Saturday, August 31, 2013

TWW's Book Review: Dancing in the Moonlight by RaeAnne Thayne


RaeAnne Thayne has a special knack of making a story come alive and she does it again in Dancing In The Moonlight. We're back with the Daltons, this time with Jake, or shall I say Dr. Jake Dalton. The Daltons have been neighbors with the Cruz family for years. Jake and Maggie grew up and have been through so much together.

However, things are not okay with Maggie. She's been hurt and is somewhat bitter when she gets home. After everything who will want her now. What she doesn't realize is that Jake has always been there for her. She just doesn't realize it yet. All she remembers is that it's the Daltons that destroyed her family and took away her someone really important to her.

Now home, things are turned upside down. Between her mama and Jake, perhaps she'll be able to work through her issues.

Dancing in The Moonlight by RaeAnne Thayne deals with a number of highly sensitive issues including the loss of a loved one,  in a very caring way so as to not make light of the situation but to face it head on. What I like about Ms. Thayne's books is that they are believable. No drivel or trite story lines here. The characters are actually people who I would want to get to know.

I think I will be continue to read about the Daltons and can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: The Single Daddy Club-Reece by Donna Fasano


I picked up this book not only because it looked interesting but also because I've another book by Donna Fasano and liked it. While this is part of a series of books, The Single Daddy Club: Reece is the only one I've read.

An easy read with a little mystery thrown in to make it interesting. I don't think I've ever read a book that centered around private investigation. In any case, this should be fun to discover why someone wants to stop Maggie from doing her job. 

With the help of her insurance agent, Reece, wait a minute?!!! With the help of her insurance agent? Yes, I actually wrote that! Out of some sense of duty, after he sees that her place has been ransacked, he provides a place of safety while she figures it out.

I found certain parts of the story to be a real stretch for me. I'm not sure my personal insurance agent would go so far as to offer up his home if I was in danger. More than likely he would find me a shelter or a hotel to stay in and then leave me to my own devices! In this day and age, there is too many instances of bad things happening to good people, so to let a stranger into one's home is not a good idea.

While the mystery portion of the book brought a little bit of excitement to the mix, the reader should really consider this book to be a real fantasy as I don't think it would ever happen in real life. Although the storyline might make for a television movie of the week...hmmm...I wonder if Ms. Fasano has ever thought of that! Rating:

 
Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: A Lost Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 7) by Debora Geary


I stumbled across Debora Geary some time ago because I was asked to review a paranormal genre book of my choice for another website. I took a chance on her because I wanted the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. I have never been disappointed. In the final book of the Modern Witch Series, we are introduced to Hannah Kendrick, a lost witch who has  been institutionalized because she can't meet new people without collapsing in fear. 

The fetching spell, monitored by Nell, picks up on a signal of help Hannah has sent out over the internet, and nothing will be the same for Hannah ever again. She's been fighting to save her sanity for a very long time and perhaps this is her last chance. With the help of Nell and all of the family, Hannah will be able to beat the demons she has faced all of her life.

Like in previous Modern Witch stories, Ms. Geary is brilliant in finding the lost soul in need of help from the Witch Community held within the pages of these books. Each has pulled something out of life and told a tale in a way that is understandable and relatable, and well...modern. While many would not want to read about these things, the stories are not morbid, sad or even scary. They are exciting, invigorating and enlightening.

Since A Lost Witch is the final book in the series, do yourself a favor and take the time to reread them all because they all play off of each other. They are all well worth the read! Rating:


Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Birthday Greetings!

Today is my birthday...I wait for this day all year. You might think I am bit crazy to want this day to happen, but I really do! I enjoy having this day all for me because I spend so much time doing things for others. But today...today is the day I do things for me...even though some might think that every day is just for me!

The last several years have been an adventure and while I want to enjoy every moment, these special days of mine are so treasured. 

So to my readers I just want to say thank you! Thank you for your kind birthday greets, your support, and your friendship and for allowing me to be a part of your day! I hope to bring you more fun and exciting things soon. But in the meantime, go out there and have yourself a great rest of your weekend. And remember, every day that you wake up is a brand new beginning! 


Wishing you moments to enjoy time for yourself.
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Monday, August 19, 2013

TWW's Book Review: Bewitched, Bothered and Biscotti: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates


Since I enjoyed the first Magical Bakery Mystery, I decided to read the next one to see if I would still enjoy the characters and setting. I love coming "home" to books that have a continuation of characters, locations and even themes. I find it comforting. So much so that I just want to sink in and stay there awhile.

Katie is back with another mystery to solve and so are all the characters from Bailey Cates' first novel. This time we are given the opportunity to really get to know more about the guys in the book and why one of them shares a special kinship with Katie.

Now it's not like Katie has to solve anything, but if she didn't there would be no book. Move of her heritage is discovered and just a bit more of her parents is revealed.

So while Katie is learning more about who she is and how to deal with it, she has to figure out what's going on and pretty fast before things get out of hand.She will have help from her two male friends as well as her newly adopted coven and of course her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. And let's not forget about Mungo! I wish I had a dog like him!

The author wasted no time in getting right to it and somethings I like that while others I do not. In terms of a mystery though, you need to get there pretty quickly, otherwise you'll lose the audience. Let's remember one thing though, not every book will be for every person. So while there are some readers out there that won't like this, there will be others that will. These types of mysteries are meant to be fun, cheeky and a stress reliever from life. Rating:



Wishing you moments of great reading!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Brownies and Broomsticks: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates



If you're looking for something light and easy to read then you've found the right book with Brownies and Broomsticks: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates. I wasn't much for stretching outside of my comfort zone, but I found that these fun paranormal stories are just the ticket. Mix in a little mystery and I will keep turning the page.

Katie moves South to help her aunt and uncle with their bakery. Fresh from a broken engagement, this is her chance to start over. As a baker, this is the perfect opportunity for her. While her parents, well, let's rephrase that...while her mom isn't to keen on having her move there, Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben are thrilled to have her at The Honeybee Bakery.

Gearing up for a the grand opening, they host the Downtown Business Association meeting lead by a most unpleasant woman. Thus starts the beginning of the mystery that Katie needs to solve. Without divulging any secrets, let's just say there are a host of characters that are going to make this really fun including:
  • two guys vying for her attention;
  • a cat who has a bakery named after it; 
  • a witch coven thinly disguised as a book club; and
  • a dog who doesn't like pet food and would rather eat from the table.
I do agree with other reviewers regarding the overuse of the words "Katie-Girl." By the end of the book, I was ready to kick the guy to the curb, regardless of how good looking he is. Perhaps if the author would have downplayed that a little, he would have come off a little less annoying. Nevertheless, it did not deter me from finishing the book and solving the mystery. While the antagonism between the two male suiters may seem a bit much, without it the story would probably have fallen a little flat in that department. 

I am intrigued by the fact that this is going to be a series of books with the same characters. I haven't had much luck with those but look forward to reading more. The ladies of the witch coven, along with Aunt Lucy are quite unique and with their own talents make for a more interesting read.
Of course the baked goods is what really had me interested and of course, sharing the recipes at the end of the book. I love that! Nice touch by Bailey Cates and I hope that she continues to do that for each of her future books. Rating:



Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Tea with Emma (The Teacup Novellas, book 1) by Diane Moody


Since I have never read Jane Austen, I have no preconceived notions about a story that references this book. However, the premise is intriguing. Inspired by teacups, the book is written rather cleverly. I won't give it away, but will say that it is an integral part of the story.

Two friends travel to England to do a tour of Jane Austen, and return home to Texas where one of them, Maddie decides she wants to open an English Tea Room. But first she has to get  past the cranky Englishman who they cross paths with on the way home and Maddie's grandmother.

The snarky attitude of Maddie's friend during the airport scene was hilarious, and truthfully, the Englishman got what he deserved. Read it...you'll love it.

Although the character of Maddie seems somewhat oblivious of her non-ability to be a "matchmaker", her sincerity is definitely there. She means well, but seriously can't help herself. I almost wanted to reach into the book and shake her. But since I couldn't, I just had to read on and you will too. Rating:


Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Joyful Time , Sunshine and Personal Projects

My birth month is passing by quickly. It's hard to believe that today is already the 13th of August. Only 12 more days until the big day. Actually, I should preface that with "only 9 more days until my other big day before the big day." You're probably wondering why the month of August is so important to me. It's because I not only was born this month, but I also got married this month; three days before my birthday actually. So, I have a double reason to enjoy this time of year!

I've been working especially hard at my day job. So busy these days and getting some overtime. It's nice because like many of you I could you the extra cash. My dad always said to "make hay while the sun is shining." Right now, the sun is shining very brightly, so I will do what I need to do and sock it away for a rainy day.

The only bad part is that I can't work on my own personal projects. Somehow, I'll just have to squeeze them in a little here and a little there. As usual, I am behind in that area, but it's all good. Can't be too mad at myself, because the overtime is allowing me to make a lot of hay! But the sun is really heating things up around here. Had to turn on my "EC" tonight just to cool things down


Wishing you moments to make some hay!
 

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

TWW's Book Review: Willowleaf Lane by RaeAnne Thayne

Charlotte's life is a lot different now than it was back then. No longer overweight and having to hide behind it, she's now healthier and a bit more content. Not a small feat since she is the owner of Sugar Rush, the local confectionery. However, on a quiet July afternoon, her life changes when Smokin' Hot Spencer Gregory walks through her front door. This guy is from her past and probably someone she doesn't want to remember because he stomped all over her heart back then. 

Within the pages of Willowleaf Lane by RaeAnne Thayne, I found myself relating to the Charlotte in more ways than one. Life as an overweight teen was painful enough but not having many friends and being an outsider made it even more painful. While I never had the opportunity to tutor the jock, I did have moments to daydream about the hunks in school and wondering what it would be like to be with them. Despite knowing that my heart would never be torn to pieces like Charlotte's was, I could definitely understand. 

I was happy to see differences in memory from each of the characters perspective. Would it be considered stereotypical? Perhaps, but the truth is that this is real and many readers will feel a kinship towards this theme. I, myself, often wondered if every girl went through moments like these or if it was just those of us were were not one of the "beautiful people." Seeing it in print has lead me to believe that I was not alone in this thought. I actually found myself tearing up a time or two when I was reading.

Willowleaf Lane combines the elements of sports, families, eating disorders and hometown heroes and although it would seem to be an insurmountable task to do so, Ms. Thayne seems to have pulled it off. The struggles for Peyton and trying to fit it, the closure to Spencer's troubles and the realism set forth in the return of a wounded war hero were very much on par with actual life. The "intimate" moments, however, didn't do it for me in this one. In fact, if the author had left out that part altogether I would not have minded in the least. For me, getting to know the characters and seeing them rekindle their friendship, and then perhaps providing a hint of romance at the end would have been enough.

I will admit that there are moments that could have been better developed to make the scenes more complete. I would have liked to seen something to bring more closure to such details as Spencer Gregory's daughter Peyton, the huge project he was undertaking, even a hint as to where the romance was headed for Charlotte and Spencer. Ultimately, when I got to the last page of the final chapter of the book, I turned it expecting there to be a epilogue...and I said, "Damn!" I found nothing as the book abruptly ended. I was a little bummed about it actually, and left to wonder if there will be any information about them to come in a future book.

While some readers may feel that this book is not the strongest of the series in terms of the romance, in Willowleaf Lane, RaeAnne Thayne does "hit the nail on the head" for several things:
  • Bringing out into the open the struggles that teenagers face during those difficult years and get them help if necessary;
  • Reminding us that sport figures are human, should be treated as such and not put up on a pedestal to be worshiped,
  • War veterans, whether wounded or not, need to be honored for who they are, given the opportunity to reacquaint themselves to civilian life, and adjust to their circumstances whatever those may be; and
  • Not every book has to be about sex. 
Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Current Creek Valley by RaeAnne Thayne



Finally, a book about food! Now this one I can really relate to, but before I go there, I just want to say how much I love returning to Hope's Crossing. Like some other series that I read, it just feels like coming home. The author, RaeAnne Thayne does a remarkable job of bringing in elements of the surrounding into the story. From the summer blackberries to the sweeping views of Woodrose Mountain, and Laurel Falls to the Current Creek running through town, Ms. Thayne paints a picture so vivid it's hard to not imagine yourself there.

Alexandra is about to open her dream come true restaurant. With the help of family and friends this is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to the town. Sam Delgado is coming to town to finish building the details, namely the kitchen, so that Hope's Crossing's newest restaurant, Brazen, will open on time.

Of all the stories in this series that I have read thus far, this is the only one that you could probably read as a stand alone and not get confused by the ancillary characters. 

Prepare yourself for a switch though in terms of the stereo-typical personality-types. This time, it's Alex who is the love 'em and leave 'em gal as she is only out to have a good time and not interested in having a serious relationship, at least not any time soon. Sam Delgado is a safe bet since he's only in town for a few weeks to finish the renovations on the restaurant. Little does she know!

All of Ms. Thayne's novels are sweet and just really pleasant to read. Unlike some of the other books out there that I have been reading, these are really just a breath of fresh air. There will also be a little bit of angst, but nothing that the two main characters can't get past. In this case, Alex and Sam are right there on this point like all the other characters from Hope's Crossing. It's just fun to see how they get through it all.

So, I highly suggest reading Current Creek Valley. Pull up a chair and put your feet up. It's going to be a great read that you won't want to put down! Rating:



Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Sweet Laurel Falls by RaeAnne Thayne


Maura McKnight-Parker, owner of Dog-Eared Books & Brew, needs a vacation. But, Christmas is just around the corner and her daughter Sage is coming home for the holiday. She's had a really rough year with the tragic loss of her other daughter, and it's time for her and Sage to move forward.

Preparing for her holiday book club meeting, someone from her past just pulled up in front of her business. Unfortunately, he's just walked into her bookstore along with her daughter Sage who's  just announced to everyone that this man, Jackson Lange, is her father. There's nothing like ripping off the band-aid and getting right to the heart of the story. Thankfully the author, RaeAnne Thayne, did it by the end of the first chapter. If she hadn't, this would have been a really long story.

Sage and Jackson are both upset about Maura's lie. Y
ears ago, Jackson left Hope's Crossing  a bitter and angry young man. Now twenty years later he's back, a successful architect and standing right in front of her. Of course, he's now going to stay in town for awhile so he can get to know his daughter.

It's not going to be easy having him back in town, and Maura is just going to have to deal with it. On the other hand, Jackson has his own demons to deal with, including his curmudgeon of a father, Harry Lange.

Once again, the author RaeAnne Thayne has done a remarkable job in taking a sensitive subject and dealing with it not only head on but with great care and thought. Here in Sweet Laurel Falls, the author brings together two former high school sweethearts and has them face their past in order for them to go forward into the future. This seems to be a major theme in many of the books I have read lately. Always tried and true, but each uniquely different.

Each book brings us a little closer to the town of Hope's Crossing and all the people who live there. Maura and Jackson are really going to have to put their past behind them. They have a daughter who needs both of them, and more than they both know. Rating:

 

Wishing you moments of great reading!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Playing Catch-Up

I've been a bit behind on many things and I feel as though I am playing catchup. I am sure that many of you feel the same way and can completely relate! This past week I've put in a lot of hours at my day job and didn't get a lot of time to myself to enjoy my birth month. But I will try to enjoy "me" time this weekend. 

In the meantime, I will be posting several bonus book reviews from an author that I have really come to enjoy! So dear readers, I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy yourselves as much as possible.

Wishing you moments to enjoy some quality "me" time!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Monday, August 5, 2013

The Winds of Change

I have notice changes in my surroundings. My writing surroundings that is. The community that I quietly joined three years ago seems to be experiencing some growing pains...again. The winds of change are upon us.

When I got into this gig oh so long ago, I had high aspirations but quickly realized just how cutthroat this business really was, what kind of writer I wanted to be and that I was not going to be able to produce quickly enough to make it in the business. Other things were  happening in my life which ultimately lead me to "starting all over again." I decided that at that point what I really wanted out of this writing gig and quickly made changes in my life to help accommodate those decisions.

Luckily, I was fortunate enough to find a new "day job" to support myself while I worked on the writing that will ultimately be my legacy on the world. I managed to pick up a few writing gigs but overall they didn't pay the bills. I wanted to write about the stuff that interested me and that did not include anything about Honey Boo Boo or The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Besides, there were plenty of other writers out there that seemed to be doing just fine with those topics.

One of the things that really bothered me though was writing the real hardcore news. I knew personally that this was not for me. I can't stand watching the news as it is; for me to write it would be devastating. Several times I remembered reading about something horrific in the news and following up on the commentaries from my friends in our various writer's groups. While they were reporting their stories about these unbelievable events, they were also making money off of them. It just made me ill, but I had to remember I had decided when I got into this game that this type of writing was not for me.

While I don't begrudge them for what they did, I know in my heart that this style of writing was never going to be for me and
I was glad there were others who were able to do so. I am thankful that my day job has earned me enough money to write about the things that really matter to me personally. I also have to remember that writing for my friends is their job. They need to write about these things because this is how, and in some respects, the only way they are able to earn a living unlike myself. I am grateful that they write about the things that don't interest me so I can write about the things that do.

Now I see my writing friends struggling to earn a living. They are upset because the rules keep changing and the payout for all their hard work is decreasing. While I have experience a significant decline in my own page views and monetary compensation, I can't help but wonder what will become of my friends who are all scrambling to diversify instead of leaving "all their eggs in one basket." I understand their frustrations and concerns, but I have not made the type of income through writing like they have. On the other hand, they don't make the income I make from my day job. The economy is starting to turn around and there are more jobs becoming available, but many of friends are not able to work outside the home, so making a living through writing is the only chance they have.

Because of this, I have been thinking again about what I want to do with my writing and future in this industry. I have had some wonderful opportunities that had lead to even greater ones. I have said in the past that I have some big plans and I still do, but what I don't plan on doing is following the road my fellow writers are on. I want them to have every opportunity to earn a living they need in order to survive. Most of all, I don't want to stand in their way of making a living, which means I won't be getting in on the action at the other websites for which they are trying to write.

So where does that leave me? What are my big plans? Well they include:
  • Continuing to write about those topics that are important to me and publish them for the company for whom I made that commitment. And if I get offered another opportunity because of them, then I will evaluate it at that time.
  • Continuing with my blog/website with future plans to expand it to another platform. Steps are currently in place to make that happen. Costs are really expensive but when it's done, it's going to be great.
  • Furthering my involvement and promotion of Proverbs & Wisdom and In The Light Magazine. Check them out when you get a chance!
  • Offer my editing skills and creative input to those authors who are interested. Have questions or want to inquire to my editing rates? Please contact me at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com.
  • Expanding my brand through other opportunities. Look for some fun things to be released later this year. 
  • I will be reading and writing book reviews and posting them on Today's Working Woman, Blogher Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari and various other sites as appropriate.
  • Best of all, I will continue to blog and write about the things that affect the lives of Today's Working Woman.
Yes, the winds of change are coming, but I plan to ride them my way.

Wishing you moments to do the same,
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

TWW's Book Review: Woodrose Mountain by RaeAnne Thayne

I had been asked to review another book by RaeAnne Thayne and while I dived right in, I realized that once I had started to read it, I was completely at a loss because I missed out on the first book in the series. So, I had to stop reading and go back to the beginning so I could have a better understanding of the town, Hope's Crossing. Now that I've made it through those books, I am able to review Woodrose Mountain with a clearer understanding of Hope's Crossing and it's characters.

Evie Blanchard has left her
occupational therapist life behind to start over in a small town. But as life would have it, she is asked to help the daughter of Brodie Thorne, who has been in a terrible accident. Reluctant to do so because Evie has to struggle through her own personal demons, she eventually gives in and tries to help Taryn for a short while.

The themes in this book are really difficult to write about in any given circumstance but Ms. Thayne has handled it beautifully. She has balance the sensitivity of the subject with the growing attraction between Evie and Brodie. Although it took awhile to get there, as these two are as opposite as any two characters could ever be.

While some books just beg to never be put down, there are others that are meant to be savored and read slowly. Woodrose Mountain falls into the latter category. I know that many of you will want to plow through this book as quickly as possible in order to get to the next one, but trust me on this, take your time. While RayAnne's first book, Blackberry Summer, sets up direction for this series, Woodrose Mountain lays the groundwork for the rest. As hard as it was for me to read this book because of the storyline alone, it was well worth it for me to keep on reading. I understand all too well what it is like to leave an old life behind to try and create a new one for myself. While I may not have suffered the tragedies depicted in Woodrose Mountain, I have felt the pain of loss, so I could relate to these characters on a very personal level. Rating: 


Wishing you moments of great reading!


Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods


There is always something about picking up a book by Sherryl Woods. It's like...coming home. There...I said it again and I truly mean it. I am a fairly new fan of her writing. It wasn't that long ago that I found her novels on a bookstore shelf while on vacation. I picked up her books purely because of the cover. I fell in love with the O'Brien characters she created sitting next to the Rogue River in Oregon. Today, I finished the second book in the Ocean Breeze series and am loving a new family that Ms. Woods has created, The Castles.

Wind Chime Point, is sister Gabrielle's story. And does she have a story! While I don't want to give away the secrets, I will say that the title plays a major role in the storyline.

As with all of Ms. Woods stories, if there is a woman lead character, then there must be a man to play opposite of her. In this case, Wade Johnson is the guy who looks Gabi in the eye and makes her notice him. He's pretty easy on the eyes, so what woman wouldn't! Gabi, on the other hand, spends an exorbitant amount of time trying to fight her feelings for this guy, which clearly (at least according to her grandmother) is perfect for her. 

As always, I really love reading Sherryl Woods. This is the second book in the Ocean Breeze Series, and as I have come to find out, sometimes one or more books in a series aren't always the same level of as the rest. While I liked the story, I wouldn't say that it was better than the first. There is some continuation from the first book, and hints of things to come for the next one. I would expect nothing less from Ms. Woods. I only wished that there were some details that would have been expanded upon. Rating:



Wishing you moments of great reading!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

Claire Bradford has got problems. Little does she know, they are about to get even bigger. First, her store has been burglarized along with some other establishments in town. Her inventory has been thrown all over the floor, money gone, computer stolen, and a designer wedding dress slashed and completely ruined.

Hard to believe that Hope's Crossing, Colorado, a town of 5,000 people, would be hit with a crime spree. But this! This was, as author RaeAnne Thayne wrote, "blatant vandalism." Of course to make matters worse, the first person she sees is her ex's new wife. What an airhead! But frankly, she's the antithesis of Claire and perfect for the story!

Second, back in town after after 15 years is Riley McKnight as the brand new chief of police coming in to save the day and solve the crime spree in the area. Sizzle is in the air, more trouble is on the way, and the Angel of Hope is at it again. With two kids and a store to run, what else can Claire endure? The worst possible thing in the world that will shatter the town, delivers a loss to the McKnight family, and possibly crush any chance for happiness for Claire.

There is something to be said about this town with the word "Hope" in its name. Even more, there is something about this story that shows there is "hope" even during the darkest of times. Going through something horrible is the worst feeling in the world, but coming out on the other side a stronger, wiser person...well...that is the sweetest feeling in the world.

The author, RaeAnne Thayne, delivers a well-thought out and believable story. I felt myself emotionally drawn in and a part of the plot. I could actually picture myself sitting in Claire's workroom sorting beads. Blackberry Summer is the first in an entire series with characters from Hope's Crossing. Definitely worth reading and right up there with other series stories from authors such as Sherryl Woods and Debbie Macomber.Wishing you moments of Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Sand Castle Bay (An Ocean Breeze Novel), by Sherryl Woods


Three sisters return home to help their grandmother, Cora Jane Castle, rebuild their family restaurant after a devastating storm hits the area. Little did the sisters know that grandma has something up her sleeve other than a restaurant cleanup.

Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods is the first book in the Ocean Breeze series. This first book concentrates on Emily Castle who once had a thing for Boone Castle. Now they are both grown up and finally seeing each other years of being apart. 

Interesting to see these two characters do a role reversal. Emily, successful and Boone, carrying some baggage from his life sans Emily. It's great to read about another strong woman, see her struggle with her success and have to make some tough choices.

As always, author Sherryl Woods develops characters totally believable and ones that I inevitably become enraptured with. Cora Jane is a spitfire, and the granddaughters are uniquely individual that you can help but to find some connection with one, two or all three.  

While this story has a small town feel it is all about real life problems. Who doesn't struggle with making decisions and walking away from a relationship? I think we all have. Career or love? When love isn't there, it's easy to choose career. However, when love is there, it must take a lot of soul searching to walk away from it. 

Good thing for Emily and Boone that someone else is looking out for them because there are a few others that aren't. I wouldn't expect anything less from the author because unlike other romance novels I've read, the antagonists in this one, are true to life and totally believable. 

For me, reading Sherryl Woods is like coming home. I love reading her books and they never disappoint. Rating:
 
 


Wishing you moments of great reading!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!