Being a debut novel, I was not sure what to think. First novels can often be the most difficult ones to write. I reacted to all the emotions and could not believe all that Lily and James had to go through. I just hoped that at the end Lily would listen to her heart. Decisions were for her to make and no one else. Enjoying the travels that were taken was just one part of the appeal of this book for me. Ms. Lawson has a creative way with words that makes you wish you could be a part of the book. I am keeping an eye on this author because I want to see what comes next!

Review

Website

Emotionally charged and against all odds is what this story seemed like to me. Ms. Grady has a way of weaving a tale that cannot be denied. The characters entwine themselves around your heart that you must know what is going to happen next. Being a strong woman was just one of many things that helped Lavinia stay on top of her crises. Eric, on the other hand, faltered a lot and was not sure how to make his heart’s desire happen. This fantasy was so simple yet spoke volumes in the two main characters quest to find love. It will pull at your heartstrings and definitely is one that will not leave my mind any time soon.

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Author’s Website

Ms. Johnson may have had a whim from a family story but this novel is so much more than that. I was truly impressed with how much research she had to have done to make quite a bit of the story accurate. It is full of adventure, history, romance and twists that will keep you turning pages. Julia and Cat may live in different time periods but they both want the same things, which made this book so extraordinary. I dreamed along with Julia as she read Cat’s story never dreaming what the ending turned out to be. I loved the travel between present day and seventeenth century. Ms. Johnson does not miss a beat in this story and is so well written. I never was confused once and this is one book I will not let go. I might even re-visit it again.

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Jane Johnson’s Web Site

Flexibility- That is just one more thing I love. If there is a type of genre that you do not care for, they will do their best that you do not get that.

Helpful- If an emergency comes up, they are right there to support you. They work with you to make sure you get your reviews/interviews on time.

Nagging- Yes they do nag. But they want the best work possible. I do not see it as a bad thing. I love it actually because it means they are making sure that everything gets done. It is rare that it happens but it just helps me keep me on my toes. It makes me want to keep on my toes so that nagging does not happen.

Book fairy- I love our book fairy Brenda. She is such a sweetie. If you need to change how many e-books you get or if you find one offenseive, she will make sure that it is taken care of. That woman works hard and I appreciate everything she does. Her jobs takes a lot of hours and I applaud her for her work.

My Life with Apace by Linda L. Lattimer

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Mary Eason

Canyon Wolf Bride by Alisha Page

The Debutante’s Second Chance by Liz Flaherty

And that is just a handful of the ones I reviewed for Coffee Time Romance.

Some of my other favorites this year have been:

Duma Key by Stephen King

Pushing up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight

Charley’s Webb by Joy Fielding

Again just a handful of books I have liked reading. I’ll try an author once to see if I like it and I have not read them before. I just have so many books I want to read that I have to be really captivated by the story to want to keep reading the author’s works. It is probably a little harsh but I just have so many authors I want to try that have a series out that I want to finish out ones I have started first. lol

1. Karen and Karennelyn- these women rock! They are so supportive and willing to work with you and make sure that things go smoothly. Yes, there are slip ups but that is going to happen no matter what you do.

2. The other coffee Crew- if you have questions, they will help! I love that! I have found a couple of friends who have supported me outside CTR which is fantastic!

3. The Chats- I love chatting with authors and this is a nice place to do it. Whethe there is prizes or not, you get to learn about authors you may not know or have read their books. It can be an enjoyable experience if Java does not act up.

4. Interviews- I love doing these because authors are so sweet and you get insight into a book that may not happen during a chat.

5. Reviews- I am bummed when I do not get a book I want but then I find other books I enjoy more! It is a fun experience. I love giving my opionions and knowing my honesty is what is required. I know that as long as I am not cruel, I will be backed up 100%.

Erotica- My main thing is that there is more than just sex. I like a story line along with it that makes it enjoyable to read. Though I have read all kinds of Erotica. My least favorite is when the characters just seem cruel. I have to feel for the characters and want to see them try new things. The heat level is nice and I like that a lot. Just above all, like I said before, I want there to be substance to the story.  Details are nice and I can fully enjoy what is going on in the story. Sometimes it can be good just to have it all spelled out but to see how each writer can take their sensual scenes and describe them. Each scene is different from the next. The trust has to be there and I like to see how I like to see how it is bult.

Main Stream Romance- I like this best of all. There is some heat, but a lot of stuff is kept behind closed doors. Sometimes that is what gets me going the most, that I am left to imagine what happened. There are so many different ways to have this written. But the couples focus on the relationship more.

Both genres can be done in any sub-genre like fantasy, historical, or even paranormal. I have even seen some classic stories re-told in various ways. Authors can be so creative and it is fun to see what they imagine even though it can be twisted. The heart at the end is what drives the story through.

I also like the fact that sometimes by luck of  the draw I get to read more than one book by an author to see what else they have written. That is truly the joy of reviewing.

5 cup- I try to keep them pretty rare. FOr me, the book really has to stand out and grab my attention. There cannot be any mistakes unless it is an ARC or maybe a historical/fantasy where things are going to be not true to history.  Also the characters have to be believable.

4 cup- These have to grab my attention as well. I usually really like the book but then there is an error somewhere in the book that drove me up the wall. Or the book was really good and I liked it just could not see giving it a 5.

It comes to how the book grabs me, how well it is written and if I feel I can contact to the characters. Setting does not matter to me nor what genre it is. I have to read all different types and if it is new to me, I look at the whole book once I am done. I may not like part of the book but the ending is just terrific so that may bump it up a little from a 3 to a 4. If I do not understand the characters of the book nor what is going on, that will definitely lower it. I want to make sure I represent the book as best as I can coming to it not knowing much at all. I don’t like to spoil the book for anyone else, so what you may consider an important part of the book, I may not mention it. I want there to be some kind of a surprise for the reader. I also do not like giving a bad review. I know authors put their heart and soul into their books so I look at what is good in the book and focus on that but still briefly mention that something was off in the book and what it turned out to be. I just make sure to stay pleasant about it. I know I might be in the same boat some day and the last thing I want to do is upset someone where it might come back to me. Keep in mind, I work really diligently on my reviews and take my time.