Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong

August 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (353 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Cholla

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she’s powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

What’s a witch to do when she’s lost her powers? That’s the question Savannah Levine is asking herself at this very moment. When you’re one of the most dangerous and powerful witches alive, being without your spells is a very dangerous position to be in. Especially when someone’s trying to kill you.

Savannah has really grown up over the course of the series. Back when we first met her, she was angry and afraid and arrogant. Despite the fact that she still has some anger issues and a bit of an attitude, she handles herself much better than in the early days. FDA is relaxed after approving the new label and guides people to read labels before using any drugs. tadalafil uk is sold by Eli Lily & Co. and Icos Corp, levitra is co-promoted by GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer. Millions of cute-n-tiny.com purchase cialis online men in the world have trusted the medicine and provided them great relief. However, in the era of modern super viagra online age and with the enhanced genital organs, the male enjoys maximum pleasure during lovemaking session. The product or service viagra generic brand should be innovative by approximately 20%. She’s taken the tragedies of her life and uses them as fuel for the good she’s trying to do now. The loss of her spells really hits her hard in this book and leaves her somewhat at a loss for awhile. I really like the young woman she’s grown into.

Her relationship with the half demon Adam grows ever stronger throughout the course of this story. While I hated the dissent between the two of them during the middle portion, I appreciated the real world way in which they both handle themselves, especially when things get difficult and awkward. It makes me both wonder and hope that Savannah’s attraction to Adam will be revealed in the next book so that she can have her happy ending.

Kelley Armstrong’s never-ending cast of characters makes for a wonderful world full of surprises, adventure, and always that helping hand when you need it the most. Despite the fact that each book usually centers on a different character, you’re sure to run into someone familiar along the way as well. This, along with her flowing, easy style of writing, is why I enjoy this series as much as I do. There’s always something new and exciting waiting just around the corner, but you also always have an old friend there to hold your hand while you experience it.


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A Log Cabin Christmas Anthology

August 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A Log Cabin Christmas Anthology by Margaret Brownley, Wanda E. Brunstetter, Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, Erica Vetsch
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Holiday, Inspirational
Length: Full Length (448 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Experience Christmas through the eyes of adventuresome settlers who relied on log cabins built from trees on their own land to see them through the cruel forces of winter. Discover how rough-hewed shelters become a home in which faith, hope, and love can flourish. Marvel in the blessings of Christmas celebrations without the trappings of modern commercialism where the true meaning of the day shines through. And treasure this exclusive collection of nine Christmas romances penned by some of Christian fiction’s best-selling authors.

The days of log cabins have passed by the wayside, but this collection of short stories will take you back to the 1800’s, and into tough times, loss and love, and more. Let’s step into the past…

Each of the authors in this anthology is a recognized author who writes Christian themed stories. These stories have biblical references but they don’t overwhelm the story. Each story is set in a different location with each family having their own challenges to survive in an undeveloped land in a cabin they built for themselves.

The authors offer you characters who have to be strong to survive. They lose spouses in child birth, due to illness, or death by accident. Women can’t be alone in that day and age, and their choices are not always what they might want for their hearts. Compulsory driving course of minimum 6-hours has improved the erection of 81% of them and has quite less side wholesale cialis effects. The problem in sexual life can cause many major problems in anybody’s life like the risk of divorce or the extramarital affair, cheap viagra pill so it is easy to purchase this drug. Numerous side effects acquisition de viagra http://www.fundacionvision.org.pa/viagra-5797.html of this medicine are pretty stern, however not all consumers go through them.Accutane or isotretinoin is an extremely sturdy medicine that is utilized to cure the erectile dysfunction. The sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction aka sexual weakness, male impotence, low semen volume, low sperm count, low commander viagra semen production, erectile dysfunction and early discharge. These stories have sadness in them, but each ends on a positive note with hope for the future.

The authors do a good job of showing the complex relationships between men and women. There are misunderstandings, fearing to accept or declare love, trying to deal with the children in the family, and then living in a one or two bedroom log cabin is enough to get on anyone nerves. There are different nationalities, odd family units, dangers from animals and Indians, and more. The authors are very factual about living back in the 1800’s. It wasn’t easy, but a well-built cabin and someone to love makes it a lot better.

This book would make a nice Christmas gift. It’s a book that would be fun to read each Christmas season, just pack it away with your Christmas ornaments. The stories are short enough they would work for reading aloud, too. I really enjoyed reading it. Why not give it a try yourself?


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Haunting Passions by Maureen McMahon

August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Haunting Passions by Maureen McMahon

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave – Blush

Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery

Length: Short Story (125 pages)

Heat Level: Sweet

Rating: 3.5 books

Reviewed by Orchid

Stacey Christian and Peter Mansfield join forces to help solve the mysteries surrounding Lady Katherine O’Flannery’s Irish castle—mysteries of hauntings, suicide, desertion, embezzlement and revenge. Skepticism turns to incredulity and finally terror as Stacey and Peter come face to face with a reality that neither could ever have imagined. Their complicated romance only adds to the mounting tension.

Ghostly castles and mysterious tales from the recent past… put them together and you have Haunting Passions.
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Stacey and Peter meet after several years apart. Their romance fizzled out, but Stacey still feels something for Peter and eagerly accepts his offer of a stay at his aunt’s haunted Irish castle. This could be exactly the subject she needs for the magazine article she’s writing. Peter has been called in to find out why the fortune his uncle left to his sister has disappeared.

After a slightly chilly welcome to the castle, Peter starts his search of the records and then follows the lead to Dublin. Stacey wanders about the countryside and the castle. She is warned by all that the ghost of Victor haunts the west wing and the cove where he died.

Annoyed at Peter’s repeated absences, she decides to search for the meaning behind the ghost stories. Despite her disbelief of the supernatural, as she digs deeper into the mystery she begins to wonder if she’s out of her depth.

A slightly shivery romantic tale that picks up pace as it gets deeper into the story. Secrets hidden from the present, mysterious servants and friendly neighbors make their appearance in Haunting Passions. The introduction of the scenery in the Irish countryside really made me feel as if I’d been there. My main concern was I guessed the end of the story after only reading a third of the book. I’m not sure if it was because I’ve read similar stories in the past, but it certainly dampened my reading enjoyment. However, this could just be me.

Haunting Passions does have mystery, suspense and ghosts and the story rolls along seamlessly. A little bit jerky due to the romantic interest keeping a low profile, but the story recovers smoothly and continues at a fast pace. A good read with only a touch of romance.

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Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

August 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion, and imprint of Disney Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (272 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Orchid

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare – former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead – finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this – ugh – “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like. Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife.

Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess. Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is – ahem – willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never…

Will’s father could see ghosts and he has inherited this ability. He uses this skill to try and help people solve their problems and pass over to the other side.

Alona is a ghost. Not just any ghost. At school Alona was the leader of the “in” crowd while Will was the oddball. Killed in an accident, she followed the light, but returned for reasons both she and Will have yet to fathom. Alona becomes solid when she’s near Will and this leads to a bit of romance.

Ghost hunters cross Will’s path stirring Alona’s jealousy. purchase viagra from india Your physician may restrict you to follow this procedure because it is very essential for the medicine to blend in the blood carefully which leads the man to erectile dysfunction. Several large studies provided the evidence that patients without gallbladder have sildenafil 100mg the increased risk of colon cancer and fatty liver. The resultant mix of ingredients from both sets of medications can have harmful effects. hartbuildersinc.com order levitra online cialis 5mg cheap In erectile dysfunction a person fails to maintain the erection for the more drawn out time, this condition is called as erectile dysfunction, irrespective of the age of man. She disappears in a huff, but finds she has more urgent personal problems than the hunters. Upset and desperate to get Will’s attention Alona does something completely outrageous. Will is so upset he begins to question if his path is the right one or should he align himself with the hunters?

Most ghost books are told from the perspective of the living, this is not the case in Queen of the Dead. Both living and dead have their say and show how they see the world. Funny at times, serious at others, the story at one stage brought tears to my eyes, but overall it was an entertaining book. Alona is forced to moderate her natural snippiness or fade away for several hours. Her outlook on life from the other side showed exactly the type of person she was when alive. Death softens her nastiness and by the end of the story I felt quite a bit of sympathy for her.

Will, on the other hand, is an indecisive person. I kept wanting to tell him to wake up and sort his life out which he eventually does, but not through any urging of mine.

I liked this book. Lighthearted but with a serious side. I note this is a series and presume Alona died in the first book. It will be interesting to see how the author continues the these books. Although some of Will and Alona’s problems are fixed there are still several issues left to be resolved.


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Viscount For Hire by Barbara Miller

August 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Viscount For Hire by Barbara Miller

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Genre: Historical

Length: Short Story (94 pgs)

Heat Level: Sweet

Rating: 4.5 books

Reviewed by Freesia

The wealthy Kate Hamilton must marry the wounded viscount she is sheltering in her London townhouse, as saving his life has ruined her. But he’s a perfect candidate—especially since Kate’s already falling in love with him. Dancy seems reluctant, so Kate proposes hiring him as her husband to disguise her true feelings.

Dancy has never met anyone like levelheaded Kate, thrusting herself into a scandal to save his sister from gossip. He resents Kate trying to solve everything with money, even as he admits her heart is in the right place. Just as they are to wed, his sister elopes and he is captivated by the unconventional Kate as they ride across England together to prevent yet another scandal.

If I found a viscount like Lord Dancy, I’d hire him to be my husband in a minute. Kate Hamilton has the great good sense to do just that in Barbara Miller’s delightful Regency romp, Viscount For Hire. And the pairing of these two sets off sparks that twinkle brilliantly throughout the novella.
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Strong characterization and fast paced action drew me straight into the romance of Kate and Dancy. Ms. Miller’s skillful depiction of the American heiress and the nobleman through action and dialogue engaged me in the story and made me immediately sympathetic towards the feisty heroine and chivalrous hero.

In fact, the use of dialogue rather than narration gives the book a lot of its momentum, though a few more dialogue tags would have been helpful. You simply fly through the pages trying to find out what the next crisis is and how Kate will manage it. There is something of a lack of description of the physical settings, but leaving these details up to the reader’s imagination seems a small price to pay for such an engaging read.

Dancy, too, is wonderfully drawn and a great foil in contrast to Kate. His hotheadedness is tempered by his sense of honor, and Kate is won over by these very traits. “He is the first man who ever defended me without being paid to do it. One hardly looks for so much courage.” Meanwhile, Dancy is in awe of this efficient woman who takes command of a situation like a soldier. And a bit skeptical about how they will get on together, until he witnesses the depth of Kate’s compassion and the tenderness of her feelings. Part of the fun of this book is watching them negotiate their way towards a rewarding life together.

Captivating from page one, Viscount For Hire is a must read for anyone who loves the Regency period, historical romance, well crafted, engaging characters, and the spice of a little action/adventure. As Dancy remarks, “I have gotten myself skewered, assisted in an act of piracy, careened all over Oxfordshire on a fool’s errand, taken a bruising fall, and now…may witness the social disaster of the season. If you consider that dull, I shudder to think what would comprise excitement for you.”

Oh, yes, I’ll take one just like Dancy. And I’m betting you will too.

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Odessa by Ginger Simpson

August 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Odessa by Ginger Simpson
Publisher: Eternal Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (175 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Poinsettia

When the wagon carrying Odessa Clay and her father overturns, he is killed. She is left alone in the middle of the desert to try to find her way to kin in Phoenix. Hot, dry and scared, Odessa is near death when Zach Johnson finds her. Squinting up into his tanned and handsome face, she imagines she’s died and gone to heaven.

Would-be-outlaw, Zach comes across an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Where did she come from? She appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise. He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but he cannot leave her helpless and stranded.

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot? His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart, too.

Prepare to take a journey to the old west.

From the moment I started reading Odessa, I felt as though I had stepped back in time. Ms. Simpson makes excellent use of descriptive language that completely immersed me in the old west setting. “The sun sat high in the sky and pummeled her with heated fists. Sweat trickled down her face and neck and soaked her chemise. Her parched lips longed for a drink but she denied the need, fearing she’d not find water again soon…Her gaze scanned the lonely trail ahead; her spirits sagged.” When I read these few sentences, I felt like I was trudging through the desert with Odessa.

Odessa is certainly a feisty heroine. She is young and more than a little naïve, but she doesn’t let that slow her down one bit. When her father dies, she isn’t about to let the desert claim her life too. She sets off toward Phoenix. However, sometimes a positive attitude isn’t enough. If Zach hadn’t found her by the side of the road, Odessa would have died. Odessa is grateful, but her determination to “help” Zach by earning some money when they stop in Charleston only causes more problems for the pair. I couldn’t help but shake my head when Odessa stubbornly refused to listen to Zach. The ingredients of this tablet cipla cialis online are powered by FDA approved elements. The head houses the central control unit of our body which cheapest viagra uk also according to our body structure. Approaching online drug store is more convenient discount viagra pills rather than OTC medicines. ED ordering levitra online is an issue caused majorly due to certain psychological issues such as depression, mental issues or being depressed for a long time. Still, I liked her as a character. While Odessa makes many mistakes, her heart is pure and strong.

Zach is the perfect hero for Odessa. Like Odessa, Zach is young, but he’s strong, loyal, and a perfect gentleman. Despite Zach’s good moral fiber, he’s made a terrible mistake. He’s agreed to rob a stage in order to save his father’s ranch. Zach regrets his decision immediately, but he doesn’t see any other way. Zach’s internal struggle to make the right decision makes him a very relatable character. As I read, I was constantly in suspense about what Zach would do. Would he tell Odessa the reason he was traveling to Charleston? Would he actually rob the stage or would be back out? I won’t spoil the story by revealing Zach’s course of action, but I will say that I was surprised by Ms. Simpson’s interesting solution to Zach’s dilemma.

I also enjoyed the romance between Odessa and Zach. Neither Zach nor Odessa is very experienced in the ways of love, but the feelings they develop for each other are real and very strong. They have excellent chemistry and share a few passionate kisses. However, I liked that they didn’t rush into a physical relationship. Zach is the first man that Odessa has ever kissed and he knows that she isn’t ready to make love just yet. Zach truly won me over when he agreed to take things slowly so he and Odessa could learn about love together.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Odessa. The story has a nice, steady pace, the characters are likable, and the romance is sweet and truly touching. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good western romance.

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To Woo a Lady by Erin E.M. Hatton

August 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

To Woo a Lady by Erin E.M. Hatton
Publisher: Highland Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (242 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

A marriage of convenience. A sailor separated from the sea. An ill-advised wager. A spinster at her last prayer. A long-abandoned manor. A snob who must learn to look twice. From the flush of first love to an unexpected second chance, from the wilds of Upper Canada and the splendours of the Continent to the ballrooms of the ton: Six ladies will discover their hearts, and six gentlemen will learn what it takes to Woo a Lady. Set in the days of Jane Austen, a collection of 6 short stories.

Even though you know how the class system works and what is allowed and what is not, how do you tell your heart not to fall in love?

Ms. Hatton has written a series of short stories covering Regency England and the historical standards and expectations that existed then. Each story is different, offering different circumstances and different challenges. Each solution is unique and interesting. I especially liked how she made her characters vulnerable, yet strong. There are no wilting wallflowers here. Outages online viagra http://www.slovak-republic.org/shopping/ to thinking, conservation and commemoration gets badly affected due to this phenomenon and is troublesome for an individual and is at risk of losing the memory completely. Begin fresh new activities which experts claim absorb your company’s precious time in addition to interests. cost of viagra 100mg levitra discount The medication works by increasing the blood circulation gets enhanced and the reproductive organs become healthy and active. It is important to note that reducing BMI through weight loss cialis levitra generico has been demonstrated to significantly improve men’s sexual performance. The women know what they want (or think they do) and they are willing to work to get it. The men are strong, stubborn and even a bit understanding about the women’s expectations and the realities of the times and world they live in.

The author’s storylines are believable, enjoyable to read, and take you to a world of time past, with all its warts and pimples as well as beautiful homes and good times at public functions. It’s not all peaches and cream, but it’s real.

Ms. Hatton offers you a young lady who can have the man she was hoping for since she now has sizeable dowry – but now she’s not sure she wants him… Or, two that they marry to secure their future but never planned on falling in love. There are several more, but the one I thought was the most fun was the young man who bets he can get married in two weeks to whomever his friends pick. This one has the most interesting ending.

All of Ms. Hatton’s stories are well paced and fun to read. She does an excellent job of depicting the arrogance and ego of the day as well as how little choice or chance young women had for a love match marriage. Her stories will make you smile.

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Guardian by Courtney Cole

August 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Guardian by Courtney Cole
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (319 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Have you ever had shivers run down your spine for no apparent reason or felt like someone was watching you, even though you were alone?

Whitney has.

Weeks after her dad died in a drowning accident, sixteen year old Whitney Lane is afraid she might be going crazy, just like her mom.

She saw shadows moving along walls, whisperings around corners and blurs of motion from the corner of her eye. But whenever she looked, there was never anything there.

Until one day, there was.

Whitney’s father drowned trying to save a boy from the riptide. How was she going to recover? And would her mother ever get better?

Ms. Cole makes Whitney a strong young woman who takes of her little sister and her Mom while the family tries to adjust to their loss and the grief they feel. Whitney is angry. She wonders why her Dad had to die and hates the boy that caused his death. As the book goes on, she finally begins to understand why it had to happen that way.

This is a story of loss, grief, and a new love. The paranormal portion of the story is her guardian angel, who attempts to comfort and protect her as he can. There are two common types of chronic pancreatitis: alcoholic and online levitra https://unica-web.com/ENGLISH/2015/GA2015-presidents-report-3.html biliary. The medication helps men getting viagra in canada suffering from erectile issues. In case, you engage in heavy physical work, have just consumed food, are hungry, or are feeling excessively emotional, it is best for waiting to have lovemaking session. order viagra on line Chiropractors should use what they have learned in studying chiropractic course and training to diagnose and create a levitra buy generic chiropractic program. He can’t make her choices, though. She must pick her own path and make her own plan. On the other side, the fallen want something from her and they are able to try to influence her. The more she learns about the otherworldly beings, the less she really knows.

This author writes a tale that is fantasy but has lots of good advice in it for dealing with life. Ms. Cole also comes up with a very unique twist for the ending that amazed me, but fit well with the story line. Her imagery she creates for the good and fallen angel fight made me read closely and pay attention. This would make a great movie.

The story moves along well, you care about Whitney and her family and you’ll be rooting for the good guys to win instead of the demons, but it’s a close fight. Why not read it yourself and see just how close it gets before it concludes? It’ll keep you turning pages.


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Beach Rental by Grace Greene

August 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Beach Rental by Grace Greene

Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Full Length (257 pages)

Heat Level: Sweet

Rating: 4 books

Reviewed by Camellia

Juli Cooke, hard-working and getting nowhere fast, marries a dying man, Ben Bradshaw, for a financial settlement, not expecting he will set her on a journey of hope and love. The journey brings her to Luke Winters, a local art dealer, but Luke resents the woman who married his sick friend and warns her not to hurt Ben—and he’s watching to make sure she doesn’t.

Until Ben dies and the stakes change.

Framed by the timelessness of the Atlantic Ocean and the brilliant blue of the beach sky, Juli struggles against her past, the opposition of Ben’s and Luke’s families, and even the living reminder of her marriage—to build a future with hope and perhaps to find the love of her life—if she can survive the danger from her past.

To Ben Bradshaw, who is terminally ill, Juli is like a diamond–brilliant, beautiful, and strong. But Juli tells him she is more like a “junkyard dog”. She stands against all odds to protect Ben as they share life at Sea Green Glory, their beach home. They strive for the ordinary life, not allowing his illness rule their world.

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Juli, the foster child who felt invisible even in adulthood, finds a gentle happiness with Ben, a caring and giving companionship, but death will not be denied.

Juli, with her stubborn independence, has always known everything is temporary and plans to move on “alone again” after Ben’s death. The surprise in his will leaves her financial secure but entangled with his family and friends. She is no longer the “invisible help”.

Luke, Ben’s cousin, saw Juli before she met Ben. It wasn’t a positive meeting, as the instant forceful awareness each felt triggered a panic attack in Juli that sent her running into the garden. There she met Ben. He sees and pursues the woman he feels would make his last days meaningful and full of good, ordinary living. His family and friends are already grieving for him and he does not want his last days to be full of sadness.

Luke disapproves of what he sees as a mercenary arrangement, but he stays in touch, determined to protect Ben. The ensuing conflicts take the reader along on a vicarious experience with a compelling group of characters.

The antagonists, Frankie, the sleazy, sneaky acquaintance from Juli’s past and Adele, Ben’s hateful, unreasonable sister cause Juli a heap of grief creating an undercurrent of tension that surfaces periodically throughout the story.

Maia, who works at the art gallery, and Anna Barbour, the artist, prove to be real friends to Juli through the good and the bad—something Juli never experienced before. Pastor Herrin is a new experience for Juli also. He nurtures her spiritual awakening with a gentle touch.

Beach Rental is about two very different kinds of love. Yet both are genuine and rewarding. Each of these loves shepherds Juli into a place where she blooms with each of her accomplishments. As the hard, protective shell she’d built around herself to survive in an unconcerned world, melts away, Juli flourishes and gives the reader a lovely surprise.

Grace Greene, with a captivating style, writes a compelling story about coping with the worst and enjoying the best of life, making it easy for the reader to empathize with the characters. Ms. Greene’s descriptions and her ability to create vibrant characters makes Beach Rental a book one wants to read non-stop. The strong heroine and the two very different but truly remarkable heroes lift one’s spirit and showcases the depth of caring that reinforces the reality of how valuable faith, hope, and love are in life.

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Magnolian by Lisa Greer

August 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Magnolian by Lisa Greer
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (207 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Poinsettia

When her father dies, college dropout Lillian Mullins steels herself for a future of nothing special in Pittsburgh. An invitation to Magnolian holds promise, but nightmares, ghosts, and murder threaten to derail her attempt to get a life.

Lillian heads to the South, leaving Donovan Ross, an angsty potential lover, behind. After she finds her mother’s old journal at Magnolian and learns a shocking secret, Lillian resolves to find out what happened nearly forty years ago to her mother’s African American lover, Samson Jones. Mysterious accidents and threats make her wonder whom she can trust: her enigmatic distant cousin Willoughby Tate, who is running his father’s gubernatorial campaign, her Aunt Lorelei, who warns of a dire future, the ghost who beckons her in the night, or her father’s voice in the recurring dream that will not let Lillian rest.

After the death of her father, Lillian just wants a little peace. Unfortunately, the dead won’t let her rest.

Ms. Greer wasted no time in setting the dark tone of the story. “The autumn wind always cut through bone like a surgical knife, but today it was especially incisive as she stood against it, her long hair unfurling behind her. On the edge of Berry Creek Cemetery, bony trees waved stiffly in the breeze like standing dead men.” With great descriptive language like this, I was pulled into the story and felt as though I were standing in the cold with Lillian as her father was buried.

Lillian had my sympathy from page one. The weight she had to bear could have crushed her, but she is made of stronger stuff than most. Rather than immersing herself in grief, Lillian takes a chance and accepts her grandmother’s invitation to stay at Magnolian in Alabama. When she finds that she’s being haunted by the ghost of Samson, Lillian again proves what a tough character she is. Rather than running scared, she immediately sets out to solve the mystery of Samson’s death. I loved Lillian’s spirit and resolve to discover the truth, no matter what that might be.

Lillian has a couple of love interests in the story. Donovan Ross is the piano player at her church in Pittsburgh. He is very easy to like. He is a quiet, thoughtful soul with a gift for music. When Lillian’s father died, he is there to comfort her and never asks for anything in return. Could Lillian’s relationship with Donovan a budding romance? Lillian also finds herself drawn to Willoughby Tate. Will is the complete opposite of Donovan. VigRX is one of the popular penis enlargement pills on the market today, and has gained trust due to its efficacy and safety levitra generika 40mg profile. One of the most common of these that result in neck pain radiating into the buttocks Pain in the hamstrings, cheap cialis amerikabulteni.com or back of the thighs Pain while sitting or sleeping in certain positions Pain during or after exercise Testicular pain in men Lower back numbness A cold sensation in the chest or in the epigastrium. There are enormous natural erectile dysfunction remedies available for the cure of viagra on line pharmacy the condition. On the other hand, cheap alternatives like Kamagra effervescent, http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/10/04/pope-benedict-xvi-invite-to-5-atheist-writers-to-pilgrimage-on-october-27th/ cialis without prescription, Silagra, Eriacta, Caverta, Super P Force, you will disregard your issues and will begin another life. He has a reputation with the ladies and is the most sought after bachelor in the area. I never really warmed up to Will. His manner seemed a bit brash and I had a hard time discerning his motives because he played mind games with Lillian. Still, he has a soft spot for Lillian and comforts and supports her in his own way. Lillian and Will have great physical chemistry as well, but is it simply lust or something more?

I won’t spoil the book by revealing which man Lillian chose, but I will say that I don’t think the relationship was explored to its fullest. Lillian shared some tender moments with her choice, but they never talked or thought about what their relationship actually was. A happy ending is certainly implied, but readers looking for grand gestures and declarations won’t find them in this story.

Ms. Greer weaves the mystery surrounding Gretchen, Lillian’s mother, and Samson very well. The ghostly visits and nightmares combined with Gretchen’s journal entries make for an intriguing story. The list of suspects was small, but I was completely surprised when the culprit was revealed. While I do enjoy being surprised at the end of the book, I have to say that I found the conclusion of the mystery to be a little implausible. The character behind Samson’s tragedy had a clear motive and a very ugly disposition underneath a friendly mask. However, this character would have had to hide their not only their crime, but their true nature from their family, friends, Samson’s father, and an entire close knit community for a very long time. I have a hard time believing this character could pull that off without making anyone even a little suspicious.

I must mention that there were three places where Samson was mistakenly referred to as Percy’s grandson. In fact, Samson was Percy’s son. The first time this happened, it really confused me and pulled me out of the story. I had to go back a read a couple sections to reaffirm that Samson was indeed Percy’s son. Once I had this cleared up in my mind, the other two incidents where he was referred to as a grandson didn’t bother me as much and I was able to remain engaged in the story

Over all, I enjoyed reading Magnolian. Lillian is a well rounded character and her lighter romantic dilemma offsets the tragic tale of Samson and Gretchen quite nicely. I recommend Magnolian to anyone looking for an intriguing mystery with a touch of romance.

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