Pop Tarts and Mistletoe by S.L. Sterling

September 1, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Pop Tarts and Mistletoe by S.L. Sterling
The Happy Holidates Series Book 1
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Being stuck at the airport wasn’t part of my holiday plans.

I was on my way to stay with my best friend and his family for the holidays when a freak snowstorm hit. Now I’m stuck, all planes are grounded, and there are no hotel rooms available. I also have no clue of when I’d be able to get on another plane, so here I sit.

Then I saw her.

She stood in front of a vending machine, scrounging through her purse. When she found her last bit of change, she carefully made her selection. A disappointed look came over her face and she began to punch and kick the vending machine trying to get whatever she’d selected to drop. When it did, she threw her hands in the air as if she’d just made the winning touchdown. Then she bent down and pulled out a package of pop tarts. Pop tarts? Who buys pop tarts from a vending machine?

She was feisty and cute, and I knew I needed to meet her. So, I invited her to sit with me. The night passed quickly, with flights heading out the next morning. It was then I realized I’d missed an opportunity as I watched her disappear into the airport crowd.

However, Father Christmas smiled down on me once again when I discovered that the beautiful holiday angel, I’d met earlier was my best friends sister, and I only had a few days to make her mine.

Oh, my cuteness—Pop Tarts and Mistletoe was a wicked fun holiday treat! This short novel made my heart feel all gushy and left a goofy smile plastered on my face. I totally want to re-read it just to get that happy-ever-after glow all over again. A Pop-Tart! As a plot thread! So unique, so unexpected—and so perfectly delightful. If the synopsis pulls you in like it did me, go ahead and start reading. Just be warned: it’s too delicious to put down until you finish it.

Maya, the heroine, was laugh-out-loud hilarious. I could totally relate to her—I’ve beat up a vending machine or two in my college days myself. And yes, strawberry frosted Pop-Tarts are the best! Also, who drinks eggnog without rum? (Not me.) I won’t spoil anything, but her brother gave her a childhood nickname that had me howling when I read why. It reminded me of my own brother, and the family dynamics were spot on and so much fun.

Now Liam—the leading man—was 100% my kind of book boyfriend. I adored him from the moment he met Maya at the airport, but I fell head over heels at the Christmas festival. (You’ll know why when you read it.) He’s sincere, romantic, and totally transparent—no mind games, just honesty and heart. The chemistry between Maya and Liam? Hot enough to warm an entire horse-drawn sleigh ride in the dead of winter. Forget coats, the steam between these two was more than enough.

It took Maya a hot minute to realize Liam was the one, but when she did…? Chef’s kiss. I felt so completely satisfied and happy. I also loved the setup for book two—it’s a romance between Maya’s brother and her best friend, and now I have to know how that story plays out.

This was my first read by S.L. Sterling, and it definitely won’t be my last. I don’t think I’ll ever forget Pop Tarts and Mistletoe, and for that reason alone, I whole pop tart-ly recommend it!

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Cowboy for Annabell by Jovie Grace

July 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Cowboy for Annabell by Jovie Grace
Mail-Order Brides on the Run series, Book One
Publisher: JG Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

To dodge a group of ruthless debt collectors, an impoverished southern belle agrees to become the mail-order bride of a rugged cowboy in this sweetly suspenseful historical romance!
After refusing to marry the cruel new owner of her childhood home, Annabelle Lane finds herself on the run from the scoundrels he hires to change her mind. In desperation, she signs a mail-order bride contract and hops on the next train, praying the groom she is matched with is a man worth running toward.

The most sought-after range rider in the west, Ethan Vasquez is highly skilled at protecting livestock from bears, wolves, and rustlers. But it’s a job that leaves no time for courting, no matter how determined he is to have a family of his own someday. When a dare from friends has him scrambling to send off for a mail-order bride, he never imagines how quickly she will arrive or how much trouble will follow. It’s a good thing he knows a thing or two about handling predators. He can only hope she finds his heavily scarred hands worth joining with hers in holy matrimony after the first wave of danger is past.

An engaging, faith-rooted romance with heart and hope.

I’ll be honest—I can’t imagine being desperate enough to sign a mail-order bride contract, but for Annabelle, the heroine in this story, there truly was no other option. After losing her family, her home, and her way of life, she’d endured more than most, and the pressure of Mr. Featherfall’s vile behavior left her with a single escape route. Thank goodness she had her dear friends—Penelope, Olivia, Magnolia, Emmaline, and Eliza Jane—who had also suffered during the war. Their fierce loyalty and resourcefulness helped her survive long enough to board that life-changing train.

This is where the plot really takes off. The author masterfully paints Mr. Featherfall as the kind of villain you love to hate, and I found myself flipping pages anxiously, just waiting for Annabelle to meet her prospective groom. I was praying right alongside her and her friends that this cowboy would be kind, stable, and capable of rescuing her from her dire situation.

Enter Ethan Vasquez—and wow, what an entrance! Like Annabelle, my eyes went wide at their first meeting. He made an unforgettable impression, and I quickly grew fond of his tight knit, loving family. Their warm, protective embrace of Annabelle was a highlight of the story for me.

Despite the hopeful new beginning, Annabelle’s troubles didn’t instantly vanish. The plot held strong with tension, conflict, and well-paced twists that kept me deeply invested. I had full faith in Ethan’s unwavering desire to keep Annabelle safe—his strength and protective nature were truly admirable.

The romance between Ethan and Annabelle is sweet, respectful, and gently passionate. While their chemistry is clear, the intimacy is implied rather than explicit, which I appreciated. Their emotional connection is built on kindness, honesty, and patience. Watching them slowly open up to one another was both satisfying and heartwarming.

As someone who enjoys faith-based romance, I was comfortable with the light inspirational thread woven throughout. However, there is one particular scene with a strong spiritual tone that felt a bit jarring compared to the rest of the book’s more subtly integrated messages. Even as someone who values scripture, the shift in tone caught me off guard, though the story soon returned to its original flow.

The author did a fantastic job establishing a core group of characters with rich backstories, and I’m already tempted to dive into book two, which focuses on Penelope and one of Ethan’s brothers (yes, I read the sneak peek!). Ethan’s family and Annabelle’s circle of friends are sure to bring more heartwarming moments in the next installment.

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The Party by Mona Ingram

July 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Party by Mona Ingram
Dear Santa Christmas Romance series, Book One
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He’s the town’s most eligible bachelor. But he’s more than that… much more Exhausted after catering a high-profile company Christmas party, Paige accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He’s handsome and intelligent, but most of all he’s a good listener. When they say goodnight, she has no idea that the meeting will trigger consequences that will change her life.

I woke up craving a little winter-holiday romance to cheer me up—and to cool me off on this typically hot and humid Florida day. The Party is book one in the Dear Santa Christmas Romance series, and it was exactly the feel-good fix I needed.

This cute, short novel made me feel lighter and happier. At just 91 pages, it’s a fast and furiously fun read. This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it definitely won’t be my last. The Party charmed me enough to want to explore the rest of the series—especially if they’re as delightful as this one.

Jake Donovan is 100% a gentleman. Almost too good to be true, which made the story so sweet and easy to enjoy. He’s drama-free, kindhearted, and genuinely tender—the kind of man you’d hope your daughter falls in love with and marries.

Paige is an independent, successful career woman, also caring for her younger brother. She’s hardworking, honest, and grounded. Her chance encounter with Jake had me smiling from the start, and the consequences of that meeting made the story all the more endearing. The chemistry between Jake and Paige is swoon-worthy, respectful, and refreshingly free of baggage.

One of the things I appreciated most was Jake’s acceptance and support of Paige’s brother, Simon, and his two friends, Kimberley and Randy. For such a short book, the characters were surprisingly well-developed and relatable. Jake’s best friend Damian owns a motorcycle repair shop, and Paige’s best friend Dana specializes in home décor. Dana and Damian’s own spark added an extra touch of charm and possibility. I loved how the author brought everyone together like one big happy family.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to lift your spirits and make you smile, I highly recommend The Party. Paige and Jake are the embodiment of kindness and goodwill. My only wish? That there had been an epilogue—I wasn’t ready to close the book on their happily ever after.

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The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage by Tamie Dearen

July 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage by Tamie Dearen
The Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance Series, Book One
Publisher: Baden House Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Stephanie Caldwell fell in love with her boss, but he’s too clueless to notice. And being blind is no excuse.

Steph doesn’t care that Bran is blind—at least he’ll never see the longing looks she gives him. If only she could warn him about the lack of love on his conniving fiancée’s face. But Steph has to keep her mouth shut, or she could lose her job, along with the health insurance that keeps her daughter alive.

Billionaire Branson Knight knows women regard him as a pitiful blind man, his wealth his only attraction. So his engagement is merely a means to an end. But the last thing he wants to end is his relationship with Stephanie—he depends way too much on his efficient personal assistant.

Can Stephanie stand by while Bran’s devious fiancée coerces him into a quickie marriage? Or will she lose her temper… and everything else along with it?

I literally just finished this story and had to rush here to write a review while I’m still feeling emotionally effusive. At the end, there was a link to sign up for the author’s newsletter in exchange for an extra epilogue—of course, I clicked immediately and devoured it. Now I’m sad it’s over!

The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage is book one in the Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance series, and my first read from Tamie Dearen—but it definitely won’t be my last.

The reason I’m so gushy? I completely fell in love with the hero, Branson. He’s the total package. Attractive, intelligent, charismatic, and successful, yes—but also vulnerable, honest, and selfless. Branson is blind, but that’s not what makes him special. It’s his heart. His actions speak volumes, and they’re what made me swoon. Ironically, the people around him with perfect sight—like his parents—are the ones who seem truly blind, caught up in appearances and superficial concerns.

Steph, the heroine, has been Branson’s personal assistant for two years. She’s had a crush on him since day one. The flashback to her interview was actually hilarious and charming. I loved that Steph didn’t care that Branson was blind—and that Branson was so emotionally blind to his own feelings toward her. Their friends and family saw the sparks flying, but both Branson and Steph stayed professional, walking a fine line between employer and employee.

Their romance was equal parts sweet and torturous. The chemistry was palpable, and I was totally hooked, rooting for them through every missed opportunity and emotional twist.

Speaking of twists—there were plenty! The story kept me glued to the pages. I despised Branson’s cold, calculating father and his manipulative fiancée. (Yes, he had a fiancée… and while the reason made sense, I still hated it!) On the flip side, I absolutely adored Fordham, Branson’s loyal and witty caretaker. He was more of a father to Branson than his biological dad ever was.

Beyond the romance, this story touches on powerful themes: overcoming fear, forgiveness, standing up for what’s right, and using one’s resources to make a difference in the world. And here’s a fun tidbit: I searched the book and found that the word heart is used 72 times. Fitting—because this story had mine doing everything from clenching and racing to stopping and breaking. My favorite line? When the author described Steph’s heart as being “fastened to Bran’s like a wet tongue to a frozen metal pole.” That image made me laugh and stuck with me!

The biggest takeaway? Follow your heart—not your brain. Steph and Branson’s story was inspiring, emotional, and left me with a massive book glow. This one’s going on my keeper shelf, Branson’s on my book boyfriend list, and Tamie Dearen is officially on my new favorite authors list. I cannot wait to read book two in this series.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves sweet, emotional, and heartstring-pulling romance. Highly, highly recommend!

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The Seal by Juliette N. Banks

June 27, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Seal by Juliette N. Banks
Black Hawk Security series, Book One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He’s sworn to protect, and never love again, but will she be the one to breach his walls?

My name is Josh Hawke, decorated SEAL and founder of Black Hawke Security. Some might call me arrogant. Women call me cold. Those who truly know me call me dangerous.

I’m all those things.

My priority is my elite team of former special ops who fulfill our contracts with governments and some of the most powerful people in the world.

When a famous rockstar hires us to protect his daughter, it’s just another job. Until I meet Cassy Cartwright and her intense green eyes send a bolt of chemistry through me.

She’s as infuriated as I am by it.

The last thing I want is private security intruding on my quiet, hard-fought-for life. Even if he is six foot four and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

Not interested.

Josh is going to distract all the clients in my hair salon and… protect me from the stalker who is out of prison and looking for me again thanks to my rock star father’s comeback hit.

But that’s all I want from him.

I can’t say I wasn’t warned—the book overview clearly stated this was a steamy romance with spice. But wow. My eyes were reading Tien Tsin chile pepper-level steamy!

The hero, Josh Hawke, is a decorated SEAL who openly admits to being arrogant, cold, and dangerous. He’s well aware of his eight-pack abs, which he maintains through regular workouts in the private gym at his Black Hawk Security (BHS) headquarters. Josh, along with his elite team of paramilitary experts, runs BHS, a company that provides high-stakes security services.

The chemistry between Josh and the heroine, Cassy, is immediate and intense. It’s easy to see why Cassy was taken in by his Alpha presence, good looks, and wealth—complete with his Maserati SUV and expensive clothes. Josh, in turn, was hooked from the moment he laid eyes on Cassy. Her photo captivated him, but in person, she was even more stunning. When their eyes locked, he was hypnotized by her green eyes.

Cassy is independent, successful, and strong-willed. But even she can’t resist Josh’s charm—especially when he becomes the one person who can truly protect her.

And she needs protection. Years ago, Cassy was stalked and kidnapped by a dangerous man named Isaac, who’s now escaped prison. Her father wisely hires BHS to keep her safe. The suspense element in this story kept me on edge—every twist had me rooting for everyone’s safety. I felt a sense of relief when Josh was near, just like Cassy did.

The supporting cast is well developed and adds richness to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Josh’s crew at BHS—they’re the kind of characters I hope to see again in future books. Cassy’s world also feels real and grounded, especially through her connections at her salon. Her co-workers and clients added humor and warmth that balanced out the intensity of the action scenes.

One thing to note: there’s a fair amount of profanity, which I’m no stranger to myself. Sometimes a well-placed F-bomb gets the point across. However, I personally found the use of strong language in the sex scenes off-putting—it just didn’t feel romantic to me. That said, the scenes were easy to skim past and didn’t detract from the gripping suspense and solid plot.

Overall, The Seal was a fast-paced, action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining read. If you enjoy romantic suspense with high heat and high stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.

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Take a Chance on Me by Jane Porter

June 20, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Take a Chance on Me by Jane Porter
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Savvy stylist Amanda Wright loves Marietta, her hair salon, and her clients, and no client is more dear to her heart than eighty-year-old Bette Justice–even if her years have made her a little fragile. So when Bette asks Amanda for a favor—to convince her stubborn grandson that Marietta is her true home—Amanda can’t say no.

Tyler Justice, a successful game designer, has a one-track mind–he wants to take care of his beloved grandmother. He can’t understand her resistance to move to Texas and is sure that the young friend she keeps mentioning–Amanda–is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. He reaches Marietta determined to put the salon owner in her place and bring his grandmother home…until smart, kind Amanda starts to tug at his heart in ways he never expected.

But just as Tyler and Amanda start to form a real connection, will a long-buried family secret destroy their chance at love?

I’ve always loved stories set in small towns and Take a Chance on Me hit all the right notes. The fictional town of Marietta felt like home, reminding me of the close-knit community I once lived in and still miss. The heroine, Amanda Wright, owns a local salon and genuinely cares for her clients. One standout is 80-year-old Bette, a beloved townsperson who doesn’t want to relocate to Texas to be with her grandson. I related to her deeply–moving away from your roots is no small thing.

Enter Tyler Justice, Bette’s grandson and the hero of the story. At first, I was skeptical of him—he arrives in Marietta with accusations against Amanda and a plan to drag his grandmother back to his home. But as the story unfolds, it was fun watching Bette and Amanda nudge Tyler’s perspective. His character arc was satisfying, especially as he began to truly understand the life his grandmother had built.

The romance between Amanda and Tyler had its share of ups and downs, making the happy ending all the more rewarding. Tyler’s company and Amanda’s family secret added layers of tension that kept me turning pages. I loved Amanda’s quirky flair—her love of the color pink, and how she boldly used it in unexpected ways. It was endearing to see Tyler come to appreciate that part of her personality.

Jane Porter’s writing was engaging, and I found myself breezing through the book in just a few hours. All I could heard when I saw the title of this book was Take a Chance on Me by ABBA—one of my all-time favorite songs. So, it feels perfectly fitting to say that I’m glad I took a chance on reading this book by Jane Porter! If you enjoy heartfelt romance, small-town charm, and a story that balances warmth with just the right amount of drama, I wholeheartedly recommend others take a chance on this delightful read!

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For Love’s Sake by Kelli A. Wilkins

June 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


For Love’s Sake by Kelli A. Wilkins
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

She left everything behind to be with him.
He risked losing everything to stay with her.
They were willing to sacrifice everything… for love’s sake

Through a case of mistaken identity, Prince Kevan of Alborg narrowly avoids an assassination attempt and wakes to find himself trapped in mad King Torok’s rat-infested dungeon. Just when he is about to give up hope, he is rescued by an unlikely ally—Torok’s daughter, Princess Adrianna.

Adrianna is desperate to flee her father’s kingdom and agrees to help the handsome stranger escape, but only if he takes her with him when he leaves. Although Kevan knows bringing Adrianna home will not sit well with his father and lead to other complications, he agrees.

They make their way to a waiting ship captained by Kevan’s brother, Mikhael, and set sail for Alborg. Along the way they are lost at sea during a ferocious storm, battle a murderous mercenary sent by Adrianna’s father, and try to deny their intense romantic feelings for each other.

When they arrive in Alborg, Kevan’s father, King Lenard, disapproves of Adrianna and drops the bombshell that Kevan is already engaged to be married. While Kevan tries to get out of the arranged marriage, Mikhael introduces Adrianna to members of the nobility in an effort to win over the king.

At his engagement ball, Kevan is forced to choose between his duty to his father and his loyalty to Adrianna. Soon after, Adrianna is kidnapped and Kevan and Mikhael band together to hunt down her abductors and rescue her before it’s too late.

Yes, it’s true that the heroine, Adrianna, left everything behind to be with the hero, Kevan—but the reality is, she didn’t have much to leave behind. Her father certainly wasn’t winning any “Father of the Year” awards. On the other hand, Kevan risked everything, including his life, to be with Adrianna—and that kind of sacrifice was utterly swoon-worthy. Since both of them were putting so much on the line, I felt compelled to put my own life on hold and read For Love’s Sake uninterrupted.

Kelli A. Wilkins is one of my favorite authors, and this book is another perfect example of why. Her writing is fast-paced, vivid, and always emotionally gripping. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! With a whirlwind of mistaken identity, being lost at sea, abduction, and a steamy romance, there was never a dull moment. I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next—and I loved every second of it.

In fact, I feel like I need to read this book a second time just to savor it properly. I devoured it the first time, rushing to the next scene because I couldn’t wait to see what came next. If you enjoy historical romance filled with drama, danger, and a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after, I highly recommend For Love’s Sake.

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Lincoln by Alisa Jean

June 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Lincoln by Alisa Jean
Los Angeles Quakes Hockey – Book 1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

L.A. Quakes’ fans stomped their feet to cheers of “Caveman!” when I made incredible saves in the crease, leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories. I thought I could go on forever, but at thirty-six, the clock’s counting down even for Lincoln Cavanaugh. Social media and fan sites are filled with rumors of me being traded. Or worse. My future looks as uncertain as a loose puck on the ice.

My fate rests in the hands of Catherine Bishop, daughter of the team’s owner and a power to be reckoned with. And what fine hands they are, along with everything else about her. A chance encounter leads to sparks between us, but is falling in love with this incredible woman worth the risk?

Because with her by my side, I’m once again an unstoppable force between the pipes, and victories pile up like never before. However, our love is a ticking time bomb because Catherine has dreams of making history as the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. Sleeping with a player would make that all go up in smoke. I fear when the truth comes out, it will be the final buzzer for us.

A romance story where the hero is a hockey player? I had to read this book! I love hockey—I actually met my husband at a hockey game, and he used to play when he was younger. I put my phone on silent and read this book faster than it takes to make a trick shot.

It was easy to relate to Lincoln Cavanaugh because I understand what it takes to play a sport at a professional level. The dedication, commitment, and perseverance are never-ending. The physical toll is unimaginable, and the responsibility to the team, family, friends, and fans can feel overwhelming. The author, Alisa Jean, did a fantastic job writing a realistic and relatable character in Lincoln Cavanaugh.

I fell in love with Lincoln for many reasons, but the biggest was how he never lost sight of the joy he felt when he played hockey as a kid. He stayed grounded throughout his successful career and humbly gave back to his local youth hockey programs. Often, what begins as fun, competitive, and character-building sadly turns into a business, and players can lose the love for the sport—or worse, become arrogant. Alisa Jean also nailed this reality by creating some arrogant teammates on Lincoln’s NHL team, the Quakes, which added even more authenticity to the story.

Catherine, the heroine, was a perfect match for Lincoln. Their chemistry was strong throughout the story, and the drama between them kept me intrigued. I’ll admit, at first, I found Catherine a little selfish, and there were moments when I felt she wasn’t good enough for Lincoln. However, as their relationship evolved, I saw how they balanced each other out beautifully, and Catherine won me over by the end.

I’m so excited this is Book One in the Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series because I’m already eager to dive into Book Two!

One thing that was new to me: at the end of the book, there was a QR code to scan for a bonus scene. To get it, you had to sign up for the author’s newsletter. I’ll be honest—I felt a little manipulated. I wouldn’t have downloaded it if I hadn’t loved the story so much. Thankfully, the bonus scene (which felt like an epilogue) was absolutely worth it and gave the book a truly satisfying happily-ever-after.

I’m officially a Quakes fan, and I’ll be eagerly stomping my feet and cheering for the second book in this series!

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King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike

June 5, 2025 By 1 Comment


King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After keeping a secret promise to a friend, Harper Blessings’ s life is spiraling out of control. Her food truck barely pays the bills, she’ s raising her rebellious brother and caring for her forgetful aunt…and she’ s four months pregnant.

When Aunt Clara wanders off at a carnival and hires the carousel operator who rescues her to do odd jobs, Harper’ s house-of-cards life begins to topple. The last thing she needs is a handsome drifter complicating her already problematic life. Or so she thinks.

Drifter Dalton Kingston has a few secrets of his own. Growing up as a child of privilege, he wanted for nothing…except love. Then an unspeakable tragedy causes him to walk away from it all, pushing love as far away as possible. Until love pushes back in the form of a beautiful woman who desperately needs his help, and the God he’ s not sure he can forgive.

This was a wholesome, inspirational, and heartwarming romance set in a small town where everyone knows your name.

Harper, the leading lady, is doing all she can to keep her head above water. Dalton, the leading man, is simply trying to make it through another day. They’re drawn to each other by their shared compassion and natural instinct to care for others. It’s amazing how their faith in God allows them to open their hearts again after the heartbreak they’ve experienced from people who were supposed to love them unconditionally.

I found their love story to be especially encouraging because it tackled the theme of forgiveness—-something that can be incredibly challenging. Several characters in the book demonstrate what it looks like to forgive others, and in doing so, offer hope that forgiveness is not only possible, but necessary for personal healing and the strength of relationships.

Aunt Clara is a standout character. She’s the glue that holds both her family and the town of Redford’s Crossing together. I’d even go as far as to call her an angel in disguise. Her presence is endearing and uplifting, and she brings out the best in those around her.

The writing style immediately pulled me in–from page one, when Aunt Clara wandered to the carousel and met Dalton. The plot is original, the pace is steady, and the ending is absolutely delightful.

This is the kind of story I could happily read more than once. I wholeheartedly encourage others to give it a try.

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Made To Love You by Nan Reinhardt

May 27, 2025 By 1 Comment


Made To Love You by Nan Reinhardt
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

She’s not looking for love, but a handsome veterinarian and a lost puppy have other plans…

Gorgeous and gifted, Annabelle Walker is a force of nature. A talented architect who has brought new designs and concepts to her family’s construction firm, Anna’s happy and doesn’t feel anything’s missing from her life, even as her siblings have all fallen in love this year. And then she finds an injured puppy on a bike ride.

Veterinarian Sawyer Braxton is lost while driving to his first day at Price Veterinary Clinic. He stops to ask directions of a bicyclist on the side of the road, and discovers three things: She’s beautiful, stranded with a flat tire, and holding an injured puppy. Sawyer’s fascinated, and it feels like fate as he offers the intriguing and vibrant woman a ride to the vet clinic.

It’s a meet-cute, and Annabelle’s definitely attracted, but she’s determined that this time, she really will take a break from men. Sawyer’s as stubborn as he is sexy, and he hits on a plan for a date—they’ll both foster the pup while it heals.

The synopsis for Made to Love You comes close to revealing a bit too much for this meet-cute romance, but thankfully, two unexpected surprises near the end made the story even more enjoyable and pleasantly caught me off guard. This was definitely a modern, contemporary read that was quick, fun, and thoroughly entertaining.

Annabelle, the heroine, is a beautiful, intelligent, and talented architect recovering from a recent breakup. I found her situation with the injured, lost puppy to be relatable—especially her uncertainty in how to care for it. Her humorous reactions throughout that experience made me smile and connect with her even more.

Enter Sawyer—a new-in-town veterinarian and the hero of the story. He swoops in to help Annabelle with both the puppy and, in some ways, her heart. His idea for them to co-foster the puppy until a permanent home could be found was clever and sweet. The chemistry between Annabelle and Sawyer was sensual and heartwarming, leaving me with that fuzzy feel-good feeling.

How the puppy ended up lost, the journey Annabelle and Sawyer go on together, and the resolution of both the romance and the pup’s future made the book absolutely worth reading.

I highly recommend Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt. Her writing style had me turning pages with a smile and joy in my heart.

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