to get out from underneath a controlling husband and finding out that she really didn’t know the man she was married too.

While we are visiting Anna, Taylor has a new mystery of her own. Her friend Sissy has disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened to her. I have loved Taylor since book one of this series. She is strong and independent and when she is working on a case, she is determined to solve it. This story is no different except that it involves a close friend so it hits a little to close to home. It has become personal. This story takes a few twist and turns before we reach the climax. I did find the mystery a little too predictable, I kept waiting for another solution but it didn’t happen. Other than this I found the book to be very good.

The ending might have you a bit teary eyed. It is very emotional so have your tissues ready. If you like a whodunit and a family who, through everything, are closer than ever, then you will love this book. I recommend this entire series and I can’t wait until book #5.

Happy reading,

Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Saving Sandcastles by Meredith Summers

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  • Title: Saving Sandcastles
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #1
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
  • Takes Place:  Lobster Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Claire, Rob
  • Other Characters: Jane, Sally, Hallie, Addie, Maxie
  • Stars: 5

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be reading more. I really enjoyed this first book in the Lobster Bay Series.

Claire is divorced with a grown daughter trying to navigate the world as single again. She loves to bake and runs the only bakery in town. She has thrown her heart and sole into her bakery business and is doing great until a competitor opens a bread bakery across the street. She is threatened and fears that this competition could destroy the business she has worked so hard build. Not only this but there are some issues with the building’s faulty pipes. She has tried to hold off till she can get a loan but they seem to just be getting worse.

Everyone in town seems to like the owner of the new bread bakery, except for Claire. All she sees is that he is a threat to her business.

We also meet Claire’s 2 best friends, Maxi & Jane who are dealing with their own issues. Jane’s mother has Alzheimer’s and is dealing with decisions on the best way to care for her mother. Maxi and her husband are recent empty nesters and are trying to navigate their marriage now that there aren’t any kids living under their roof.

If you love a sweet heartwarming story of friendship, community with some romance thrown in, then you will enjoy reading this story.

Happy Reading,

Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Savannah Sisters by Lulie Roberts

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  • Title: Savannah Sisters
  • Author:Lulie Roberts
  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery
  • Takes Place: Savannah, GA
  • Main Character: Louisa
  • Other Characters: Devon, Henry, Winter
  • Stars: 5

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be reading more. This is a good story about family secrets and how to maneuver your life when secrets have been kept from you your entire life.

Louisa is planning her wedding with her fiance Henry. She loves her fiance but she isn’t sure she wants the big webbing and she is afraid to tell him. Her grandfather died years ago and she loved him with all of her heart. It was hard for her to move past that. Now her grandmother has died suddenly and she has to go to Savannah to take care of the funeral and her house. Louisa was raised by her grandparents and never knew her real parents. Her best friend goes with her to help her in Savannah but she tends to push her fiance away. Louisa struggles with trust.

There are some big secrets that have been kept from Louisa so now that she is all alone in the house where she grew up, she is determined to find out these secrets.

Why was she raised by her grandparents? What happened to her real parents? There are the secrets her grandparents have kept from her? Will Louisa and Henry get married? The author takes us on a few twists and turns until all these answers are revealed.

Once I got into the book, I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know all of these answers. I recommend this book to anyone who likes family drama and a good mystery about family secrets.

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Walks along the Shore – Kay Correll

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  • Title: Walks along the Shore
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Christie, Tony, Jill, Scott
  • Other Characters: Violet, Rose
  • Stars: 5

This was a sweet story of rekindled love along with a Wedding mishap

Christie and Tony are getting married and choose the quaint Blue Heron Cottages as their destination but things don’t quite go as planned. First her wedding planner is ghosting her and her wedding dress ends up being shipped to Paris. Everything seems to be falling apart until her best friend & maid of honor Jill steps up, along with the owner of the cottages, Violet and others in this small town and plan the perfect wedding in less than a week. It shows that if everyone pulls together miracles can happen.

During the wedding planning, the maid of honor, Jill and the best man, Scott seem to have a history that is causing a lot of stress since they are both participants in the wedding party. As much as Jill tries to avoid Scott they keep being thrown together.

This is a sweet, clean story of Community, friendship & rekindled love. I really liked this sweet romance.

When you read it, be sure to download the bonus epilogue to read the rest of Jill & Scott’s story. In the Ebook version, there is a link at the end of the book to join the author’s newsletter. Once you join, you will be emailed the bonus epilogue. It is worth the read.

Let me know if you read this book and give my your thoughts in the comments.

Happy reading

Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Memories of the Beach by Kay Correll

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  • Title: Memories of the Beach
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #1
  • Genre: Women’s fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance
  • Takes Place:  Blue Heron Cottages in Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Aspen & Willow
  • Other Characters: Violet, Walker, Tara, Rose
  • Stars: 5

This is was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read book 2 which I will be starting today.

This is the best story of 2 sisters who didn’t know the other existed until they both receive a letter to go to Blue Heron Cottages.

Aspen’s mother deserted her when she was 17. She didn’t have the best mother and they moved around a lot, never settling in one place. Aspen’s dad left them when she was a little girl so she never knew her dad. Even when she was little, her mom would leave her days at a time and she wouldn’t tell anyone because she was afraid of being taken away. She didn’t have a good mom but it was all she knew and she was afraid it could be worse if she was taken away from her mom.

Imagine her suprise when she received mail from an attorney that included a letter from her mom telling her to go to Blue Heron Cottagres in Moonbeam, FL . She has a weeks paid reservation there in her name. The letter said that she would find out about her past.

Aspen was suspicious but she had a dead end job so she figured why not. When she asked for a week off of work she was fired so she loaded everything she owned into her car, left her apartment and drove to Blue Heron Cottages.

Willow received an almost identical letter asking her to go to Blue Heron Cottages to find out about her past. Willow’s mom had died less than a year before and she was still grieving. Her mom tried to tell her something important on her deathbed but died before she could say it. Maybe this trip could answer some questions.

This is a story of these 2 women, not knowing about each other and then developing a bond they never could have imagined. Aspen has never had a real family and in Moonbeam she finds family, friends who are like family and even romance.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story about family and friendship and then there is also the beach.

Happy Reading