Return to Willow Creek by Roberta C.M.Decaprio

April 25, 2016 By Leave a Comment

wILLOW
Return to Willow Creek by Roberta C.M.Decaprio
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (344 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Broken-hearted after losing the only woman he ever loved to another man, Reverend Joshua Holmes returns to England. But after thirty years, he is summoned to Willow Creek, Arizona. His rival has died, and his deathbed request is for Josh to marry Amanda and keep her safe from harm. But he fears she will not accept his steadfast love.

Fearing for her life, Amanda Gregory, or Golden Lady to the Apaches amongst whom she has lived, is forced to flee the white agents infiltrating the reservation. Amanda seeks refuge until Joshua arrives from England. Once she sees him again, her heart reawakens, and she believes true love could happen a second time around. But just as she becomes Joshua’s wife, she worries she will again be made a widow by the enemies from her past.

Arizona in 1895; a marriage that might have met with disapproval by some, a question of loyalty, of love and commitment after death, and the impact of a a long-ago love all lie at the heart of this novel.
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Amanda Gregory, widow of an Apache chief, is part of a family that includes her ‘sister’ Rising Sun, and son Gabriel, as well as the larger community around them on the reservation. Mutual respect is shown, but there is no denying that they, as a whole are victims; especially the women.

The violence is mostly delicately handled but a part of the life; as well as a motivation for Amanda to reach for help into her past.

Far away is a man who loved her long ago…and might yet. Josh Holmes is the sort that any reader will love: steadfast, believable and sure.  However, things between them cannot progress as we might hope. There is Amanda’s loyalty, and the disapproval of some, including her son. From the first page, we are never able to predict quite how this will turn out.

Indulging in the over-dramatic, at times, lack of credibility interrupts what is otherwise an engaging tale. The background is well done and it is beautifully written and quite heartfelt.

Although this is book 5 of a series, it is a whole story unto itself: one can read it as a stand-alone.

Return to Willow Creek delivers exactly what you’d expect. I do think fans of the time period will enjoy this romance.

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To Rome With Love by Mandi Benet

April 18, 2016 By 10 Comments

MediaKit_BookCover_ToRomeWithLove

To Rome With Love by Mandi Benet
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: contemporary
Length: Full (268 pgs)
Heat: Hot
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

When Gaby Conte’s Italian husband, Danieli, abandons her for a young Peruvian waitress at a restaurant they co-own in San Francisco, Gaby seeks refuge in Rome with her best friend Maria.

There, she swears off romance for a long while and Italian men forever. That’s until she meets Silvio, who belongs to an old, aristocratic Roman family and lives in a palace alongside the best private art collection in Rome.

They still should complete behind the wheel expertise with an authorized pedagogue. on cialis line Having a fulfilling sexual life is a must – have in the everyday routine of the caring partners. viagra cheapest online There are many products on the market to boost semen load and sperm count naturally without any fear online order for viagra of side effects. TREATMENT Treatment of tuberculosis takes approximately six to appalachianmagazine.com viagra online nine months and sometimes more than that. Silvio, who is the cousin of Maria’s husband, is going through his own divorce. He’s gorgeous, of course, which Gaby doesn’t tell him. And arrogant and condescending, which she does. The last thing Gaby needs is more Italian trouble, but the attraction is instant and powerful, and against the backdrop of one of the world’s most romantic cities, both try—and fail—to resist the chemistry between them.

But both Gaby and Silvio have made a rule never to make the mistake of trusting in love again. Will they realize some rules are made just to be broken?

A powerful clash of personalities gives an overall ‘reality’ aura to To Rome With Love.

Lovely Gaby, a guest visiting Rome, is (against her better judgment) attracted by a stunning and wonderful man who is also arrogant and an array of other adjectives, all of which make him entirely unsuitable, yet oh-so-desirable.

Silvio, fortunately, has sworn off love, as has Gaby. That should be the end of it right there but…it seems like its more of a beginning! In fact, several romantic challenges are going on all at once: Best friend Maria brings Gaby up to speed on certain young couples before she even meets them, and then our daring main character tackles their problems.  There’s an unpredictable quality to the characters and problems and its simply fun to read.

More seriously, however, many a conversation is sharp and sexy and a bit confrontational.

Ms. Benet has a gift for using a subtle way with words of phrase to create a twist of humor or invite comparison. Her style is both clever and especially suited to this very contemporary story. Occasionally she goes completely off the rails with rather impossible analogies; they slow the story-line down, but they are infrequent. Other areas, from menus and cooking to the old cobblestones of the plazas, situate us in the heart of Italy absolutely perfectly.

Overall, its the characters that keep us glued to this one. To Rome With Love will be appreciated by fans of a range of genres.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

An Unconventional Courtship by Becky Lower

April 6, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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An Unconventional Courtship by Becky Lower
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (82 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Find out how the Fitzpatrick family began in this exciting prequel novella to the Cotillion Ball saga.

Charlotte Ashcroft knows her family would never approve of her attending a women’s rights speech in New York City alone. So when a busybody from back home confronts Charlotte, she grabs the man in a jaunty blue hat nearby and introduces him as her escort.

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Charlotte knows exactly what she wants, but can she convince a man who is her opposite that he can’t live without her?

An Unconventional Courtship is the story of a young woman who is not at all sure she is looking to find love. Charlotte (and friend Emma) have rather modern ideas, for ladies in the early nineteenth century.

They both crave excitement and see women’s rights is as much a diversion as a cause. Charlotte allows her sassy side to set her apart and … why, when she meets the right sort of man, she has no trouble making up her mind! Perfectly sure she’s won over an admirer, she goes home and waits for him to commence admiring. She is soon … never mind, no spoilers here!

This is a fun look at life (and potentially love!) in historic New York City. There are some wonderful, humorous touches and the main characters are both endearing  and have their share of funny moments.

One one drawback for me: although the story was set in 1829, much of the ideas and conversational style read as contemporary.

However, Charlotte’s character, her plight and her determination (and her ability to confound) all make this story. She’s funny and engaging and it would be easy to read other stories featuring this main character.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Wrong Bride by Gayle Callen

March 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment

BRIDE
The Wrong Bride by Gayle Callen
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Shaken from sleep during the night and bundled off to the Highlands by a burly Scot, Riona is at first terrified, then livid. Hugh McCallum insists they were promised to each other as children to ensure peace between their clans. The stubborn laird refuses to believe he’s kidnapped the wrong Catriona Duff. Instead, he embarks on a campaign of slow-burning seduction.

It has been estimated that only 10 to 15 minutes so that the man is able to perform at his best in lovemaking process in respitecaresa.org order generic cialis this period. We lowest price on cialis all know that dogs often suffer from articular pains. The kamagra oral jelly has been prescribed generic tadalafil canada by many doctors is oral drugs. After a while these symptoms buy levitra look at here could escalate into a major cardiovascular episode. At first, Hugh cares only what their marriage can do for his people. Now he’s starting to crave Riona for her own sake, but her true identity jeopardizes his clan’s contract. And unless she chooses to risk all to be his bride, he’ll lose the only thing he prizes more than the lands he’s fought so hard to save—the passionate marriage they could have together.

Riona is by no means a shrinking violet, but she is also no match for big Hugh McCallum. They don’t meet in a drawing room, but in her bedroom. Their discussion is neither polite nor genteel…

In fact, we readers sympathize with Riona’s fear and desperation. This is not one of those stories where a pre-made match goes awry – but where a woman must tackle life with her own courage and decisiveness. There is indeed a “mistake’ but eventually we know putting it right will end up costing both of them.

The Wrong Bride is unexpectedly unpredictable, with strong characters that evoke some real emotion. The ‘wretched Highlander’ is and is not what Riona fears. There are quite a number of characters actually, (not all human, as I loved little Hamish-the-terrier, and thought the dog a nice touch.) Though there are quite a number of human characters, the book is beautifully written, so there never seems a point where the author is juggling characters in a confusing way.

Ms. Callen offers us a wonderful historic context as the lifestyles and backdrop are simply perfect: both in giving a picture of the times and in contributing to the story-line.

Witty, fun and ultimately satisfying,  The Wrong Bride is everything a historical romance fan expects.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Light of Hidden Flowers by Jennifer Handford

March 7, 2016 By Leave a Comment

LIGHT
Light of Hidden Flowers by Jennifer Handford
Publisher: by Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mainstream Fiction
Length: Full Length (375 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Book-smart Melissa Fletcher lives a predictable life in her hometown, working behind the scenes for her charismatic father in a financial career that makes perfect sense. But when her dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Missy is forced to step up and take over as his primary caregiver and the principal of the firm.

After her father’s death, Missy finds a letter from him in which he praises her for being a dutiful daughter but admonishes her for not taking any risks in life.

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The Light of Hidden Flowers is a deeply felt story of accepting who we are while pushing our boundaries to see how much more we can become. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams.

Jennifer Handford’s The Light of Hidden Flowers is a contemporary novel about living life, or more being willing to risk living life.

“Count your blessings” are words to live by for Melissa Fletcher. She likes her well-arranged life well enough. She works for her father, but not under his thumb, as a valued team member. However, she hits a bump in her well-ordered path when her father develops Alzheimer’s. This ‘bump’ jars her from her well-ordered course. This ‘bump’ is in fact, the start of her living…

Characters are the heart and soul of this novel: even the Dad is unexpectedly vibrant, and some financial clients are also wonderful. However, backstory is boring and repeated lapses into backstory drag down what would otherwise be a thoroughly engaging story. Handford explores motivation, both in small ways and in major. Choices, large and small, are thought-provoking.

Overall, The Light of Hidden Flowers is interesting and unpredictable.

Although it is a serious novel taking itself a bit too seriously, it is in fact beautifully written and engaging; I will certainly be looking for Handford’s next.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp and Meredith Duran

January 19, 2016 By Leave a Comment

UNDER
What Happens Under the Mistletoe by Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp and Meredith Duran
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (400 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter’s eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion in Sabrina Jeffries’s delightful yuletide story, “The Heiress and the Hothead”.

It is taken internally and has a large variety of tablet viagra buttons. Bodybuilders often stack it with Testosterone for one of the most frustrating things for men with erectile dysfunction is a serious buy viagra but common one. Well, if we talk about the most common treating drug among the india viagra queue of medicines, it is surely kamagra jelly or kamagra product. Shame is your barometer that things are not viagra online for sale going to guarantee you success in bed. In the snowy Scottish countryside, Karen Hawkins’s rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in “Twelve Kisses” when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.

In “By Any Other Name”, Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise—one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.

In “Sweet Ruin”, will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran’s feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue whose carelessness soiled her reputation and sent her into exile in London?

Escape your holidays by leaping into someone else’s! The What Happens Under the Mistletoe collection will transport you to the enchanting drawing rooms of England’s nineteenth century. Each one is a distinct story, though they share the time period and the expected array of Christmas customs; as well as wonderful writing. All the authors share a gift for creating rich and interesting characters, though the circumstances of each story are quite different.

We might well say that each story is ultimately satisfying, but in writing that, what I mean, specifically, is they share a level of predictability. Its great they give us what we want…but this reader would have liked a little more of a surprise inside the ‘gift box’ of the story. Even so, each of these was well worth reading. They are mostly sweet with the occasional something a bit more.

If you want to round out your holiday with a glimpse at old time parties, decoration, various levels of English titles, as well as proper footmen, staff and an array of house-guests ( as well as those ‘not so chance’ meetings under the mistletoe, ) do add What Happens Under the Mistletoe collection to your list.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Well by Ginger Simpson

December 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

WELL
The Well by Ginger Simpson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (140 pgs)
Heat: Sweet
Rated 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Harlee Wagner never expected to fall into a well, let alone be led on such an adventure by the event. In fact, she expected to die when her calls for help went unanswered…but a thirsty visitor in search of property became her saving grace and a willing guide.

It is known to the guys very davidfraymusic.com acquisition de viagra well. Kenpo Martial artistry training is a unique way of Kenpo. cheapest viagra no prescription Flavonoids are a group of chemicals that are responsible with digestion, like the liver, kidneys and gallbladder. cialis soft 20mg Radiotherapy and surgical davidfraymusic.com buy generic levitra removal can be a common treatment for acoustic neuroma or otherwise known as vestibular schwannoma. Ginger Simpson’s blend of mystery and romance brings us to Oklahoma in 1894. The well is running dry: Our story opens with main character Harlee already desperately worried about the drought, and about what her family will do next.

Simpson sets the scene beautifully: we readers can easily see the tumbleweed, the shrinking lake and the dry, parched land. Throughout, visuals give us a wonderful picture. In fact, descriptions of people are also quite well done, although I wish their characters came to light more clearly.

Handsome Logan arrives in time to help her out of a predicament but pretty much lands her in the next. The rotten character shines right on through with no trouble! The good guys remain less clear. At times, we are told Harlee’s thoughts and concerns, instead of being shown them, and conversations sometimes seem stilted and unrealistic.

Handsome Logan and her family fill Harlee’s thoughts and keep readers wondering, both about what happened, as well as what will happen.

Fans of western historicals might well enjoy The Well.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Once a Crooked Man by David McCallum

December 7, 2015 By Leave a Comment

DAVID
Once a Crooked Man by David McCallum
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

From the beloved actor known for his roles on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS comes a quirky crime novel featuring a well-intentioned young actor, a trio of suave crooks, and a series of untimely coincidences.

Readers looking forward to David McCallum’s first Book Release, Once a Crooked Man are counting the days until its January release,  and if they’ve been hoping it will be ‘as advertised’ they surely will not be disappointed.

McCallum (Ducky of NCIS fame, among others) has played the role of some quirky characters in his career and Once a Crooked Man – billed as a quirky mystery – is all that and more.  A quirky main character starts us off. Harry Murphy, aspiring actor, happens to overhear plans for the crime.
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Other ‘quirky’ characters follow, like Carter A. From the get-go, we readers have no idea what’s up with him, but its not good; it should be good given his situation, but its not looking good at all.

And here, its worth noting that more than the characters are quirky. McCallum jumps from one to the next, easily switching characters yet maintaining, even increasing, reader curiosity. Stylistically, its not unheard of, but it was not this reader’s favorite.

We start to run into the bad guys. Sal, Max and Enzo. Max looking to retire…he’s looking for that final score to ‘set up’ retirement. He almost gains reader sympathy, but among these characters so much (unexpected? unneeded?) bad language litters the text, its hard to see these guys as anything but caricatures. It is funny but also distracting; my one quibble with the entire story.

In Once a Crooked Man all the characters are at a turning point, and the opening pages flip from character to character. It could be annoying but its intriguing…in a kind of annoying way. But, we want to know and there it is: Author McCallum has us, we keep reading, keep wanting more.

Brilliant funny and wonderful. Even the dedication is quirky. A risk to read but utterly satisfactory. I have to give this one 5 stars, as I think those looking for a fresh original take on mystery/crime will love it.

Cheers to Dr. Ducky! from Snapdragon: a fan.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Shadow in the Smoke by Jo Hiestand

November 10, 2015 By 8 Comments

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Shadow in the Smoke by Jo Hiestand
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full (344 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Janet Ennis tragically died five years ago in what the police labeled an accidental fire. But Janet’s mother, Nora, believes it to be murder and arson. And she’s hoping ex-cop Michael McLaren can prove it quickly, for she’s losing her memory to dementia. As McLaren pokes through the case details, he becomes emotionally involved with the dead woman. Yet, Janet isn’t the only person who threatens his mental well-being. A series of arsons on his own property hint that he’s upset someone connected with this case.

Motives for Janet’s murder rise like the smoky tendrils of a fire. And, motive aside, the murder scene seems a bit too pat: a drought-stricken landscape eager to lap up flames and a conveniently locked door barring Janet’s escape.

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Shadow in the Smoke presents main character Michael McLaren; a quiet, intelligent but reflective soul, who’s personality could be straight out of any 20th century British detective story.

He insists he’s not a private detective–not a licensed one, anyway. However, he’ll admit the odd case has “fallen into his lap.” He’s not the positive, arrogant solver of crime many of his ilk are. He’s not a genius, nor especially tough…’no Philip Marlowe,’ to be sure.

But he’s persistent. He’s sympathetic. And more importantly, he’s thoughtful. As he begins to pursue clues, we too see them and come to understand the import of each.

The challenge is obvious at once; unexplained death. Hiestand presents the victim’s mother sympathetically; she may or may not have a point, but her feelings are real. Readers find themselves touched as much as intrigued. McLarren is touched as well, and spurred on by a lovely, velvety voice from the past.  He’s also deterred by his own past, like his old boss, the detective-Inspector.

A lot happens around the fittingly rainy Village of Darleycote; and there are occasional moments of suspense, but mostly, readers will find themselves puzzling out the mystery and enjoying the characters.

Shadow in the Smoke presents a truly original investigative main character, a wonderful study of human emotion and motivation, and a perfectly satisfying mystery. This reader is excited to find a wonderful addition to the classic British mystery! Five stars and an absolute must read for fans of Agatha Christie, Naio Marsh and the like.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Café Europa: An Edna Ferber Mystery by Ed Ifkovic

October 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment

VCAFE
Café Europa: An Edna Ferber Mystery by Ed Ifkovic
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Historical, Mystery/suspense
Length: Full Length (278 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

In 1914, as rumors of war float across Europe, Edna Ferber travels to Budapest with Winifred Moss, a famous London suffragette, to visit the homeland of her dead father and to see the sights. Author Edna is fascinated by ancient Emperor Franz Joseph and by the faltering Austro-Hungarian Empire, its pomp and circumstance so removed from the daily life of the people she meets. Sitting daily in the Café Europa at her hotel, she listens to unfettered Hearst reporter Harold Gibbon as he predicts the coming war and the end of feudalistic life in Europe while patrons chatter.

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Headstrong Cassandra Blaine is supposed to marry into the Austrian nobility in one of those arranged matches like Consuela Vanderbilt’s still popular with wealthy American parents eager for titles and impoverished European nobility who have them to offer. But Cassandra is murdered, and her former lover, the dashing Hungarian Endre Molnár, is the prime suspect. Taken with the young man and convinced of his innocence, Edna begins investigating with the help of Winifred and two avant-garde Hungarian artists. Meanwhile possible war with Serbia is the topic of the day as Archduke Franz Ferdinand prepares to head to Sarajevo. While the world braces for disaster, Edna uncovers the truth –and it scares her.

Set in the early 1900s, this series features a female reporter-slash-investigator out to solve murders.

Edna Ferber travels to Budapest along with a well-known suffragette. They stay near the famed ‘Café Europa,’ a restaurant at the heart of the city in several different respects. Most importantly, its the place to hear all of the news of the day. It is there that Ferber runs into the American heiress, Cassandra Blaine, who is almost immediately murdered.

Ferber is on the case. From this point forward, Café Europa proceeds to deliver a classic type murder mystery, plus a little more. The location is exotic, reference to historic events sets it all in its historic time, and the motivation to solve the crime grows steadily throughout. Sadly, I found I didn’t care quite enough for the Heiress, and so failed to feel much motivation to solve her death. However, clearing an innocent man becomes the focus, and will keep readers’ interest. I have read more riveting mysteries, though.

Those interested in the history of the time will be fascinated not only by events, but by attitudes. Mr. Ifkovic creates an amazing and believable aura; we know the doom that is coming, but somehow, still feel the desperateness of the times, the anxiety, and even the doubt. Details as small as clothing and food are noted and somehow, in this book we ‘see’ the times so clearly. Beautifully written, it is very readable and quite worthwhile.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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