TWW's Book Review: Christmas Embrace by Emily Walters

Are we sure this is an original story? I swear I saw this as a Hallmark Movie on television last year. Wait! Yes, I did and the movie was called Snow Bride. Hmmm...

Seriously, with just a few small changes, Christmas Embrace by Emily Walters is almost exactly like Snow Bride. Since the movie was released in 2013 and this book has a publication date of 2015, I have to wonder. Despite the similarities, as a writer, I was attracted to it merely because the main character is a writer. Frankly, how could I not read this one? 

I had to really concentrate on this because I had the movie running through my head and the details of this kept getting mashed up between what I had seen in the film versus what was being read on the page. Fortunately for me this was a quick read, and unlike the movie, it had an interesting twist at the end to make reading through to the last page worth the effort.

I found it a little disappointing that the description of the book gave too much of the story away. The cover does not accurately represent the characters ages either. When reading Christmas Embrace, I got the impression that the characters were slightly older and more mature. The adults pictured appear a little too fresh-faced for me. 

It was nice to see the main character, Sarah Armstrong, grow a backbone. However, the other female characters are polar opposites. Mrs. Clouse is too much like Mrs. Clause, and Eva is pure evil. Interesting that the names are so close to the descriptions I have just given them. The brothers were predictable and since there was a dad in this versus the movie, I'll refrain from commenting. 

If you have not seen the movie, then this wouldn't be too bad of a read. However, if you have seen the movie then bypass the book. Rating:

 1/2

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, and other writing assignments!

TWW's Book Review: Without You - A Christmas Short Story by Adrianne James

As I continue on my Christmas short story reading, I came across this nine page read by Adrianne James. If there is one thing that Without You - A Christ Short Story has going for it, it would be the fact that it is definitely short. I wouldn't really classify this as a short story. It seems more like a chapter from a much larger book.

The two main characters, Logan and Serenity, clearly have a history together according to the thoughts of Logan. This tale is written from his perspective and it starts out with him on a plane flying home to her. It doesn't take long to find out that he is a military man through and through, and Serenity...well she is not cut out to be a military man's wife. Yet, Logan still thinks he is right no matter how Serenity feels. During his travel back to her, however, he meets a few people that slowly helps him to stop and really assess his situation. 

I believe that there is more to this then what was shared. Nine pages is really too short to get all the necessary details needed to make a story complete, even a short story. I had to go back and reread this a few times due to details that were not consistent. I feel Ms. James needs to go back, do a rewrite, and add more pages to this one. 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, and other writing assignments!

TWW's Book Review: A Sandy's Seashell Shop Christmas: An Outer Banks E-short by Lisa Wingate

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe opening your heart to new possibilities? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to read A Sandy's Seashell Shop Christmas: An Outer Banks E-short by Lisa Wingate.

It's Christmas Eve, and widow Tiff Riley has escaped to the seashore of her husband's childhood. Son Micah is so young and hasn't really experienced a real Christmas. Perhaps Santa has decided that it's time. Maybe it was Aaron's way of telling Tiff that it was okay for her to let go.

With a little help from Sandy' Seashell Shop, Christmas Eve won't be forgotten because there is hope for Tiff, otherwise why would Santa magically make sure that she and Micah found the true meaning of Christmas. 

This is small town living at it's finest. It is what we all want to feel not only at the holidays, but all year long. It really is a Christmas miracle. This is a heartwarming story and a must read to remind us what the holiday is all about.

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, and other writing assignments!

TWW's Book Review: Her Christmas Bonus - Epilogue by Rain Danvers

For the naysayers, here is the rest of Sage and Terrance's story, and you lost out because you failed to read the entire e-book. If you had, you would have gotten exactly what you were asking for. Now I realize that this was split into two, but there is nothing wrong with that. These are short stories, not full blown novels. And the story... well I don't think it is far-fetched in the least because I know there are people out there that have experienced a similar situation as in Her Christmas Bonus and Her Christmas Bonus - Epilogue. Maybe not exactly the same, but similar none-the-less.

Ms. Danvers did a good job in wrapping up the loose ends to ensure that Sage made the right decision. It was thrilling to finally see her stand up and realize that things are not what they seem, and ultimately fight for her man. Clarisse, what a joke! Of course, now I won't be able to watch Rudolph anymore...nevertheless she is out of the picture.

I think it would be fun to see the rest of Sage and Terrance's journey. Perhaps Rain's readers could convince her to take both of the these short stories, Her Christmas Bonus and Her Christmas Bonus - Epilogue, fill in some of the gaps that the reviewers needed to know, and bring their romance to the next level. As for me, I have a pretty good imagination so I can make up my own story for these two any time I want. Isn't that what reading short stories are all about anyway...getting lost in a really good tale and then letting your imagination carry you away to a different ending, no matter what it might be. 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, and other writing assignments!

TWW's Book Review: Her Christmas Bonus by Rain Danvers

Since the holidays are just around the corner, I thought I would continue on with my short story and holiday romance theme for those of you who love this time of year as much as I do. If you are looking for a quick read on a cold winter's night, then Her Christmas Bonus by Rain Danvers might be just the trick. 

There were really two things that initially drew me to the story. Firstly, the company where the main characters, Sage and Terrance, work at is located in Newport Beach, California. One of the offices for my company is also located in the same town, so it must be fate that I read this. Secondly, both Sage and Terrance end up in Phoenix, Arizona for Christmas. I spent six years living in the mountains of Arizona and enjoyed many weekends during the winter in that city. Now I had to read this!

Sage is an accomplished business woman but realizes that the one man she wants, Terrance, is not available for her because they work at the same company. However, fate in the form of technology brings them together. Throw in her mom and some well meaning friends and you have all the makings of a happily ever after. 

I am a little disappointed in some of the other reviews that I read complaining that Her Christmas Bonus was too short, and the story advanced too rapidly. Frankly, I get what they all meant, but this is a short story. How long did they expect it to be? Ms. Danvers is sharing a small portion of their story, not their entire relationship from the moment them met until they have children and beyond. I think the negative reviewers missed the boat and the epilogue! Perhaps it's not a five star read but it doesn't deserve a one star either, or in my case a "Palm Tree"! 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, and other writing assignments!

TWW's Book Review: How the In-Laws Wrecked Christmas, A Short Story by Fiona Gibson

For the most part, I love short stories because they are exactly that - a quick read one can start and finish on a lunch hour. I found this one while searching online for new books and found that not only was How the In-Laws Wrecked Christmas a novella by Fiona Gibson, but it also revolved around my favorite holiday season, Christmas. Without reading the reviews (I don't liked to be tainted by others opinions.), I picked up a copy and headed off to lunch.

The story centers around two characters, Ben and Anna, heading off for what Anna believes to be the "perfect" Christmas. Little does she know that how wrong she is going to be. Perhaps this is simply a case of opposites attracting, but I just don't see it. The more I read, it was plain to see that Ben and Anna did not belong together. Clearly they came from different worlds and it was never more apparent as soon as Anna stepped out of the car. 

As soon as I saw Ben evading Anna's questions, and ultimately hearing the disdain dripping from his mother's mouth, I felt this story was more about one man's desire to tell his well-to-do parents to "bugger off" as they say across the pond. Things progressively get worse and I was happy to see that Anna was not completely oblivious to the situation, and after one day realize that this is not the life she envisions for herself. 

Overall I think that Ms. Gibson would be better off going back to the drawing board and adding a bit more detail to fill in the gaps that are sorely needed in How the In-Laws Wrecked Christmas. I would have really liked to see a bit more development of the backstory regarding Anna's relationships. I think this would help the ending make sense and maybe alleviate the abruptness as well. 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: Charmed, I'm Sure (The Halloween LaVeau Series, Book 4) by Rose Pressey

It's hard to believe that book four of The Halloween LaVeau Series picks up only a few short weeks after Hallie's story began. She has a black cat named Pluto, an old house she inherited from her dead great-aunt, the Book of Mystics and comes from a long line of witches. She recently became the Leader of the Underworld and her magic abilities are not quite there, although she is learning quickly. Her mom owns Bewitching Baths and Potions and she can't cook to save her life. Good thing her friend Annabelle comes to her rescue often.

In Charmed, I'm Sure, Rose Pressey introduces a couple of new characters. This chapter finds Hallie under investigation by the national witch's board. Enter Charlie, who wants to hang around for a week or two, but doesn't really offer a whole lot of reason why. Clearly there is something up, but Hallie can't quite put her finger on it. To make matters more interesting and confusing, Hallie's Uncle Fitzgerald Flannigan arrives on her doorstep. He is definitely a character, but I will let you find that out for yourself. 

Things start to get really out of control at the town festival, so it's up to Hallie, her friends, mom and Uncle Fitz (who has a penchant for disappearing) to figure things out before the whole town is upset with her. 

I love the fact that Hallie is finally starting to get a little stronger and more confident in her abilities and in herself. She seems to really want to make things better and is developing the right instincts she needs to be a true leader. I really like strong women characters in the books I read and Hallie is shaping up to be one I'll enjoy reading about again and again. 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: Third Time's A Charm (The Halloween LaVeau Series Book 3) by Rose Pressey

Halloween LaVeau is back in the next installment of the series. This time she is being challenged as the rightful owner of the Book of Mystics and the leader of the underworld. Hmmm...not sure she wanted it in the first place, but now that she is, I'm pretty sure she'll do whatever it takes to keep the book and her new-found presence in the community.

The book picks up where the previous left off. And like before, I found that I couldn't put it down. As I turned each page, I hoped for a resolution, but felt Hallie's frustration as she sunk further into the mystery as to why she was being challenged yet again in so few weeks since she found the book her grandmother left her.

Of course, having two men vying for her attention who just so happen to be half brothers is not so bad. It does, however, make it difficult to solve the predicament she finds herself in again. She has to figure out what is going on soon and do it while still getting her magic skills up to speed as quickly as possible. 

I have to wonder though if she will ever be able to improve her magic. While initially her inadequacies were charming, after this third installment of the series, I would have hoped she would not have to stumble around so much. Overall, I liked the story, and as part of the series, it helps to continue on with the events that are happening. Hopefully the next book the readers will find Hallie more sure of herself and her abilities. 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: Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology 2015

With Summer just around the corner, now is the time to find those books that will keep you busy all season long. Most of us will pick up several novels to keep us going through the long hot nights, but why not pick up the single book containing multiple stores? I have found the perfect selection with Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology 2015, featuring 14 full length novels and novellas that I guarantee you won't want to put down.

This collective from Mel Curtis, Raine English, Donna Fasano, and 11 other award winning authors is not your every day predictable romance story anthology. While the cover indicates they are contemporary romances, I can assure you that once you start reading you won't want to put them down. These stories offer intrigue, mystery, and a whole lot of tension between the main characters that will make you sizzle.

All are so unique that you won't really find any story-line overlapping another. In fact, the best description I could give any of them would be "expect the unexpected." Keeping that thought in mind, you'll find yourself engaged from cover to cover and find it difficult to put your e-reader down just like I was.

I loved the fact that I got a chance to get reacquainted with some of my favorite authors, while enjoying the opportunity to be introduced to the new ones I found in Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology 2015. As an avid reader, I am always looking to discover the works of new authors and I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading more of all of their work.

If you have any other books that have made it to the top of the list, I would set those aside, and settle yourself in for a series of captivating reads for the next several months. Do I have a favorite? Several, actually, but I will let you decide which ones are yours! 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: An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano

It is common knowledge that Christmas is my favorite holiday. If given the chance I would celebrate it 365 days a year. Of course when you combine Christmas, romance stories, and little children, I am in heaven. In fact, all during 2014, I decided to read more holiday stories than ever before. Most turned out to be nothing to write home about, or for that matter, a review.

However there is one thing that I know for sure. I know that I have found something truly special when I pick up a book, read it, and come to the conclusion that I have to immediately turn around and read it again. I will tell you that it is so rare for me to instantly re-read a book. I find that this only happens when I am truly drawn to a story and just can't let it go. With An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano this was one of those moments as I found that connection. I could not put the book aside and start another. I just had to immerse myself in it again.

I have come across a few authors this past year that have truly helped me to write again and Donna Fasano is one of those authors. With An Almost Perfect Christmas, she takes a little sadness and weaves the magic of Christmas, the intuitiveness of a child, and the broken hearts of two people into an unforgettable read guaranteed to fill your heart with joy, and make you forget that it was ever sad at all.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano. Read it with a box of tissues nearby and a cup of cocoa. And if you are like me, read it again! 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: Italian Christmas Baby by Helen Scott Taylor

 

Helen Scott Taylor certainly knows just how to pull on the heart strings and take the reader away from all the cares in the world. Italian Christmas Baby has all the right components anyone could ever ask for: Christmas, babies and holidays in exotic foreign countries. Who needs anything more?

Our heroine, Emily, shows us that there is nothing wrong with trying to be a single mom, but there is everything right about being with the one you love, even though that someone broke your heart. You could say that this story is about second chances, or perhaps just a little intervention from Mother Nature. Either way, Savino is one lucky guy who is about to have his eyes opened for the first time.

What a joy it is to have my faith renewed in reading again! I have read hundreds of books this last year and found most of them poorly written, dull, and frankly, not worth writing about. Helen Scott Taylor's stories are sincere, heartwarming and capture the essence of what love and romance is all about. I'll read and review her stories any day of the week!

For those readers who only have just a few hours in the evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon, pick up a copy of Italian Christmas Baby and immerse yourself in a read that will inspire you to believe that love really conquers all and babies make it that much sweeter! 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: Sweet Christmas Kisses: Fourteen Sweet Christmas Romances

Those that know me well, understand how much I love the Christmas Holidays. Last year, I didn't get to enjoy the season as much as I had hoped. But this year, I have been getting into the spirit far earlier and have enjoyed the wonderful opportunity of reading this really awesome anthology of Christmas Romance stories from some very special women!

Sweet Christmas Kisses: 14 Sweet Christmas Romances is just that. "Sweet" indeed! I think "amazing", "honest", "true life", "heart warming" and "love swept" are just a few of the more apropos words that describe these 14 short stories. 

Each of them are uniquely different, but yet intrinsically similar by evoking the true spirit of the holiday wrapped in an abundance of love. With so many to read, you probably won't need to pick up another holiday book for the rest of year! 

The best part of reading this anthology is that it includes some of my favorite authors and also introduces some new ones that I have not read before. Now that I have, I want to read more of their other works! Seriously though, collections such as this are a great way to taste a flavor of writing styles from a variety of authors to help hone your own personal taste in books.

So if you are looking for some amazing, honest, true life, heart warming stories, and feel like being swept away into a world of love, then pick up Sweet Christmas Kisses: Fourteen Sweet Christmas Romances. And just for the record, I didn't have a favorite. I loved them all!  I can imagine myself reading these stories every Christmas Season for years to come! 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: Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor

A year ago I stopped writing book reviews, and I didn't ever think that I would want to write another review again. While I have been still reading, most of the books, short stories, and dare I say novels have been less than what I would call worth writing about, until today.

Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor had just what it took to help turn me around and want to share my thoughts on what I am reading.

A short story, just 98 pages, I was able to read this in about two hours! In fact, when I got to the end and looked at the clock, I was surprised that only two hours had past because I was swept into the story from the first page. I had no idea this book was even under 100 pages until well after the fact. Nevertheless, the story was not limited by the number of pages.

What I liked about Italian Christmas Proposal is how I was so in tune with the characters. I could see myself ending up in a similar situation as Claire. I actually saw a lot of me within her. And with the introduction of Leo, who is nothing like you would imagine, the story took on that traditional romantic feel that one would expect, but yet not.

Unlike other stories about finding love while in another country, Italian Christmas Proposal had me wanting to interact with everyone, up to and including drop kicking her "ex" six ways to Sunday! And for this reason, I took it as the sign I was looking for to make me realize that there are still books out there worth reading. Italian Christmas Proposal by Helen Scott Taylor was definitely a winner in my eyes.

Put this one on your Christmas To Read List. You'll enjoy this one! 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!

I am Tired and Writing-ed Out

I am tired...bone weary. My head even hurts. I am sure you have probably noticed that I have not been writing as much as I used to. Yes, it's true. I'm not. At least not here...or anywhere else for that matter. It is not to say that I haven't been writing, because I have. I have been on writing overdrive at my day job.

In fact, I have been on overdrive at my day job for months, and it has completely worn me out. Some days it is all I can do to just get out of bed. I live on caffeine and chocolate these days. I know this is really bad, but what can I do. In the meantime, I have completely tapped out my creative juices for other things. No book reviews, no website development for my own personal projects, and doing just the bare minimum to keep my writing gigs live enough so I don't get shut off. As for my other projects that I've promised to finish...well...I've haven't  quite gotten around to them yet. 

Still trying to work on those, but seriously, I am just about "writing-ed out"! My brain is tired from all the thinking and organizing and making everything sound good for the work I am producing for my day job. I never thought I would say that, but I am. Secretively though, I'm really putting myself first, although on the surface it really doesn't look like it.

But all is not lost, but I see the end in sight. Hopefully by the end of the year, I will have completed my goal, paid off the last of our obligations, and if the work doesn't slow down, then maybe find a job that is less stressful and gives me more time to pursue my passion. I am counting the days. So in the meantime, my creativity juices are taking a break while my regular work takes a front seat until things settle down. 

Wishing you moments to stay focused on your goals and remember, when in doubt, put yourself first.

 

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 Book Reviews

It's been a long time since I wrote a book review. While I have read many books since I've been gone, I am sorry to say that most of them are not worthy for a review. And unfortunately, those others that I had read, and wanted to review will now to be re-read in order to write those reviews! So in between some of those projects that I am trying to finish, and the new books that I am currently reading, I will be re-reading and writing those reviews.

Thank you to all the authors for your patience as I work through the numerous books that are in my queue to read. I will do my best to get those reviews posted as soon as possible.

Until then, 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!