Tag: Women's fiction

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Grits & Grievances by Rachel Hanna

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Title: Grits & Grievances
Author: Rachel Hanna
Series: Jubilee #5
Location: Jubilee
Main Character: Coop, Whitney, Tate
Other Characters: Madeline, Brady, Genevieve, Wanda
Rating: 5

Grits & Grievances is a wonderful addition to the Jubilee series. From the very first page, I was captivated by the lively characters, vivid descriptions, and engaging storyline that transported me to the small Southern town of Jubilee. Rachel is a remarkable storyteller, skillfully weaving together themes of friendship, love, and resilience to create a heartwarming tale of new opportunities, forgiveness, and understanding.

When a new restaurant opens in Julblee, Coop, the owner of the local diner, worries that it will negatively impact his business. Imagine Coop’s dismay upon discovering that his daughter, Whitney, has befriended the owner of the new restaurant. This leads him to believe she has turned to the “dark side,” creating a significant rift between them. Whitney also has her own dreams of starting a business, which her dad does not support. She must decide between her father, her aspirations, and her growing feelings for the new restaurant owner, whom her dad views as the enemy.

We also have the opportunity to catch up with other residents of Jubilee, such as Madelaine and Brady, which is always enjoyable.

Grits & Grievances is more than just a story; it’s an experience that keeps you feeling uplifted and connected to the characters long after you’ve turned the last page. If you enjoy stories centered on family, friendship, love, dreams, and commitment, all set in a charming small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will love this new installment in the Jubilee series. Having read all of Rachel Hanna’s books, I can confidently say she consistently delivers. She has crafted another wonderful story, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

This book will be released on February 25th on Amazon. Grits & Grievances (The Jubilee Series Book 5) – Kindle edition by Hanna, Rachel. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

You can also buy it in Rachel’s store Grits & Grievances – Jubilee Series Book 5 (EBOOK) – Rachel Hanna

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

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Title:A New Leash on Life
Author: Patricia Sands
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Libby
Other Characters: Don, Matthew, Amy, Marge, Rosie, Matilda, Dorothy, Leslie, Ethan, Matilda, Emily
Pets: Labrador Retriever named Chance
Rating: 5

This is the ninth and final book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, and I must say, I will miss all the characters and dogs from Dragonfly Cove. Each book in this series is beautifully written and heartwarming. Although each book is penned by a different author, they fit together so seamlessly that you would think they were the work of a single writer.

This episode focuses on Libby, a retired librarian. Her husband has dementia, leading her to place him in a care home, while her only son and his family have temporarily moved to Australia. Before their departure, Libby’s son and daughter-in-law reserved a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder, to be picked up upon their return. When they learn that their stay in Australia will be longer than initially planned, they ask Libby to take care of the puppy until they come back. Reluctantly, Libby agrees. Little did she know, this decision would turn out to be the best one she ever made.

Libby’s journey of navigating the challenges of caring for her husband with dementia while temporarily looking after a new puppy is both touching and inspiring. The author skillfully captures the emotional depth of the characters, making them relatable and endearing. The playful puppy brings a delightful charm to the story, illustrating the healing power of canine companionship. The plot is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers captivated from beginning to end.

As a big fan of Labrador Retrievers, the inclusion of Labs in the stories sealed the deal for me. If you’re a fan of heartwarming stories featuring dogs (especially Labradors), you’ll love this series.

Make sure to explore all the books in this heartwarming series.

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson

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Title: Teacher’s Pet
Author: David Johnson
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #8
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Dorothy
Other Characters: Craig, Harliss, Hope, Drew, Nelda, Officer Fischer, Allie, Dr Livingstone, Louise
Pets: a Labrador Retriever named Sadie
Rating: 5

Teacher’s Pet, the eighth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, certainly lives up to expectations.

Dorothy, a retired teacher from Nashville, has moved to Dragonfly Cove, where she lives alone in a 55-and-over community. A dog lover at heart, she recently adopted a puppy named Sadie from a local breeder, Leslie. Sadie is smart, adorable, and loyal.

Dorothy was hurt by a lost love, making it difficult for her to open her heart to others. However, with the help of her adorable puppy, will she finally learn to trust and love again?

This heartwarming story beautifully portrays the bond between Dorothy and Sadie. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys of self-discovery, healing, and embracing new beginnings are both touching and inspiring.

If you love stories that celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions, “Teacher’s Pet” is a must-read. It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting and feel-good experience!

I also can’t resist a story that includes Labrador Retrievers, so that’s definitely a plus.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Loyal and True by Ev Bishop

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Title: Loyal and True
Author: Ev Bishop
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #5
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Leo
Other Characters: Zane, Nora, Libby, Leslie, Marsha
Pets: Loyal & True (Leo’s adorable Yellow Labs)
Rating: 4

“People rush to get rid of grief because they see it as hanging onto loss. But grief is really hanging onto love, which is why you always feel it.”

The fifth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series was written by Ev Bishop and it’s the first work of hers that I’ve read. I found her writing style enjoyable, as she effectively captures the healing power of companionship, whether through dogs or friendships.

In this installment, we follows Leo as she navigates life after the loss of her sister while taking on the responsibility of running their beachfront bookstore, Beach Reads which they opened together as part of their shared dream. The sudden loss of her sister  altered that dream significantly. However, the arrival of two adorable Labrador puppies brings a glimmer of hope into Leo’s life, aiding her  healing process and helping her to embrace new beginnings.

The Author’s writing is both touching and relatable, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The interactions between Leo and the new people she meets in the community feel genuine and heartwarming, adding depth to the narrative.

Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the bond she forms with her puppies is both healing and heartwarming. I felt the book lingered a bit too long on Leo’s grief, which became almost depressing. However, as she developed friendships that aided her healing, I truly enjoyed the direction the story took.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini

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Title: Unleashed Melody
Author: Julie Carobini
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #7
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Melody
Other Characters: Ethan, Maria, Lola, Hank
Pets: Willow
Rating: 5

Unleashed Melody is a wonderful addition to the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series. Like the previous books, it tells a heartwarming story of friendship, starting over, self-discovery, finding love in unexpected places, and the healing power of canine companionship.

Melody is working to recover from a difficult relationship, so she takes a job managing an inn in Dragonfly Cove, FL. While she loves her job, she often clashes with her new boss as she attempts to implement changes at the inn. However, a spirited puppy named Willow, whom Melody adopted from a local breeder, might be just what she needs to mend her broken heart.

If you are a fan of women’s fiction and love books that feature a dog, you will enjoy this series and fall in love with all the characters.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice

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Title: Coming Home to Heel
Author: Jodi Allen Brice
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #6
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Nora
Other Characters: Hannah, Lance, Kuno, Emily, Leo, Carolina
Pets: Charlie
Rating: 5

This 6th book in the Dragon Fly Cove Dog Park Series does not disappoint.

Get your tissues ready for this heartwarming story of loss and new beginnings.  And how a puppy can be just what you need when things seem to be falling apart.

Nora’s mother has just passed away, leaving her the beach house in Dragonfly Cove. When her friend takes her to pick out a puppy, Nora discovers that this was her mother’s wish. Her mother had already paid for a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder. Initially skeptical about getting a puppy, Nora soon realizes that this might be exactly what she needs.

When her estranged son reenters her life, things become more complicated. Will her new puppy, Charlie, and her handsome neighbor help her heal and move forward?

This is a great book that kept my interest from the very first page. If you love stories about new beginnings and moving forward when everything seems to be crashing down and of course add in a puppy, you will love this heartwarming story.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske

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Author: Barbara Hinske
Title: Back in the Pack
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #4
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Drew, Allie
Other Characters: Marsha, Cathy, Jill
Pets: Earl & Lilly
Rating: 5

This fourth installment in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, written by Barbara Hinske, is a true delight. I fell in love with Drew and Allie when they were first introduced in Book 3, Heart’s Unleashed. While Heart’s Unleashed is told from Marsha’s perspective, this book offers Drew’s point of view.

Drew and his daughter Allie are both coping with the loss of Allie’s mother. Before her passing, they had signed up with a breeder to adopt a puppy. Drew expected it to take another six months, but when he received a call that a puppy was available immediately, he decided that a puppy might be just what Allie needed to help her heal.

The author beautifully captures Drew’s journey as he navigates life as a single father, helping Allie cope with the loss of her mother. Adding a puppy to their lives not only aids in Allie’s healing but also helps Drew learn to navigate their new normal. The story is both touching and inspiring.

This story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted.

If you love dogs and enjoy a well-written tale of hope and new beginnings, you are going to love Drew and Allie’s story.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L . Grace

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Title: Heart’s Unleashed
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #3
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Marsha
Other Characters: Craig, Drew, Allie
Pets: 2 adorable Yellow Lab siblings name Earl & Lilly
Rating: 5

This is the third book in the Dragonfly Dog Park Series and is written by Tammi L. Grace.

I have read other books by this author and really enjoy her writing style, and this one does not disappoint. Although the beginning is a bit slow, I found myself eager to keep reading and I am so glad I did.  If you read any of other books by this author, you will recognize another character who makes an appearance in Dragonfly Cove.

The author’s ability to create relatable and endearing characters is truly remarkable. Each character’s journey is thoughtfully explored, and their interactions feel genuine and touching. The story is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, making it an uplifting read. The plot is beautifully crafted, filled with moments of love, loss, and personal growth that resonate deeply.

The main canine characters, Earl and Lilly, are loveable and have a significant role in the story. I appreciate how the author presents a good portion of the narrative from Earl’s point of view offering a unique perspective.

This third installment in the series once again tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and is looking for a heartwarming and beautifully written story!

Happy ReadingL

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

A Very Berry Christmas by Rachael Bloome

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Title: A Very Berry Christmas ( A Poppy Creek Novela)
Author: Rachael Bloome
Main Character: Frank Barrie
Other Characters: Beverly, Nate, Juliet, Cassie, Luke, Vick
Rating: 5

Rachael Bloome has done it again with A Very Barrie Christmas! We return to the charming town of Poppy Creek and the unforgettable Frank Barrie. If you recall Frank from the earlier books in the Poppy Creek series, you’ll remember his eccentric nature and his Scrooge-like attitude towards Christmas. However, he has come a long way since we first met him in book one.

In this episode, the Barries welcome guests, making their Christmas feel complete with the warmth of family. This story is heartwarming and filled with the magic of the holiday season, making it the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with just the right amount of romance, humor, and holiday cheer. The descriptions of the festive decorations, cozy settings, and delicious holiday treats made me feel like I was right there in Poppy Creek, experiencing the joy and warmth of the season.

I absolutely adore all the characters. Rachael Bloome has a talent for creating characters that feel like old friends, and this book is no exception. These characters bring warmth and holiday cheer to the story, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy heartwarming holiday stories with great characters who make you feel at home, then A Very Barrie Christmas is a must-read.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, RomCom, Women's Fiction

The Baking Games by Rachel Hanna

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Title: The Baking Games
Author: Rachel Hanna
Genre: RomCom, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Main Character: Savannah, Rhett
Other Characters: Sadie, Connor, Maggie, Laney, Leo, Zara, Sophia, Nate, Hank, Bianca, Tanya, Dan, Chef Alain, Tessa, Marco
Stars: 4

This book is a bit different than what I am used to from Rachel Hanna. This is like a slow burn Hallmark type RomCom mixed with a reality show. I have read all of Rachel’s books and I love everything she has written but I must admit, this is my least of hers.

Savannah Struggles to make ends meet. She was raised by a drug addicted mom, and She practically raised herself along with her younger sister. Her mom died when her sister was 12 years old so Savannah took on the job of mom. She adores her younger sister and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She works at a bakery in a grocery store and even though she loves baking, she doesn’t like her job. It doesn’t give her the creative control she craves. She dreams of someday owning her own bakery and earning enough money to finally send her sister to college. She starts to think it is hopeless until her sister convinces her to apply to be on a reality TV show called The Baking Game. When her application is accepted, she is surprised to find an ex-rival along with her ex-boyfriend are also contestants. This causes a lot of friction along the way. This is a baking version of Big Brother ao there is a lot drama and at times sparks do fly.

Even though this was a cute book, it isn’t what I am used to by Ms. Hanna. It was a little confusing that the story was told from two different points of view which was a bit different for me. Luckily it was told whose point of view it was so I didn’t get too confused. It started out good, Savannah is funny, and I immediately liked her and her devotion to her younger sister. I like slow burns to some degree, but this one seemed just way too slow. I didn’t really find myself pulling for them like I normally do in a romance novel. I just couldn’t see the chemistry.

The reality show’s actual baking portion became a little boring with all the recipe explanations and baking techniques. it just seemed to drag on too long. The characters are well developed, and I liked Savannah. She is funny, sweet, loving & loyal to those she loves. Even though she has had a tough life, she is a very positive person and looks at the glass as half full. I didn’t like Rhett at first, but he did grow on me. He has a bit of an unhappy relationship with his parents and a secret he is hiding. I didn’t like Connor at all but we really aren’t supposed to. The other contestants aren’t very memorable, but I did like Maggie.

If you enjoy a slow burn RomCom with a baking themed reality show, then you will probably enjoy this book. Be sure to download the bonus at the end of the book. it gives character descriptions and recipes that were used in the baking competition.

Happy Reading!