Tag Archives: Kristan Higgins

Now That You Mention It

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Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Graydon House
Genre: Romance
Source:  Gloria at HarperCollins

 

Goodreads:  One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

Ope’s Opinion: I usually start a Kristan Higgins book and the rest of the world disappears for me.  That didn’t happen this time.  The story started out slow, the mention of The Big Event, with no clues as to what it was, and the sad characters, all made it hard for me get excited about getting back to the book.

I found the romance crammed into the end of the book with a couple of twists that were interesting.

I like so many of her other books, that I will try her next one.  This one just didn’t grab me.

Coming Soon…..

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In December hope to read….

Publication Date: December 26, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Books

Goodreads:  One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

What is coming soon …. to a bookshelf near you?

Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

On Second Thought

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onAuthor: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

Goodreads:  Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed novel If You Only Knew , multi-bestselling author Kristan Higgins returns with a pitch-perfect look at the affection—and the acrimony—that binds sisters together 

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is for Eric to blindside her with a tactless breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her half sister, Kate, who’s already struggling after the sudden loss of her new husband.

Kate has always been so poised, so self-assured, but Nathan’s death shatters everything she thought she knew—including her husband—and sometimes the people who step up aren’t the ones you expect. With seven years and a murky blended-family dynamic between them, Ainsley and Kate have never been overly close, but their shared sorrow dovetails their faltering worlds into one.

Despite the lifetime of history between them, the sisters must learn to put their differences aside and open their hearts to the inevitable imperfection of family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

Ope’s Opinion:   I really do like Kristan HIggins stories and style of writing.  This particular one had too much detail for me.  At times, there was so much detail, I lost the story line.

This sisters relationship was amazing! I have a sister and she is one I turn to and care about her opinion.  I also have two adult daughters that I hope have the same kind of relationship.

These two strong, independent women are the kind of examples I really enjoy reading about.  They supported each other through the difficult times.

I will be reading another Kristan Higgins.  She is one of my “go-to” authors.

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This Just In…..

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Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher:  HQN Books

Goodreads:  Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed novel If You Only Knew , multi-bestselling author Kristan Higgins returns with a pitch-perfect look at the affection—and the acrimony—that binds sisters together 

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is for Eric to blindside her with a tactless breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her half sister, Kate, who’s already struggling after the sudden loss of her new husband.

Kate has always been so poised, so self-assured, but Nathan’s death shatters everything she thought she knew—including her husband—and sometimes the people who step up aren’t the ones you expect. With seven years and a murky blended-family dynamic between them, Ainsley and Kate have never been overly close, but their shared sorrow dovetails their faltering worlds into one.

Despite the lifetime of history between them, the sisters must learn to put their differences aside and open their hearts to the inevitable imperfection of family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

It is awesome to see a book at my doorstep that I know it going to be
so much fun to read!  Love the cover for this time of year too.  Thank you
Little Bird Publicity!

Waiting On You

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waiting

Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  Does being nobody’s fool mean that you’re nobody’s love?

Colleen O’Rourke is in love with love… just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart… an experience Colleen doesn’t want to have again, thanks. Since then, she’s been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.

But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who’s ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they’ve got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.

Ope’s Opinion:  I started reading this before I went on my vacation to the beach and finished it while I was there. It was the perfect book for this vacation.  Since I read Blue Heron one and two, picking up three was easy to get into.  It was fun to see where all the characters are now. 

Colleen’s story was a fun one to read. I enjoyed reading about her Lucas.  They had a long complicated love story.  Seeing their second chance at love melted my heart.

The ending was exactly what I expected and what I wanted.  I am looking forward to the next one that Kristan Higgins writes. 

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Anything For You

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anything for you

Author: Kristin Higgins
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  Before you get down on bended knee…

…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O’Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she’s got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it’s the perfect time to get married.

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who’s now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she’s positive married life isn’t for her.

But this time, Connor says it’s all or nothing. If she doesn’t want to marry him, he’ll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he’s never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn’t quite as sure as she thinks…

Ope’s Opinion:  Kristan Higgins did it again.  She wrote captivating characters that you just can’t help but care about.  

As I was reading this book, I was moving into my new home and the holidays were keeping us busy.  Even with all that, I found myself wanting to come back and have the quiet time to read this book.  It was a real escape for me.  Kristan Higgins made it a relaxing time.

This can be read alone, but I really do suggest starting from the beginning.  Each book adds to the characters you already know.

Rating:  4 

Coming Soon….

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In December I hope to read….

anything for you

Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Publisher: HQN Books

Goodreads:  Before you get down on bended knee…

…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O’Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she’s got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it’s the perfect time to get married.

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who’s now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she’s positive married life isn’t for her.

But this time, Connor says it’s all or nothing. If she doesn’t want to marry him, he’ll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he’s never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn’t quite as sure as she thinks…

What is coming soon …. to a bookshelf near you?

Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

If You Only Knew

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Author: Kristan Higgins                       if you only knew
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity 

 

Goodreads:  Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart ofNew York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins’s thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series…

Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she’s still involved in her ex-husband’s life. In fact, Owen’s new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny’s new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn’t helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she’ll be able to bask in her sister Rachel’s picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.

Her timing couldn’t be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren’t in Rachel’s nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny’s surprise. Rachel points to their parents’ “perfect” marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship­—and reveal a secret about their family she’s been keeping since childhood.

During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book was about sisters and mothers – their marriages, love, divorce and finding yourself.  Through most of the book I was wishing the female characters were stronger and more independent.

I loved the pace of this book.  Kristan Higgins kept it moving with small surprises all along the way.  She made me care about each character.  They were very well developed.

The end brought it all together for everyone.  It made me like the book.

*** If you find the “f” word offensive, this book used it a lot in the beginning.

Rating: 3.5 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

 

 

 

 

 

In Your Dreams

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Author:  Kristan Higgins                  in your dreams
Publisher:  Harlequin HQN
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity 

 

Publication Date: September 30, 2014

 

Goodreads:  Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé’s wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there’s really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won’t get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she’ll have to start by believing in him…

Ope’s Opinion:  It was a lot of fun reading about the Holland family updates and more about Jack’s story.   Kristan Higgins writes stories that make me keep reading and anxiously wait for her next book.

I found it refreshing to read a wonderful love story without all the explicit sex scenes.  It was nice to read about a realistic relationship.  They obviously were physically attracted to each other, but all the sexual details were left out – really nice!  Loved that part of the book.

The middle of the book drug on just little longer then I wish it had.  Not enough for me to put the book down and not want to read it – just ready for it move along a little faster.

The ending was expected and exactly what I wanted.  Ready to read another one of her books.  May go back and see if I can find one I haven’t read yet.

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
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The Perfect Match

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Author:  Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin HQN                                perfect match
Pages: 448
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  What if the perfect match is a perfect surprise? Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there…or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn’t easier said than done.

Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn’t easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love….

Ope’s Opinion:  I really do like Kristan Higgins’ writing.  The main character in this story just didn’t appeal to me as much as her characters in the past.  I found Tom unlikeable until the very end.  Then he seemed to take an abrupt turn.  It was a little hard to keep up with the change. Tom’s one redeeming trait is his love for Charlie.  It was nice to read about a man caring for a boy who was not his own.

I was really rooting for Honor.  I wanted her to be loved and I was very disappointed her friend Dana was not really her friend.  I find it hard when women do not respect other women.

I do love this family.  I like how they support each other no matter what is going on with the other one.

Although this is not my favorite Kristan Higgins book, I did enjoy it.  I am looking forward to the next one to see where all the family members are now.

 

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.
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