The Cottages on Silver Beach

Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romance
Source:  Claire at Little Bird Publicity

 

Goodreads:  Years after betraying her, he’s back in Haven Point…and ready to learn the truth.

Megan Hamilton never really liked Elliot Bailey. He turned his back on her family when they needed him the most and it almost tore them all apart. So she’s shocked when Elliot arrives at her family’s inn, needing a place to stay and asking questions that dredge up the past. Megan will rent him a cottage, but that’s where it ends—no matter how gorgeous Elliot has become.

Coming back home to Haven Point was the last thing bestselling writer Elliot Bailey thought he’d ever do. But the book he’s writing now is his most personal one yet and it’s drawn him back to the woman he can’t get out of his mind. Seeing Megan again is harder than he expected and it brings up feelings he’d thought were long buried. Could this be his chance to win over his first love?

Ope’s Opinion:  This book read like a soap opera – it kept repeating facts, like you weren’t really paying attention.  The romance was slow and building – I liked that part.  Megan and Elliott really seemed to be friends before the relationship became more.

If you have been reading RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point books, you will enjoy this one, but it is not my favorite one of hers.  The ending was not as conclusive as I am used to with her books.  It just seemed to end – I think it is leading into Luke’s story in her next book.

Sugar Pine Trail

Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Genre: Romance
Source:  Claire at Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!

Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she’s been living. She’s made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn’t one of them. Julia’s looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker’s latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia’s care for the holidays, she’ll take any help she can get—even Jamie’s.

Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that’s much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can’t last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever…

Ope’s Opinion: Buy, Borrow, ebook – read this one however you choose.  This is the best RaeAnne Thayne I have read ( and I have read quiet a few ). 

To get ready for the holidays – grab a blanket, a beverage ( hot tea, wine, whatever ) and Sugar Pine Trail.  It will get you in the mood for the coming holidays.

As always, with RaeAnne Thayne the romance is in this book, but there is so much more.  The story of the two boys is priceless and will pull at your heartstrings.

The ending is happy and sad at the same time.  So worth your time to read this one.

 

Serenity Harbor

Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

Goodreads:  In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish—and one magical kiss—away…

Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he’s arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there’s more to sexy, wary Bo than she’d ever realized.

Bo never imagined he’d be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn’t know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he’s ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there’s room in it for him, too…

Ope’s Opinion:  RaeAnne Thayne is a reliable read.  You know when you start her book you are going to get a happy ending and a lot of romance.  This book is a part of the Haven Point Series.  Each book has characters from previous books, but each can be read as stand alone.

I really enjoyed Kat and Milo’s relationship.  Kat was genuine, kind, patient and caring with Milo.  I felt Kat has a real gift with children who have special needs.  That was sweet to see.

This was a very heartfelt story.

Coming Soon…..

…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In June hope to read….

Publication Date:  June 27, 2017
Publisher:  Harlequin Books

Goodreads:  In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish—and one magical kiss—away… 

Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he’s arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there’s more to sexy, wary Bo than she’d ever realized.

Bo never imagined he’d be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn’t know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he’s ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there’s room in it for him, too…

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

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

Snowfall on Haven Point

snowfall

Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  There’s no place like Haven Point for the holidays, where the snow conspires to bring two wary hearts together for a Christmas to remember.

It’s been two rough years since Andrea Montgomery lost her husband, and all she wants is for her children to enjoy their first Christmas in Haven Point. But then Andie’s friend asks a favor—to keep an eye on her brother, Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who’s recovering from a hit and run. Andie will do anything for Wyn, even park her own misgivings to check on her grouchy, wounded bear of a brother.

Marshall hates feeling defenseless and resents the protective impulses that Andie brings out in him. But when a blizzard forces them together for the holidays, something in Marshall begins to thaw. Andie’s gentle nature is a salve, and her kids’ excitement for the holidays makes him forget why he never wanted a family. If only he and Andie can admit what they really want—each other—their Christmas wishes might come true after all.

Ope’s Opinion:  Reading RaeAnne Thayne’s book is such a pleasant trip back to where I have been before ( Haven Point ), catching up with old friends and meeting a few new people.  Her books are one of my “go-to” reads – I always know I am going to enjoy it. 

Snowfall on Haven Point put me the mood to get ready for the holidays ( I know it is early, but I am an early shopper! ).  If you are looking for a book gift for someone – this one is coming out September 27th – pick it up and put it away for those cold reading days.

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Coming Soon….

…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In October I hope to read….

only-youPublication Date:  October 25, 2016

Goodreads:  Never say never . . .

Romance isn’t an option for Holly Greenwood. With her wedding planner career on the line she needs to stay focused, and that means pleasing her demanding boss, not getting distracted by her mind-alteringly hot neighbor . . .

Ex-Marine Kevin Vandemeer craves normalcy. Instead, he has a broken-down old house in need of a match and some gasoline, a meddling family, and the uncanny ability to attract the world’s craziest women. At least that last one he can fix: he and his buddies have made a pact to swear off women, and this includes his sweetly sexy new neighbor.

After one hot night that looks a whole lot like a disaster in the light of day, Kevin and Holly are about to learn that true love doesn’t play by the rules . . .

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

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

This Just In…

From Little Bird Publicity
Claire McLaughlin

snowfall

Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: HQN Books

Goodreads:  There’s no place like Haven Point for the holidays, where the snow conspires to bring two wary hearts together for a Christmas to remember 

It’s been two rough years since Andrea Montgomery lost her husband, and all she wants is for her children to enjoy their first Christmas in Haven Point. But then Andie’s friend asks a favor—to keep an eye on her brother, Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who’s recovering from a hit and run. Andie will do anything for Wyn, even park her own misgivings to check on her grouchy, wounded bear of a brother.

Marshall hates feeling defenseless and resents the protective impulses that Andie brings out in him. But when a blizzard forces them together for the holidays, something in Marshall begins to thaw. Andie’s gentle nature is a salve, and her kids’ excitement for the holidays makes him forget why he never wanted a family. If only he and Andie can admit what they really want—each other—their Christmas wishes might come true after all.

I really like RaeAnne Thayne, so I am expecting a great read!

From Kristin of Kritters Ramblings.

since she went away

Published: June 21, 2016
Publisher: NAL

Goodreads:  Three months earlier, Jenna Barton was supposed to meet her lifelong best friend Celia. But when Jenna arrived late, she found that Celia had disappeared—and hasn’t been seen again. Jenna has blamed herself for her friend’s disappearance every single day since then.

The only piece of evidence is a lone diamond earring found where Celia and Jenna were planning to meet, leading the national media to dub Celia “The Diamond Mom.” And even though Jenna has obsessively surfed message boards devoted to missing persons cases, she is no closer to finding any answers—or easing her guilt.

But when her son’s new girlfriend—who suddenly arrived in town without a past—disappears, a stricken Jenna begins to unwind the tangled truth behind Celia’s tragedy. And as long-buried secrets finally come to light, she discovers how completely lives can be shattered by a few simple lies.

This one looks really interesting!!

falling

Published: July 19, 2016
Publisher: Berkley

Goodreads:  The New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House, Jemima J, and Summer Secrets presents a novel about the pleasure and meaning of finding a home—and family—where you least expect them…

When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either.

On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son.

Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.

But just as they start to imagine a life together as a family, fate intervenes in the most shocking of ways. For the first time, Emma has to stay and fight for what she loves, for the truth she has discovered about herself, or risk losing it all.

In a novel of changing seasons, shifting lives, and selfless love, a story unfolds—of one woman’s far-reaching journey to discover who she is truly meant to be…

Another Jane Green – YAY!!! 

Riverbend Road

Author: RaeAnne Thayne                                  river
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the fourth in the Haven Point series, but you could read this one alone.  Characters from previous books are visited, but you don’t need to know them to enjoy this book. 

Riverbend Road is enjoyably predictable.  There are a few new things revealed along the way, but you know how it will end.  It was a sweet read.

The slow build of Wyn and Cade’s relationship made the book a delight to read.  I liked that they were friends for a long time and didn’t act on their feelings until they were older.  I also liked that the physical part of their relationship was not the focal point.

44727-3chairs

This Just In….

From Amazon

goodbye year

Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Sparkpress

Goodreads:  Melanie, a perfectionist mom who views the approaching end of parenting as a type of death, can t believe she has only one more year to live vicariously through her slacker senior son, Dane. Gorgeous mom Sarah has just begun to realize that her only daughter, Ashley, has been serving as a stand-in for her traveling husband, and the thought of her daughter leaving for college is cracking the carefully cultivated facade of her life. Will and his wife are fine as long as he follows the instructions on the family calendar and is sure to keep secret his whole other life with Lauren, the woman he turns to for fun (and who also happens to have a daughter in the senior class).
Told from the points of view of both the parents and the kids, The Goodbye Year explores high school peer pressure, what it s like for young people to face the unknown of life after high school, and how a transition that should be the beginning of a couple s second act together empty nesting is often actually the end.”

I am excited to read another Kaira Rouda book.  I really liked In the MIrror, so I am expecting a good read again!

Also from Amazon.

most wantedPublished: April 12, 2016
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press

Goodreads: Christine Nilsson and her husband, Marcus, are desperate for a baby. Unable to conceive, they find themselves facing a difficult choice they had never anticipated. After many appointments with specialists, endless research, and countless conversations, they make the decision to use a donor.

Two months pass and Christine is happily pregnant. but one day, she is shocked to see a young blond man on the TV news being arrested for a series of brutal murders-and the blond man bears an undeniable and uncanny resemblance to her donor.

Delving deeper to uncover the truth, Christine must confront a terrifying reality and face her worst fears. Riveting and fast-pace, with the depth of emotionality that has garnered Lisa Scottoline legions of fans, Most Wanted poses an ethical and moral dilemma: What would you do if the biological father of your unborn child was a killer? 

Lisa Scottoline – what can I say – she does not disappoint.
And the cover is resistible too!

From Allison Morgan and Berkley

Can I see you

Publication date: August 9, 2016
Publisher:  Berkley

Goodreads:  From the author of The Someday Jar comes a witty and warm novel about a matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own…
 
Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship.
 
Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a woman whose love life is a mess, Bree begs her one matchmaking failure, Nixon Voss, to pose as her boyfriend. But when they become a hit with readers, they must carry on their charade just a little longer. Fortunately, they’re both having fun…
 
But then Bree’s ex decides he wants her back and a newspaper presents a challenge that could expose the truth about her rocky love life. Now she must find the courage to embrace what is, or risk losing something much bigger than her reputation: her heart…

This a new author to me.  I thought it sounded like a great read.
Can’t wait!

From Little Bird

riverbend

Publication Date:  June 21, 2016
Publisher: HQN Books

Goodreads: Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Another Haven Point novel – it will be fun to be back there!

All this and BEA books to – it is going to be a fun summer of reading!

Evergreen Springs

Author: RaeAnne Thayne          evergreen
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Holiday Romance
Source: Little Bird Publishing

Publication Date: September 29, 2015

 

Goodreads:  Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home, and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking…

Christmas is the last thing Cole Barrett is thinking about this year. He’s barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.

In the years since her cancer treatments, physician Devin Shaw has researched the curative powers of Lake Haven’s mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch’s attractively gruff owner: she’ll give Cole’s children the magical Christmas they deserve, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family’s battered hearts—and her own?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is another wonderful read from RaeAnne Thayne.  She really knows how to write great characters that you really care about.  You want them to be happy.

Even though the endings are predictable, you want to keep reading to see how they get there.  It is always a great ride along the way.

I am looking forward to her next book.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.