Dare to Love Again

Before this book I never cared much for San Francisco.

Not any more!

Before this book the name "Nick" was synonymous with a fat-middle-aged-hairy-Greek-dude.

Not any more!

Before this book I thought Julie Lessman was one of the best writers out there--

And this book proved SHE ABSOLUTELY IS!!!!

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Oh, friends. What can I say? Once you start this book, you won't want to stop!! I went into this expecting something a bit different than her others, because I'd heard tell that is was somewhat milder (in number of kisses, etc) than her others. But WOW! Even though there were fewer kisses, the passion and tension was as strong as ever and her characters are full of life and simply jump off the pages. Her ability to draw you into a book, and play to all your senses is unparalleled. I can always see, smell, touch, taste and hear everything that happens. I love it!

When Allison and Nick first meet, they don't think much of each other. So when Nick is contracted to teach Allison jiu-jitsu neither of them are thrilled. But the sparks between them are undeniable--and from there, ladies, the passion is only just beginning.

Let's take a second here to talk about Nick. Oh wow. I like to think of him looking like Henry Cavill--only with greener eyes. *sigh* So dreamy. He's tough as nails on the outside, and just a cuddly teddy bear on the inside. Awwww! What's not to love about that?! The drama that ensues between him and Allison is great, and their relationship is SO fun.

The other story that is happening--between Cait and Logan--now, THAT was killer. GAH! I cannot wait until the next book to find out what happens with them. Their relationship is riddled with heart-thrashing drama. Literally, I am still thinking about it. LOVE IT!

Actually, one of the really great things about this story is how Julie kind of gives you a tour of "historic" San Fran! I had so much fun being a "fly on the wall" as Allison and Nick made their way through town on the trolley car (and I could totally relate to Nick's um... well... let's just say I'm not fond of trolleys either....*teehee*). Chinatown--for example--just came to life for me. I could read that again and again.

If you haven't read any of Julie's books yet, you are in for a HUMUNGONORMOUS (just invented that word... it means REALLY REALLY BIG.....) treat. *grin*

Have you read it yet?! You loved it, right?

I knew it. *wink*

~Thank you to Revell for my free copy in exchange for my honest review~

Happy Reading!
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A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls!  Step right up, and be prepared to feast your minds on one of the most delightful new novels of the year!  And one of the most delightful I’ve ever read.  A BRIDE OPENS SHOP, welcome to my top ten!

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

This book won some raving reviews from many authors that I love and admire.  Folks, I am very pleased to tell you that I  whole-heartedly add my own enthusiasm and praise!

My copy of the book arrived in the mail last week—just before I had to prep for and attend a family reunion.  Talk about torture!  *teehee *  I started it--and loved it, but wasn't able to pick it up again until today!  Once I did, I couldn’t put it down.

Elenora Watkins and her daughter Tildy are on their way to be part of a partnership of a mercantile in El Dorado, California.  But when Miles Rutledge finds out his new partner is actually a woman, he rescinds on his original offer.  (He doesn’t realize that was the biggest mistake he’s ever made!)  But, Elenora won’t be stopped.  So, she opens her own shop across the street!  That is where all the fun begins, my friends!

The characters are pure delight, and the story was the perfect balance of excitement and romance.  No “cheese” here, people.  I loved it all!  The way their relationship develops is just what a reader wants—not too fast and not too slow.  Both the leading man and the leading lady are lovable and you see their growth as individual people as well as the growth of their love.  Bravo, Keli!!

Let me say a few words about Miles.  Holy guacamole, ladies!  So dreamy!  He is definitely up there with my top ten guys as well.  Tough, yet gentle.  Rugged and romantic!  Swoon!!  I think I’m going to ask my husband to grow a mustache.  “Oh, Robby dear….?”

You can tell that Keli did her research for everything that went into this story.  It’s beautifully descriptive, and you feel full and satisfied after reading.  You’re gonna wanna go back and read it again though, I promise.

Congratulations, Keli!  I can’t wait until your next book!

Happy Reading!
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The Measure of a Lady

Holy.  Stinking.  Cow.  This is definitely one of my favorites.  I have read it several times and I love it more and more.  I’m not even really sure where to start in my review of this book.  Let me have a brain-cleansing moment real quick, (that means I will eat some chocolate) and I’ll be right with you...

Book rating:  Best of the Best

I simply cannot tell you how much I love this story.  The unique message in this book is magnificent.  Rachel Van Buren is much like myself—brown hair, brown eyes, 5’6”, (lol) with a strong determination to do her best in the sight of the Lord.  Maybe that’s why I like it--because I see myself, and even all my faults in this character.  I can relate to her.  She cares deeply about doing the right thing, but continually finds herself wondering if she is really following God’s path of love.  Her humility and true longing for right is so dang beautiful.

Now, what can a person say about Johnnie Parker?  Johnnie, Johnnie, Johnnie.  These two characters are F.A.B.U.O.L.O.U.S!  The handsome, good hearted Johnnie has left a life of Christ (but he comes back, don't worry) and is now running a poker house/saloon of sorts, and in the San Francisco gold rush of 1849, he is doing pretty well for himself.  But when Rachel and her two younger siblings need a place to stay, he offers to help.  And that is where all the fun begins!

I have been known to read this book while holding it in one hand, folding laundry with the other and at the same time carrying on a complete (and very good I might add) conversation with my three year old.  Amazing right?  That is how captivating this story is.

Happy Reading!

Buy it!