TLC Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Wishing Bridge

The Wishing Bridge

by Viola Shipman

Publisher: Graydon House

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Once the hottest mergers and acquisitions executive in the company, Henrietta Wegner can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When Henri’s boss makes it clear she’ll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner’s—their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store—to a massive, soulless corporation. It’s the kind of deal cool, corporate Henri has built her career on.

Home for the holidays has typically meant a perfunctory twenty-four-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner’s offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She’s running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the greatest success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life.

PJ's Thoughts:

Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for bringing the small towns of Michigan to life through the pages of his books, immersing me in their traditions, challenges, warmth, and clear-eyed scrutiny. Nobody, but nobody, can open your eyes to your own flaws - or make you feel like a guilty grade-schooler - better than someone who watched you grow up in your small hometown. Something our corporate hot-shot on the verge of losing her job learns when she unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, with less than honorable intentions.  

With a deft hand, and echoes of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Shipman guides Henri on a journey of self-discovery that will determine the trajectory of the rest of her life...as well as the relationship between her and her family. It's not an easy journey. She walks a tight line between villainy and redemption and even though I was rooting for her to do the right thing, I admit there were times when I didn't like her much. But, each time I found myself feeling that way, the author would give us another glimpse of the conflict in her mind, the love in her heart, and the goodness in her soul, and I found myself pulling for her again. She's flawed. She's human. Aren't we all? 

Surrounding Henri is a hug-worthy cast of characters who brought the town of Frankenmuth to life and the spirit of Christmas to my heart. I want to be friends with all of them. Okay, not Henri's boss or her backstabbing colleague, but the rest of them. I want to grab a pint with them at Prost, share dinner at Z's Chicken Haus, tell Santa my Christmas wishes at Wegner's Winter Wonderland (you really are never too old to believe), and join the town for a quiet rendition of Silent Night under a snow-laced covered bridge while celebrating a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another.

These characters made me laugh, they brought me to tears more than once, they reminded me of the importance of connection, of dreams, of family, and of love. And, they filled my heart with the joy and spirit of the season. 

What fills your heart with joy this time of year?

Have you read any Viola Shipman books?

In this book, Henri makes divinity, a candy she learned at her grandmother's knee. Do you have a special recipe you make over the holidays that's been handed down through generations of your family? Or, a recipe you're handing down to younger generations?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a signed print copy of The Wishing Bridge. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Coastal Magic Featured Author & Giveaway - - Hildie McQueen

 

 

If you like strong alpha heroes and feisty heroines, you will love USA Today Best-selling author Hildie McQueen's Medieval Highlander romances.

Hildie McQueen was born in Mexico, grew up in Southern California, and now resides in a beautiful small town in Georgia. 

Her obsession for all things pink and Paris can only be beaten by her love for dogs. Thanks to her superhero husband Kurt’s unwavering support, she can write full time with her constant companions, the trio of fearless tiny dogs.

Coastal Magic Featured Author, Hildie McQueen joins us today with a post about her newest book, The Bear, recent travels to Scotland, and something sweet for a holiday treat. Welcome, Hildie!

 

I recently traveled to Scotland to get a feel for the country. It was my second trip there and like the first time, I strangely felt as if I’d come home. The people are warm and welcoming, the food delicious and the beauty of Scotland is breathtaking.  There were several times that my travel companions and I stood silently side-by-side looking out at unforgettable views. If you have not traveled to Scotland, please do. You won’t regret it. 

One of the places I was looking forward to exploring was the Tokavaig area on the Isle of Skye, where my new release, The Bear, and next series, Clan Ross of Skye, will take place.  

Dunscaith, the castle, which will be my Clan’s keep is in ruins, but we were able to walk around and explore it. Let me tell you it was so worth it. The ruins are surrounded on two sides by Loch Eishort and one side by tall hills. When atop the ruins, the views are amazing. 

To celebrate the release of my next book, The Bear, I decided to make a simple medieval fruit tart. It was so easy to make and without a recipe, I was surprised how good it tasted. Back in those days of course, they had to mill the flour, churn the butter and grind the spices.  Thankfully we don’t have to do all that.  Try it, you and your family will love it!  

Medieval Fruit Tart

Measurements are approximate, alter to your liking.  You may want to double the brown sugar if you prefer sweeter. 

You’ll need 1, flat pie crust, 2 pears, 1 apple, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 pinch of ginger, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 4 pats of butter. 

First you buy a flat pie crust, pinch the edges to lift them a bit.

Slice fruit and place on the crust.

Mix the spices and sprinkle them over the fruit.

Lastly, cut the pats of butter into fourths and dot them on top.

Bake at 350 for about 30-35 minutes.  Enjoy!!

 

***

The Bear

by Hildie McQueen

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Available to purchase in e-book or print

Also available in Kindle Unlimited

The Bear is a story that introduces readers to the Clan Ross of Skye family.  The hero, Cynden Ross is the youngest of the siblings. Cynden discovers a horrible secret as he is about to embark on a trip that can change his life. With his clan on the brink of devastation, he travels from the Isle of Skye to the Isle of Uist to request help from his cousin, The Lion, warrior, laird and leader of a huge army.  When meeting a beautiful woman, who mistakes him for her dead betrothed, he finds it hard to leave her behind. 

I have a feeling you will be unable to put this book down! 

The Bear  https://amzn.to/49bKV6j

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free book!  https://goo.gl/jLzPTA 

Follow me on Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hildie-mcqueen

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/105613612956190

 

PJ here. I'm giving away one Kindle copy of The Bear today so tell me...

Have you read Hildie McQueen yet?

Have you visited a place you'd never been before that felt like home?

Are there any new recipes you'll be trying over the upcoming holidays?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 10 will receive a Kindle copy of The Bear. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Interested in joining us for Book Besties Weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida? Click here for more information about Coastal Magic Convention 2024, a casual, welcoming, and fun gathering of readers and authors February 22 - 25, 2024.  

Review - - Never Wager with a Wallflower

Never Wager with a Wallflower

by Virginia Heath

The Merriwell Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams―and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble―and learn to love thy neighbor?

PJ's Thoughts:

As soon as Galahad Sinclair hit the pages of the second book of this series he captured my interest. By the end of that book I knew I wanted more of him and was over the moon when I discovered he would be paired with Venus "Vee" Merriwell in Never Wager with a Wallflower. I could hardly wait for these two adversaries to discover what we readers already knew. They were made for each other. Now, they just needed to lower their guards long enough to open their hearts - and minds - to that undeniable fact. 

Both Gal and Vee carried a lot of emotional baggage from their childhoods into their roller coaster relationship, impacting each of them in different ways. I have to admit, I was Team Gal pretty much 80% of the book. It was only in the final 20% that I began to warm up to Venus. She did eventually win me over though so I'm glad I didn't give up on her. I do appreciate satisfying character growth. She's a complex character who protects herself with seemingly impenetrable, self-righteous walls when confronted with a man she unconsciously senses has the power to break through to her wounded heart. Watching Vee and Gal both evolve over the course of their journey was satisfying and heart-tugging. 

The ensemble of secondary characters bring humor, conflict, and texture to the overall story. While the extended families once again have significant roles, it's three of the young orphans in this book who stand out for me, capturing my affection with their antics while also creating opportunities to delve more deeply into Gal's and Vee's priorities, vulnerabilities, prejudices, and emotional wounds, opening the door to understanding, forgiveness, growth, and love. 

If you enjoy an enemies-to-lovers, historical rom-com with a slow-burn romance, significant emotional depth, meddling family, character growth, humor, and happy endings, give this one a try. It's the last book of a trilogy but can be read as a standalone, though I think it's more enjoyable to experience the evolution of all the characters by reading the three books in order. 

Click the title to read my review of book one, Never Fall for Your Fiancee and book two, Never Rescue a Rogue. 

Winner - - Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a print copy of

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop is:

Rose Ward

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winners - - November Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winners of 

a package of books are:

Sharlene Wegner

Susan in AZ

xeenie72

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - The Holiday Heartbreaker

The Holiday Heartbreaker

by Maisey Yates

Four Corners Ranch - Book 5

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

A fresh start is all she wants this Christmas, but maybe a cowboy is all she needs…

It’s not the holiday season she’d envisioned. But moving back home with her son, Benny, is all single mom Elizabeth Colfax can do after her ex-husband’s infidelity left their life in pieces. A fresh start at Four Corners Ranch means Elizabeth’s dream career in equine therapy can become a reality, allowing her to share her love of horses with Benny. If only it didn’t also mean butting heads with Brody McCloud, the frustratingly attractive cowboy who sets sparks off inside her.

Brody doesn’t do complicated, and Elizabeth’s got more baggage than an airport. But there’s something about the woman that’s always gotten under his skin in a very welcome way. As the simmering tension between them grows harder to ignore, they’ll have to decide if their undeniable attraction can outweigh a shared loss of faith in forever. Maybe this Christmas, they can find a family worth fighting for.

PJ's Thoughts:

Maisey Yates never fails to take me through an emotional gauntlet, depositing me, smiling and satisfied, on the other side. Each book in the Four Corners Ranch series has been a heart-tugging journey but this one, The Holiday Heartbreaker, is my favorite. 

Brody and Elizabeth have so many intriguing layers. As the cover blurb says, she has "more baggage than an airport" but, honestly, he probably has more. Each of them has good reason not to trust love. Neither of them is looking for love. But love has a way of finding people when they least expect it, as is the case for these two. I like the way Yates gradually moves their relationship forward, giving each of them the necessary time to address internal issues inhibiting individual growth, which with these two is critical to a lasting relationship. The chemistry between them sizzles, once they give in to it, but the friendship that evolves is just as important. Openness, vulnerability, and trust between these two are critical. 

Brody's evolving relationship with Benny, Elizabeth's eight-year-old son, is one of my favorite parts of the book. It made my heart so happy to watch Brody, a man who grew up in an emotionally and physically abusive family, use so much care with Benny. I love the relationship they forged. And the pirate cowboy scene near the end? Oh yeah, totally melted my heart. 

If you're a fan of the Four Corners Ranch series, you'll undoubtedly enjoy catching up with couples from earlier books but for those of you new to this series, you should be able to jump in here and enjoy Brody and Elizabeth's journey to love. Fair warning though: once you meet the others and learn a bit about their journeys, don't be surprise if you snap up their books too.

Coming Attractions - - November 2023

 

It's November, the month of giving thanks here in the U.S and one of the things I'm giving thanks for is some amazing new books. November used to be a very quiet month for new book releases. Not so this year! There are plenty of new stories hitting the shelves and a little something for everyone. Speaking of everyone, that's something else for which I'm giving thanks this month. November is The Romance Dish's anniversary month and this year I'm celebrating fourteen (14!) years of sharing book love. That longevity is due in no small part to all of you wonderful readers who keep coming back to see what we've been reading, share what you've been reading, and infuse this site with the love and joy that makes romance books and the romance community so special. Thank you for taking this journey with me! 

Kicking off the month on Thursday, November 2 is a review and giveaway of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. This book takes readers back to Edinburgh, Scotland for the sequel to last years The Christmas Bookshop.

Monday, November 13 brings a review of The Holiday Heartbreaker by Maisey Yates. This newest installment in Yates' Four Corners Ranch series is sure to bring the holiday spirit - along with a yummy cowboy - straight into readers' hearts.

Don't miss my review of Never Wager with a Wallflower, the third book in Virginia Heath's humorous and heartwarming Merriwell Sisters historical rom-com series on Tuesday, November 7.

Stop by Wednesday, November 8 for my next Coastal Magic Convention Featured Author Spotlight. This month, I'm delighted to welcome Hildie McQueen. Don't miss the newest installment in her Clan Ross of the Hebrides series, The Bear, which releases November 3.

Join me on Thursday, November 10 when I'll share my thoughts about The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman. I'm eager to return to Michigan for a new story from this author who is fast becoming one of my favorites. 

On Friday, November 10, I'll be sharing my thoughts about The Asheville Christmas Gift. This second book in a heartwarming trilogy from women's fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott is sure to put you in a holiday spirit.  

  

Hellie joins us on Monday, November 13 with a review of Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese, a modernization of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. 

I'll be back on Monday, November 20 with a review and giveaway of Amalie Howard's Never Met a Duke Like You. I've enjoyed every Amalie Howard book I've read and am looking forward to diving into this one.

Join me on Friday, November 17 when I share my thoughts about Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler. This may be my first book by Ms. Winckler but it won't be my last.

Wednesday, November 22 brings a review of A Dish Best Served Hot, book two in Natalie Caña's Vega Family Love Stories series. 

I'm all about the puppies - and the romance - on Tuesday, November 21 when I bring you a review of the newest book in Lizzie Shane's Pine Hollow series, Four Weddings and a Puppy. 

Friday, November 24 brings a review of One Night In Hartswood by Emma Denny. This debut M/M Medieval romance has me intrigued. 

I'm eager to return to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado on Tuesday, November 28 for Balancing Act, book two in Emily March's heart-tugging new series about family, forgiveness, and second chances. 

Santa rounds out the month on Thursday, November 30 with a review of It Had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret. This new historical romance launches Lorret's The Liars' Club series.

What are you thankful for this month?

What books are you looking forward to reading?

Have you started prepping for the December holidays yet? (I confess, I haven't)

Three randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, November 7 will each receive a package of books from my home stash.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Winner - - A Christmas to Remember

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a print copy of

A Christmas to Remember by Beverly Jenkins is:

Patricia Bennett Barber

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review & Giveaway - - Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

by Jenny Colgan

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 10, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Christmas comes early—far too early—to McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh. It’s summer, but an American production company has decided that McCredie’s is the perfect location to film a very cheesy Christmas movie. After all, who can resist the charmingly narrow historic street with its Victorian grey stone buildings and warmly lit shop windows?

Carmen Hogan, the bookshop’s manager, is amused and a bit horrified by the goings-on, but the money the studio is paying is too good to pass up. She uses the little windfall from filming to create new displays and fend off a buyout offer from an obnoxious millionaire who wants to turn McCredie’s into a souvenir shop selling kilts made in China and plastic Nessies. Still reeling slightly from a breakup, Carmen’s not particularly looking forward to the holidays. But just as snow begins to fall and the lights of Christmas blink on, all sorts of lovely new possibilities present themselves…for McCredie’s bookstore, and for Carmen herself. 

PJ's Thoughts:

Jenny Colgan takes readers back to Edinburgh, Scotland for part two of the story that began in her 2021 holiday novel, The Christmas Bookshop (read my review). Picking up where book one ended, this new novel follows Carmen and Oke (pronounced okay) through the next year as they navigate life's challenges together and then apart. 

I would describe Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop as women's fiction, or possibly contemporary fiction, though it also has strong romantic elements. The primary focus, however, is definitely on Carmen and her journey of growth which is filled with peaks, valleys, hilarity, and a fair share of awkward moments. I love the relationship that has developed between Carmen and Mr. McCredie, the quirky, elderly owner of the bookshop where she works. There's frustration, exasperation, gratitude, and a boatload of affection between these two. There are, in fact, a whole group of quirky characters who populate the quiet street in old Edinburgh where the bookshop resides. Colgan really brings them, and their street, to life in vivid detail, immersing me into their daily lives as they navigate the ups and downs of a changing landscape as a greedy purveyor of tacky tourist shops slowly worms his way into their neighborhood.

The tenuous and tricky relationship between Carmen and her sister is again front and center. Things are changing at her sister's house, where Carmen came to stay for a few months while getting back on her feet and has now been there a year. Family dynamics are another area where Colgan excels with realistic and complex tension between the sisters, children who steal every single scene they're in, and a new "manny" who provides laugh-out-loud humor along with surprisingly wise advice and more than a few temptations. 

The one area where I felt a bit let down in this second novel is the romantic relationship between Carmen and Oke. They break up at the beginning of this book, with Oke returning to his native Brazil for a six-month scientific expedition in the Amazon. We follow them individually through Carmen's POV in the majority of the book with Oke's POV popping up in an occasional chapter here and there and no communication between the two until the end of the book. Though I understand the importance of Carmen's individual growth, I enjoyed their scenes together in book one and really missed that in book two. 

Overall, I enjoyed Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. It was engaging, gave me a taste of the holidays in Edinburgh, made me laugh in places, cringe in others, and brought home the happy ending I was hoping for. This is a book that I strongly recommend reading after you have read The Christmas Bookshop. 

Have you read Jenny Colgan?

Did you read The Christmas Bookshop?

What holiday books are you looking forward to reading this year?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 5 will receive a print copy of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thanks to Avon for the giveaway copy! 

 

Review - - Treasure Coast Christmas

Treasure Coast Christmas

by Leigh Duncan

Emerald Bay - Book 3

Publisher: Gardenia Street Publishing

Release Date: October 31, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

It’s Christmas at the Dane Crown Inn and the much-needed renovations at the resort once known as “the gem of Florida’s Treasure Coast” have been put on hold for the holidays. Amy Sommer Peterson and the rest of the family deck the halls with festive garland, decorate towering Christmas trees and hang sparkling lights. When surprise guests arrive to share the season, everyone soon gathers in the kitchen to decorate cookies, sing Christmas carols, reminisce about the past and make new memories.

But while the rest of the family celebrates, Amy faces a host of challenges. At her bakery in Emerald Bay, a staffing emergency might just put Sweet Cakes out of business. Amy’s hopes for a second chance at love falter and a new problem threatens the family’s ability to fulfill Aunt Margaret’s final wish. Amy’s sister and cousins hold the keys to overcoming every obstacle if Amy can only trust the closeness they once treasured. But can she?

PJ's Thoughts:

Each book in this series leaves me eagerly awaiting the next. Fully-developed characters, complicated relationships, a vivid sense of place, strong family bonds, and plenty of heart make this a book - and series - not to be missed. 

I'm enjoying the way Duncan weaves the journeys of the cousins/siblings together into a family saga while also giving readers each individual's story along the way. The characters are multi-layered, interesting, and relatable, even if I've not walked their particular path. They're at different stages of life with with a variety of challenges and yet I'm just as invested in the mother whose marriage is in trouble and teen is rebelling as I am in the young influencer who shows up for Christmas with a mysterious secret in her pocket, the two cousins about to take a scary leap in business, and the aging pop star who may have lost her career but is discovering that life - and possibly love - aren't quite done with her yet. I want to know more about all of them. I've come to care for them. I want them to succeed. I want them to be happy. And, I'm so eager to discover what happens to them next. 

If you enjoy heart-tugging family sagas sprinkled with humor, heartache, hope, and love, give this series a try. I strongly recommend reading the books in order as each new book builds upon the prior ones. The books (so far) are: Treasure Coast Homecoming, Treasure Coast Promise, and Treasure Coast Christmas.