Review: Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas continues her charming and heartwarming series set in small-town Honey Creek, Texas, where ties run deep, and lives intersect in unexpected ways . . .

Marcie Latimer longs to run away from Someday Valley—especially since her ex-boyfriend spun a web of lies that almost led to tragedy in neighboring Honey Creek. Little wonder so many locals have turned their backs on her. But not Brand Rodgers. The quiet cowboy comes to listen every time she sings at Bandit's Bar, offering a glimpse of safety and calm that Marcie's rarely known.

After Texas Ranger Colby McBride saved Honey Creek's mayor, Piper Mackenzie, from a fire, she claimed him with a kiss. That was five months ago, and Colby still isn't sure where they're headed. Piper loves her town—but does she love Colby? And is he even ready for what comes next?

Pecos Smith, Honey Creek's emergency dispatcher, is grateful to have a new bride he adores and a baby on the way—even if one vital piece of the puzzle is missing. But as trouble comes stalking through the valley, lives will cross surprising paths. And Marcie, who's always felt that a forever love was out of reach, might discover that Someday is the perfect place to find it . . .

Review

Diving into the second book in the Honey Creek series, Picnic in Someday Valley explored more of the underdogs of what I thought from the first book.

After reading Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe, I just feel it scratched the surface. This book really got into their lives. Actually, I didn't want to let go and stop reading.

We revisit Piper and Colby. To be honest, I like Piper but don't love her. I really hope we see in the future that she can appreciate what a gem Colby is. I know with her family history and position with the town, she has to be a certain kind of way, but she needs to open her eyes to what’s in front of her. The fact that he turned his back not his heart off despite all that he has experienced with her. They left off in a good place, we'll see what happens.

I really love the storyline with Pecos and Kerri. You really get to know them more in this book. The maturity of the relationship and real life influencing their lives makes their story engaging and worth rooting for. Pecos is such an underdog. Seeing his evolution was worth the read. I'll admit, I wasn't fond of Kerri at first but she grew on me in this book.

I was really surprised to see Marcie. So glad we get to see her story unfold. I was on the fence in the first book how I felt about her but she is an example of not to judge a book by its cover. We see her get a second chance in life. Just a disclaimer, there is a part of her storyline that might be uncomfortable but relevant to people like her. I really love seeing where she was to what makes up her life now.

Even though there is some cross elements of Honey Creek, we get to know more of Somewhere Valley. Overall, I really felt this one gave me so much more of the characters. I enjoyed reading this one. I felt page turn worthy in terms of wanting to know more of them and what was going to happen. This was a good transition into the second book between Honey Creek and Someday Valley. I'm looking forward to Dinner on Primrose Hill and what it will bring.

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Audio Review: Mister Rogers - Now More Than Ever by various narrators

If you didn’t have the privilege of growing up with Mister Rogers, you truly missed out on such a wonderful television personality. One of my favorite shows growing up, his neighborhood, was the one that always welcomed you with open arms. When I came across this audiobook, a wave of nostalgia came over me that brought such a smile to my heart. The fond memories of sitting there watching his program just took me back to that magic place that we grew up to love. I have to say that special touch with the cover featuring a sweater just makes me smile.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous when I saw that Tom Bergeron was going to be the host of this audiobook. Nothing to take away from him but I wasn’t sure considering what I’ve seen from his other work how his personality would be a good fit considering the iconic purity of someone like Mister Rogers. I will admit that not only was he endearing but his transitions between chapters made you feel comfortable and engaged. Including himself, there was a variety of people who took turns narrating, bringing warmth and compassion to the stories and commentary featured in the audio book.

What I loved about this audiobook was how much of a love letter this was to Mister Rogers. From production crew to everyday people, you hear the stories from their perspective and feel the love of how much he impacted their lives. Some of these stories will make you cry but for the majority will make you smile, laugh and appreciate those nostalgic moments going back in time. He was such a special person that brought so much joy to the lives of many and to get the insight of what he did beyond the show for people, makes you appreciate him more.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and encourage anyone who is a fan to check it out. It goes by fairly quickly but is impactful and impression lasting. You will find your love deepen for him as a person and appreciate the timeless classics such as himself to have had the privilege to experience whether as a viewer or someone who got the chance to meet him personally. 

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Review: Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas

On the rolling hills that border the Brazos River lies Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close to hand . . .

Piper Kate McKenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she calls for reinforcements to find the source of corruption in the sheriff’s office—two men recommended by her Texas Ranger brothers . . .

At seventeen, Sam Cassidy left home, heeding the call to be a preacher. Later he found another mission: serving his country. After his one love died, he lost both his faith and his fight. Drifting from one assignment to another, he’s come to Honey Creek intending to earn his pay check and move on.

As a Dallas cop, Coby Riddell has grown skeptical and wary. People have a bad habit of disappointing each other, but the job never lets him down. This job in particular—his first undercover—is too intriguing to pass up.

Piper, who’s been wondering if Honey Creek might be the only real love of her life, suddenly finds herself drawn to two very different men. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . .

Review

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe is the first book in the Honey Creek series. There is always such a sweet charm about small town books such as this. This was a wonderful introduction to the series. The book interwoven the lives of different characters and blending them into this small community that has personality and heart. Since it’s told from several perspectives and storylines, I’d take your time to get to know them. Once you do, you will be hooked on their stories. There is that Texas charm that will grow on you and embrace you into their little town. As the book progresses, they will come together in a way that will engage and anticipate what is to come in their lives. 

Overall, it was a good read and start for the series. It had a little suspense, humor, romance and all the fixins of a good small town novel. I’m curious about what is to come for Honey Creek and look forward to the next book in the series.

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Review: Two Weeks Notice by Whitney G

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to formally announce my resignation from Parker International (& the arrogant, condescending CEO) effective two weeks from today.

This was a VERY EASY decision to make, as the past two years have been utterly miserable. I wish his next executive assistant all the luck in the world (she'll need it) and if my boss should need me to do anything over the next two weeks, kindly tell him that he can do it [his] goddamn self...

Sincerely (Not Really),
Tara Lauren

That's the version of my two weeks' notice I should've sent to my boss, because the more professional version--the one where I said I was "grateful for all the opportunities," and "honored by all the rewarding experiences" over the years?

That letter was rejected with his sexy, trademark smirk and an "I highly suggest you read the fine print of your contract..."

So, I did.

And now I've realized that unless I fake my death, poison him, or find a way to renegotiate my impossible contract, I'm stuck working under one of the cockiest and most ruthless bosses in New York.

Then again, I thought that was the case until he called me late last night with an emergency proposition...

Review

I liked this more than I had expected to. And surprisingly, I found myself craving more. There was just something so entertaining about the story and these characters.

Tara Bradley needs a job desperately. And as much as she needs a job, Preston Parker needs a good executive assistant. And after being caught stealing from his hotels, Preston hires Tara on. And for two years, she puts in hard work – basically living and breathing that job for him. And she finally decides to quit, unfortunately for her there’s a fine print that she didn’t read because she literally couldn’t see it. So, now she’s trapped with her demanding boss and a job that has taken over her entire life.

As much as I liked this book, I do have a few things I’m conflicted on. Tara and Preston had this amazing chemistry. Truly hate to love type of stuff. However, when they finally do start to warm up to each other and not hate each other so much, the book is almost over. There wasn’t enough time for them after the conflict.

Another thing that I’m conflicted on—is the time jumps. I understand the reason for them; however, I wish we spent more than just jumping to a different development in the future. For example, something specific happens between them and then in the next chapter it’s two years later and they still are in the same spot as they were before and it’s very much complicated. 

Final Analysis

There were a lot of things trying to be accomplished here with not enough pages. 

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Review: Mr. Bloomsbury by Louise Bay

Summary

He's cold, rude and undeniably arrogant.

That’s how Andrew Blake's best friends describe him.

Bad luck for me that I’m his new assistant.

Nothing I do is good enough.

The more I try and please him, the more he ignores me.

I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a heart in that tall, hard, gorgeous body of his.

After work I’m complaining about him to my new best friend—the bartender at the pub near the office.

Guess who’s seated behind me and has heard every gripe, grumble and grievance?

By the look in Andrew's eye, I can't tell if I'm going to get fired or kissed.

A standalone romance.

Review

Mr. Bloomsbury was fine. There were moments that made me chuckle or feel something, but all and all it wasn’t my favorite office romance that I’ve read all year. It has a fairly simple premise. Sophia needs a job. Her best friend is an assistant to a jerk and quits her decent paying job. Sophia decides to take her friend’s place. She learns that Andrew Blake, her boss, is in fact a jerk but she also is attractive to him. It’s quick to read, nothing too complicated or angsty as far as the plot.

The romance between Sophia and Andrew was fine. Like most of the book, they had their moments. I did like how when they saw each other at the pub one night they pretended not to know each other. That was interesting, and I think one of the best romance moments that they had in terms of the entire book.

It did feel rushed with them. And because of that I felt it hard to get a connection to neither the romance nor the story.

Final Thoughts

Mr. Bloomsbury is a workplace romance book that has a decent romance and a decent familiar plot.

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Review: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch - all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts? -

 Review

I haven’t read a fantasy series in a very long time. For me, sometimes I find it hard to dive into the world since as a reader we’re normally implanted in an established world and we are forced to learn how it operates and works. And that takes time for me.

For about a week, I went back and forth on whether I wanted to read the Zodiac Academy. I kept hearing so many great things about it and people really loved the characters. The issue is that it’s a nine-book series. That’s a lot of dedication especially for someone who isn’t a regular fantasy reader.  One day, I took the chance and brought the first four books in paperback. That way I have no choice but to read it since I paid money for it instead of getting it on Kindle Unlimited.

After reading the first book, I see the appeal and I’m going to stay with it. To stay as simple as possible—Zodiac Academy is a story about twins – Darcy and Tory—who were raised in the human world until they were eighteen years old and found that their parents were royalty and had powers. And in order to get their inheritance they have to go to this school to train. It’s much darker and mature than Harry Potter. There is a heavy astrology influence. And both characters are constantly attacked by others. That did get a little exhausting especially when no one jumped in to help. Hopefully, as the series progresses and they start making friendship and connections and learn to use their powers, that will happen less.

It does a pretty decent job with worldbuilding since the twins are new to this world as well. I will say that the story moves very quickly. For example, within the first few characters the twins learn their true backstory and are off to this new world. And as soon as they are there, they realize what powers they have. I went along with it, but I wasn’t expecting that to happen that quickly.

Final Thoughts

Although book one left me with a lot of unanswered questions and slightly confused about the world, I see the potential. 

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