You can see the cover art for this book at Lisa Dale’s blog or website. At the time of writing, I could not get a pic to post.

Adele Matin couldn’t wait to put her lonely childhood and hometown behind her. Amid the bright lights and hustle and bustle of New York, she built a life for herself—until one terrible mistake brought it crashing down. Now Adele is running again, this time to a cottage she inherited from her mother in rural Pennsylvania. And she’s about to realize that a small town has more to offer than she ever dreamed.

An artist and woodworker, Jay Westvelt knows a thing or two about living in the country. Adele is intrigued by her mysterious green-eyed neighbor, a man who took care of her house and soon cares deeply for her. But even as Adele’s steely heart begins to soften toward him, dark secrets from her mother’s past threaten to send her running once again. Can Jay convince her to stay with him?

Only if she can learn an important truth: that happiness begins with Simple Wishes.

I was really excited to get an advanced reading copy of this book. This is Lisa Dale’s first and I wasn’t disappointed!

By the middle of the story, I realized that either the plot or the writing reminded me of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River. Since I really enjoyed that book, that’s praise indeed!

The story took a little while to get going, but Lisa has several mysteries that keep the reader intrigued. What is Adele’s birth name? What is the big secret her neighbor is keeping from her? Why was her late mother so rigid and controlling?

Then, of course, there’s the love interest. One can’t help but like Jay, once the initial meeting is past, and one can only wonder how Adele lucked out so well!

The characters are very real, meaning they have plenty of flaws. Except maybe Jay. Did he have a flaw? He’s so forgiving! And talented! And compassionate! I digress.

One of the subplots includes a troubled teenager. At first, I was annoyed by this but was gradually plied into enjoying this aspect. Judgements to be withheld, lessons to be learned.

The climax was a little predictable but because of the events immediately succeeding it, one can hardly dwell on this.

I would definitely give this one an A-. Way to go, Lisa! I look forward to Seeds of Affection!

Today is Tuesday which means it’s Emily’s day to post a review. Unfortunately Emily doesn’t have a book to review. Why? Because the holidays have sucked the life out of me and I am slowly trying to reclaim it. So I apologize for the lack of book review today. Instead here is a list of books I am going to review in the future. 

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a contemporary and I am eager to get back into them.

For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper – A free-spirited Zoey needs the help of federal agent Dante to help save her baby niece, Pete. Opposites attract in what promises to be a fun and fast-paced contemporary.

Star Bright by Catherine Anderson – She’s fleeing from an abusive husband and finds refuge on a horse ranch. He’s determined to save her from her past and love her in the future … but can she trust him and herself enough to have the life she deserves?

A Coventry Wedding by Becky Cochrane – a bride running away? I’m hooked. Running to the middle of Texas? Hello, I’m buying. Throw in a dog and a chocolate festival and I say we got ourselves a winner ladies. Let’s hope this book delivers because I am really excited about this one.

And now, back to the historical …

To Seduce a Texan by Georgina Gentry – Set during the Civil War an outlaw kidnaps a banker’s stepdaughter. I wasn’t really convinced until I read the opening chapter compliments of Amazon.

Give Me a Texan by Jodi Thomas, Linda L. Broday, Dewanna Pace, and Phyliss Miranda – Thomas is the draw for me on this anthology of the American West but with three other potential must-read authors, I couldn’t pass this one up.

So, that’s what I have coming up in the future. You may have noticed I read mostly Westerns and Regencies but I am open to contemps too. If you have a book out there you’d like me to review, just drop me a line at elbecher@gmail.com. Until then, happy reading!

OMG I finished a book. Shocking yes, was it good, oh yes.  Let me start from the beginning. Yesterday was my birthday and I discovered that my mother bought me an e-reader YEAH!!!!

So of course the first thing I did was download all the books I have been wanting to read as well as all the re-reads. This was the first book that downloaded and boy was it worth it.

Snagged is about a thief who has been roped into working for mob boss b/c his father tried to turn in the boss but the police didn’t have enough evidence.  So now his son has to pay the price. Well the only evidence the boss has to keep the son in place are papers locked in a safe. And what better way to get free than to steal the papers back.  But he’s beaten to them by Seth an older more experienced thief who only wants to save him “Or so it appears”

This is definately an A rating for me!

This is a fantastic book with the theme of “I’m not gay” mix in some thieves, a secret twist I didn’t see coming and you have a wonderful short read (only 80 pages) of pure sugar delight.