I got a lot read in May. I re-read a series in a week and also got quite a few other amazing books read. Did you read any great books this month?
Hope For The Flowers by Trina Paulus
“Hope for the Flowers” is an inspiring allegory about the realization of one’s true destiny as told through the lives of caterpillars Stripe and Yellow, who struggle to “climb to the top” before understanding that they are meant to fly.
This was so sweet and beautifully written. I loved the pictures in here too.
The Alice Curse by Megan Van Dyke
Wonderland must always have an Alice, and Eliza Carroll is the next. Eliza flees her parent’s political machinations only to stumble into another world and the arms of a man named Finn, who declares her the next Alice. Finn, nicknamed the White Rabbit for the form he can shift into, was sent to find the new Alice and bring her to court, for only she can declare whether Red or White reigns. Not to mention he’ll lose his head if he fails. For Eliza to get home and Finn to survive, they’ll have to navigate two treacherous courts and their growing feelings for one another, while trying to unravel the curse that forces the Carroll women to journey to Wonderland. But a path to freedom for them both may be more than the magic of Wonderland can conjure…even for its new Alice.
I loved this! I loved the concept and Finn was amazing. Such a cute romance.
Rift and Rise by Andrea Cremer
Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother’s life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.
I really enjoyed this duology. I liked the set-up of the Nightshade world and want to re-read the series now.
Island Promises by RaeAnne Thayne, Marie Ferrarella, and Leanne Banks
Hawaiian Holiday by RaeAnne Thayne: Megan McNeil is genuinely happy to escort her little girls to their father’s wedding in Kauai, Hawaii—even though she feels like a third wheel. One gorgeous groomsman definitely disagrees. But are they both carrying too much baggage to begin a new romance? Hawaiian Reunion by Marie Ferrarella: Devlin Marshall won’t let anything spoil his buddy’s big day—not even his own rocky marriage. Secrets and mistrust have divided him from his Amy, but the love in the air seems to be catching…. Hawaiian Retreat by Leanne Banks: Family comes first. Deep down, Gabi Foster knows it, but this holiday is hurting her career. Can a sweet, sexy surfing instructor convince her that love is worth more than a business deal?
I really enjoyed this. I liked all three stories in here plus the wedding aspect.
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis
Brooke Lemon has always led the life she wanted, wild adventures—and mistakes—included, something her perfect sister, Mindy, never understood. So when Mindy shows up on Brooke’s doorstep in the throes of a break-down with her three little kids in tow, Brooke’s shocked. Wanting to make amends, Brooke agrees to trade places, taking the kids back to Wildstone for a few days so Mindy can pick up the pieces and put herself back together. What Brooke doesn’t admit is she’s just as broken . . . Also how does one go home after seven years away? It doesn’t take long for Brooke to come face-to-face with her past, in the form of one tall, dark, sexy mistake. But Garrett’s no longer interested. Only his words don’t match his actions, leaving Brooke feeling things she’d shoved deep. Soon the sisters begin to wonder: Are they lemons in life? In love? All they know is that neither seems to be able to run far enough to outpace her demons. And when secrets surface, they’ll have to learn that sometimes the one person who can help you the most is the one you never thought to ask.
I loved this so much. I loved the relationship between the sisters. The romances were great too. I even teared up a few times.
Kigurumi Guardians vol.1,2 and 3 by Lily Hoshino
THE CHOSEN ONE Hakka Sasakura’s life is about to turn upside-down. She comes home from a day of admiring her student body president to discover that a mysterious creature resembling a man in an animal suit has taken up residence her home. What’s more, she has been chosen to work with this strange being to fight off invaders from another dimension and save the world…and she has to kiss him to do so?!
I loved these so much! Unfortunately, there aren’t any more volumes out yet but I’m hoping it eventually gets continued.
Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke
My name is Melissa Radke, and there is a very real chance you have no idea who I am or why I wrote a book. But admit it, you’re curious! Even though millions of people seem to like watching my videos and The Radkes TV show bemoaning the trials of parenting, marriage, French braiding, faith, and living life as an anti-aging female, you may still be wondering who let me write a book. I mean, books are written by people who say things like, “I was having a root canal and I literally died in the chair. I saw heaven. Also, when I came back to earth I could speak Mandarin.” Yeah, that didn’t happen to me. I wrote this book because when I turned 41 I made the decision to live brave, bolder, and freer. I thought our lives were supposed to change when we turned 40. But mine changed when I turned 41 and I set out to prove that it wasn’t too late for me. And maybe, just maybe, reading about my journey to find my sense of self-worth will help you rightfully believe in yours. This book is about how all the years of my life led up to the one that changed it.
I loved this! It was hilarious and relatable. I cried in here quite a few times. It is also Christian based.
Wrong Places by Teralyn Mitchell
Sometimes the path to happily ever after runs through all the wrong places… Maggie: Xavier was my first love. My first everything. But he had a habit of running away when I needed him most, so I married someone else. Big. Mistake. Now, I’m back in my small hometown. Romance is not on my agenda. Being a divorced single mom is complicated enough. Then he walks back into my life, wanting a second chance. Well, if he thinks I’m letting him anywhere near my heart again, he’s sadly mistaken… Xavier: I don’t blame Maggie for hating me. My commitment issues are legendary. Overcoming them seemed impossible. But I never tried harder than I did with Maggie. Now that she’s back—and we’re in forced proximity nearly every day—I want to make things right. Let her know how sorry I am. Take her in my arms (and my bed) and never let her go. I know I don’t deserve her. But I won’t ever stop trying to earn her…
I really enjoyed this. I loved the relationship between Xavi and Maggie. Plus her daughter is adorable. I can’t wait for book two!
How To Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen? When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school. But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf. In the kitchen that shares a building with my farm-to-table restaurant. And she can’t seem to keep her hands off my parmesan. Our old rivalry flares to life faster than a flambé, but there’s something else flaming between us too. And it’s heating up quicker than anything we’re making in the kitchen. But I can’t forget that Tatum is the daughter of Gordon Elliott—America’s most famous chef. She belongs in a big city, in a restaurant with her name on it. Not running the catering arm of Stonebrook Farm. Whatever her reasons for being here now, I can’t see her permanently walking away from the fame and fortune her father can offer her, no matter how well she fits in on the farm—how well she fits with me. She’ll leave eventually—I’m sure of it. I just have to make sure that when she does, she doesn’t take my heart with her.
This was so cute! I loved the banter between the characters and the family element. I can’t wait for Flint’s story!
The Lighthouse Cafe by Bebe Reed
At the reading of her late husband’s will, Ginny Rigby discovers two things—he had a secret family, and that family now owns her beloved house. Grief-stricken and homeless, Ginny arrives in a charming town nestled in Florida’s Gulf Coast and stumbles into an auction—an historical lighthouse is up for grabs. Using every last penny in her checking account, she buys the place and decides to transform the lighthouse into a beachside café, even though she’s never run a business. Other than that, the only problem is—how will Ginny tell her grown daughters the shameful truth about their father? Reece Rigby has a secret—she’s failing medical school. So, she jumps at the chance to help her mother start a café and hopes to keep Ginny from discovering her secret. Chandler Rigby’s successful career as a New York jewelry designer is finished. Her artistic muse has left, and she feels lost. Maybe a trip to the beach will help Chandler reclaim her art. Together, these three women will search for purpose. They will discover heartache and love, inspiration, and healing. But will the secrets they’re keeping from one another destroy their bonds, or bring these women closer together?
I loved this! Such an amazing story and characters. After that ending, I can’t wait for the next book.
The Brightest Light of Sunshine by Lisina Coney
A woman ready to move on. A man who can’t afford distractions. An inspiring journey of healing love. Determined to walk away from a traumatic past, 22-year-old Grace Allen feels ready to take the next step in her healing journey—dipping a toe into the dating pool. Although she should probably start by making a friend or two, right? Samuel ‘Cal’ Callaghan isn’t who she had envisioned as her first male friend in… well, forever. With an intimidating build, tattoos everywhere, eight years her senior, and a little sister under his care, the last thing she expected was to warm up to him so easily. As their friendship evolves, Grace can’t help but wonder if Cal is exactly who she’s been looking for all this time. Cal can’t afford to lose sight of his priorities—making sure his tattoo parlor thrives and taking care of his little sister. Especially the latter. He wants to make sure 4-year-old Maddie has a healthy and happy childhood despite their mother going off the rails and her father’s blatant neglect. There’s certainly no room for love in his life right now. But when a sweet blonde with a veiled past breaks down his walls, he finds it difficult to stick to his guns.
I loved this book so much. The romance in here is incredible and I loved the banter. There is so much depth to this beautiful story.
Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment, and Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
Book one: Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars. A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.
I love this series. I always try to do a re-read every year and I just felt the urge to pick it up this month. This quartet is great and one of my favorites.
Growing Up Country edited by Charlie Daniels
Here, legendary country music singer Charlie Daniels introduces and edits a collection of heartfelt essays from an all-star cast of contributors on what it means to grow up country. United by a love of music, these notables show us that country means more than just the twang of a guitar. They share a belief in hard work, integrity, strength of character, and having the courage not to quit. The stories here tell of rustic upbringings and rich spirits, of parents who believed in tough love and old-fashioned common sense, and of a strong sense of community, pride in your country, and a love of the natural world. You’ll get an intimate glimpse into the lives. Country music royalty and all-time such as Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Dobie Gray, and Lee Greenwood. Southern rock such as Gary Rossington and Donnie Van Zant. The newest crop of stars : such as Sara Evans, Toby Keith, and Clint Black. Special such as former president Jimmy Carter, and seven-time all around rodeo champion Ty Murray These snapshots show how living country has allowed our favorite singers, songwriters, and stage performers to make a career out of doing what they love while never forgetting that when you’ve grown up country, home isn’t just a place where you live, it’s a state of the heart.
This was good. I liked learning about people and their life growing up. This was fun and interesting.
The Vampire Wants A Wife by Andie M. Long
Shelley Linley is sick of sickos. Yet another prankster has applied to her dating agency. This one says he’s a vampire and he wants Shelley to help him find a wife. Meeting him for a second interview against all her better judgement, Shelley discovers that he has no clue about women. A shame because he’s super-hot, amusing, and has a lot of single friends he could recommend her struggling business to, even if he does say they’re werewolves and demons. She has to help him, even if he’s crazy. If she can ignore his delusions, she’s sure she can help him meet someone. But when death threats start arriving on her doorstep, Shelley’s not sure she’s cut out for the job… then her dating algorithm states she’s his ideal partner. Now she’s not sure if she should take the risk for love, or run like hell.
This was so funny and cute! I laughed out loud in so many parts and could not put this book down. Loved the characters and can’t wait to continue on in this series.
The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith (from the Holidays and Hookups anthology)
Sandy beaches, rolling waves, hot bodies. All crucial elements for a dream vacation. Pack your bags and grab your passport for tales of getting away and getting it on. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Read the best USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors in a spicy vacation collection curated by The New Romance Cafe.
I loved this short story so much. The characters were great and worked very well together. It really makes me want to go to the beach now. Super cute and fun.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Find a gateway to the underworld. Steal a soul out of hell. A simple plan, except people who make this particular journey rarely come back. But Galaxy “Alex” Stern is determined to break Darlington out of purgatory―even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale. Forbidden from attempting a rescue, Alex and Dawes can’t call on the Ninth House for help, so they assemble a team of dubious allies to save the gentleman of Lethe. Together, they will have to navigate a maze of arcane texts and bizarre artifacts to uncover the societies’ most closely guarded secrets, and break every rule doing it. But when faculty members begin to die off, Alex knows these aren’t just accidents. Something deadly is at work in New Haven, and if she is going to survive, she’ll have to reckon with the monsters of her past and a darkness built into the university’s very walls.
This book took me a while to read, since it is pretty dense but I loved it. Alex is so cool and I adore Darlington. This cast of characters is great and their adventures are always crazy. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Those are all the books I read in May! Hope you enjoyed. Until next time.