Review - - Escape to Florence: A Novel

Escape to Florence: A Novel

by Kat Devereaux

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Moving between the Second World War and the present, an exhilarating debut novel in the vein of Jennifer Robson, Kate Quinn, and Natasha Lester, about two women, decades apart, whose fates converge in Florence, Italy.

Only fourteen, Stella Infuriati is the youngest member of her town’s resistance network during World War II. Risking torture and death, she relays messages, supplies, and weapons to partisan groups in the Tuscan hills. Her parents have no idea, consumed instead by love and fear for their beloved son, Achille, a courier and unofficial mechanic for a communist partisan brigade.

Then, after 1945, Stella seemingly vanishes from the records. Her name and story are overshadowed by the tragic death of her brother—until a young writer arrives in Tuscany in the spring of 2019, uncovering long-buried secrets.

Fleeing an emotionally abusive marriage and a lonely life on an isolated estate, Tori MacNair has come to Florence, the beautiful city her grandmother taught her to love, to build a new life. As she digs into her family history with the help of Marco, a handsome lawyer, Tori starts to uncover secrets of the past—truths that stretch back decades, to a young woman who risked everything to save her world . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Escape to Florence is a promising debut from author Kat Devereaux. Set in the dual timeline of 1940's and 2019 Italy, it tells the stories of Tori MacNair, her late grandmother, and the surprising connection shared with Italian resistance fighters during WWII.

The stories that unfold during the book are both compelling in their own ways. I enjoyed watching Tori slowly reclaim herself after enduring years of an emotionally abusive marriage. Her evolution was presented in a realistic and relatable manner with steps forward - and backward - as would be expected in a real life similar situation. Marco was exactly the type of man she deserved in her life. In fact, Marco is the type of man we all deserve. Her sister and mother, on the other hand, deserved a long ride in a small boat with no oars. Endearing, they were not. 

I love history and found the story of Stella, Achille, and Tori's grandmother to be fascinating. Devereaux included enough historical facts with the fiction to bring their journeys to life. Her descriptions of the events that unfolded, vivid depictions of the Italian countryside, and the development of Stella (primarily) and her brother, Achille brought it all to life, as a movie rolling across my mind.

The only quibble I had with this book was the abrupt manner in which it ended. I would have loved an epilogue or at least a bit of a look into Tori's future. I like things tied up with a pretty bow, I guess. In this case, as much as I enjoyed the book up to that point, I felt like I was left with too many questions at the end. Not everyone will feel the same, I'm sure. 

If you enjoy dual-timeline stories, especially those set during WWII and present day, give Escape to Florence a try. I'm pleased to discover a new author writing in this era and will be looking forward to more books from Kat Devereaux. 

Winner - - The Beach House on Amelia Island

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a print copy of

The Beach House on Amelia Island is:

traveler

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - A Perfect Pairing

A Perfect Pairing

by Sheryl Lister

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 8, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Natasha Baldwin loves her life. As top realtor in her hometown of Firefly Lake, she has a good job and even better friends. Really, Tasha has only two regrets: never pursuing her dream career…and how things ended with Antonio Hayes years ago. So when an opportunity arises to show off her passion for interior design, Tasha’s excited—and a little nervous. But with the support of her girlfriends at their biweekly supper club, she’s eager to dive in…until she discovers that Antonio is her new project partner.

Teaming up with her ex is less than ideal, but with all eyes in town on her new project, Tasha knows now is not the time to let her messy past with Antonio impact her future. Yet working with Antonio immediately sparks bittersweet memories…and the same undeniable, irresistible chemistry even after all their years apart. Then, just as Natasha realizes that the life and love she’s waited for are within reach, her big break comes around, and she must decide what she truly wants…

PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoy a good second-chance romance. Give me a couple who were once teenage sweethearts everyone in town was sure would marry but now, several years later, are enemies forced to work together? Now that is my kind of complication.

I love multi-layered characters who obviously belong together but have years of emotional baggage between them to first overcome. I appreciated the gradual pace Lister set for these two. Their relationship journey felt realistic and relatable. The underlying desire between them was obvious but not rushed. I liked the way they communicated, once Antonio got over himself and started to listen. Both had been very young when they broke up the first time. Their feelings were genuine but a whole lot of growth and communication was necessary - even after reuniting - before they could move forward. I really did love the communication in their story. 

I adored Antonio's grandmother, her unabashed matchmaking, and the poignant direction her part of the story took. Antonio's relationship with her and the lengths he went to in his quest to help both her and the community spoke volumes about his values as well as the goodness of his heart and endeared him to Natasha (and me) even more. 

Natasha and her tight group of friends are so important to these books. Their support of one another is friendship goals and their regular (homemade) dinners at Serenity's Supper Club had me drooling more than a few times. I'm looking forward to trying some of the included recipes, especially the Hot-Water Cornbread. My taste buds are dancing just thinking about it! 

If you enjoy charming small towns with a host of good-hearted but meddling characters, matchmaking grannies, a close-knit group of friends, drool-worthy food, and heart-tugging romance, I recommend giving Sheryl Lister's A Perfect Pairing as well as the first Firefly Lake book, A Table for Two (read my review) a try. I enthusiastically recommend them both. 

Review - - Back to the 80s

Back to the 80s

by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan

Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

The 80s were the best decade and Blaine Reynolds is prepared to risk everything, including her heart, to prove it.

Blaine Reynolds is the owner of, “Back to the 80s” a novelty shop that her deceased mother passed on to her. Eric Morales is a developer who intends to destroy it to build a new brewery. In a desperate attempt to save what she holds most dear, she makes a bet with Eric that she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80s were totally rad and that her store is worth saving. He agrees with no intention of losing. As the month goes on, Blaine immerses Eric into a world of Cabbage Patch dolls, classic video games and neon. But the two soon realize there may be more at stake than either of them originally thought. Can they win the bet and still not lose their hearts to each other?

Santa says:

Back To The 80s by S. E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan was a blast from the past. It had me humming all my favorite songs and looking for my beloved leg warmers. But more than that this five star read brought together a quirky heroine and a delicious cinnamon roll of a hero. The heroine, Blaine Reynolds runs her mother’s novelty shop, Back To The 80s. Her connection to the shop is an emotional one for herself and for her fellow shop owners in an aging mall. Our hero, Eric Morales, represents a construction giant run by his family. Their goal is to raze the mall and replace it with an upscale brewery. 

For Eric this is a chance to prove himself to his father and sister and earn him a seat at the table. To them it’s business first with family running a very close second. Eric is ambitious but he finds his own personal views to be not so cut throat. Blaine just wants to continue to pay homage to her mother and the ‘80s. Neither she nor her fellow shop owners can afford the higher rents of newer locations. She doesn’t see the online markets as a niche for herself either. 

When Eric and Blaine first meet sparks fly and not the romantic ones but Blaine has a proposition for Eric. She bets him that she can make him fall in love with the 80s in thirty days or she will concede to the march of time. Eric becomes enchanted with the 80s and Blaine but not necessarily in that order. I really had fun with them both as they fell in love. 

They come against a pretty big road block towards the end and it’s up to Eric to make it up to Blaine. I love a plan when it all comes together! A bit of groveling doesn’t hurt either! Make sure you make room on your bookshelf for Back To The 80s next to your flux capacitor. This writing team is one to watch out for!

 

Review & Giveaway - - The Bookstore on Amelia Island

The Bookstore on Amelia Island

by Hope Holloway

Seven Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: Hope Holloway

Release Date: August 4, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

A sisterhood saga full of family, faith, and friendship...

Life for widowed Grace Wingate Jenkins has been simple enough these past few years on Amelia Island, running a bookstore and raising a painfully shy toddler girl. But when that simple life is turned upside down, Grace realizes she’s also been given a gift in the form of a friend who has an entirely different perspective. Will that be enough as she navigates the next chapter as a single mother and bookstore owner?

With the discovery that their family isn’t quite what they thought it was, the seven sisters must unite as never before. And with the mix of many different personalities, problems, and perspectives, that isn’t as easy as they hoped.

When the clouds roll over the bookstore on Amelia Island, the Wingate women learn over and over again that the bond between seven sisters is as strong as steel, as gentle as an ocean breeze, and as lasting as their family legacy.

PJ's Thoughts:

This family has become like family to me. I'm fully invested in the happiness and well being of the entire Wingate clan. 

Book three focuses primarily on the quiet sister, Grace. A widowed single mother who runs the island's bookstore, Grace is feeling overwhelmed by the issues life continues to throw at her. My heart hurts for her as she continues to navigate the rocky waters of grief as well as the knowledge that her young daughter will have an uphill climb in life. A man new to town brings a gentle, supportive, spiritual lift that is exactly what she needs to move forward and begin healing as yet another obstacle is thrown into her path. I'm super supportive of this new couple and hoping they will go the distance. 

Meanwhile, several other Wingates also face new chapters in their lives as unexpected changes rock their worlds. Some will bring joy, others will test the strength of marriages, one brings heartache but also signals a new start, a few will bring the potential for new - possibly lasting - relationships and one will expand the family in an unexpected but welcome way. 

Things are never dull when the Wingate sisters gather together. Hope Holloway continues to guide them through the ups and downs of life, love, parenting, and romance with a deft hand, allowing each of them to develop at his/her pace while balancing the emotional depth of their trials with impeccably placed humor, strong family support, and the joys to be found on the other side of the fires that sometimes block our paths. I can't wait to discover what she has in store for them next. 

This is a series where I strongly encourage readers to read the books in order.

Have you read Hope Holloway yet?

Are you reading the Seven Sisters series?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 7 will receive a print copy of The Beach House on Amelia Island, book one of the Seven Sisters series.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Winner - - Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a package of books is:

Jody Hunt

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Change of Plans

Change of Plans

by Dylan Newton

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

In this charming romantic comedy, a hometown hero comes to the rescue of a chef unexpectedly left to care for three little girls—who may end up saving him too.

When disaster strikes and chef Bryce Weatherford is given guardianship of her three young nieces, her life goes from cooking with fire…to controlling a dumpster fire. Five‑year‑old Addison refuses to remove her fairy wings, eight‑year‑old Cecily won't bathe, and tween June is majoring in belligerence. With all this chaos, Bryce jettisons hope for a life outside of managing her family and her new job.
 
It's been years since Ryker Matthews had his below‑the‑knee amputation, yet the phantom pain for his lost limb and Marine career haunts him. To cope, he focuses on his vehicle restoration business. He knows he's lucky to be alive. Yet, “lucky” feels more like “cursed” to his lonely heart.  
 
When Ryker literally sweeps Bryce off her feet in the grocery store's baby aisle, they both feel sparks. But falling in love would be one more curveball neither is ready to deal with… or is it exactly the change of plans they need?  

PJ's Thoughts:

Oh my gosh, I loved this book so much. All three Matthews brothers' stories have been fun but Ryker's story, in this third book of the trilogy, is my favorite.

These characters - Ryker, Bryce, and all three girls - will not leave me anytime soon. Newton absolutely nailed all five of them. They are so vividly depicted, and wonderfully developed, that by the time I was halfway through the book I had totally forgotten that they were fictional. They had me laughing out loud, cringing with embarrassment, aching for all of their hurting hearts, and cheering them on to a happy ending. 

I loved how Bryce responded to Ryker's war wounds, both physical and emotional, helping him deal with them better instead of burrowing into his previous hermit life. These two developed a strong connection in addition to deepening romantic feelings. The scenes between Ryker and the girls and Bryce and the girls were especially heart-tugging and had me both laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. Newton guided them through grief, fear, anger, growth, acceptance, and love as they slowly rediscovered their joy and came together to form a solid, united, family unit looking forward to the future. Even the disapproving parents of Bryce's late sister-in-law had enough growth for me to actually like them by the end of the book. Nothing like a full week with the grandkids to alter those feelings of superiority. ;-)

The other members of the Matthews family weave in and out of this book, giving fans of the series a chance to catch up with their favorite couples. However, if you haven't started the series yet you really can jump in at any point without feeling lost or confused. If you enjoy emotional stories brimming with plenty of humor, meddling family members, charming small towns, and heartwarming romance, I enthusiastically recommend Change of Plans as well as the first two books in this series, How Sweet it Is and All Fired Up. 

Review & Giveaway - - Highlanders Never Surrender

Highlanders Never Surrender

by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Willful Highlanders - Book 2

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Release Date: August 3, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

On the path of vengeance, he unwillingly collided with love.

No one desires retribution against their enemy more than Highlander Cormac MacLean. Yet his foe has the favor of the king and Cormac lacks irrefutable proof of the man’s nefarious deeds, so revenge must be planned with calculated care. But when Cormac’s hot-headed brother impulsively attempts to kidnap their enemy’s stepsister, Cormac finds himself fleeing with the wounded beauty after she sustains an injury trying to protect him. He has every intention of returning the troublesome lass to her home, until it quickly becomes apparent that she may be the one person who can free his sister from the dark place in which she dwells. At every turn, the strong-willed woman shows bravery and loyalty, and instead of wanting to keep her at a distance as vows given and family allegiance demands he must, he aches to touch her, protect her, and possess her forever.


Desperate to escape her impending wedding to a suspected murderer, Brigid Campbell is not exactly dismayed when she’s snatched from her stepbrother’s clutches by a Scottish barbarian who she incidentally ends up saving from an arrow aimed at his heart. Still, when she awakens from her injury at Cormac’s home, she is quite upset that her dearest companion was left behind to face the wrath of her stepbrother. So, when her overbearing captor announces he’ll be keeping her to assist his sister, she makes a demand of her own—he must help her rescue her companion. When the officious man refuses, she takes matters into her own hands bringing her the startling discovery that behind the Highlander’s mask of dislike for her lies a compellingly complex man who willingly charges into peril to save her. At each brush with danger that ensues, he’s there to aid her, filling her with hope that despite the feud that brought them together, she may have finally found a family to belong to and a man to trust and to give her heart.

Brigid fuels Cormac’s desire and makes him question his oaths, but it takes his enemy making a master move for him to face the truth that since the day he met Brigid, there could only ever be one choice for him—banish his ghosts, silence his guilt, and show the woman he loves unquestionably that she is his and he is hers—if only it’s not too late.

PJ's Thoughts:

Johnstone plunges her characters straight into danger on the first page of this newest book in her Wicked Willful Highlanders series and never lets up on the intensity. Set in 1262 in the Highlands of Scotland, she once again immerses readers into the time and place with her vivid descriptions, language, and events. Her stories ring with authenticity and are among my favorite Medieval romances.

While there is plenty of adventure and compelling danger in this book, it's equally balanced by an emotional, slow-burn romance. I loved Cormac and Brigid together. Her selflessness, kindness, and honest emotion is exactly what he needs to heal from his losses and move forward. Of course, he needs more than a few nudges before he begins to realize that but there are plenty of secondary characters to help him along the way, some of whom have emotional journeys of their own. On the flip side, Cormac plays a huge role in helping Brigid overcome her own fears that in turn are critical in her battle with her stepbrother. I was cheering them on the entire way to their HEA, in the face of fear, danger, betrayal, and stubborn Highlanders. 

Highlanders Never Surrender is the second book in Julie Johnstone's Wicked Willful Highlanders series but is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. I highly recommend it.

Have you read Julie Johnstone's books yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romance?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comments before 11:00 PM, August 4 will receive an e-book copy of Highlanders Never Surrender. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Tastes Like Shakkar

Tastes Like Shakkar

by Nisha Sharma

If Shakespeare Were An Auntie - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her way:

1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and

2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding.

With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line.

Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.

Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after?

With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss.

PJ's Thoughts:

The Aunties are back and funnier - and scarier - than ever. I've decided that if reincarnation is real I want to come back as a South Asian Auntie. Seriously, these women are da bomb!

Nisha Sharma takes readers back into the New Jersey South Asian community she introduced in last year's hilarious Dating Dr. Dil for the second book in her If Shakespeare Were An Auntie series. This time, it's the best friends of Kareena and Prem (heroine/hero of Dating Dr. Dil) who are in the spotlight in an enemies to lovers romcom that kept me laughing, and flipping pages, from start to finish.

This book overflows with snappy dialogue, family dynamics, solid friendships, impeccably placed humor, and some sizzling romance. I really enjoyed Bobbi and Bunty together. Their chemistry is off the charts, even when they don't like each other, and threatens to set the sheets on fire when they do. They test their limits with some bondage that may not be everyone's cup of tea. Easy to skip over that part if it isn't or indulge in a little kink if it is. What I especially enjoyed between these two is (1) the sweetness of Bunty's nurturing side which comes through in his determination to feed Bobbi by leaving her baskets of delicious food with adorable notes and (2) the fact that he loves her curves as he continuously shows her (after they clear up that miscommunication from their first meeting). 

The supporting cast in this book is all that and more, including meddling friends, meddling family, meddling Aunties. Let's face it, everyone's a meddler in this book but it's done with love and I loved it. Well, except for the wedding saboteur. That's done with malice but never fear, the person is finally caught and dished up their just desserts. 

You could read Tastes Like Shakkar as a standalone but I think it's a lot more fun if you've read Dating Dr. Dil first. Whichever order you decide to read these books, they both have my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. 

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - August

 

August is upon us and with it some great new books. Before we get into that though, I'd like to give you a personal update. As you all know, the past two months have been a bit harrowing here but the news is looking brighter. Last week we brought my brother home from the rehab hospital. He still has a lot of recovery work to do but this was a huge step in the right direction. We're all thrilled to have him home. Him, especially! In the midst of his rehab stay, we were all exposed to Covid and yes, we all got it. First time for us and not an experience I'd like to repeat anytime soon. I got it the worst (yay, asthma). My doc put me on good meds right away which helped a lot but I'm still dealing with cough, congestion, and fatigue three weeks later. I wasn't able to read for a few weeks so I'm a bit behind in my reviewing but working hard to catch up so I can share my thoughts about August's books with you all. Also, I haven't made it to the Post Office yet so there are some giveaways I still need to get mailed out. Hope to do that this week. Thanks again for all the good thoughts. I could feel them winging our way and they were all deeply appreciated. Now, on to the books!

We start things off with a rollicking good time on Wednesday, August 2. Stop by to read my review of Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma. This is the follow up to Sharma's hilarious romcom, Dating Dr. Dil and it does not disappoint. 

Join me on Thursday, August 3 for a review (and giveaway) of Highlanders Never Surrender by Julie Johnstone. This newest medieval romance from Johnstone is brimming with adventure, danger, and romance. 

Friday, August 4 brings a review of Change of Plans, the third and final book in Dylan Newton's trilogy about the Matthews brothers. I've loved all three books in this series but Ryker's and Bryce's story in this final book is my favorite.

Rounding out the first week of August on Saturday, August 5 we'll have a review of The Bookstore on Amelia Island, the third book in Hope Holloway's heartwarming Seven Sisters series. 

Santa will be here on Monday, August 7 to share her thoughts about Back to the 80s, a new romcom by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan.

It's time for more food, fun, and romance with a review of A Perfect Pairing, a new contemporary romance by Sheryl Lister on Tuesday, August 8. I loved the first book (A Table for Two) in this new series about a group of friends and am eager to dive into this new one. 

Who wouldn't want to escape to Florence, Italy? I know I would! Stop by Friday, August 11 for my review of Escape to Florence, the dual-timeline, historical fiction debut by Kat Devereaux.

Monday, August 14 brings a review of the latest River's Edge book by Nan Reinhardt. Meet Me in River's Edge is the third book of the Weaver Sisters trilogy and had me sobbing happy tears by the end. 

We're back to historical fiction on Friday, August 18 with a review of The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin. Martin is making quite a name for herself with her WWII novels inspired by the power of books to bring us together. 

I've been eagerly anticipating this next book. Visit us on Saturday, August 19 for a review of The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove by Karen Hawkins. 

Leigh Duncan continues her new Emerald Bay women's fiction series with book two, Treasure Coast Promise. I'll be sharing my thoughts about this new book on Sunday, August 20.

We're off to the Highlands on Monday, August 21 with a TLC tour review of The Highlander's Kilted Bride by Vanessa Kelly. Family hijinks, adventure, and sigh-worthy romance abound in this newest Clan Kendrick story.

Tuesday, August 29 brings my first Coastal Magic 2024 Featured Author Spotlight. Be sure to stop in to meet Deb Marlowe and hear all about her new historical mystery series. Book three in the Kier and Levett Mystery Series, Murder on the Mirrored Lake. releases August 25. The first two books, A Killer in the Crystal Palace and Death From the Druid's Grove, are available in KU or for purchase. 

That's it for now. As always, I'll be updating this post if there are any changes throughout the month.

Tell me what's happening in your corner of the world this month. Any vacation plans? Particular books you're anticipating? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 2 will receive a package of books.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18