Love Letters by Debbie Macomber

What is it about love letters and that some of us keep them for a lifetime while others don´t? One love letter shows a woman what she had and what she wants back but she isn´t sure if she and her husband will be able to repair their marriage let alone their trust in each other.

Love Letters
Author Debbie Macomber

Rose Harbor Series #3

Publisher Ballantine Books on June 28, 2016

Genre Novel

Pages 352

Format Softcover

Source Library

Goodreads

Summer is a busy season at the inn, so proprietor Jo Marie Rose and handyman Mark Taylor have spent a lot of time together keeping the property running. Despite some folks´ good-natured claims to the contrary, Jo Marie insists that Mark is only a friend. However, she seems to be thinking about this particular friend a great deal lately. Jo Marie knows surprisingly little about Mark´s life, due in no small part to his refusal to discuss it. She´s determined to learn more about his past, but first, she must face her own – and welcome three visitors who, like her, are setting out on new paths. Twenty-three-year-old Ellie Reynolds is taking a leap of faith. She´s come to Cedar Cove to meet Tom, a man she´s been corresponding with for months, and with whom she might even be falling in love. Ellie´s overprotective mother disapproves of her trip, but Ellie is determined to spread her wings. Maggie and Roy Porter are next to arrive at the inn. They are taking their first vacation alone since their children were born. In the wake of past mistakes, they hope to rekindle the spark in their marriage – and to win back each other´s trust. But Maggie must make one last confession that could forever tear them apart. For each of these characters, it will ultimately be a moment when someone wore their heart on their sleeve – and took pen to paper – that makes all the difference.

Thoughts

This time the author comes up with some heavy stuff in her story as well as in her characters. 

Schlaflos In Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

I know the author from one of her Puffin Island books. And since I have enjoyed that one very much, I took my chance when I got this one offered. And what a great ride it was. Holy smokes!

Schlaflos In Manhattan*
Author Sarah Morgan
From Manhattan With Love Series #1

Original Title Sleepless In Manhattan

Publisher Mira TB on February 6, 2017

Genre Novel

Pages 442

Format Paperback

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Cool, calm and competent, events planner Paige Walker loves a challenge. After a childhood spent in and out of hospitals, she´s now determined to prove herself – and where better to take the world by storm than in the exhilarating bustle of Manhattan? But when Paige is let go from the job she loves, she must face her biggest challenge of all – going it alone. Except launching her own events company is nothing compared to hiding her outrageous crush on Jake Romano – her brother´s best friend, New York´s most in-demand date, and the only man to break her heart. When Jake offers Paige´s fledgling company a big chance, their still-sizzling chemistry starts giving her sleepless nights. But can she convince the man who trusts no one to take a chance on forever?

Thoughts

If you are looking for deep emotions, a female main figure who loves life, wants to be independent, loves what she does for a living and is still as female as you can imagine, then this is a book you should definitely read. 

Follow Friday #24 – Highlight July 2017

Launched by Sonja of A Bookshelf Full Of Sunshine, continued by FiktiveWelten with a new logo.

The blog action is for lively communication between bloggers, a good network and should be fun. Duration of the question: Friday to Thursday. Rules. No registration required.

This week the FF is all about our book highlight for July. I actually have two books this month (couldn´t decide which one, so I took both) that I want to highlight.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

In this case, I cannot decide which of the covers I like more. Each of them looks in its own way stunning and is a real pleasure to the eye. Both show that the novel is about something dark, haunting and promises a book that could catch you easily for hours without getting bored.

Three Dark Crowns*

Author Kendare Blake
Three Dark Crowns Series #1

Publisher Harper Teen on September 20, 2016

Genre Fantasy

Pages 416

Format Softcover

Source Publisher**

Goodreads

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn´t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it´s not just a game of win or lose … it´s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

Thoughts

And yes, I read this book with growing pleasure and though this was my very first Kendare Blake book and I am not reading that often a high fantasy novel, this one really took me in.

The Last Ever After by Soman Chainani

You wouldn´t believe it, but this beautiful cover is the nicest part of this book. Its content is brutal and cruel, about love, war and that not always a happy ending means that everyone is happy or that everything is all sunshine and butterflies. You don´t believe me? Read this book, and you know what I am talking about.

The Last Ever After*
Author Soman Chainani

The School For Good And Evil #3

Publisher Harper Collins on July 21, 2015

Genre Children 12+

Pages 672

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher*

Goodreads

Former best friends Sophie and Agatha thought their ending was sealed when they went their separate ways, but their story book is about to be rewritten – and this time theirs isn´t the only one. With the girls apart, Evil has taken over and the forces of Good are in deathly peril. Will Agatha and Sophie be able to work together to save them? Will they find their way to being friends again? And will their new ending be the last Ever After they´ve been searching for?

Thoughts

Maybe I am grown out of this kind of books or this series in general, I don´t know. All I know is that I didn´t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book. 

Rosen, Tee Und Kandiszucker by Caroline Roberts

The original book is called The Cosy Teashop in the Castle and its nice cover you can see at the end of this review.

Rosen, Tee und Kandiszucker*
Author Caroline Roberts
The Cosy Teashop #1
Original Title The Cosy Teashop In The Castle
Publisher Mira TB on February 25, 2017
Genre Novel
Pages 366
Format Paperback
Source Publisher
Goodreads

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it´s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna´s brilliant baking legacy. When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie´s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history. Now all that´s missing in Ellie´s life is a slice of romance. Can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie´s dream?

Thoughts

Sometimes I am really wondering why a beautiful original cover can´t be used for its translated version as well.

Rose Harbor In Bloom by Debbie Macomber

If you are looking for a novel filled with emotions, happy ends and a bit tension, then this is definitely your book. I never thought that the author could come up with such an intense and at the same time soft novel and that without being kitschy at all. For every fan of Debbie Macomber.

Rose Harbor in Bloom
Author Debbie Macomber

Rose Harbor Series #2

Publisher Ballantine Books on June 23, 2015

Genre Novel 

Pages 384

Format Paperback

Source Library

Goodreads

Since moving to Cedar Cove, Jo Marie Rose has truly started to feel at home, and her neighbors have become her closest friends. Now it´s springtime, and Jo Marie is eager to finish the most recent addition to her inn. In memory of her late husband, Paul, she has designed a beautiful rose garden for the property and enlisted handyman Mark Taylor to help realize it. She and Mark don´t always see eye-to-eye – and at times he seems far removed – yet deep down, Jo Marie finds great comfort in his company. And while she still seeks a sense of closure, she welcomes her latest guests, who are on their own healing journeys. Annie Newton arrives in town to orchestrate anniversary celebration. While Annie is excited for the festivities, she´s struggling to move on from her broken engagement, and her grandparents themselves seem to be having trouble getting along. Worse, Annie is forced to see Oliver Sutton, with whom she grew up and who has always mercilessly teased her. But the best parties end with a surprise, and Annie is in for the biggest one of all. High-powered businessman Mary Smith, another Rose Harbor Inn guest, has achieved incredible success in her field, yet serious illness has led her to face her sole, lingering regret. Almost nineteen years ago, she ended her relationship with her true love, George Hudson, and now she´s returned to Cedar Cove to make amends. 

Thoughts

Again, a sweet to read a novel about the people of Cedar Cove. Jo Marie goes into another round with her bed & breakfast and some turmoil and drama, as well as romance, is brought to the reader´s eye.

Kingdom Of Ashes by Rhiannon Thomas

The cover isn´t as beautiful as the other one, though it looks quite nice. It looks more grown-up, more severe and though the German edition has the same cover motive than the original edition, the picture shown is a bit different. And it fits the design of book one of this duology very well.

Kingdom Of Ashes*
Author Rhiannon Thomas 

A Wicked Thing #2

Publisher Harper Teen on February 23, 2016

Genre Children 14+

Pages 368

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Aurora was supposed to be her kingdom´s savior. But when she was forced to decide between being loyal to the crown and loyal to her country, she set events in motion that branded her a traitor. Now, hunted by the king´s soldiers, Aurora´s only chance of freeing her kingdom from the king´s tyrannical rules is by learning to control her magic. But Aurora´s powers come at a price – one that forces her to leave the only home she´s ever known, one that demands she choose between the man she loves and the people she seeks to protect, and one that will cause her to unravel the mysteries surrounding the curse that was placed on her over a century before … and uncover the truth about her destiny.

Thoughts

Of course, I had to read and see how the story between Aurora and Finnegan would continue and how everything would unfold. 

The Inn At Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber

Since I´ve seen the Cedar Cove series, based on the authors Cedar Cove books, I am a huge fan of her. And when I discovered this book I couldn´t resist. Sometimes you just need a little something that isn´t the usual stuff to get another perspective.

The Inn at Rose Harbor*

Author Debbie Macomber
Rose Harbor Series #1
Publisher Ballantine Books on March 25, 2014
Genre Novel
Pages 384
Format Paperback
Source Library
Goodreads

Jo Marie Rose first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast - the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn – ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine. Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua´s high school days proves him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it´s least expected. The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother´s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn´t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

Thoughts

And how perfect this novel was for me. A nice and sweet read without being kitschy and with a setting I could literally see before my own eyes.

Beautiful Stranger by Christina Lauren

My excitement after the first book in mind, I simply had to have this second book of Christina Lauren´s Beautiful series. The cover is not really as great as the one the first book has, but who cares in this case anyway?

Beautiful Stranger
Author Christina Lauren
Beautiful Series #2

Publisher Gallery Books on May 28, 2013

Genre Love-Women-Erotica 

Pages 352

Format Paperback

Source Publisher

Goodreads

Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon´s moved to New York City and is looking for excitement and passion without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night´s fun. But the manner – and speed – with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hookup and into her Beautiful Stranger. The whole city knows that Max Stella loves women, not that he´s ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it´s not until Sara – and the wild photos she lets him take of her – that he starts wondering if there´s someone for him outside of the bedroom. Hooking in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private.

Thoughts

Not me, for sure. I was eager to read the novel between the covers and after doing so I have to admit, that I am not as much thrilled about it, as I was after finishing the Beautiful Bastard. 

Follow Friday #23 – Social Media In The Blogger Community

Launched by Sonja of A Bookshelf Full Of Sunshine, continued by FiktiveWelten with a new logo.

The blog action is for lively communication between bloggers, a good network and should be fun. Duration of the question: Friday to Thursday. Rules. No registration required.

This week the FF´s question is: How do you feel about social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Co.)? 

What an interesting question this time. To be honest, I am not sure whether to laugh or cry about social media at the moment.

The Sprite Sisters: How It All Began – Flame And The Power Of Fire by Sheridan Winn

This is the prequel series to the Sprite Sister Series in which the siblings defend Cantrip-Towers with their magical powers from harm. How It All Began shows what happens to Flame and how she deals with her awakening power to control fire.

The Sprite Sisters -Flame And The Power Of Fire*
Author Sheridan Winn
The Sprite Sisters: How It All Began Series #1
Translation Katrin Weingran
Vignette Franziska Harvey
Publisher Fischer KJB on April 27, 2017
Genre Children 8+
Pages 217
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher
Goodreads

When Flame wakes up on her ninth birthday, she immediately senses: Something is different! Her fingers are tingling, and all day funny things happen to her. Soon Flame becomes clear: She can conjure! She can light flames with her bare hands as she concentrates. But that is a secret that must be strictly guarded! It´s not that easy if you have three curious little sisters who follow Flame at every step (personal translation by the reviewer).

Thoughts

Of course, I wanted to know how the story of the Cantrip-sisters began. I read all the books of the original Sprite Sisters Series and yes, those books are for grown-ups as charming and nice to read as they are for children.

Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven

The first Jennifer Niven book I´ve ever read. Okay, the cover of the German edition isn´t really mine - way too much pink and too naïve in its sketch – but during reading, I am not really seeing all that. But, to be honest, if I wouldn´t have won it, I probably wouldn´t have bought it.

Holding Up The Universe*
Author Jennifer Niven
Publisher Penguin on October 4, 2016
Genre Novel
Pages 400
Format Softcover
Source Lovelybooks

Goodreads

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America´s Fattest Teen.” But no one´s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom´s death, she´s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby´s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for every possibility life has to offer. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.
Everyone things they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he´s got swagger, but he´s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can´t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He´s the guy who can reengineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can´t understand what´s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don´t get too close to anyone. Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game – which lands them in group counseling and community service – Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel … Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.

Thoughts

And to be honest, I am not sure if I will read her books again. You want to know why? Then keep reading *smile*

Bruderlüge by Kristina Ohlsson

I was so happy when I found out, that I was among those ones who could read this book upfront its publishing day. And according to its cover, I expected a great and very well written thriller with answers. Many answers. Well, see for yourself …

Bruderlüge*
Author Kristina Ohlsson
Martin Benner Series #2
Original Title Mios Blues
Publisher Limes on June 13, 2017
Genre Thriller
Pages 445
Format Softcover
Source Publisher

Goodreads

What happened the day, the four-year-old Mio disappeared? Against his will, the attorney Martin Benner has taken the child's trail - after all, he is in the hands of an unscrupulous underworld boss. But then Martin finds himself in the focus of the investigation: Someone tries to attach to him two murders, and he has no idea who has it on him. The search for the truth finally confronts Benner with a terrible decision: Should he save the small Mio – or himself? (personal translated by the reviewer)

Thoughts

This book is not at all what I´ve expected it to be. Sure, it is well written, but there is not really a new content in it.