Review: Her Motherhood Wish

Her Motherhood Wish by Tara Taylor Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Woodrow Alexander was a sperm donor so long ago that he forgot about it until he gets a phone call that will change his life forever. Attorney Cassie Thompson knew she wanted a baby and employed an agency to start her family. But when she learns her baby's health could be at risk, she reaches out to her sperm donor. What she finds is a man who is caring and thoughtful and Cassie realizes that this might be the man of her dreams.

I loved the concept of a sperm donor bringing two people together and I enjoyed the baby's storyline. There were so many heartwarming moments that made me smile. However, the hero's personal view bothered me sometimes. I think at his age, he should be confident and more at peace with himself and his life decisions. As a result, it made the romance between them though sweet, less appealing. He was so self-conscious that it took away from the love story. I loved his good heart but self-love is also really important.

I don't think there was a strong conflict but the emotional turmoil that a mother faces when her child is at risk was one I understood and felt.

Thank you #Netgalley #Harlequin.

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Review: Yellow Wife

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story of a beautiful slave, Pheby Delores Brown, and how she survives living in the famous slave jail in Virginia, Devil's Half-Acre.

Originally born in a plantation, Pheby is privileged and shielded because of her mother's position and her relationship with the Master's beloved sister. Pheby cannot wait until she is eighteen when she will be freed and finally get her happy-ever-after with her love, Essex Henry. But, the Master's wife hates Pheby and what she represents and soon Pheby finds herself thrown out of her the only home she has ever known and into the house of the Jailer. Life as she know it, has changed forever and she has to use her wits to survive and to help the people she cares about.

Whew! I have read other works by Sadeqa Johnson so I knew she had some serious writing chops. BUT, this historical fiction read was different from her other works. What a gritty, grueling depiction of life for enslaved women back then. I read this in hours - pausing to work and eat. Her descriptions made me visualize the depravity, the lack of humanity but also the moments of love. Pheby endured so much in this snapshot of her life that I wondered how she had the fortitude to survive - but love for others is a great motivator.

It is obvious from this read that Sadeqa did a lot of research to bring this character to life. Her experiences are not for the faint-hearted. It shows the horror of slavery with images that remain implanted in your mind long after reading. I felt how the quest for freedom is a powerful driving force and I applaud the author for taking this character through journeys of highs and lows that rocked me to the core. There wasn't a truth stone of this painful time in history that was left unturned.

Goodness. I have to take a moment to breathe. This was raw and real.

On a lighter note, what an apt title and beautiful cover. I can't wait to see what else this author brings.
Thank you #Netgalley

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Review: If the Boot Fits

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amanda Queen works as a personal assistant to a wicked diva. That job was supposed to be a starting point to her career as a writer. But, her screenplay remains untouched as she strives to meet the needs of this demanding actress. However, one night at a party leads to a hot encounter with a hot, Academic Award-winning actor.

Sam Pleasant ended his award win in bed with a plus-sized beauty. But the next morning she is gone and she mistakenly has his Oscar. Sam is intrigued to find this woman he calls, Cha-cha but it is like she has vanished. Fortunately, he will be given a second chance to see if this woman is the right fit for him - for a lifetime.

Rebekah Weatherspoon starts off this Cinderalla-esque tale with a bang! Amanda and Sam have spent a memorable night together that is need to fan yourself H-O-T. I was hooked from the first page onward. This was filled with great character development. I loved Sam's integrity and Amanda's work ethic. I especially enjoyed how they bonded and how she developed self-confidence to go after her dream. Dru - the diva - was Cruella Deville good and fun to read. It was satisfying to see how love conquered all.

This was my first read in the series and I must go back to read the first and I can't wait for the next book. I loved the family dynamic and of course, the cowboy theme never gets tired.
Thank you, #Netgalley #Harlequin

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Review: A California Christmas

A California Christmas by Brenda Novak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emery Bliss is a TV anchor whose sex tape has been posted online because she broke up with her fellow anchor. The revenge tape has become viral, which led to her losing her job. She goes undercover in Silver Springs to lick her wounds. While she is there, hoping that the scandal will die down, she reconnects with Dallas Turner.

Dallas Turner is home for Christmas and his adoptive mother, Aiyana's wedding. He had a tough childhood and for him. mountain climbing is the release he craves. He loves the solitude but that all changes when he links up with Emery. He finds himself intrigued with his mother's houseguest and finds himself in the role of her knight in shining armor. However, he might be the one who needs rescuing--from his past.

The fire and electricity between Emery and Dallas was one charged with attraction. Each finds peace and a spark with the other that they didn't know was missing from their lives.

I have read some of the other books in the Brenda Novak's Silver Springs series and it was good to read this continuation. The heat between the characters was above a 10 on the scale. I do wonder about some of Emery's encounters with Dallas - would she have been so open when she was in the midst of a scandal but other than that, I enjoyed watching as they conquered their personal demons. Dallas was a strong character who had to realize the real strength comes from opening himself to love and forgiveness.

The supporting characters were well written - providing some great insight that can serve as takeaways. Such as:
"Being nice is wonderful, but allowing someone to push you around isn't. Sometimes when people step over the line, you have to let them know you won't put up with it."
"Sometimes when people take responsibility for the things they've done--no matter how terrible--it can heal old wounds."
"You don't have to be perfect to be perfect for someone." What a great line and truth!

Overall, another good read from Brenda Novak and I look forward to reading more. Thank you #Netgalley for this book.

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Review: Untamed Passion

Untamed Passion by Cat Schield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oliver Lowell is a successful photographer with some serious demons to battle: Alcohol, addiction and anger. Samantha "Sammi" Guzman is a model who needs to break free of her mother's clutches. The two meet and have a hot one night stand. From that single encounter, Sammi learns she is pregnant. From that point on her life changes. Oliver can't get Sammi out of his mind, so when he learns she may be expecting his child, he finds himself opening his home, if not yet his heart, to this woman.
The heat and chemistry between the two characters drove this story for me. It was an intense physical attraction. I was glad to see Sammi come into her own and gain some independence. And, Oliver, who may not be every reader's idea of a book hero, also has to decide if he will be ruled by his anger toward his father or if he has the strength to rise above.
I enjoyed the story. It kept my interest and the cover art is absolutely stunning. There wasn't much in the storyline that made it diverse for me. However, I do like the strong theme of forgiveness, of love and of second chance.
Memory quotes:
"If you can't let go of your anger, you will always be its victim."
"Loving him meant she had to be brave enough to goad him into fighting for their future, and failing that, be willing to let him go."
thank you #Netgalley #Harlequin

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Review: Alaskan Christmas Redemption

Alaskan Christmas Redemption by Belle Calhoune
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Braden North has returned home and learns his best friend, Piper Miller, is in danger of losing her diner. His years away was because of a secret that he fears would make Piper hate him. Rather than lose her, he left to go on grand adventures. Nevertheless, Braden is determined to help Piper save her father's legacy. If only his heart didn't complicate matters.
The third book in the Home to Owl Creek series can also be read as a standalone, I haven't read the other two books in the series.
I found this to be a sweet story. I loved the banter and friendship between Piper and Braden. I also loved how they relied on each other. I felt that the 'secret' was more of a misunderstanding that Braden could have cleared up quickly with open communication. I especially enjoyed reading about how she revitalized her business but I was surprised that she hadn't thought of those initiatives on her own as she appeared to be resilient and creative. But it is so good to have a friend in your corner, who pushes you and who is willing to go the extra mile.
Overall, a feel good read.
Thank you #Harlequin and #Netgalley

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Review: A Love Redeemed

A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tucker Holland and Isabella Bradley have been friends for over sixteen years. During that time, Isabella earned her culinary degree while Tucker married and had twins. But Tucker has lost his wife and as a paramedic, struggles to find someone to care for his children. After a huge error that led to her losing her job, Isabella returns home to lick her wounds and finds out that her father needs help with his diner. She plans to save the diner but it is a task that she can't do alone. Tucker has the perfect idea and temporary solution: Isabella will be his nanny while he works and he will help her renovate the diner. However, both will find that they might want a more permanent solution--with each other.
From the first line, I was captured in this story. I enjoyed reading such a clean and wholesome romance. I loved each character's personal development and the romance between them as well. Isabella struggled with not knowing if she was worthy of love and Tucker had to learn to make room in his heart to love again. I loved their friendship and how that led to something more lasting. Despite their past pain, it was great to see how God gave them a better future and a second chance. The wonderful thing about second chances is that God gives them even when they are not deserved.
What I did question was there was a lot of scenes where she was talking about her dad, but it happened outside the page. There wasn't much actual interaction with her and her father written in the story.
Overall, I look forward to more from this author.

There were some memorable lines that blessed me:
"Sometimes, your job is to just trust God to show up."
"When we continue to find hope in the heartache, that's what draws us closer to Him."
"...the more you exercise your heart, the more it grows, giving you more opportunities for loving others."


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Review: Pearl in the Sand

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Canaanite woman who once sold her body is used to bring God glory. Pearl in the Sand is the story of Rahab who lived in the wall of Jericho. She has an unsavory past but God can make her into a suitable wife for one of Israel's leaders.
Salmone is a strong man of faith who has faced heartache. When he meets Rahab, he is shocked to desire someone of such a wretched past.
What I loved about this story is that the author took a well-known Bible historical tale and opened my eyes to what her life might have been back then. We know that Jesus came out of this lineage but I never considered what Rahab and her family had to go through once they left Jericho.
Seeing them learn new ways and how to learn a new faith and way of life was very interesting to me. I especially admired Rahab's faith and how it was depicted in this book.
The cover art is beautiful and it was wonderful to see that a book written years ago was given a comeback. I do think that the written was a tad simplistic but what a great read!
Thank you #Netgalley

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