Tag Archives: Susan Mallery

Coming Soon….

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In February I hope to read….

Publication Date: February 9, 2021
Publisher: HQN

Goodreads:  Step into the vineyard with Susan Mallery’s most irresistible novel yet, as one woman searches for the perfect blend of love, family and wine.

Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.

Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

 

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

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

Happily this Christmas

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Holiday Romance
Source: Purchased

 

Goodreads:  Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

Ope’s Opinion: This could be a Hallmark movie, if you took out the unnecessary detailed steamy parts.  The story itself was a good one.  You know from the beginning where it is going to end, but getting there is fun to read.  

Garrick’s daughter was whinny and spoiled – at 21 married and pregnant, she should have been acting like an adult.  The whole story could have been better without her attitude.

The ending was really rushed.  It was what you would expect and want, but a bit too fast.

Daughters of the Bride

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romance
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  With Joy, Love and a Little Trepidation, Courtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite You to the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year… Their Mother’s

Courtney

~ The Misfit ~

As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom’s wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family’s view of her—and how she views herself—forever.

Sienna

~ The Free Spirit ~

When Sienna’s boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say “I do” even if she’s not sure she does?

Rachel

~ The Cynic ~

Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom’s wedding day draws near and her ex begs for a second chance, she’s forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she’ll let pride stand in the way of her own happily-ever-after.

Ope’s Opinion: This is definitely a romance book – so if you like the steamy part of a story, you will love this one.  For me, I could have used a lot less details about the steamy part of the relationships ( it’s just me ).

The rest of the story was wonderful!  Lots of family relationships, each with a little drama – an appropriate amount! I love a good sister story and this was one.  All the relationships have their bumps along the way, that are worked out.

This is a light, enjoyable read that will leave you smiling with a happily ever after ending.  I will read another Susan Mallery any time.

Out Now

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Do you want to look at a family in a different way?
Do you enjoy reading about relationships?
Pick up this Susan Mallery book today.

Goodreads:  Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old.

Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love.

But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit… until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

In this emotional, funny and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family–blended by surprise, not by choice–and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life.

Thank you Emer at Harper Collins for sending
some of the best books I have read – this
was one of them!

When We Found Home

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romance
Source:  Emer at HarperCollins

 

Goodreads:  Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old.

Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love.

But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit… until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

In this emotional, funny and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family–blended by surprise, not by choice–and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life.

Ope’s Opinion:  The story line was interesting and unique. The family relationships felt real and moved at a good pace. The steamy parts will make romance readers happy ( were unnecessary for me ).  The romantic relationships moved a little too fast into the intimate parts.  It made me look at “family” in a different way.

The ending came a little too abrupt and it was tied into a perfect bow.

It would have been a five in my book, but I am not crazy about the steamy parts and it did repeat itself.

Sisters Like Us

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Romance
Source:  Emer at Harper Collins

Goodreads:  The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…

Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgeling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.

Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.

Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

Ope’s Opinion:  Overall, this book was worth the read.  The characters were well developed and had flaws you could relate to.

What I liked – the relationships, the story lines and the characters.  I loved that the romances moved slow and they had real relationships with each other before the physical aspects started.  The mother – daughter ( Harper / Becca ) was very realistic.  I liked the sister relationships too.

What I didn’t like – the repetitive writing of how inadequate Stacy felt about being a mother and Bunny ( worst mother of the year ).  I don’t think it was necessary to have her be such an unlikable character.  The story could have been wonderful without that aspect.

If you like Susan Mallery’s other books, you will like this one.

Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romance
Source:  Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  A wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is Susan Mallery at her very best.

The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it’s the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.

In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly’s high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she’s never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.

Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they’re destined to be together, Olivia’s determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she’s not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he’s not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly’s impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.

Ope’s Opinion: When you start reading a Susan Mallery book, you know there are some steamy parts ( not my favorite ), but the story lines is worth buzzing pasted those parts.  The characters are well developed, they are fun to read about and draw you from the beginning.

I love the setting for this story since I lived in Washington.  I was actually back visiting while I read this book.  I also liked that there were three stories going on at the same time – Kelly, her sister Olivia and her friend Helen are all trying to find themselves and love.  I really  liked that yes, they were all looking for love, but they also wanted to be fulfilled in their jobs and friendships.  The characters were well rounded.

Susan Mallery books are easy to pick up, get into and just enjoy.

 

Coming Soon….

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In October I hope to read….

Publication Date:  October 1, 2017
Publisher:  HQN Books

Goodreads: 

A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!  

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

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

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

Already Home

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Romance
Source:  Purchased

 

Goodreads:  After nearly a decade as a sous-chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She’s supported her ex-husband’s dreams for so long that she can’t even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents’ home and envisions her very own cooking store.

Her crash course in business is aided by a streetwise store manager and Jenna’s adoptive mother. But just as she’s gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents—aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.

Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex’s latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love….

Ope’s Opinion: I really enjoyed the character Violet.  Serenity was weird. Beth was irritating at times because she had mood swings I couldn’t keep up with.   The story was a good one.  It ended as I expected it to.

If you are a romance reader – there were enough steamy scenes for you – which means there were too many for me.  But that was not the center of the story, so I enjoyed the book.

I have read a few books by Susan Mallery, although this would not be my favorite one of hers, I still really enjoyed it.

Kiss Me

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books                kiss
Genre: Romance
Source: Emer Flounders

 

Publication Date:  June 30, 2015

 

Goodreads:  After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.

Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss, but she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.

In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is part of the Fool’s Gold series.  If you like the other books in this series, you will like this one.  It is similar to Susan Mallery’s other books in this series.  I liked it, but I prefer Susan Mallery’s Blackberry Island series and her Mischief Bay book.

Zane and Pheobe are the main characters.  It is fun to watch them find what they have in common and let each other into their lives.  There are a host of other characters in this book that keep the story moving in interesting ways.

The next book in the series is Thrill Me.

Rating:  3 – i like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.