"The Soulmate Equation"

"The Soulmate Equation" by Christina Lauren

Meet Jess Davis, a soon-to-be thirty, lonely, single mom with a harried

lifestyle. She's been self-sufficient for a long time now, ever since her parents

shirked family responsibilities years ago. But that doesn't stop her partying

mother from showing up at her doorstep for a hand-out now and then. And the

father of her child? He opted to leave, too, as soon as Jess decided to keep

the baby. 

Needless to say, there's little room for romance in Jess's life. In fact, with her 

dubious track record for meeting eligible men, she's not even sure she wants

to try. 

Yet Jess is grateful for so many things in her mundane life. The doting grandparents

that raised her, are now lovingly involved in doing the same with her 

seven-year-old, precocious daughter, Juno. Then there's the flexibility of her

freelance job that showcases what a genius Jess is with data and statistics.

And what would she do without quirky best friend, Fizzy, a successful romance

novelist who finds inspiration from the challenges Jess faces every day? Fizzy 

constantly encourages Jess to venture outside of her protective bubble of laundry,

school projects, and ballet lessons. 

Maybe that's why Jess agrees to be a part of GeneticAlly, a new match-making app 

that pairs prospective partners based on DNA results. Cold, scientific facts have a

certain logical appeal for a numbers guru like Jess. 

Imagine her surprise, when the test results show that Jess and the smug, aloof,

and incredibly attractive founder of the company, Dr. River Pena, 

are an unheard of 98% compatibility match. Considering Jess doesn't like the man

from previous encounters with him at the local coffee shop, it's a hard sell to 

explore a possible budding relationship with him. But when the company offers

to pay her a hefty amount of money to get to know him better, she reluctantly

agrees, fully aware of the growing attraction between them. 

This is another fun-filled, charming selection from a duo that knows how to

write romance with humor and style. Smoldering and steamy with many genuinely

tender moments, the reader will undoubtedly finish this love story with a satisfying

smile. 

 

"Shipped"

"Shipped" by Angie Hockman 

Henley Evans can almost taste the sweetness of the upcoming

promotion. The prize of digital director at Seaquest Adventures

could be hers, if she can create a stellar proposal to entice 

eager travelers to cruise the tantalizing Galapagos Islands. 

Increase revenue, and her career soars. But first, she must 

eliminate any obstacles in her way. 

As the marketing manager of this boutique cruise line, she's

undoubtedly made some necessary sacrifices. Quality time with

friends and family always takes a back seat to pursuing her lofty 

goals. But if that's what it takes, Henley is more than willing 

to pay the price for a prestigious title and a more comfortable

lifestyle. 

There's just one hiccup in her perfectly executed plan. She'll

have to visit the Islands personally to get a feel of all they have 

to offer enthusiastic tourists, and joining her will be arch

rival, Graeme Crawford-Collins, a man she's never met, but

intensely dislikes already. Granted, his dreamy, good looks are

quite appealing on their virtual calls, but now is not the time

to think about a personal relationship. She not only doesn't trust

him, he's also serious competition for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

But staying cool and rational is far from easy when Henley

meets Graeme in person. Her preconceived notions about him

being a conniving nemesis begins to dissolve as they explore

the Islands together, and soon the mutual attraction can no longer

be denied. This sexy competitor threatens to claim the recognition

she's worked so hard for, while her heart slowly melts whenever

he's around. 

This fun-filled, frolicking romance is the perfect getaway for

readers who want to leave their worries behind. Join Henley, 

Graeme, and an entertaining cast of characters, as they spend

spectacular days and moonlit nights at sea, experiencing all the

glorious beauty and history this breathtaking location has to offer. 

Approximately 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, the stunning

stretches of white beaches, and exotic wildlife of Galapagos, 

are the perfect setting for unexpected romance and new beginnings. 

And don't miss the author's notes on her thoughts about the 

connection between human beings and the ecosystems that 

surround us all. Not only is this debut entertaining, it also

provides enlightening information about what we can do to save

and preserve our precious planet. 

Add "Shipped" to your list of "Books To Read", on sale

January 19th, 2021, and escape to paradise.

 

Evvie Drake Starts Over

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

She's the grieving widow, a virtual recluse
in the big house in this small Maine
community where she led a seemingly
picture-perfect life with Dr. Timothy Drake,
the admired and adored physician
that so many called their savior and friend.

He's a washed-up former Major League
baseball pitcher who's lost the magic in
his arm that once graced every sports magazine
in the country.

When Evvie Drake and Dean Tenney meet, an easy
friendship begins, with the promise of romance
just a whisper away. But there's way too many
unspoken half-truths, misunderstandings, and
resentments in both of their lives, before a casual
relationship can turn into something much more
meaningful. And it won't be easy facing the truths
that have stayed hidden for so long.

No one can ever know that Evvie was planning
on leaving Dr. Tim hours before his tragic car
accident or the reasons why. And that includes two
special people, her own dear father and Andy,
her best friend and confidante.

Dean swallows his pride as his stellar pitching
career fades away, while secretly harboring the notion
his golden arm will return to resurrect his once glorious
career. Is it just a frivolous dream supported by Evvie,
or a real possibility?

This warm, funny, love story, about two
likable, vulnerable characters teetering on  the
threshold of happiness, is all about second
chances, forgiveness, and hope for a brighter tomorrow,
making it an ideal choice for the last days of summer.

One Day in December

One Day in December  by Josie Silver

Laurie looks aimlessly out the misty, bus window
on a cold, blustery, London day as she heads home
from another uneventful day at her tedious job.
Suddenly, she locks eyes with a shivering stranger
waiting outside at the bus stop. His penetrating
gaze makes her heart stop.

The undeniable attraction from afar is
mutual and instantaneous. Laurie debates
getting off the bus, the unknown man falters
for a second as if he's going to approach
her, but the bus moves on, and Laurie
can't shake the feeling she's missed a magical
moment in time.

Laurie is so smitten with this elusive stranger
that she spends the next year searching for him
at bus stops and cafes, assuring herself that she
will immediately recognize his piercing eyes
should they ever cross paths again.

Eventually Laurie does meet Jack in person (yes, he has
a name), at her roommate, Sarah's, Christmas party.
This is the man her friend has been gushing
about all these months, so eager for her best friend
to meet the perfect one. A crestfallen Laurie watches
her foolish hopes and dreams fade away when she
sees Sarah's radiant smile every time she looks at Jack.
Wistfully, she recollects that day of infatuation at the
bus stop, but is it possible that Jack remembers her, too?

For the next ten years these three vulnerable characters
travel down a winding road of twists and turns, secrets
and lies, and stunning betrayals as each one of them
searches for the happiness that always seems to be just
out of reach, no matter how hard they try.

This is a warm, emotional novel perfect for a cozy
evening by the fire, especially for those looking
for some holiday, happily ever after, romance.

Now That You Mention It

Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

Arriving just in time for Valentine's Day...an
engaging story about finding the healing
power of love, in a place called home.

Overweight as a teenager and shunned by classmates, Nora Stuart
always relied on her superior intelligence to get by during the
difficult days of adolescence. Childhood memories of carefree
days with her younger, popular sister and their adventurous
father are deeply etched in her mind. But when Dad abandoned
them without saying goodbye, life on this tiny island off the
coast of Maine became unbearable, and she knew that winning
a prestigious scholarship was the only way to escape from all the pain.

Now a successful doctor in Boston, Nora's shiny, new life is in shambles. A near fatal accident and shaky relationship with a charming ER physician, tells  her it's time to return home for rest and recuperation. But the lukewarm welcome she receives from loved ones, makes her doubt if she's made the right decision.

Nora's stone-faced mother isn't too interested in reconnecting with her daughter, preferring to dote on her pet bird and new career as a "hug therapist".  Her belligerent niece resents Nora's presence, hiding behind a mask of hurt and shame. It seems her mother, the sisterly thorn in Nora's side in high school, is now serving time behind bars. And then there's Luke Fletcher who has fallen from grace since his days of glory as the high school heartthrob. He still blames Nora for robbing him of the scholarship that he believes rightfully belonged to him. Luke's twin brother, Sullivan, is battling a crisis of his own, while valiantly trying to raise his insecure daughter. Nora needs to make peace with her past and forge ahead with the future, but this little island of secrets is standing in her way.

Warm your heart this season with romance, humor, and love.

The Light We Lost

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

Perhaps it was fate that brought Lucy and Gabe together on that crystal clear morning in September. Two typical college students finding an instant attraction to one another.

But this wasn't just any day in September; it was September 11, 2001, and as they watched the Twin Towers fall, their lives and those of all Americans changed. "There's something about death that makes people want to live". And this young couple was determined to do just that. They vowed to make the world a better place after witnessing pure, unadulterated evil.

Lucy and Gabe's love story begins that day. They float in and out of each other's lives over the years. She becomes a producer and writer of children's television, he travels to dangerous parts of the world as a renowned photographer. The canvas of their lives includes marriage, children, contentment, disappointments, self-doubt, and wistful longings, until one defining moment changes everything that came before.

This particular love story will tug at your heart like no other. Is it fate that writes the story of our lives or is it choice that creates our destiny?  You may be angry with these extraordinary characters at the decisions they make, or joyous at their celebration of life. You may even write your own ending.

  But, most assuredly, you'll remember Lucy and Gabe, long after the last page turns.

The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine

The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine by Alex Brunkhorst

Author Alex Brunkhorst unveils her first novel with a flourish. She combines old Hollywood glamour with the innocence of pure, naive love. The result is a charming, captivating story that readers will savor long after the last page.

Reporter Thomas Cleary is a lucky man. After a controversial stint in Manhattan, he's landed a plum newspaper job at the L.A. Times. His first assignment is an interview with Lily Goldman, the daughter of deceased Joel Goldman, the legendary and formidable Hollywood mogul and studio head. The affable and humble Thomas is an immediate hit with the beautiful people, and he soon finds himself immersed in a world of opulence, wealth, and grandeur. Lily introduces him to the sultry, alluring actress Carole Partridge and her writer husband, the easy-going, Charles. He meets stars at every lavish, resplendent party he attends. When he shakes the hand of  David Duplaine, indisputably the hottest producer of box-office hits in Tinseltown, he is truly intimidated. Suddenly, he is thrown into a life that dreams are made of, and he finds himself relishing each and every moment.

Then Thomas makes a startling discovery one evening alone while visiting the secluded grounds of David's estate. A winsome, fascinating young beauty named Matilda apparently lives a lonely but privileged existence there. She's never ventured off the property in her twenty years of being alive. Shrouded in mystery, Thomas and Matilda form an extraordinary bond. After numerous clandestine meetings, the couple decide to escape the estate. Lily agrees to help. They travel to an abandoned home in Hawaii that once belonged to her father, the powerful Joel Goldman. While on this lush, tropical island, Thomas begins to see subtle changes in Matilda.; changes that make him question his devotion to her. Becoming more and more suspicious of Matilda's upbringing, Thomas begins his own investigation, unearthing clues left behind in the Hawaii home. He gradually uncovers startling lies and deceit about the young woman who has stolen his heart. Can they survive what he has discovered?

Refreshing and soothing. this novel takes a most unlikely scenario and turns it into a magical love story, one that you will enjoy watching unfold.

And you can write your own ending......

   

Who Do You Love

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner

This is the love story of Rachel and Andy. So pure and simple from the start, but like all love stories, the journey to happiness is not an easy one. You'll find yourself rooting for these two flawed characters, wishing they could go back to the days of innocence, knowing that the obstacles they face may never lead to happily ever after.

They meet in the emergency room of a hospital, both just eight-years-old and in need of a friend. Rachel's congenital heart defect defines
her life; the endless surgeries, the constant fretting and over protectiveness of her devoted mother, the restrictions involving physical activity, and the ever-present pink, jagged scar running down the center of her chest. Andy is a lonely, often angry child, not knowing where he belongs. Being biracial and never meeting his father has already jaded his view of the world. This particular night, he's waiting for a doctor to set his broken arm, a result of a careless unsupervised walk on a railing, while his mother partied with friends. The connection between Rachel and Andy on this fateful night is apparent from the beginning. Little do they know it's the start of a romance that will be tested over time.

Over the course of many years, Rachel and Andy will meet again and again. And over the years, their differences become quite apparent. Rachel's doting and indulgent parents enjoy treating her like the"Jewish Princess" that she is. In comparison, Andy's poor upbringing, hand-me-down clothes, and meager surroundings make him feel resentful and unworthy of her affection. Eventually, as they go their separate ways, hard work pays off for both of them. Andy's superb running skills take him to The Olympics, and Rachel's promising career in social work becomes a reality. However, with success, comes scandal and infidelity. Thoughts always return to that first chance meeting years ago.

In typical fashion, Jennifer Weiner uses her skill as a writer to engage the reader in a compelling  and emotional story that offers an astute insight into the perils of falling in love. Much like her All Fall Down  (reviewed August 2014) this novel appeals to the hope in all of  us that we can survive even in the darkest of times.

Only in the end will you find out if Rachel and Andy's fairy tale comes true.

One Plus One

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Jess Thomas faces a dilemma; pay the overdue electricity bill staring at her from the piles of statements marked "final notice" on the dirty kitchen counter, or use those precious funds to buy her daughter some trendy designer clothes. It breaks her heart to know her child is ridiculed and teased for her homemade attire. For some people, money is just a detail. Dejected and alone, Jess is reminded that "people who thought money was a detail were the kind who had never really had to worry about it." The electricity bill will just have to wait.

Two quirky children call Jess "Mom".  Daughter Tanzie is a math genius with an amazing opportunity to further her education at a prestigious private school that costs a fortune. Prize money could be hers if they can somehow find their way to Scotland for a lucrative competition. Stepson Nicky is bullied and taunted with vicious remarks by classmates who make fun of his macabre appearance. Husband Marty conveniently vanished two years ago leaving Jess penniless and overwhelmed. Her job as a cleaning lady for the wealthy barely keeps food on the table. She is disappointed in herself., but starts each day with the hope that better days lie ahead.

Geeky Ed Nichols is a self-made tech millionaire who had a momentary lapse in good judgement. He is now facing insider trading charges. While his attorney sorts out the mess he has made of his life, Ed finds the days and nights can be quite lonely until a chance encounter with a feisty woman named Jess Thomas who just happens to be his cleaning lady. Against his better judgement, he agrees to embark on a journey to Scotland to make Tanzie's dream a reality.  Along the way, the road trip becomes a comedy of errors. Bad food, sleepless nights spent in a car, and a huge smelly dog named Norman are all part of the journey.

And Jess can't make herself reveal the secret she has been hiding from Ed.

Jojo Moyes writes a novel filled with humor, romance, and heartache. Two vulnerable characters who at first instantly dislike one another, find that together they just may have the courage and strength needed to overcome obstacles in their way. This is a light, amusing story, easy to read and a welcome break if you are looking for a little levity. However, it also has heart-rending and agonizing themes that are the very essence of the story.

Once again, this British author delivers.  

The Melody of Secrets

The Melody of Secrets by Jeffrey Stepakoff

Love stories. As readers, we never seem to tire of them. Perhaps the very thought of finding that one true love triggers hope and yearning in all of us. This short, historical fiction novel may do just that, long after you finish the final chapter.

The book covers a span of time dating from the 1940s to 1960. World War II is ending. For a young, German girl like Maria, the ravages of war have taken a toll on her mind and body. She knows the end of the fighting is near. Maria is a gifted violinist, and she treasures the precious moments spent teaching music to the small, innocent children nearby. As she reflects on her uncertain future, an American pilot by the name of James Cooper,  seeks refuge and a secure hiding place from the Germans after his fighter plane is shot down in a bold and daring night raid. He finds such a place in Maria's cottage. Two lonely souls with an immediate attraction to one another, they endure harrowing days until James realizes it is dangerous for him to stay. He vows to return. Little do they realize that this chance encounter will lead them to finding one another again fifteen years later.

It is now the 1950s in Huntsville, Alabama. Maria is married to second cousin, Hans, a brilliant scientist recruited by the U.S. to help in the flourishing space program.  Hans and many revered German colleagues now call this place home, while their wives struggle to learn a new language and live in a foreign country. Son Peter is a beacon of light; smart, personable, and incredibly astute for a child. Maria's contented and happy life, however, is soon shattered when James Cooper appears once again. Daring, bold, and working for the government, he hopes to be a leading candidate for the astronaut program.  He soon discovers astonishing secrets about the German scientists that are developing the jet engines that will take him into space. At the same time, Maria is forced to face these same revelations about Hans, the friend and confidante who rescued her from the atrocities of war. Will she be loyal and stay with a man she no longer can trust or follow her heart and rekindle a love forgotten so long ago?

Facts and fiction combine in this wistful story about forbidden love, misplaced loyalties, and shocking secrets. This period of time in world history is exposed; the heinous crimes of World War II, and the exhilarating start of the space program. It was also a time of unrest with the Civil Rights Movement, and this too, becomes a sub-plot involving minor characters.

This is an easy read with an unpredictable ending. It has all the elements needed for a touching...

Love story.

Starting Now

Starting Now  By Debbie Macomber

Not everyone wants to read complicated novels.  Sometimes bright, airy, less intense selections find their way onto our summer reading lists.

Debbie Macomber's books fall into this last category.  Her earlier works centered around the characters on Blossom Street, mainly a store called The Good Yarn.  She returns to that same locale with some old familiar faces and a few new ones along the way.

Libby Morgan is a successful attorney in a large Seattle area law firm.  However, just when she thought her tireless hours and dedication had her on  track to become a partner, she finds herself unemployed due to the recession.

Remedying unemployment should be relatively easy with her credentials, but unfortunately, it is not.  Idle months go by and with many hours to fill, Libby actually cultivates friendships, volunteers with infants at the local hospital, and becomes a mentor and confidante to a thirteen-year-old unwed mother with a difficult home life.  Along the way, a handsome doctor (supposedly with a heart of stone) becomes an intricate part of her life.

The story lies in how Libby and Phillip manage to come to terms with their deepening love and respect for one another while Libby is still determined to succeed in her career believing she can have it all.  Can Libby find that elusive balance in her life?

As a reader, you will probably guess how the story ends, but may enjoy the journey along the way.    A book of friendship, faith, and compassion.