Becky Boerner

Are We There Yet by Savannah Scott is the first book in a brand new series. Riley, Maddie, Ben and Cameron take a road trip from Ohio to California to get to their new jobs and to start school. Riley has liked her best friend Maddie’s brother Cameron Reeves forever. Just ask her journal. Will he ever notice her? I enjoyed getting to know Riley and Cameron. Their chemistry was great, they have a wonderful friendship, and are very endearing characters. The author did a great job with their back story, developing their romance, and the dual POV. Road tripping is always fun, but especially in a VW van, driving Route 66, and with great places to stop along the way. Are We There Yet is all a rom-com should be with characters that are fun and endearing, a delightful road trip setting, and swoony romance. I highly recommend and can not wait for the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a fantastic romance set in Ireland in 1935. Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding school tirelessly since she was little. She has little hope of change in her circumstance. Michael Ray is part of the local gentry who comes to visit Ballymacool to help with his cousin. “Oh, child. Yer purpose in this world has precious little to do with what job ya hold. It’s to do wi’ the way ya impact the people around ye.” This was such a beautiful story rich in Irish culture which wove in mystery, romance and a wonderful reminder of our purpose in life. Such beauty, depth and wisdom fill the pages along with some of the Irish language. I felt like I had been transported to County Donegal Ireland and was immersed in this character driven story. I was ready to pack a bag and visit Ireland. “Child, there’s more to yer story than ye could ever know.” Michael and Briana’s love story was sweet and I was very invested. The child-like wonder of Brianna touched my heart and it was a joy to walk with her and the other characters as they transformed throughout the story. The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a lovely story that I highly recommend. I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant is a delightful Romantic Comedy! The story has many marvelous similarities to You’ve Got Mail, one of my favorite movies of all time! Rory Perez and Jude Strong know each other in “real” life and through a dating app. Rory is the proud owner of a food truck she inherited, but she is not much of a cook. Jude has been through law school, but really wants to get away from the family business by not taking the Bar, and having his own food truck. When Rory and Jude meet in real life, they definitely are not impressed with the other. This charming story had me rooting for Rory and Jude. The author does an amazing job showing both character’s perspectives and letting you walk(or run) a mile in their shoes to see their perspective. I was so invested in their friendship and growing relationship. I loved their texts. The author wrote terrific secondary characters that were interesting, funny, and added greatly to the story. Tacos for Two is a story about forgiveness, redemption and making peace with who you are. The author has created wonderful characters that you will enjoy getting to know. It is a tasty romantic comedy that will leave you satisfied. (sort of a like a good taco) I was given a copy by Revell and NetGalley and not required to write a positive review.

Can you believe it's less than 3 months until Christmas? It's hard to imagine there will be Christmas lights,decorations and the days will grow shorter soon. I am a huge fan of Christmas novellas and Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson is a great one. Simone finds a letter from her great grandmother after her grandmother has passed about a treasure in Avre, France. Kyle wants a second career in watchmaking and meets Simone on the plane to Europe. I loved their natural chemistry, and delightful dialogue. This has all the makings of a great Christmas story where friendship and family are celebrated and people work through challenges in time for Christmas. The author paints beautiful word pictures describing France at Christmas. I felt snow on my face and saw the sparkly Christmas lights as I read this delightful story. This sweet story has a mystery, a hidden treasure, romance and a happily ever after. This beautiful hardcover book is one you would like to add to your collection or gift a friend for Christmas. I recommend it. I received a copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review

You have to love a story that starts in the middle of a train robbery and at that moment the main characters are introduced to each other. You know from that point that this is going to be a good story and you need to hang on for the ride. Jen Turano’s new book Storing Up Trouble takes place during the Gilded Age in Chicago where history is being made each day. Our heroine, Beatrix Waterbury, is a member of the New York 400 and trying to find purpose in her life. Norman Nesbit, our hero, is rather lost and needs direction. Adventure pursues them both, and together they navigate Chicago society with many great friends including Beatrix’s eccentric aunt, a knowledgeable butler, and Norman’s sidekick and friend,Theodosia. I found myself wanting to visit Beatrix’s aunt and stay for a while. Jen Turano’s new book Storing up Trouble is filled with adventure, mystery, moments in the suffragette movement, endearing characters and funny moments that have you laughing out loud. I enjoyed reading Storing up Trouble and highly recommend it. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and not required to write a review.

I have always dreamed of going back in time to the Regency period. Evaline Johansen,our heroine, in Back To His Lordship by Jen Geigle Johnson has that incredible opportunity. The story is so fun to read, and speaks to the heart of every Regency book lover! It was incredible to be able to see through the eyes of someone from my time a ride in a carriage, the workings of a Regency ball, and to better understand the rules that govern Regency society. I enjoyed Back to His Lordship from cover to cover. The magic in Back to His Lordship takes place through Twickenham Manor. This book is part of a bigger series relating to time travel. I can not wait to read the whole series. I highly recommend Back to His Lordship. Your time will not be wasted. I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

WOW! That was my thought as I finished Carolyn Miller’s Misleading Miss Verity the third in the Daughters of Aynsley, Regency Brides series. The cover for Misleading Miss Verity is beautifully made with exquisite colors. There is an amazing castle of Scotland which stayed in my head as I read the story. I found myself carrying the book around with me and just placing it next to me so I could see and enjoy the gorgeous cover. MIsleading Miss Verity is wonderful and I feel like it is one of Ms. Miller’s best novels to date. The dialogue is delightful, the setting is stunning, and the story is rich in Christian faith. It is engaging and the hero, Anthony Jardine is one who will stay with me for a long time. The heroine, Verity Aynsley is a joy to watch transform into a woman of God. I highly recommend Misleading Miss Verity it is a delightful book and an engaging read. You will not be disappointed to read it this holiday season. I received a copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review.