Kayaks & Kisses (Season of Thanks) by Maria Hoagland {Review}

Kayaks & Kisses (Season of Thanks) by Maria Hoagland

Kindle Edition, 119 pages

Published October 31st 2016 by Trifecta Books

    

Brynn Caley is about to start her dream career running an outdoor sporting goods store when an out-of-town business guru makes his own offer on the property. Coerced into forming a temporary partnership, Brynn, with her ski experience, finds she has to work with fishing expert Gage to run the year-round shop.

Through a series of innocent misconceptions and a few blatant lies, Brynn doesn’t realize that the handsome single guy on the construction crew is her new partner, and he doesn’t want to set her straight until he can gain her favor. She, on the other hand, would do anything not to work with the stuffy businessman she’s only met through email.

Inspired by the movies You’ve Got Mail and The Shop around the Corner, Kayaks & Kisses is a heart-warming tale of finding love in autumn leaves, outdoor activities, and new friendships. 

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My Review: 4 Stars

I love a little "friendly" competition and when Brynn and Gage both make an offer on an outdoor sporting store, that's what the seller demands. They have to work together for a year as partners, much to both of their dismays.

As the email correspondence begins, each comes off across as stuffy and...old...but I loved seeing them both soften as the story progresses and in unexpected ways. Brynn has had some major disappointment in her life and is determined to make the most of her talents. She's innovative, sweet, and willing to work hard. Gage is determined to prove himself with his ideas, business skills, and knowledge. As a reader, I could see that they're an obvious match, both in and out of the workplace, but they have to figure that out through some big challenges--namely, that Brynn has no idea who Gage really is. The clues are there but she's naïve, which is charming, in a way.

I have to admit, I would be pretty upset to discover Gage's secret if I were in Brynn's shoes, but her reaction is perfect! I especially love the way the author portrays honest feelings and reasons, which endeared me to the characters even more. This is a sweet story with a slightly nostalgic feel that left me with a smile. I love a good, clean romance, and would've been happy with a swoony kiss or two.

Content: very mild romance.

*I received a complimentary copy, which in no way affected my thoughts and opinions. All views are my own.*

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About the Author:

When Maria Hoagland is not working at her computer, she can be found walking barefoot in soft grass, remodeling houses with her husband, or enjoying campfires with their three children. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. Maria earned her degree at Brigham Young University.

Cozumel Escape (A Destination Billionaire Romance) by Cami Checketts {Review}

Cozumel Escape (A Destination Billionaire Romance)
by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition, 149 pages

Published October 30th 2016 by Gelato Publishing Inc. 

 

 

 

 

Brooks Hoffman, billionaire, loves women, expensive toys and fighting—in that order. A week romancing a beautiful woman on his private island is a great way to pass the time. When Sydnee Lee Swenson isn’t impressed with his money, or charmed by his…well, charm, Brooks takes it as a personal challenge to change her mind.

Sydnee Lee moved to Cozumel to volunteer at the local orphanage. She’s fallen in love with the children and doesn’t need a good-looking, over-confident, guy complicating things. Sending Brooks on his way, with just the right amount of sass, was the only option. But when Brooks puts his own life on the line for her and some of the orphaned children, she may have to take another look at the guy behind the muscles and money. 

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

*This is a companion to Caribbean Rescue, but can be read as a stand alone.*

Cami Checketts always does such a great job of fabricating a wonderful mix of suspense and romance in her books and this story isn't any different. I loved seeing the familiar characters from Caribbean Rescue make an appearance, but this story is about the best friend from that book--Brooks. I adored him before because he's larger-than-life, over-the-top, and above-and-beyond in his generosity, charm, and personality. But as all characters with these characteristics have--he has a past that he's trying to conquer and uses these traits to mask things.

Brooks is a wealthy, handsome hero, but he's also a conceited brute and I loved getting to see him more in depth. Sydnee works at an orphanage and has captured his attention, but seems to be immune to his charms. I love seeing characters complement and bring out the best in each other. I also love watching a passion and adoration develop and the tension in coming to this point is very gratifying. The anticipation and glints of romance are swoony, indeed. There are a few menacing moments, which add to the story, and showcase what this author does best--romantic suspense.

The lesson? You can't judge a book by its cover.

Content: mild, swoony romance; moments of mild peril.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. All views expressed are completely my own.*

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Buy Link:

About the Author:

 

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

www.camichecketts.com

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving by various Harlequin Heartwarming Authors {Review}

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: November 1st 2016 by Harlequin 

Count down to Thanksgiving with one of our 13 poignant Harlequin Heartwarming short stories. This is a time to get together with family and friends, and reconnect over pumpkin pie and hot apple cider…or read about the stories where heroes and heroines struggle to get their dream holiday!

Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty
Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker
Mr. Right All Along by Jennifer Snow
Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson
The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy
Thankful for You by Karen Rock
Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross
The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James
Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb
The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara
Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

I love the cozy feeling that Thanksgiving brings. It's a time of family, gratitude, love, and food, but there's such a feeling of contentment, too. This collection of stories really brings those feelings home for me. Whether it's delivering a baby, falling for a soldier (or a cowboy or a doctor for that matter), planning a wedding (or pretty much eloping), these couples' stories all warmed my heart and soul, bringing a smile to my face.   

I love how there is such a wide variety of guys in this collection, as well as about any trope a reader could want. For a reader, that is highly satisfying and it keeps the book interesting, as the only common themes throughout are romance and thanksgiving.

Speaking of romance, I don't have to worry about stumbling onto a steamy scene or encountering strong language with this line. I love how sweet each story is. Some stories had me melting, while others had me laughing out loud. Still others had me on the verge of tender tears, but they all left me satisfied. Each author has a strength and a unique writing style and although these stories are short, the authors really shine and do what they do best.

Let's not forget the recipes included--my, oh, my! My mouth was watering, just reading about those delicious sounding foods. I definitely need to make some of them soon.

Content: mild romance. Clean!

*I received a complimentary copy. This in no way affected my opinion--all thoughts are my own.*

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Buy Link:

Review: Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller

Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published September 22nd 2015 by Schwartz & Wade
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


Description:

Celebrate food and family with this heartwarming Thanksgiving picture book. We will share the risen bread. / Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread. / Grateful to be warm and fed. / We will share the bread. In this spirited ode to the holiday, set at the turn of the twentieth century, a large family works together to make their special meal. Mama prepares the turkey, Daddy tends the fire, Sister kneads, and Brother bastes. Everyone—from Grandma and Grandpa to the littlest baby—has a special job to do. Told in spare, rhythmic verse and lively illustrations, Sharing the Bread is a perfect read-aloud to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.

My Review:

It is clearly stated in the title of this book that it's an old-fashioned story. I don't know what it is about the holidays, but they make me feel very nostalgic for times gone by and I loved the way this story was told.

In rhyme, each page is about a specific job that each member of the family holds to get this feast to the table. It's clear that each job is important and each person must work hard to do their part in order to enjoy a scrumptious feast. It's been said that "many hands make light work" and that's definitely how it was back in these times.

My nine-year-old daughter and I read this aloud and loved the illustrations that went along with each page. There are mini stories to behold in those pictures and they're a lot of fun. As for the story, the rhyme is catchy and flows in a good rhythm. We both enjoyed the book and are looking forward to the holiday.  

This story can be applicable to modern times as well, acknowledging that each person in a family is important and has their role. This time of year is all about being grateful and especially for family.

Buy Links:

  

 

About the Author:

Pat Zietlow Miller knew she wanted to be a writer ever since her seventh-grade English teacher read her paper about square-dancing skirts out loud in class and said: “This is the first time anything a student has written has given me chills.” (Thanks, Mrs. Mueller! You rock!)

Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.

Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. Her first picture book, SOPHIE’S SQUASH, is illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf and published by Schwartz & Wade. Her second picture book, WHEREVER YOU GO, is illustrated by Eliza Wheeler and will be released April 21, 2015 by Little, Brown. SHARING THE BREAD, illustrated by Jill McElmurry, will come out from Schwartz & Wade in August 2015. THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, a fiction picture book inspired by Olympic sprinter Wilma Rudolph, is under contract with Chronicle.

Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love “Glee” and "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Twitter  ||  Goodreads  ||  Amazon  ||  Website

 
About the Illustrator: 

She illustrated the bestselling picture book Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins, among others. She is the author and illustrator of Mario Makes a Move, which Publishers Weekly, in a starred review, said “captures the exuberance of the creative spirit alongside the quirks of a character accepting his limitations.” Visit her at jillmcelmurry.com.