Saturday, November 27, 2010

HOME AT ROSE COTTAGE by Sherryl Woods

This is a book with 2 stories
THREE DOWN THE AISLE: Meet Melanie, who is 1 of 4 sisters.  This is her story.  She ran away to her grandmothers cottage-Rose Cottage.  Melanie is hiding away from a bad relationship.  Her grandmothers cottage in total disarray.  She takes it on as a way to deal with what happened.  Then she meets Mike a landscaper and his little girl Jessie.  Will love bloom?  And, watch out when you rile up 1 of the 4 sisters, they will take anyone on.
WHAT'S COOKING?: Meet Maggie, another of the 4 sisters.  She works for a magazine and is involved with a fashion photographer.  Rick stepped in at the last minute to take the pictures as a favor for a friend.   Now, Maggie is wondering what he could see in her when he is always with and
rumored to be involved with some of the most beautiful women. Rick follows her to the cottage.  Will they be able to work past everything?

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

Sunday, November 21, 2010

LIFE'S A BEACH by Claire Cook

This is a story about a weird family, the Walsh's.  Ginger is 41 and back at home living over the garage.  Her sister  Geri is married with 3 children and a lifestyle that never stops.  So, Aunt Ginger is the run who watches the kids and is the chauffeur.   Dad is a pack rat that checks out the local dump for finds.  And, the mother is a throw back to the 60's.
I found it hard to stay interested in the story.  Not really wanting to finish the book.  So, plan to put it aside for a day I have nothing new to read and need to read something.

SANDY SAYS = 1/3 Stars

Friday, November 19, 2010

CHRISTMAS IN CEDAR COVE by Debbie Macomber

This is actually 2 books in 1.  The first is 5-B Poppy Lane.
Meet Helen Shelton, a woman who has lived through some terrible
times.  Also, her granddaughter Ruth and her friend Paul.
Will Ruth be able to get past the fact that Paul is in the Marines?
The second is A Cedar Cove Christmas.  A story of Mary
Jo Wyse, alone and unmarried and pregnant on Christmas Eve.
Will things work out for her?
Debbie has written prologues as these are reprints.  I was disappointed to learn that I had already read 1 of these stories.  But, enjoyed reading the prologue and had never read the first story and enjoyed that.  It was a fast read.   Course always like a bargain ( 2 for 1).

SANDY SAYS 2/3 Stars

A CEDAR COVE CHRISTMAS by Debbie Macomber

A wonderful Christmas story.  Come along with Mary Jo Wyse, who is unmarried and pregnant. 
 She goes to Cedar Cove to locate the babies father, David Rhodes; he was suppose to be in
 Cedar Cove.  She arrives on  Christmas Eve and with not finding David and no where to stay, 
Grave and Cliff Harding take Mary Jo in.
But, with a houseful of guests; the only room is over the stable.   They are also housing
the animals for the Nativity show that night.   As luck would have it, Mary Jo goes into labor.
Mack McAfee, a paramedic comes to her rescue.  Will she find David?  

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

CHRISTMAS EVE AT FRIDAY HARBOR by Lisa Kleypas

Meet Holly, a sweet little girl who no longer speaks.  Ever since her 
mother died in a car crash, she has not spoken.  She goes to live 
with Mark her mother's brother and together they move in with Sam, her mothers 2nd brother.  Can 2 confirmed bachelors handle 
raising this little girl?  Along with their brother Alex whose 
marriage may not be working.  Then along comes Maggie, who
 is dealing with her own loss.  Is love in the air? 
Can love conquer all?

SANDY SAYS  =  3/3 Stars

Thursday, November 11, 2010

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS by Cynthia Keller

This is the first book by Cynthia Keller that I have read and I really enjoyed it.
This is the story of a family that is living the American Dream and lose everything.  On the way to live with her parents they are in an accident and accept the hospitality of an Amish family.  It tells a lot about how the Amish live.  What would you do if you suddenly lost everything and then ended up without electricity, cell phones, computers etc?
  It is an interesting book and I look forward to reading more of Cynthia's books.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

Sunday, November 7, 2010

IRISH MAGIC by Susan Wiggs, Morgan Llywelyn, Barbara Samuel and Roberta Gellis

This is a book with 4 stories (Irish Magic). If you like books about immortals and fantasy-you will enjoy this book.
GALWAY BAY by Morgan Llywelyn is a story about Eileen a big city girl-New York-who goes to a seaside town in Ireland.  She sets off to explore the towns people and folklore.
THE HARPER'S DAUGHTER by Barbara Samuel is a story about Dierde who is very pretty.  She is to wed the King when she comes of age.  There is magic involved-will she marry the King.....
THE TRYSTING HOUR by Susan Wiggs.
This story is about Aideen, she finds love with an immortal.   A story of fantasy and reality.
RARER THAN A WHITE CROWN by Roberta Collins.
A story  of Caer who while under a spell falls for an immortal.  Do they find love?

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

SUSANNAH'S GARDEN by Debbie Macomber

Once again an enjoyable book by Debbie Macomber.  I have yet to find a book written by her that I did not like.
This is the story Susannah Nelson, she grew up in a small town with her parents and brother.  She is sent to boarding school in high school.  While there her brother is killed.  She also leaves behind a boyfriend Jake.  As her mothers ages and starts having problems remembering, Susannah goes back home to Colville, Washington.  Where a lot of twists and turns happen.  I really enjoyed this book.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

THE OCEAN BETWEEN US by Susan Wiggs

I really enjoy any book by Susan Wiggs.   Any book I read by her is  easy to read and enjoyable.
This is the story of a military family and some of the problems that happen.  He is married with children and then a secret reveals itself.  It is set in Whidbey Island, Washington.  How would you react to finding out your husband had another child and had never told you about him?
It talks about some of the struggles our military families have to deal with, when their loved one is deployed or at sea.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

Saturday, November 6, 2010

SUMMER BY THE SEA by Susan Wiggs

Another terrific book, by Susan Wiggs. Very enjoyable book and a fast read.
This story is about Rosa who turns a pizza place into a renowned restaurant.  And, about a old boyfriend who shows back up in her town and life.  Are there second chances?... What would you do if you were not married and your old boyfriend/girlfriend suddenly shows back up.   Are you going to cheer for Rosa if they get back together?

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY by Susan Wiggs

Susan Wiggs stories are great.  They are easy to read and quick to read. Another story in the Lakeshore Chronicle series.   A style similar to Debbie Macomber.
This story is about a private home nurse-with a secret past and the wealthy senior she is caring for.  He is dying and they take a trip to a camp that he went to as a child.  Can she keep her secret from his family who think she is a gold digger or worse?  Follow along on his adventure and find out if Claire and Ross her patients grandson can figure it all out.
 Wonderful book.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

HOME IN CAROLINA by Sheryl Woods

A Sweet Magnolia novel.
This book is about Annie Sullivan and Tyler Townsend.   Annie is a second generation Sweet Magnolia.  These life long friends have been through a lot.  Including Annie's bout with anorexia, and Ty becoming a pro baseball player.  Will things straighten out for these 2?   Can Annie get past the hurt she feels from Tyler's affair that produced an adorable son?
 Read it and find out.  This is a quick and easy read.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

ASK ANYONE by Sheryl Woods

Sheryl Woods is a great story teller.   Her stories draw you in quickly and hold your attention.
This is a Trinity Harbor Series book.  The story of the daughter of a development co. named Jenna  and Bobby the owner of a piece of land that he wants to develop. Will they get the project off the ground and will anything else develop?  Can Jenna finally show her dad and her brothers that she is just as capable as they are in the family business by doing something other than being the receptionist?  It is set in Trinity Harbor on the coast in Virginia.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS by Debbie Macomber

This is a quick read of 2 stories in 1 book.   The first is Return to Promise.  It is about a couple and their children.  Jane has to return home to help her mother when her father takes ill.  Another girl sets her sights on Jane's husband  Cal.  Will they make it back to each other?
the second is Mail Order Bride.  A story of 2 aunts that answer an ad for a mail order bride for their niece.   Where she ends up in Alaska, and thinking she is on a vacation in the middle of winter.  Find out what happens in these 2 cute holiday stories.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

SAFE HAVEN by Nicholas Sparks

Once again a terrific book by Nicholas Sparks.  This is a quick read.  And, typical of Sparks is very well written.
This story is about a girl on the run from an abusive husband.  And, the life she makes for herself in a small town.  She meets a widower and his children and an interesting new girl friend.  Is her new friend real.....  Can she stay hidden from her abusive husband, whom she is on the run from?
Will they all be safe?

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

KNIT THE SEASON by Kate Jacobs


This is the first book I read by Kate Jacobs and to be honest it took a little bit to get into the story.   It took awhile for the story to grab me and pull me in.  But, once I did-it was well worth it.

This is the story of a girl-who was raised by her mother.  Her parents had divorced when she was small.  When her mother passes away she leaves her the knitting shop that she owned and several wonderful friends who help to mother the girl.  Back living with her father-he plans a surprise visit at Christmas to Scotland for both of them and her mothers parents and brother to visit her mothers grandmother.  But, she had landed a seasonal job in a hotel, working as a cook and since she was going to pastry school she really wants this job.  Besides the feeling that she can not slow down and must accomplish everything as quickly as possible.; will she decide to join her family on their holiday trip?   I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more books by Kate Jacobs

SANDY SAYS = 2/3 Stars


THE SNOW GLOBE by Shelia Roberts

Shelia Roberts has a style similar to Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs, if you enjoy their works; you are sure to enjoy reading Shelia Roberts books.
This is a sweet story about a girl that buys a snow globe and the miracles that happen afterward.  Is it really possible that the magic of the story of the snow globe will help her?  In fact, between her and her 2 closest friends can they get back on track to what is really important?  Can the snow globe really work?
It is a very quick read.  And, great holiday story.


SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE by Debbie Macomber

This is the sequel to Mrs. Miracle that was made into a Hallmark movie in 2009.  They are making this book into a movie, as well.
This is the story of a woman caring for her nephew, while his father who is in the military is stationed overseas.  And, the son of a department store owner.  And, of course Mrs. Miracle.  It is a delightful holiday story.  I look forwarding to watching this come alive as a movie in December.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars

WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES by Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber has a great style of writing.  She is easy to read and fun to read.
In this story, you will follow 2 people as they switch homes for the holidays.   1 is a widowed mother of 1, and she switches homes with a college professor.    It really draws you into the story quickly.  If you love the holidays and enjoy Debbie Macomber you are sure to enjoy this book.  I know I did.

SANDY SAYS = 3/3 Stars