Review: Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke

I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review!

Thank you!

Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher: Forever. Grand Central Publishing.
Date: June 30, 2023
Pages: 336
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SUMMARY:
Evie Harlow runs a quaint little bookshop in London, which is the biggest adventure an unmarried woman with no prospects could hope for. Until Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, saunters into her shop with a proposition: to win a bet with his friends, he’ll turn her into the diamond of the season. The duke might be devilishly attractive, but Evie has no intention of accepting his ludicrous offer. When disaster strikes her shop, however, she’s left with little choice but to let herself be whisked into his high-society world.

Always happy to help a lady in distress, Max thinks he’s saving Evie from her dull spinster’s life. He’ll help her find a husband and congratulate himself on a job well done. But as shy Evie becomes the shining star he always knew she could be, she somehow steals his heart. And when her reputation is threatened, can Max convince her to choose a glittering, aristocratic life with him over the cozy comfort of her bookshop?

REVIEW:
This was such a fun story to read. I was excited to get an e-arc ahead of time. I literally could not put the book down since it was a Victorian time take on Cinderella with a twist! I loved it! Who doesn’t love Cinderella stories? Oh and bookshops!

The main character Evie Harlow is her own person who runs her own business which is a bookshop was fun to see in this time period. She wears what she wants and is okay with being called a ‘spinster.’ She does what she wants compared to what society wants her to be. I loved this!

So when Max comes into her life with the deal, things change for her! It was fun to see her get a taste of fun and dress shopping and eating new foods. I loved her reaction to seeing the electronic lift for the hotel. I did love the connection that Evie had with the dressmaker Vivienne being on your own and working away.

I will say there were a few giggle moments when I was reading this story. One was from Evie to Max “And how do you know so much about women’s clothes?” Plus there was another moment regarding to ‘red satin garters’ which made me chuckle at how that went down. Another moment was when Evie was talking to Max and she said “I enjoyed defying their expectations.” Go woman power!! Loved, loved that!

Another thing I liked was when Max was teaching Evie how to dance. I love this. I love dancing so this made my day or night (when I was reading it)! The movements, the moments and the music during this part of the book was so fun.

Other than Max and Evie, there was Evie’s friend who she grew up with named Rory. I think Evie had a slight crush on him but in time realized he was not worth her time. I did not like the Rory character because he seemed fishy to me. I just wanted to point that out on how I felt about Rory.

There’s one more character that pops up which is Max’s cousin, Delia who is such a joy! I loved her gumption and experience she has. I wonder if there’s a story about her?

It did feel like a friendship to a slow burn with Evie and Max which I enjoyed. Does their relationship have a happy ending? You need to pick this quick, light, fun and sweet romance book up to read to find out what happens to Max and Evie.

I really really liked it! I look forward to more from this author!

Review: What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher

I received an e-Arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review!

Big thanks to Rikka for sending me the e-arc!

Isn’t the cover so pretty?
It gives all the feels with the previous books that Paige Crutcher has written!

Author: Paige Crutcher
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Date: September 26, 2023
Pages: 320
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SUMMARY:
Aline Weir, a witch who can talk to ghosts, has kept her talents hidden ever since a disastrous middle school slumber party. Ever since, Aline has chosen to be invisible and use her powers in secret to help lost souls reunite with the keys to send them home. All the while, she finds solace in a bookstore and the three mysterious women who run it… until Aline discovers The Book of Mischief, and her powers are enhanced.

Living a solitary life until the age of thirty-four, Aline’s life takes an unexpected turn when the wrong (or perhaps right) person witnesses her using her powers and she is invited to a town that doesn’t exist on any map. Arriving in Matchstick, Aline learns of a lost magic that desperately needs to be found and only her unique powers can do it. But what she’s not told is that Magic is a person. One that is dangerous and seductive and has been waiting for a witch with a power like hers for centuries. Magic must free himself and claim the power to gift it to The Supreme Witch, a being more beguiling, powerful and dangerous than he.

REVIEW
Oh my gosh! Another amazing world that Paige Crutcher created! I was hooked on the story from the first page. I had a concept of how this story was going to go but I was so wrong. I was glad to be wrong because the story itself was magical. It was filled with such colorful, descriptive adventures of into new places along with battling magic and saving the world. That was epic!

I was entertained by the main character Aline who was a character who loved stories and yet she could see ghosts. She learned of things to help those ghosts with a help of Dragon who guided her in a way. At first I thought Dragon could be her spiritual guide? But it was a friendship between the two of them. I loved the name. I also had a inkling that Dragon may play more to the story somehow. Was I right? You have to go get the book.

Since Aline loved stories, she ends up finding peace at a bookstore run by three ladies. The three ladies play a part. I liked the relationship between the three ladies and Aline. They’re pretty cool ladies.

(psst….Anne of Green Gable is mentioned in this story too…I did tiny scream inside of my head about this..Yes I am fan of Anne of Green Gables….)

There is so much is going on in this story that it’s a fantasy…no wait it felt like a folklore/fantasy/magic type of feel. It’s just awesome. With all the books that this author has written, this one has the same similar fun feel and weaves such a great vivid , mystical adventure. Even all the characters play a part in the story too. I had to pay attention to the characters as well to make sure they all were connected somehow. You’ll see it when you pick up the book.

Then there’s Magic…well he’s mysterious and alluring. The connection between Aline and him is a hot one but one that is protective too. I did think Magic could be the bad guy….Was I right? I did grew to like him in the story as it went on. There’s a story to him as well which ties with the overall picture. His story is unique too. I will say the ending caught me off guard with Magic. One word – “Cooking.”

So who’s the bad guy? Why is Aline involved? What will Magic do? What’s the connection between Magic and Aline? How will Dragon help her best friend? What about those three ladies? Will Dragon and Aline continue to be friends?

Well all your questions will be answered by picking this book up in September! If you are a fan of Paige Crutcher’s previous books, you do not want to miss out on this one. I am so glad that I got to read it earlier for an honest review. It’s such a fantasy magical adventure filled with friendship, coping, determination and love.

Review: Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash

I received an e-Arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review!

Author: Kim Nash
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Date: March 30, 2023
Pages: 264
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SUMMARY
Meredith’s life is at a standstill. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.

With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?

REVIEW:
This book was so cute and heartwarming! It was fun, quick and you feel like at home with the main character Meredith as she goes on a journey buying a lighthouse! The setting was so peaceful. Who doesn’t love the ocean??

Meredith ends up with a lighthouse and many things happen when she arrives to the town! Some townsfolk are excited and while some others are just plain rude. There’s all kinds of characters. It’s just really nice. While she realizes how much work to be done on the lighthouse, Clem a local handyman helps her out. At first they butt heads but in time they learn to appreciate each other and flirt so well. There were bits and pieces that I was chuckling at. So fun! I loved Meredith reactions to the flirting. Could there be something more there than friendship? (Psst….Go get the book to find out!)

I love the friendships that Meredith builds with the townsfolk. It felt warm and nice and like what a friend should do. Vi is a riot! I loved how Meredith helps her out. Meredith’s best friend comes to visit which was great. She also befriends the lady from the B&B which was such a nice vibe. It also gives a sense of community. Even the other folks in town warm up.

There is a serious moment in the book regarding to Meredith and her mum. I would say their relationship is a bit rocky. Does her mum and Meredith get along in time? Will they talk about everything that they need to talk about? Will they have a happy ending in their relationship? You need to read this. It is so good in regarding to how people feel and what they go through.

Such a great book to read of fiction, friendship, community, relationships and a cute romance!

Pick this book up today when it comes out.

You won’t regret it. I’m glad I read this wonderful story.

Every Day in December Review

I have finally gotten around to review this gem!!

I received an e-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review!

Author: Kitty Wilson
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SUMMARY
Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.

Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.

But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?

MY REVIEW:

This book was soooo cute and I was smiling ear to ear at the interaction of Rory and Belle. (I love their names!). The two had such playful banter! They even had me giggling a bit here and there! While reading this story, it gave me a positive and warm feeling. I even had a cup of hot coco while reading.

Rory and Belle reconnect again as they do, they learn and teach each other many things. You can see their relationship grow but they do struggle with their feelings at times. They are good for each other. Rory brings out a sturdy side to Belle and Belle gives Rory a side of having fun and being in the moment! They are friends but it grows to them falling in love. It was a slow burn too. I always looked forward to seeing their text messages to each other.

I have to point out that I loved this line mentioned in the story: “I’m your Christmas elf” – Belle says.

It’s a slow, warm hearted holiday story! I am glad I took the time to read this wonderful gem. If you are looking for a holiday, cute, fast, slow burn, friends reconnecting to lovers, then this book is for you!

Psst…even Shakespeare is mentioned in this book. Belle hearts Shakespeare!

E-Arc Book Review: The Promise of Summer

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon
• Date (Uk ) : ‎ July 22, 2021
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
• Author: Bella Osbourne
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I received an e-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review!

SUMMARY:

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

With a terrible track record when it comes to men, Ruby has all but given up on love. She finally decides to take fate into her own hands and boards a train to London to attend the appointment of a lifetime.

When a stranger starts chatting to her, Ruby’s faith in romance is restored as he nervously reveals a sparkling diamond and an extravagant proposal plan. When he leaves the ring behind, Ruby is determined to track him down – but fellow passenger Curtis has other ideas about how best to save the day.

Can this unlikely pair reunite the ring with its rightful owner before it’s too late?

MY REVIEW:

Oh my gosh! I laughed at so many parts in this book. It was so fun to read. Just when I thought the story was going to go in this direction, something else happens! It had the right amount of adventure, friendship and romance.

The main character, Ruby is a woman of many talents! She is great at rearranging flowers, has tons of patience dealing with customers and Curtis. Plus her way with words captured my attention. I love how Ruby’s life changed when Curtis comes into the picture. I really liked the interaction between them. It was like “serious life” meets “vibrant life”. What can I say about Curtis? The character is quite interesting and to me he kind of opens up a bit more but in a turtle pace way. (I keep trying to picture which actor could pull him off.) When Ruby and Curtis are together, they’re opposites. Like that song “Opposites Attract”, anything is possible!

Now Kim is the other a character in the book who is dealing with her life, ex husband and more. Even her story was fun to read. There were twists and turn with her. She also has a great friendship with Ruby. She comes across a man named Adrian who might be a new flame for her but does it happen? Adrian is a nice man who lost his wife a few years ago and has a daughter. I love the interaction between him and Kim. There’s respect and kindness between the two. (For some reason I keep picturing Dermot Mulroney as Adrian. Anyone else think this?) I do have to mention that Kim does take in a dog named Boomerang from the shelter which she ends up nicknaming Boomer. I thought it was perfect for her to take care of a dog.

There are two storylines in this book which worked really well. It was like a movie going on. I loved it! I could keep up with the plot, characters and setting. The pace was perfect for me! I am definitely going to read more from this author!

By the way does Kim and Ruby get their happy ever after or will there be more drama for them in the end?

Read this contemporary romance now to find out!

Snippet from the E-Arc “The Promise of Summer”

Currently reading “The Promise of Summer” E- Arc by Bella Osbourne

“Train? London? Gorgeous man who smells of your strawberry shower gel? Spill,” said Kim, all thoughts of her Vince confession completely superseded.

“It’s not what you think,” said Ruby, hanging up her jacket and pulling out the order for that day’s wedding.

Review of Honorable Rogue

I received an e-Arc from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review!

Publisher ‏ : ‎ City Owl Press
Date: July 2, 2021
Author: Linda J. Parisi

As a Roman gladiator and slave, vampire Hunter Pierce only knew death and destruction. Never love.

Dr. Victoria Roberts only knew love and safety, never fear or death, until the day her life was shattered with a home invasion that destroyed her world.

Now Hunter and Tori’s worlds collide, with Blood Rogues continuing to menace both human and vampire alike.

Tori is in danger and it’s all Hunter’s fault. To keep watch over the clever scientist, the vampire enlists her to aid in finding a cure for Nirvana, the dangerous poison rogue vampires are using to kill.

When Tori is kidnapped, Hunter faces his corrupt former master and a race against the clock to save his own life.

But can a vampire who has only watched out for himself risk his life, and his immortality, for the love of a human?

Can a woman who has lost everything rebuild her shattered heart with a man who thinks he hasn’t got one?

Only love, trust, and an Honorable Rogue can save them all.

REVIEW

Well this book held my attention! I could not put it down. The story, the history, the characters and how they all interacted with each other. It was good.

The beginning caught my attention as I continued to read and thought this was going to be a typical vibe that I have read before. Boy I was wrong! I have read tons of vampire paranormal romance books and let me tell you that the feeling of reading them for me is always fun! That feeling will always be with me. This book brought that feeling back so yay! Anyways back to the story, Hunter closed himself off because that how he thinks he should be. When Tori comes into the picture, does she break Hunter’s wall down?

Now Tori on the hand is a woman of guts and living life to the fullest but she also has a wall too. She’s a great character. She can hold her ground too. I love that. So you can imagine how Tori felt when she finds out Hunter is an actual vampire.

The two characters do have chemistry with each other. It’s instant lust at first but then further along I think it becomes something more. They compliment each other. They are for each other.

While the story goes there is a danger involved. Someone from Hunter’s past targets Tori. There is a lot of history from Hunter’s past which is not pleasant. I felt bad for Hunter and what he went through. I can understand how he is from that past.

There were some other characters that came into play such as Stacy and Charles which Tori knew. Charles is also a vampire while Stacy is not. Plus some other vampires show up which were pretty cool. I loved how one of the vampires interacted with Tori. Stacy and Tori chatting was so fun too. It was nice to see a variety of characters.

The plot was great — fast paced, exciting, adventure, steamy scenes, dialogue that keeps you entertained and the ending took me by surprise! I thought the author did a great job with this story. I look forward to reading more from her.

Just a Warning: Hunter’s past is dark. Back in the day of Roman Gladiator times things happened

Book Review: A Magical New York Christmas

I received an e-Arc by NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin for an honest review!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
• Date: September 28, 2021
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• Author: Anita Hughes

It’s Christmas week when 26-year-old Sabrina Post knocks on the door of the Vanderbilt suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott―a famous art dealer.

A struggling journalist, Sabrina can’t believe her luck: a paycheck and six nights in her own suite at the Plaza. She feels like Eloise, the heroine from her favorite children’s books. To make the job even more exciting, Grayson recounts how he worked as a butler at the Plaza sixty years ago for none other than the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson.

What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meets Ian Wentworth, a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina is another wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn’t correct him ―a decision she doesn’t regret after learning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. But, things are not what they seem. The truth is: Ian is not a wealthy lord; he’s actually the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton.

As the week unfolds, will Sabrina and Ian learn the truth about one another?

Filled with the magic that can only be found at the Plaza Hotel during the holidays, and revealing facts about the author of the Eloise books, Anita Hughes’s A Magical New York Christmas is both a holiday treat and a heartwarming story that reminds us that falling in love is the greatest miracle of all.

REVIEW:

Oh my goodness this book was so good! I did have some issues downloading the book but when I managed to get it fixed, I was ready to see what this story was all about.

While reading the story, there were two stories playing off of each other. It could be confusing to some but for me I had no problem with the flow. Both stories meshed really well together. One takes place in the past which had the characters Grayson and Veronica while the other takes place in the present with Sabrina and Ian. It was amazing. I loved it. The flow of the story was on point for me.

All the characters were really unique and interesting. It kept my attention of wanting to know what was going to happen with all of them.

I am not giving it all away because you need to read this book.

The fact that the story takes place in NYC is amazing!! I have only been there once and let me tell you it was a fantastic adventure. I did go to the top of the Empire State Building which was magical. I loved the fact that it was mentioned in the book. Something about NYC is magical. It’s different, fun, and busy. So in the story the setting gave off a magical Christmas vibe and that anything positive could happen. I want to visit the Plaza.

I love how Sabrina and Ian connect and how they explore the world of the Plaza and the world of simple things of enjoy like rom cons and ice skating! It was such a nice balance in the story. There was a connection which I think is important.

I could totally see this book be made into a movie with the story, characters and settings! I fell in love with this book.

The story will draw you in making you feel cozy, sweet and enjoying the ride with the character’s chemistry! I recommend you pick this book up.

Review: Never Fall for Your Fiancee

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
• Date: November 9, 2021
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• Author: Virginia Heath
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SUMMARY:

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, ever wants is a wife. Unfortunately for him, his mother is determined to find him one, even from across the other side of the ocean. So Hugh invents a fake fiancée to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay. But when Hugh learns his interfering mother is on a ship bound for England, he realizes his complicated, convoluted but convenient ruse is about to implode. Until he collides with a beautiful woman, who might just be the miracle he needs.

Minerva Merriwell has had to struggle to support herself and her two younger sisters ever since their feckless father abandoned them. Work as a woodcut engraver is few and far between, and the Merriwell sisters are nearly penniless. So when Hugh asks Minerva to pose as his fiancée while his mother is visiting, she knows that while the scheme sounds ludicrous, the offer is too good to pass up.

Once Minerva and her sisters arrive at Hugh’s estate, of course nothing goes according to his meticulous plan. As hilarity and miscommunication ensue while everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight, Hugh and Minerva’s fake engagement starts to turn into a real romance. But can they trust each other when their relationship started with a lie? The first book in the Merriwell Sisters series, Never Fall for Your Fiancée is a hilarious, sparkling historical romantic comedy from Virginia Heath.

REVIEW:
I received this e-ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review!

This story felt like a romance historical novel where drama exploded. I could totally see this book being made into a movie. It had one thing after another which kept me wanting to know what was going to happen to Minerva, her sisters and Hugh. Would there be a happy ending? Would Hugh and Minerva get caught?

Characters: At first I did not really like Hugh’s mother, she seemed a bit of a pushy person. Towards the end she seemed a bit better character in my eyes. Giles, Hugh’s best friends had one of those personalities that you could bag him for a bastard or for a gentleman? He could go either way. I would be interested to see where his story goes. Hugh’s stepfather comes into play which seems like a good guy. Even Hugh’s butler is a great character! I liked that man quite a bit who has his head on his shoulders and seems to know everything. All the characters come into play to give a great story.

Hugh and Minerva’s interaction with each other seems to run hot and cold. Sometimes it was great, other times I’m like trying to figure out what’s up. They are both stubborn at times too. Overall they do match for each other nicely. I wished there was a tiny bit more connection between them. I loved the tender moments they had together especially where Hugh takes Minerva to the beach.

There were some parts where I gasp because I was not expecting that at all. The beginning was well set, the middle did take me some time to get through and the ending was well done.

It’s a great story for a historical, lighthearted, romance fiction book. I did like the book and I am so looking forward to see more from this author.

How Not to Fall in Love Review

• Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers
• Date: December 21, 2021
• Hardcover : 336 pages
• Author: Jacqueline Firkins
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Summary:
Harper works in her mom’s wedding shop, altering dresses for petulant and picky brides who are more focused on hemlines than love. After years of watching squabbles break out over wedding plans, Harper thinks romance is a marketing tool. Nothing more. Her best friend Theo is her opposite. One date and he’s already dreaming of happily-ever-afters. He also plays the accordion, makes chain mail for Ren Festers, hangs out in a windmill-shaped tree house, cries over rom-coms, and takes his word-of-the-day calendar very seriously.
 
When Theo’s shocked to find himself nursing his umpteenth heartbreak, Harper offers to teach him how not to fall in love. Theo agrees to the lessons, as long as Harper proves she can date without falling in love. As the lessons progress and Theo takes them to heart, Harper has a harder time upholding her end of the bargain. She’s also checking out her window to see if Theo’s home from his latest date yet. She’s even watching rom-coms. If she confesses her feelings, she’ll undermine everything she’s taught him. Or was he the one teaching her?

I received an e-arc from Netgalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for an honest review! So here it is!!

My Review
I received this story as an e-arc. Oh my gosh! I could not stop reading it. I did have some issues trying to download it. Luckily I did get some help from Netgalley! Thank you.

Back to the story – I love all the names in this book for the characters. The beginning of the book hooked my attention and kept going throughout the entire story. When I kept reading on so many interesting things were happening with Harper. I loved the fact she helped her mom out and that their relationship was pretty interesting.

I had a hunch that this book would be up my alley to read and it was.

I can see how some people might see this book as a triangle love story but to me it seemed more about Harper’s sense on love and how to figure out how love works in a relationship. She learns how to cope with those feelings. I also believe these same concepts go to Theo. The story focuses on Harper as the main character and I think Theo would be the second main character. Felix, Pippa, Harper’s mother and Theo’s family also come into play which is great.

Such a sweet novel with friendship and love! I really liked it.

So if you are looking for something sweet, fast paced, coming of age of what love is, friendship and a geek like me who likes great endings, then you need to read it.

(Sorry if this is review is a bit different than my usual ones but I just loved the whole book!)

Some things that I liked:

Harper helping her mother out at the bridal shop

Communication between Harper and her mom about birth control

Loved Theo’s creativity of stories and LARPing

Harper and Theo sharing a tent

Treehouse

Kissing

Harper and Theo share and help each other with SAT/ACT vocabulary. There were some words I did not even know.

Love that Theo plays the accordian

Funko Pop is mentioned

Harper finding out who she is and what love it

Theo finding out who he is

Pippa’s description

The ending!