Saturday, November 15, 2014

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

Megan McClare's time in Paris changed her from the inside out. Upon her return to San Francisco, her best friend, Bram Hughes, withdraws from her, fighting a new and unwelcome attraction to her. Struggling to make sense of the new status of their relationship, they both strive to keep it platonic. Bram is promised to another and Megan is interning to find her life direction. When Megan's childhood crush, Devin Caldwell, becomes a co-worker, she turns to Bram for advice and support. As Megan deliberately puts the past behind her and strives to forgive Devin for crushing her heart, they begin to grow closer. Outwardly, Megan and Bram are committed other people, but inwardly, attraction and romance simmers. Will Megan and Bram choose kinship without romantic attachments or will love eventually find a way to blossom? Read more in Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman.

Surprised by Love is the third novel in The Heart of San Francisco series by Julie Lessman. The author gave enough background information for things to make sense, but still left me wanting to read the other books to get the full story. Surprised by Love combines romance, humor and depth to create memorable story. The witty and refreshing banter during the character's dinners added a touch of lightheartedness that I enjoyed. The story successfully kept me wondering how things would work out. From the back cover, I could guess who Megan would end up with, but there were times when it seemed it would surely be someone else. I liked that the ending wasn't obviously apparent from the beginning and I didn't see certain plot twists coming. Surprised by Love is an excellent read for historical fiction fans. It's definitely a keeper for me as I plan to read the prior two books in the series and then re-read this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, November 8, 2014

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

Rainbow's End, a once beautiful resort in the Texas Hill Country, sits in decay, physically and financially. Kate Sherwood, whose marketing career is on the upswing, reluctantly agrees to her ailing grandmother's request to visit Rainbow's End together for one month. While Kate's grandmother, Sally, relives the memories of her previous visit fifty years ago, Kate sees only a month without internet and cell phone service, a potential death trap for her career. When Greg Vange, whom Kate assumes is the resort's handyman, helps her get an internet connection and tells her where to find service, Kate is ready to get back on track. Or is she? As she brainstorms the marketing concept for her newest client, Greg is distractingly handsome, fun and rich. Greg has the money to restore the resort. Kate has the talent to create marketing appeal. It seems like a great match to bring life to Rainbow's End, except that Rainbow's End and Greg Vange don't fit into Kate's life plans. Will love find a way to bring them together? Read more in At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot.

At Bluebonnet Lake is the first novel in Amanda Cabot's Texas Crossroads series. The premise, billionaire meets marketing maven, delivered a gentle story of friendship that transformed to love. The novel was laced with humor and touched on redemptive themes such as letting go of bitterness and surrendering to God's will for one's life. However, the plot meandered and was repetitive... as in the same settings/scenes occurred repeatedly. Unfortunately, I lost interest and even though the ending was sweet, I probably won't read it again.

At Bluebonnet Lake has some good points and readers who love the small town setting might like it more than I did. However, I was a bit disappointed and I recommend renting the novel from the library prior to buying.  

Read an excerpt from At Bluebonnet Lake on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."