Showing posts with label Reading Room 2025. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading Room 2025. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Reading Room - A Proposal for Her Cowboy

A Proposal for Her Cowboy 
Cari Lynn Webb 
August 2024

Family brought her home… Can love make her stay? 

Now that she’s finally back in Three Springs, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Lacey Nash wants nothing more than to reconnect with her nine-year-old daughter, Aspen. Carefree Caleb Sloan is just a distraction—even if he is surprisingly helpful. He not only pitches in to train Aspen for the junior rodeo contest, but he also makes Lacey feel both welcome in town and truly special. Though will that be enough for by-the-book Lacey…to let this fun-loving cowboy prove he’s ready for an instant family? 

Between The Pages 
A Proposal for Her Cowboy is a heartfelt and engaging romance. From the opening pages, you’re drawn into the emotional journey of Lacey Nash and Caleb Sloan. Their chemistry feels authentic, and the author’s ability to weave humor, heart, and vulnerability into their interactions makes the story both compelling and relatable. The author skillfully balances themes of family, second chances, and community. The book also serves as a satisfying conclusion to the Sloan family saga, with Caleb, the last Sloan brother, finally finding his happily-ever-after. A touching subplot involving Caleb’s mother adds further depth, highlighting the author’s talent for creating layered, multidimensional characters beyond the central romance. Combined with a strong supporting cast, the story is a celebration of family bonds. A highly recommended five-star read. 

Rating 
5 Stars

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The Reading Room - The Rancher’s Secret Crush

My book review of The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb for Still Moments Magazine. 

The Rancher’s Secret Crush 
Cari Lynn Webb 
March 2024 

Everything good… Starts with unexpected kindness 

When city girl Elsie Parks comes to Three Springs to care for her nieces while her brother recuperates, she’s in for a surprise—he expects her to run the ranch! Thankfully, Ryan Sloan—the rugged cowboy next door—is happy to help. As they get into a groove working the farm together, their attraction grows like Texas wildflowers. But can this temporary detour become something more? 

Between The Pages
The Rancher’s Secret Crush is a heartwarming romance filled with family, love, and small-town charm. Ryan and Elsie’s undeniable chemistry make them a perfect leading couple against the backdrop of Texas ranch life. The author’s writing is warm, engaging, and emotionally rich as she creates a vivid, comforting setting that enhances the romance. Elsie’s nieces add sweetness and humor. The snippets of advice Ryan recalls from his grandmother are endearing, grounding his character in love and tradition. The supportive presence of his grandfather and uncle highlights the strong family bonds at the heart of the story. A delightful, uplifting read. Highly recommended.

Rating 5 Stars

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The Reading Room - His Christmas Cowgirl


My book review of His Christmas Cowgirl by Cari Lynn Webb for Still Moments Magazine. 

His Christmas Cowgirl 
Cari Lynn Webb 
October 2023 

Can she win the rodeo… And his heart? 

Cowgirl Vivian Bryant needs a winning horse to fulfill her rodeo champion dream, and equestrian trainer Josh Sloan agrees to help. But when Vivian fibs to her family that Josh is her boyfriend, their pretend relationship slowly evolves–while planning a Three Springs, Texas, gala together. She’s competing for a trophy that will secure their separate futures, but the real prize just might be finding love…at Christmas. 

Between The Pages 
The author delivers another heartwarming addition to her Three Springs, Texas series with His Christmas Cowgirl. This beautifully written romance captures the magic of the holiday season, packed with emotion, family drama, and festive cheer. Vivian and Josh are a compelling dynamic that blends ambition with vulnerability. What begins as a pretend relationship quickly blossoms into something genuine. Webb’s characters are realistic, charming, and make the story shine. Fans of small-town romance will appreciate the return to Three Springs and the beloved Sloan family, while newcomers will be swept up by the warmth of the author’s storytelling. A delightful Christmas read. 

Rating 5 Stars

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

The Reading Room - The Single Dad's Promise

My book review of The Single Dad's Promise by Anna J Stewart for Still Moments Magazine.

The Single Dad’s Promise
Anna J. Stewart 
July 2025 

Could a single dad and daughter 
Be her unexpected future?

A Hawaiian vacation is just what police officer and single dad Silas Garwood needs, but five-year-old Freya is more anxious than excited about their holiday. Until she sees Jana Powell swimming in the moonlight and becomes convinced the ethereal beauty is a mermaid. Suddenly Freya is on board for a magical adventure, and the trip is looking sunnier for Silas, too. Jana is drawn to the strong, capable man who clearly adores his little girl. But due to a recent illness, a ready-made family hasn’t been in her plans. Will she give up her peaceful life for the chaos of an instant family? 

Between The Pages 
Anna J. Stewart delivers a heartfelt and emotionally rich romance in The Single Dad’s Promise that lingers long after the final page. The story blends the magic of new beginnings with the warmth of family bonds. Set against the lush, sun-drenched backdrop of Hawaii, this novel invites readers into a world where healing, hope, and love intertwine. Lead characters, Silas and Jana, both carry emotional depth and vulnerability that make their connection feel earned and genuine. Freya, Silas’s precocious and imaginative daughter, is a scene-stealer. The secondary cast adds texture and warmth, creating a vibrant sense of Ohana that pulses through every chapter. A tender, uplifting story of healing and connection, and the courage it takes to embrace a new future. Keep tissues close, as this story is as moving as it is uplifting. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Friday, October 24, 2025

Reading Room - Love and the Divorce Lawyer

My book review of Love and the Divorce Lawyer by Barbara Newhart for Sill Moments Magazine.

Between The Pages 
Barbara Newhart’s Love and the Divorce Lawyer is a well-paced, drama-filled legal romance that hooks readers from the very first page. With sharp wit and a compelling voice, Newhart delivers a story rich in courtroom tension, unexpected twists, and a dash of humor. Josephina Jensen is a fierce, justice-driven protagonist whose clash with the charming Richard Diamond sparks both friction and intrigue, supported by a strong cast of secondary characters who add depth and color to the narrative. As the case unfolds, layers of betrayal, suspense, and a surprising whodunit ending keep the pages turning. It’s an engaging, twisty ride that blends legal drama with emotional depth and storytelling flair. 

Rating:  5 Stars

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Reading Room ~ A Hawaiian Christmas Romance

My book review for Still Moments Magazine... 

Between The Pages 
Anna J. Stewart’s A Hawaiian Christmas Romance is a heartwarming holiday romance celebration of love, family, and second chances. It has engaging characters, a captivating storyline, and an emotionally resonant plot that beautifully captures the spirit of Ohana. Tehani’s journey anchors the emotional depth of the novel, and Stewart handles Tehani’s grief with sensitivity, allowing readers to feel the weight of her memories while rooting for her to embrace the possibility of love again. Wyatt, with his unwavering support and gentle humor, is the perfect counterbalance. His bond with Tehani’s infant son Kai is especially touching, adding warmth and authenticity to their evolving relationship. Kai, though only two months old, is a delightful presence throughout the story. What truly elevates this novel is its setting. Stewart’s depiction of Hawaii is lush and inviting. The island isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a character, offering solace and inspiration to those who seek it.

Rating: 5 Stars.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

March Reads

I took last week off from posting to finish a writing project and start another one. The writing/editing cave is currently filled with inspiration, and I'm riding the wave of determination to get my catalogue of books back to readers. 

And...during a visit with my sister-in-law, I filled my tote with the next six James Patterson's books in the Women's Murder Club series.

If I'm not writing...I'm reading.

#womensmuderclubseries #amreading #books #reading #mysterybooks #writing #writerlife

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

February Book Haul

After reading two of Jennifer Crusie's books back-to-back because both were great reads, I wanted more. So, two weeks ago, my daughter and I visited our local bookstore. I found Don't Look Down, and while searching the shelves for more, I found a stack of books by Jennifer Weiner. I've read her books before and the cover of Best Friends Forever drew me in.

The next day, I visited my brother and sister-in-law and she is a big fan of James Patterson. She has everyone of his books. She convinced me to try his Women's Murder Club series. Well, I read 1st To Die in less than a week and I have to admit, I'm hooked! I started 2nd Chance this morning.

My weekend book haul seems like a strange combination of Chick Lit and Murder Mystery, but obviously my reading genre is expanding. Unfortunately, the two Jennifer books will have to wait while I dive further into The Women's Murder Club series. 

Speaking of unfortunate matters, I won't be posting as much over the next two weeks. I made a promise to myself to finish my current writing project by the end of February. Which means I need to focus solely on that. But I will try to get my #onewriteword posts slipped in.

What is your favourite reading genre?

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Paperback Books


I've been professionally reviewing books for Still Moments Magazine for over twenty years. While I enjoyed most of the books I've read (and loved even more), they were chosen by the magazine. The magazine receives so many book review requests that they still have books in their reading queue from the past couple of years, which I will unfortunately never get to read as there are just too many. They are all eBooks, but sometimes I want to read a paperback book. 

So, a few months ago, I went to a local bookstore and picked up these two books by Jennifer Crusie. I finished Crazy For You last week and started Tell Me Lies this week. Ms. Crusie is a master storyteller. Her stories are interesting, laugh-out-loud, and page-turners. 

It's nice to pick up a book (physically) and not worry about finishing the read by a deadline. I see a return (very soon) to the bookstore to get a few more books by Crusie and a few other authors.