Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

Sequel to Smitten

Thomas Nelson / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Secretly Smitten brought us back to the town of Smitten, Vermont. Having read Smitten last year, I was looking forward to finding out more about the town and townspeople. 

The book is divided up into four novellas written by four different authors (Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter). Even though each one is about a different character, they all blended well together, and it seemed like one story.

My favorite novella was the last one, Love Blooms. It seemed the most realistic and I liked how it didn't seem like an "instant" romance.

My least favorite was the second novella, Make Me a Match. It just seemed unbelievable how quickly things progressed and there just wasn't much to the story.

I liked the little bit of mystery surrounding what had happened to Grandma Rose's first love. While there wasn't a lot of surprises, it still made the overall story more interesting. :)

Overall, a good read. I'm not usually a fan of strictly romance novels, which is what I'd say Secretly Smitten is, but it made for a nice change. If there are future books set in Smitten, Vermont, I do plan on reading them. 

If you are a fan of romance novels then I think you might enjoy Secretly Smitten. I don't think you have to read Smitten first to enjoy this one -  it's good on its own.

*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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The "gals" are celebrating the release of Secretly Smitten with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th. They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They'll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don't miss the fun and bring your friends. Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.

Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Hope Beach: Book One

Thomas Nelson / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I've read a lot of Colleen Coble's books and she is a favorite author of mine. Although Tidewater Inn isn't my favorite of hers (that would be Abomination), I did still like it and found it to be an enjoyable read.

Something I particularly loved was how Bree, her family, and search & rescue dog, Samson, showed up in Tidewater Inn and played an important role in the story! I'm so glad Colleen brought back these characters and I hope they will be in some of her future novels as well.

I didn't care for how the story seemed to repeat things often and, at times, seemed inconsistent. I liked the characters and my favorite was probably Alec or Libby (I'm excluding Bree and her family because, of course, they are favorites).

There were quite a few times I was surprised by things in Tidewater Inn - which I really liked.

Overall, I enjoyed Tidewater Inn and look forward to reading book two in the Hope Beach series when it releases. If you enjoy mystery novels with some sweet romance, then I think you might enjoy Tidewater Inn as well. Good read!

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of the book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

Under Texas Stars Series: Book One

Thomas Nelson / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook

About the book:

Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I’m not new to Colleen Coble’s books (in fact, she is one of my favorite authors), but this is the first historical one of hers I’ve read. Blue Moon Promise was great from the beginning on – I loved the premise to the story (how a father gets his son a bride without his knowledge) and the tiny bit of suspense that was thrown in. J

Nate put a hand on his hip. “She’s not my wife, Pa. I never gave you permission to bring me back a bride.”

“You signed a proxy statement, Nate. It’s all legal, and you’d best make the most of it.”

“The proxy was to sell cattle! Not marry me off.”

~Page 41

I loved the characters and could even see some of myself in Lucy (especially how she wanted to be there if there was danger). My favorite characters were Nate, Lucy, and Jed. There were some great messages in this book, as well (for instance, one was how we don’t have to work for love).

“It upsets me so much,” she burst out. “Both of you out there facing all kinds of danger when I can’t even see.”

“What would happen if you could see us? You can’t keep us safe by willing it. God will do as he sees best. Nothing we can do about that.”

~Page 205

There were some twists in Blue Moon Promise I did not see coming and that made the book all the more great. I was never bored when reading this book and even found myself smiling sometimes when the story was sweet and/or funny. J

After finishing Blue Moon Promise I am really looking forward to book two in Colleen’s Under the Texas Stars series, The Red River Bride, coming January 2013.

All in all, I loved Blue Moon Promise and, if you enjoy historical romances, I’m sure you will also enjoy this book!  I most definitely recommend it! J

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. 

*Quotes used with permission from author.*

Review: Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

 

Smitten by Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson / 2011

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:


Welcome to Smitten, Vermont. 

With the help of four friends, it's about to become the most romantic town in America. 

The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think they've got just the plan to save Smitten. They'll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for lovers-complete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs.

But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests?

Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the town's hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on Valentine's Day. And little Mia's lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the town's transformation-energetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reese-get in the spirit by reviving their own love lives.

Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard.

One visit . . . and you'll be smitten too.


My rating:

My thoughts:

Smitten was such a fun and enjoyable read! The four individual stories (Natalie: Birthday Wishes; Julia: Small Town, Big Dreams; Shelby: You’ve Got a Friend; and Reese: All Along) that made up the book flowed wonderfully together and I loved each one of them.

The characters in Smittenwere great - I liked pretty much all of the main characters. While it did take me a few chapters to get completely into the story, once I did, it seemed that as the book progressed, I continued to like the story more and more!

I don’t really know which one of the four stories was my favorite (they were all great!), but I especially loved the last one. =) With a great ending, Smitten leaves me very much looking forward to Secretly Smitten which is set to release this December.

I definitely recommend Smittenif you enjoy romance novels - I think it is unique and a great read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks! =)