Happy Halloween From Madame Pele

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You for Christmas by Madeline Ash Review

Synopsis:

Regan Case wouldn’t know the right side of the tracks if they ran her out of town. She’s lived hard since she ran away at sixteen, but eight years later, an accident has terrified her into pulling her life together. And that means finally going home for Christmas.

Taking her return one step at a time, she ends up on the doorstep of her sister’s best friend, Felix Nickson. The man indebted to her after she jammed ten grand down his trousers in high school and enabled him to escape his own demons. Felix agrees to let her stay, but doesn’t count on the chemistry that burns hot between them.

As they get into the Christmas spirit, he watches Regan’s shadows fade away and discovers that beneath her careless attitude, she is by far the bravest woman he’s ever met. He falls for her, fast and hard, but she fears she doesn’t deserve such a good man. A black sheep cannot change her colors.

Can Felix forgive her past or would asking for his love be one too many miracles this Christmas?


My Review: 

Eight years ago, Regan Case ran away from home.  No one has heard from her since she left or knew if she was alive or dead.  After a horrific accident scares Regan, she decides it finally time to return to Melbourne.

Felix Nickson lived next door to Regan and her sister Stevie in their foster home.  Before Regan left town she gave Felix ten thousand dollars for told him to leave and take Stevie with him.  Felix has done well with his life since then.

Looking for a safe place to stay, Regan turns to Felix and asks to stay with him, but not to let Stevie know she is there.  Regan looks just as tough as she did when she was younger, but Felix can tell something is troubling her.  He works hard to get her to open up more and agree to see her sister again.

Felix and Regan fall for each other hard and fast.   But how will Stevie feel when she finds out her missing sister has hooked up with her best friend?

This fast moving story has a lot of emotional parts in it.  The characters and plot are very interesting.

 

Kitty Smile

Three Nights before Christmas (Montana Born Christmas) by Kat Latham Review

Synopsis:

Have yourself a steamy little Christmas…

After three years in prison, freight train engineer Lacey Gallagher doesn’t expect this Christmas to be very merry and bright. At least chopping down trees for her brother’s Christmas tree farm will help her save money to get her life back on track. All her plans derail, though, when her new job puts her in territory patrolled by the man who haunts her dreams—the forest ranger who sent her to prison.

Austin Wilder isn’t thrilled about Lacey working in his forest—but he soon realizes he needs her help. His family is depending on him to restore an old steam train for a spectacular Christmas event, and train expert Lacey is his only hope of finishing in time.

Working together challenges every assumption Lacey and Austin have about each other, and they discover a desire hot enough to melt even the deepest Montana snow. But will the season of second chances be enough to mend the most hardened broken heart?


My Review: 

A fast paced love story

After spending three years in prison for a crime she was unknowingly committed, freight train engineer, Lacey Gallagher is trying to restart her life.  She ends up in Marietta working with her brother at the Christmas tree farm.

Forest ranger Austin Wilder was the man who helped put Lacey behind bars.  Now that she is out of prison and living in town, he is keeping a close eye on her.  But checking in on Lacey so often, Austin is starting to become attracted to her.

When Austin needs Lacey's help with a holiday project, he starts seeing Lacey for who she really is and not some common criminal.  Will Lacey be able to trust Austin enough to give love a chance? 

This well detailed story had me hooked.  I was anxious to find out how the story ends. This book will make you believe in Christmas miracles. 

A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone Review

Synopsis:

A kiss is just a kiss…

Unless it’s under the mistletoe.

Ellie Smith is determined to make up for Christmases past by spreading holiday cheer throughout the Bar V5 dude ranch, but tech “bah, humbug” billionaire, Josiah Whittaker, refuses to bask in the spirit of the season.

Unwilling to let the geek-to-gorgeous Josiah win, Ellie plans to give him a Christmas he’ll never forget. But after a simple kiss under the mistletoe, Ellie and Josiah both start questioning everything. Can Christmas really bring the gift neither one of them were expecting: true love?

My Review: 

A sweet story about one woman helping a Christmas hating Scrooge overcome his hatred of the holiday.

Josiah Whittaker hates Christmas.  He never wanted to return to Montana once he left.  And here he is at Bar V5, a working dude ranch and hotel that has been transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland.  He is being forced to take some time off work after a serious illness.  No work allowed.

Ellie Smith was excited to learn the first billionaire guest at Bar V5 was one of her late brother's friends. The last time she saw Josiah, she was only 14 years old.  Josiah sure has changed.  Ellie is having a hard time keeping her eyes off him.

When Ellie finds out Josiah hates Christmas, she sets out to change his mind.  With a little luck, some mistletoe, a group of children and a real live Santa, Ellie just might be able to convince Josiah that Christmas is the best time of year.

This wonderful Christmas story will really get you into the holiday spirit. Ellie and Josiah are the perfect example of opposites attract, and that going back home can lead to happiness and surprises.

 

Kitty Smile

A Bramble House Christmas (Carrigans of the Circle C Book 6) by CJ Carmichael Review

Synopsis:

Finn Knightly a.k.a. Finn Conrad wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

Carrigans of the Circle C series
Book 1: Promise Me, Cowboy
Book 2: Good Together
Book 3: Close to Her Heart
Book 4: Snowbound in Montana
Book 5: A Cowgirl's Christmas
Book 6: A Bramble House Christmas

My Review: 

A heartwarming story that will leave you believing in the magic of Christmas.

For Willa Fairchild, it was all about getting away for Christmas.  She brought her son Scout to Marietta Montana to spend three weeks at Bramble House B&B.  The trip was planned by a patient who she befriended before he died.  

Finn Conrad needed to learn more about the woman who received a large chunk of his father's money after he died.   He couldn't understand why he would leave so much money in his will to someone else and so little to him and of his siblings.

What Finn didn't expect to find was a kind hearted woman with a child who was recently given a clean bill of health after fighting cancer.  Finn also didn't expect he would soon be falling in love with Willa. What will happen when Willa finds out the truth about Finn? 

This is one of those memorable stories that you will remember for a long time.  The slow build to Willa and Finn's romance was perfect and the mystery of the ring and how it brings a family together was a perfect touch to the story.

 

Some Guys Need A Lot of Lovin' (Outback Heat Book 3) by Amy Andrews Review

Synopsis:

 Paramedic Marcus Weston is losing it. The loveable larrikin of Jumbuck Springs is battling PTSD after a horrific incident during recent bushfires. He thought he had a handle on it but not even boozing, partying and wild women are helping this Casanova get outside his head anymore.

Psychologist Juanita Slattery is looking for a sexy distraction. The long, tall stranger in a pair of Wranglers with his big old flirty smile and rugged country looks is just the ticket. And he doesn’t disappoint as they burn up the sheets together in an unforgettable one night stand.

Fast forward a few days and they come face-to-face again. But this time Juanita is in Jumbuck Springs as part of the post-fire counselling team and Marcus is sitting on the other side of her desk. He just wants to get back to work. She knows he needs help. Professional boundaries dictate that they keep their distance, but intense physical attraction rarely follows reason…


My Review:

Juanita Slattery is only in Jumbuck Springs for two months working at the hospital as a psychologist.  She doesn’t expect one of her first patients to be Marcus Weston, the one night stand from her 30^th birthday.  Luckily she knows she can’t be his doctor and refers him to someone else.  But she can be his friend.    

It turns out Marcus is suffering from PTSD after finding a family huddled together in their car dead after a bushfire.  The little boy was on the town football team and Marcus had gotten close to him.  As Marcus works through his issues, Juanita is there for him in more ways than just one.  They quickly become lovers.  How will they works this out when Juanita is planning on moving back to Sydney after her time is up at the hospital?

This very sexy story has some hot sex scenes that aren’t for the faint at heart.  It is a quick book and didn’t take too long to read.  So if you’re looking for a hot romance and short of time, pick this one up.  One tip:  Be sure to read this series in order because there will be spoilers if you don’t. 

 

Kitty Smile

Kitty Smile

Kitty Smile

Her Secret Christmas Hero (Cherry Lake Christmas) by Mallory Kane Review

Synopsis:

Allie McHale is spending this brutal Christmas Eve snowstorm in a barn in Marietta, Montana when suddenly she hears a horrible crash on the freeway near her ranch. She discovers a handsome lone survivor, a prisoner in handcuffs, and despite her apprehension about harboring a criminal, she rescues him anyway.

Jacob Reeves, on his way to Seattle to testify against his organized crime family, is miraculously saved by the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, who has every reason not to trust him, but getting through a freezing Christmas Eve forces them to work together to survive.

During the long night, their chemistry is off the charts and Jake realizes that Allie could be the love of his life. But as soon as the storm is over, he’ll be gone. Is Jake destined to break both of their hearts, or will a Christmas tragedy end in a miracle?

My Review: 

You never know when Mr. Right will show up.

Allie McHale finds this out on Christmas Eve when she hears an accident on the highway during a snow storm.  When she goes to see if anyone needs helps, she finds the driver dead and the passenger desperate to help.  Even though the passenger is in handcuffs, she knows she has to help him or he will die too.

Jacob Reeves was born into a crime family but he refused to live that lifestyle.  He moved away where no one could find him (or so he thought).  He was being transported to testify in court against his father and brother when the deputy lost control of the car and crashed.  He was thankful when Allie found and helped him.

That was a night they would never forget.  Allie's horse CeCe has a difficult time giving birth and she needed help.  Jake knew about horses as he was previously living on a horse farm.  Together they help deliver the foal.  They also share some very intimate moments together.  But the next day Jake is taken away and Allie has to face the fact that she may never see him again.  Will this short lived romance be all Allie and Jake have?   Or, will luck be on their side and they will have a second chance?

I couldn't put this book down.  In a way I was thankful that it was short or I would have been up all night reading.  It is an exciting and very touching story.

 

Plan Bea by Hilary Grossman Review

Synopsis:

How well do you really know the people in your life?

Annabel O'Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn't like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.

Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women's relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision, or the surprise that is in store for her.



My Review:

The following statement I found within the story really summed up this book very well.  
 “We live our entire lives thinking we know those closest to us.  But do we ever?”

Relationships between mothers and daughters can sometimes be difficult.  For Annabel O'Conner and her mother Beatrice Buchanan, difficult is an understatement.  When Bea tells Anna that she is getting married and wants her to help with the planning, Anna sees this as an opportunity to get close to her mother. 

Through the next few months, Anna continues helping Bea even though Bea's stubbornness causes Anna to just want to walk away many times.  As they spend more time together, Bea opens up about a lot of things she has kept hidden from everyone.  Maybe Bea isn't so bad after all.  When everything seems to be going wrong on the wedding day, there is a very good reason for it.  How will Anna react when she finds out what Bea's latest plan is? 

This is a great book.  I really didn't want to like Bea at first.  But as I learned more about her, she really did have a big heart hidden under all of her snobbery.  I could feel Anna's pain of wanting her mother's approval and always getting the cold shoulder in return. The story was very well written and the characters' backgrounds were very well detailed.  All around, this was an incredible story.

A Montana Born Christmas Review

Synopsis:

Ready to two-step under the mistletoe with a hot cowboy? How about a gorgeous tycoon? Spend a white Christmas in Montana with eight heartwarming, contemporary romances. This limited edition collection features sweet and sexy holiday stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. You’ll find eight romantic heroes to fall in love with in A Montana Born Christmas boxed set. And all for less than a dollar!


Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter
Life has been tough at Copper Mountain Ranch and widower Brock Sheenan's kids have never had a proper Christmas. His new housekeeper, Harley Diekerhoff, is determined to change that--but she doesn't count on falling in love with her taciturn boss.

Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy by Megan Crane
Christina Grey Cooper has finally given up on her marriage and returned home to Marietta to lick her wounds. But Dare can’t let the love of his life go, even if what’s standing in the way of a true holiday miracle is himself… Can the magic of a White Christmas in Montana help him save what he’s nearly lost forever?

A Cowgirl's Christmas by CJ Carmichael
Betrayed by her father, Callan Carrigan has to decide what matters most to her. Fighting Court McAllister to get back the family ranch, or giving Court what he really wants—her heart.

A Cowboy for Christmas by Katherine Garbera
Back in Marietta, disgraced, the last person Annie Pruhomme wants to see is hunky Carson Scott. Does he hold a grudge, and why does he still look so hot?

Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone
An instant family isn't on ranch foreman Tyler Murphy's Christmas list, but event planner Meg Redstone's kisses are. Getting her under the mistletoe, however, is going to take a miracle...or help from Santa.

A Sweet Montana Christmas by Roxanne Snopek
A marriage in jeopardy, a decrepit honey farm and an unexpected birth on a dark, snowy night. All they need to rediscover their love is a Christmas miracle.

Blame the Mistletoe by Dani Collins
Commiseration over being alone for the holidays turns to a holiday fling, making Liz Flowers think Blake Canon is giving her the Best Christmas Ever. But when family secrets are revealed and their children arrive home early, will they be able to keep the season bright?

Her Mistletoe Cowboy by Alissa Callen
Ivy Bishop plans to spend Christmas holed up on an isolated Montana ranch far from the city and her ex-fiancé. But the more time she spends with the workaholic cowboy next door the more she realizes her heart isn’t actually broken – yet.



My Review:

I previously read all of these books individually.  I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.  All are set in the small town of Marietta, Montana and features a happily ever after for each story.  They can be read on their own or in the order they come in.  Each story is individual even though some characters might be referred to in other books.  If you love cowboys and country life, this is the book for you.  Add all of the wonderful Christmas cheer and you have a great group of stories that will keep you entertained. 

A Gift from Bob: How a Street Cat Helped One Man Learn the Meaning of Christmas by James Bowen Review

Synopsis: 

Bob Fever has swept the globe, with A Street Cat Named Bob vaulting its way to #7 on The New York Times bestseller list in its first week on sale. With rights sold to 27 countries around the globe and a top spot on the British bestseller list for more than a year, this book has been a smashing success around the world. As Street Cat Bob and James spend a cold and challenging December on the streets together, James once more draws strength and inspiration from his extraordinary cat--learning important lessons about the true meaning of Christmas along the way.

From the day James rescued a street cat abandoned in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, they began a friendship which has transformed both their lives and, through the bestselling books A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob, touched millions around the world.
In this new story of their journey together, James looks back at the last Christmas they spent scraping a living on the streets and how Bob helped him through one of his toughest times--providing strength, friendship and inspiration but also teaching him important lessons about the true meaning of Christmas along the way.

Readers who fell in love with Dewey and Marley, as well as the hundreds of thousands of fans who read A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob, will be eager to read the next chapters in the life of James and Bob.


My Review: 

A heartfelt and inspiring story of James Bowen, a London street musician, and his faithful feline companion Bob. 

In this book, James looks back on one of the toughest Christmases with Bob and how they survived, yet made a memorable Christmas for themselves and James’ good friend Belle. 

The book is filled with delightful stories like when James is desperate for money and his supporters at the Angel Station are there to give him donations and when James gives back to those who help him by handing out Christmas cards.  Gut wrenching stories of an encounter with a drug dealer and how James and Bob managed to get away from him and the heartbreaking tale of Belle’s lost Christmas gift.  These are just a few of the stories in this book.  If you are in need of inspiration this holiday season, or just any time you want a feel good story, I would recommend reading this book.  It left me feeling inspired to do something good for someone.  I also enjoyed the illustrations at the end of each chapter.  I thought that was a special touch.  

I given this book to do a review on Book Mama Blog.  Be sure to check out her website for this review and many other great reviews and contests. 

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