Book Review - Root Brew Float

Root Brew Float 
Sidney Winward
May 2020

Josephine Brevil has lived hundreds of years haunted by the horrors she experienced during the Salem Witch Trials. She takes great care to hide her powers, though serving a Root Brew Float laced with a magic potion now and again never hurt anybody. The Order sends her to Massachusetts to deal with a paranormal threat, and she meets the young and handsome widower, Clarence Watts. However, being with him comes with a choice. How can she choose between the man she loves and the magic she holds dear? 

Between The Pages 
This is a short novella, but so well written that the flow is smooth and doesn’t leave any holes in the story. The plot revolves around a witch who falls for a mortal, while spiking ice cream with a little magic. The main characters are perfectly matched. Clarence needs Josephine’s help to rid his house of haunting as well as himself. There’s an interesting twist, linking Clarence and Josephine. This story is a sweet and fun paranormal romance with lots of magic. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Book Review - Twins For The Mountain Firefighter

Twins For The Mountain Firefighter 
Melinda Curtis
March 2020

A bachelor’s life… 

Because of a not-so-happy childhood, Logan McCall never wanted kids. His sister’s dying wish was that he raise her twin girls. Paralyzed by grief, Logan turns the girls over to their deadbeat dad. He’s regretted that decision ever since, but what can he do? They’re gone. 

A nanny with dreams… 

Nanny Thea Gayle is just trying to make ends meet while she works on her PhD. When her employer goes missing and the only family member she can find is the twins’ Uncle Logan, she takes the girls from Seattle to Silver Bend, Idaho. But once there, she’s not sure Logan is up to caring for the girls or his elderly aunt. What’s a nanny with a school deadline looming to do? 

Between The Pages 
The Mountain Firefighter Series is now on my list of favourite series. I enjoyed the first book, but I absolutely loved the second one. I did not want to put this book down…and I didn’t. I read this book in one day…it was that good. The plot is interesting and the pace had me turning the pages with ease. For me, Logan has taken top place in the hero category so far this year. He’s everything a reader looks for in a firefighting hero. Thea is the rock for Logan and his family. She’s quirky and fun. An additional shout-out should also go to Logan’s aunt and his nieces. A great cast of characters, which included the other members of the Hot Shots. When these guys get together, I couldn’t help but smile. The story is packed with emotion and many heart wrenching scenes. One of my favourite scenes is when Logan polishes the floor with Thea and his nieces. But there are several other great scenes because this story has it all even a few tense moments. I just added book three to my library and I can’t wait to read, Hot Shot, Aiden’s story.

Rating 
5 Stars

Book Review - Devil’s Food Ripple With A Cherry On Top

Devil’s Food Ripple With A Cherry On Top
Laura Strickland
April 2020

Fenady Clark's dream of owning an ice cream parlor has inspired her through some of life's hardest challenges. Just when the grand opening's within reach, that wicked rogue, Sebastian Bane, opens shop and starts serving Fenady's designer flavors, all renamed. She suspects he's using black magic to poach her recipes, and if she weren't a good witch instead of a bad witch, she'd whip up a spell and retaliate. 

Sebastian's come all the way from England to establish his family's business near Salem. He can't explain how he and the lovely Fenady keep creating the same ice cream confections, unless it's enchantment, or fate. Is there room in town for both their dreams? And what will it take to convince an angry white witch she needs him in her life? 

Between The Pages 
With such a cute cover, this book is perfect for a lazy afternoon read. The setting is relaxing and the characters are magical. Sebastian is a wickedly good hero. The interaction and chemistry between him and Fenady is enjoyable to read. The storyline is fun with a twist on two witches destined to be together. There’s even a connection between their employees. Not sure if it was black magic or the recipe flavour titles being whipped up, but this story will definitely have you craving a big bowl of ice cream.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Book Review - A Match Made Perfect

A Match Made Perfect
Anna J Stewart
April 2020

Fifteen years later… 

Are they still a perfect match? 

After a near-fatal accident, Brooke Ardell’s return to Butterfly Harbor sends shock waves around the small town. Years ago, she walked away from the love of her life, Sebastian Evans, and their baby daughter—and she never looked back. Now it’s finally time for her to right those wrongs. Sebastian wants to trust Brooke again…but can he risk his daughter’s heart as well as his own? 

Between The Pages
Such an emotional and heartwarming story. I really enjoyed the author’s spin on the mother leaving her family all those years ago. This exceptional storyline allows the reader to see a different side of the cast in Butterfly Harbor. They aren’t so forgiving, which reveals the realism in these characters as they protect one of their own. The addition of Mandy’s point of view was a bonus. Seeing some of the scenes from her voice provided a deeper level of emotion. Trust and forgiveness is huge part of this story, and watching Sebastian and Brooke reconnect is the highlight. Have a tissue handy because when Mandy manages to set her plan in motion, with the help of many friends, the image of everyone on the shoreline will pull at the core. The outstanding cast in this series continues to grow. I can’t wait for more!

Rating 
5 Stars

Book Review - Southwest of Love and Murder

Southwest of Love and Murder 
Brenda Whiteside
January 2015

Mystery writer Phoebe Anderson owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now someone has actually done it. When she decides to take a few days away on the ranch of her best friend’s brother-in-law, she doesn’t expect romance to find her...or murder to follow her. 

Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years ago. When Phoebe shows up, he fights to control his emotions but soon wonders if she just might be worth the risk of opening his heart again. 

With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on his list is Mason. 

Between The Pages 
A wonderful blend of romance and mystery. Phoebe and Mason have an instant spark and their romance is sweet even though there’s definitely some steam sizzling. Their chemistry is undeniable and so is falling in love for these two. I was rooting for them as soon as they reconnected. There is a good supporting cast such as Mason’s father, Dirk, and their family friend, Margie, who have a budding relationship as well. The suspense holds the attention as The Author continues to build his story. I had hoped to be guessing who the villain was, but I picked up on his identity very early in the story. The storyline is well done and the pace is smooth, leading to the disappearance of Mason, which is a great twist. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

5 Stars for Kissed By Winter

I saw this review late yesterday and I couldn't wait to spread the news.

5 Stars for Kissed By Winter! I am beyond thrilled with this review and not only with the five stars, but with the reader's comments. She totally 'got' my characters and she called Redford Falls 'enchanting'.  Wow!

Here's a snippet of the review...

"Kissed by Winter has humor, heartbreak, a few harrowing experiences, and a sweet satisfying romance. There are some well thought out twists to keep the plot points believable, and the writing style, of which I am a big fan, keeps the story moving quickly."

Check out the complete book review of Kissed By Winter here:
https://ginirifkin.blogspot.com/2020/03/5-stars-for-kissed-by-winter-from.html

A huge warm cyber hug to this reader for making not only my day or week, but the entire month!