Carol Moncado

The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort–especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?

This is my first novel by Cathleen Armstrong. It likely won’t be my last.

It was a quick, fun read. Perfect for when I was laying on the couch after hurting the whole right side of my right leg when I slipped and fell in my in-law’s driveway ;).

My biggest complaint about it was that it felt… too short* and compared to several other recently released contemporaries, it is a fair bit shorter. To go along with the shorter length, there were several secondary stories taking up quite a bit of room. I enjoyed those stories as well, but felt it left Lainie and Ray a bit less room than they may have otherwise enjoyed. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed.

If it sounds like I didn’t enjoy it, that’s not quite right. I did, but would have liked another 50 pages or so focusing more on Ray and Lainie.

I did love Lainie and Ray and the rest of the gang in Last Chance and really loved getting to know them and the town. I would love to read another book – or several – set there. But in the end, I was left feeling a bit… short-changed? I’m not sure what the word is, but looking for a bit… MORE.

Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars

*Print length is 289 pages. Beth Vogt’s Catch a Falling Star is 338, Becky Wade’s Undeniably Yours is 385, and Melissa Tagg’s Made to Last is 369. I’m using only recent contemporary novels as historicals tend to be longer anyway. Of those three, the next shortest is 50 pages longer – which is A LOT.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Five high school friends have one thing in common as they start their sophomore year: none of them have ever been on a “real” date. With homecoming looming, they make a pact and start a secret club they call the DG (Dating Game). They’re sworn to secrecy–and to purity–but the club is their way to set each other up on their first dates so they can report back to the DG. Of course, they all make different choices about how to deal with their parents and how to act on their dates, and they discover that they all have totally different experiences. Still, the things they learn about boys and dating will stick with them throughout high school.

 

 

 

I don’t think this is my first Melody Carlson book and I doubt it will be my last. That said, it took me a while to get into this one. My guess is that is because it followed all of the girls rather than one or two. Each one had several chapters from their POV. While I appreciated getting to know each of the girls, I think I would have liked to get to know a couple of them better. I look forward to getting to know them better in coming books.

Though the dance didn’t quite go as they all planned – some better, some worse – each girl learns something about herself, her friends, boys, dating, life, and God’s place in all of it.

Though I am /cough/ several /cough/ years removed from high school myself, I could “see” just about all of this happening at my [much smaller?] Christian school when I was in attendance [except we didn’t have dances at all]. I’m still a few years from having a high school girl and hope that I can be the mom she needs, not the friend she thinks she wants and that she’ll come to me and my husband when the time comes to decide on things like boys and dating. And that my two other girls [and my son about girls] will as well.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show–even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.
 
When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth–and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?

 

 

 

Melissa’s debut is a cute, fun frolic through home repair and fake marriages.

From page 1, Melissa grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. [Even though the ACFW conference interrupted my reading time :p.]

With engaging characters and witty dialog, Melissa’s story is one I’ll return to when I have the chance.  The story of faith and forgiveness, lies and truth coming out is one that we can all relate to.

Particularly wonderful is Matthew’s relationship with his niece – and his brother/sister-in-law. Another favorite aspect was Randi’s relationship with a local home for children and her time spent helping the gal up the way from her.

I look forward to Melissa’s next offering that follows another character in this book – one I was so glad to hear would get his own story!!

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Melissa for an influencer copy in exchange for my review.

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner–never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I love Mary Connealy’s books. Even the 5th graders I subbed today know this [as we discussed favorite books and I finally had to settle on a favorite author, but as much as I love Mary, that was a very difficult decision as well].

Fired Up is no exception to my Mary-love. Dare is a doctor with little training and no formal schooling. Glynna is a cook who burns everything she touches. Her cooking will send all of the men to the doctor, but none can help visiting the pretty not-really-a-cook on a daily basis.

As always in Mary-fic, there’s lots of gunfights and even knives get in on the action this go round.

Glynna was married to two awful men and she’s not about to get tied down again – especially not with her son’s distrust of any man. Dare does his best to prove to both of them some men – most men – will do anything in their power [and beyond] to protect the women in their lives rather than abuse them senselessly.

With his Regulator friends assisting them, Glynna and Dare find out who’s trying to kill him while book 3 is set up with one of the other buddies – and the sister of the fourth ;).

As always, Mary doesn’t disappoint – except in the time between releases.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future–and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family’s violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love, loyalty, and the makings of a legacy. With rich descriptions of the people who settled and civilized a wild landscape, Frantz weaves a tapestry of characters and places that stick with the reader long after they turn the last page.

This is the sequel to Laura’s last offering Love’s Reckoning, which made me happy to no end :D. The heroine, Ellie,  is the youngest daughter of Silas and Eden from that book. The hero, Jack,  is a member of the Montagues to Silas and Eden’s Capulets [or vice-versa – I can’t ever keep them straight ;)].

As always, Laura does a fantastic job – her way with words is the envy of many a writer, I’m sure! And her plots are nothing to sneeze at either.

Ellie is home from finishing school and desperate to find her own place in life. A chance encounter giving Jack the chance to be a bit of a hero to her. But when she arrives home, her parents are gone and her siblings seem to have no desire to have her around. They’re keeping a secret – a huge one. One I won’t spoil here but oh my.

Jack unwittingly, and at first unknowingly, gets pulled in to the secret – torn between his family and way of life and protecting the woman he refuses to admit he loves and her family [did you follow that ;)?]. He does his best to keep Ellie out of danger, but time after time, she’s threatened physically, emotionally, and in the livelihood she creates for herself.

Time and again, Jake proves himself to be honorable rather than the cad his reputation says he is.

Laura already knows I’m waiting with bated breath for book 3 [and since book 2 came out less than two weeks ago, I’ll be waiting a while :p].

Overall rating: 9.25 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

I’m a sucker for a good Denise Hunter book and I’m sure a paper copy of this one is going to find it’s way on to my shelves sooner rather than later. Especially given how late in the night I kept flipping through the Kindle pages. Ms. Hunter doesn’t disappoint.

Madison and Beckett are wonderful – wonderfully flawed and perfectly imperfect. Madison struggles with keeping her emotions at bay – after the death of her twin brother, when her sister takes off, when… well, other stuff I can’t mention here because it’d be all spoiler-y.

Beckett is a wonderful hero [Nancy Kimball needs him on her Fiction Hero Features blog]. He’s not perfect but he’s perfect for Madison. Having been told his whole life that he’s from the wrong side of the tracks and not good enough for someone like Madison, even though there was that one day in high school…

Their path to finding their happily ever after isn’t always easy [hey – it’s a romance – that’s not a spoiler ;)], but find it they do. And I gave a big waffy sigh.

I was also glad to see this is a series [YAY! SERIES!] and can’t wait to see where the next book takes us. With several siblings in Madison’s family [one of whom is already perfectly set up for a book] and Beckett’s sister beckoning, I look forward to seeing what happens to them – and Beckett and Madison in the future :D.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10

 Thanks to BookSneeze and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laurie Tomlinson over on her blog posted some pre-ACFW Conference questions, just as kind of a get-to-know-you sort of thing. And it sounded like fun… so here goes :D.

Here’s what to do:

– Fill out your own answers (you don’t have to answer all of them!) in a post on your own website and paste the URL to that post (not your home page) using this handy link-up tool. If you don’t have a website, feel free to answer the questions in the comments below! Or over on Laurie’s page.

– Make sure to link back to this post after you fill out your answers so any of your readers who are conference attendees can participate, too! The more, the merrier.

Here are the questions and my answers!

Name: Carol Moncado

Location: Springfield, MO area

What you write/tagline: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Dramedy in the Ozarks… And the Alps. [At least for one series/manuscript 😉 – most are just the Ozarks]

Place in the book world: Yet-to-be-agented-or-published author with ten completed manuscripts and a dozen [or more] others started. I have three manuscripts/series ready to pitch this year.

On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: Hugger. Definitely.

The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: Books (all kinds) and movies. Or TV Shows. Who wants to spend conference talking about LOST? Kristy?

People at home you’ll be missing: My hubby and four kiddos. I won’t miss the two classrooms full of students taking a test while I’m driving to Indy with a van load of awesome writer peeps. Fortunately, a friend is giving the test for me so the students won’t feel my absence quite so much ;).

Conference goals we can pray for? That God will give me the knowledge and relationships to accomplish His will through my writing. And for peace during pitches, of course 🙂 [Yeah – I totally stole that from Laurie – but it works for me too. Plus that I get to at least hug everyone I want to at least once.]

Up for any contests/awards? Nope. I am a 3 time Genesis semi-finalist though [double semi-finalist this year].

Any disclosures, disclaimers, or crucial information we must know? I talk with my hands. I will squeal upon seeing Pepper Basham and Kristy Cambron [and probably any number of others – just know it’s likely me doing the squealing]. Plus there will be lots of picture taking so I don’t forget who you are :D.

Scarlet isn’t sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love–or utter disaster

Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She’s moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston’s most popular street, she’s planning an extravagant cake for her best friend’s wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island’s most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.

But when Bella’s dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who’s been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best–bridal-business drama laced with laughs.

 

Is it enough to say “Janice has done it again” and leave it at that?

No?

Well, I could, I suppose, but I imagine all the reviewer type people would like more.

If you haven’t read Picture Perfect, it’s not strictly necessary, but you’d enjoy it and you’d probably enjoy this one a bit more.

Using her trademark humor, and lots of I Love Lucy references, Janice (who I’m delighted to call “friend”) draws us into the world of fancy cake making. And really, what’s not to love about making awesome cakes? Buddy from Cake Boss anyone? Janice has been posting pics of cakes she’s made all month. It makes me want to go camp out in her kitchen for a week. Or a year. Maybe a decade.

Bella and the gang are back with more Bella, more DJ, more adorable BellaDJ kids [there is no good way to combine those names – Jella? Bedj?], more Rossi family in general.

Including Bella’s brother.

Who just may be interested in Scarlet.

Hm…

I’m gonna have to love on that little development a bit ;). Bella’s wayward brother might be finding his way back home thanks to a certain cake baker.

Scarlet’s issues with her family and her weight are all too real to many of us but are dealt with with grace and love – I’d expect nothing less from Janice (who, by the way, is less than half her former self if I remember correctly – so very proud of you, my friend! The rest of you should look up pics – the girl looks AWESOME!).

I loved Scarlet. I loved Armando. I loved, well, pretty much all of it and Can. Not. Wait. to read the next one about the dress designer. How much longer, Janice? And I really, really hope she’ll find a way to set more books in this “universe” because I love it here.

And can we see more of Brock? 😉

Overall rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Special thanks to Janice and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.

During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous Babushka Lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?

I wouldn’t say I’m a conspiracy theorist, but I’ve been intrigued at different times during my life by the possibility of a Kennedy conspiracy and Mr. Mara’s take on the Babuska Woman makes me wonder what would really happen if another video suddenly appeared. I have no idea if Mr. Mara’s take on it is anything remotely like what would really happen, but I suppose it could  be.

When I was describing the book to friends, I mentioned I thought Jason Hammond was sort of a modern Howard Hughes. A rich playboy who can wander around doing odd stuff – like finding Amelia Earhart [something he does just before his appearance in the book*] – and everyone writes it off as his odd eccentricities and he’s rich enough to get away with it.

Shelia and Jason are on the run for their lives when the wrong person gets wind of the film she has in her hands. The pages kept turning [or the Kindle button being pushed as the case may be] from page one until the end. Though I had anticipated at least a smidge of romance, there wasn’t any, and I was okay with that. As this is a series, I would love to see Jason meet his match – both romantically and otherwise. Someone who can keep him on his toes and love him despite his wounded past.

I would also love to hear that Sheila’s happy [maybe he gets an invite to her wedding? or something in a future book], but even if not, I’m happy with the outcomes here.

It’s interesting because I’ve been watching our DVDs of I Love Lucy with my children this summer and the relationship with Cuba during the show’s run was so different than it was just a few years later after the embargo began and so on. The differences [as I read part of this book while the DVD was on] are staggering.

I look forward to the next installment in the Jason Hammond series, due out next year.

Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10

*My guess is it was written and in the process of being published when Ms. Earhart’s plane was actually found, though some of the articles I found were from last summer but some also from a couple months ago, indicating the search is still officially ongoing but they likely have found where she landed.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.