My American Duchess

My American Duchess by Eloisa James is another great read. I enjoyed the romance, the characters and seeing them grow together in love. James writes wonderfully romantic stories and this wasn't any different. It is not exactly a fairy tale novel. But it does have similar quality of fairy tales plots where an American heiress who arrives in London in search of a husband and ends up a duchess to her great surprise.

James combines a handful of proven  tropes in this one: love at first sight, twins, love triangle, and marriage in trouble as well as the obvious American in London. If you know James's work, you will not be surprised that she gives each of these a twist that makes it her own. *JK*

Scotsman of My Dreams

Scotsman of My Dreams is by Karen Ranney. It is a wonderful story featuring a strong willed woman and scarred rake who never intended to be titled. I love the dynamics of this couple, the slow buildup to romance and the mystery and intrigue that surrounds these two, creating a historical romance that is hard to be missed. All in all, it is a fast pace tale of secrets, misconceptions, deceit, betrayal, romance, passion and love. It is also well written with engaging and interesting characters. The storyline is unique and interesting. A wonderful tale of post-war trauma, and the secrets they hold. An enjoyable and satisfying read! *JK*

Evergreen Springs

This story was so sweet and a lovely romance to read. Evergreen Springs is the third series by Rayanne Thayne but this book could be read as a standalone. The author has a knack for capturing the essence and spirit of living in a small town. It was a joy to read about the interesting, fun, caring people of Haven Point.
I especially enjoyed reading about Devin and Cole! I did expect more than a few stolen kisses during this book but I still thought it was sweet. The way the town pulled together to help Cole and his children during a difficult time was sweet and touching. *JK*

Forever with You

Watch out, the second you pick up Forever with You, you are about to embark on an emotional roller coaster to beat all contemporary romance emotional roller coaster. This book was fantastic! From start to finish you are immersed in Stephanie and Nick... the ups, the downs and the laughter that makes fictional characters people. *JK*

When a Scot Ties the Knot

When a Scot Ties the Knot written by Tessa Dare is both funny and endearing. This sweet story had me laughing out loud, enraptured in the sexual tension and smiling at the attempts not to fall in love all the while cheering for Logan and Maddie to find their happily ever after.

The story is set in the time after the Scot's lost the Highlands to the English, Maddie, a young girl who has no desire to be presented for marriage and doesn't want to marry for anything other than love. So this quiet and shy artist comes up with a way to keep her family from making her marry. She invents the love of her life, a completely fictitious Highlander Captain Logan MacKenzie. *JK*

The Unlikely Lady

The Unlikely Lady is another witty, clever, and fun book in the Playful Brides series. I think Valerie Bowman did an excellent job with the characters and plot. You will fall in love with Garrett and Jane. Jane loves to read books and she has no desire to marry and Lord Garrett is a bachelor who enjoys life. Jane and Garrett's arguments are so fun and the chemistry between them is great. This is a delightful and enjoyable read with great characters.

This book is third in the series and can be read without the first and second, but I recommend the entire series. *JK*

First Time in Forever

First Time in Forever is the first series by Sarah Morgan. The story is set on an island off the coast of Maine. The setting is the perfect backdrop for this charming story of love and friendship. The cast of characters is beautifully written and their personal growth is impressive. It is truly a captivating romance that I love and highly recommend. In this book we meet Emily Donovan. She is on the run with her niece, Lizzie, who is being hounded by paparazzi upon the death of Lizzie's mother. We also meet Ryan Cooper who was injured while on assignment overseas and is now home for good on Puffin Island.

Return to Me

Return to Me by Kelly Moran can bring you into tears. It is more than just a love story. It is a story of self-sacrifice, perseverance, healing, and so much more. The story can take you on an emotional roller coaster and it will keep your interest until the very end of the last chapter. The characters Cole and Mia were high school sweethearts but circumstances ripped them apart. Now they are reunited, but it won't be all sunshine and roses. I can't describe what happens at the end because Kelly Moran does it much better with her words than I could ever do. Just know that this is one of the best stories that I have read in years. I will be looking forward to book #2! *JK*

A Single Kiss

A Single Kiss is a contemporary romance written by Grace Burrowes who is a well-known author of many historical romance novels. The story is about Hannah Stark who accepts a position at a law firm and begins working with Trent Knightley. As their feelings start to develop, her dark secrets from the past gets revealed and threatens their relationship. I think the story definitely has lots of details and emotions which will pull you into the story and the characters are well developed and enjoyable. It also seem like the author wants you to look at life, love, and family in a very different way. *JK*

Wreaking Revenge

Mark Suter is a handsome English Lit professor at Tarble, an all-girl college in Wisconsin. But he has managed to have a string of affairs with some of his students. In fact, he is the reason that Ruby Rousseau has never graduated. When Ruby left Tarble she was at an all-time low, questioning her sanity and nursing a shattered heart. She is slowly putting pieces of her life back together when a piece of luggage belonging to Beth, a classmate from college is delivered to her door. Ruby does not want to return to Tarble and re-open old wounds, but she senses Beth needs her help.  The Butterfly Sister by Amy Gail Hansen is a mystery that interweaves literature, love, betrayal and revenge. DB   

Only Mostly Dead

Seventeen year-old Li Lan is saddled with an impossible decision; marry the recently deceased son of her father's creditor, or helplessly watch her family sink deep into poverty.  But before she can choose, she finds herself lost and alone in the afterlife, neither living nor dead, where she must uncover the secrets of her would-be bridegroom.  In The Ghost Bride, Yangsze Choo masterfully recreates 1890s Malaysia and takes the reader on a spectacular ride through mythology and fantasy as we accompany Li Lan into the spirit realm.  Truly enchanting.  HM

It's About Time

Mitch Albom moves in a new direction with his latest book The Time Keeper. He tells the story of Father Time. past present and future. Dor, an ancient man, is interested in the cycles of the moon. He starts to keep track of days, nights, seasons and eventually moments.  His whole life is devoted to measuring time. He is exiled from his family and moves into the desert with his wife Alli. When he loses his beloved Alli, he climbs the Tower of Babel to demand that the gods restore her life. As punishment he is forced to spend centuries in a cave listening to mankind bemoan the lack of time. Finally he is thrust into the modern-day world to help two individuals with their all consuming  problems. This is a curious book that combines some timeless story lines. DB

Puppy Love

Rachel Hale captures pure “amour” in her newest book SNOG: A Puppy’s Guide to Love. She provides sixty adorable photos of puppies: snoozing, playing and posing.  Proverbs and quotes about love match the images and provide humor and insight. Every picture is sure to tug at your heartstrings. If her work looks familiar, you may have seen it on various greeting cards or calendars. She has been perfecting her talent since 1995. Cuddle up and enjoy! DB

Read a Banned Book!

In 1937, writer and ethnographer Zora Neale Hurston published her greatest work to little fanfare -- Their Eyes Were Watching God was largely ignored, and was even viewed as tawdry.  Decades later, scholars and readers rediscovered her classic and fell under the spell of its heroine, Janie Crawford, a strong-willed African-American woman who narrates the passionate and tragic events of her life in 1930s Florida.  It is now regarded as one of the most important works in 20th century African American literature.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is just one of many books that the American Library Association has recorded as being banned or challenged by various groups -- check out our Banned Books display in the Adult Department.  HM

Sacrifice and Love

When the Kitchen God gets caught criticizing the Jade Emperor's management of Earth's affairs, his punishment is to uncover the mysterious workings of the human heart.  To achieve this, he decides to follow one couple, Bian Yuying and Hou Jinyi -- from the Japanese occupation, through Mao's Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, and ultimately to death -- telling their story of love, compassion, and forgiveness.  Sam Meekings' Under Fishbone Clouds is a beautifully written testament to the strength and power one can derive from love in the most desperate of conditions.  HM

Feelin' Lucky?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. This adage aptly describes a weekend trip taken by Art and Marion. After 30 years of marriage, they must do something to save their home from foreclosure. Valentine's Day finds them in the bridal suite of a ritzy hotel-casino in Niagara Falls with the last of their savings. Art has a plan, and they make a last-ditch effort to save life as they know it. The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O'Nan is an enjoyable short read that takes an honest look at current problems. You will get an intimate look at these two characters and be privy to their personal thoughts. DB