Rainy Day Ramblings

Review: An Alaskan Christmas (Wild River #1) by Jennifer Snow

 

 

 

In Alaska, it’s always a white Christmas—but the sparks flying between two reunited friends could turn it red-hot…

 

If there’s one gift Erika Sheraton does not want for Christmas, it’s a vacation. Ordered to take time off, the workaholic surgeon reluctantly trades in her scrubs for a ski suit and heads to Wild River, Alaska. Her friend Cassie owns a tour company that offers adventures to fit every visitor. But nothing compares to the adrenaline rush Erika feels on being reunited with Cassie’s brother, Reed Reynolds. Gone is the buttoned-up girl Reed remembers.

His sister’s best friend has blossomed into a strong, skilled, confident woman. She’s exactly what his search-and-rescue team needs—and everything he didn’t know he craved. The gulf between his life in Wild River and her big-city career is wide. But it’s no match for a desire powerful enough to melt two stubborn hearts… 

 

ebook, 384 pages

Published September 24th 2019 by HQN Books

Source: Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two and a half stars: A book marketed under the guise of being a Christmas read, but this isn’t a holiday book. Instead it is a steamy, winter romance. 

 

Erika Sheraton is a workaholic. She is a talented and dedicated surgeon so much so that she has time for little else in her life. So when her father, the head of the hospital tells her she must take a mandatory two week vacation immediately, Erika is shocked. Even worse, she has no idea where to go or who to spend the time with since she has no life. On a whim, Erika decides to pay a visit to her childhood best friend in Wild River, Alaska. At first, the trip starts out rocky, but Erika quickly reconnects with Cassie and her brother Reed. What Cassie doesn’t expect is to feel sparks of attraction for Reed. She doesn’t have time for love, or does she?

What I Liked:

• An Alaskan Christmas is a tough book for me to review. I picked this up wanting a nice, fluffy holiday read, but this book isn’t that. This is a steamy wintery romance, with a brief mention of the holidays. Still there is stuff to like. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the search and rescue parts. If you want a winter romance, this is one to try.
• I was fascinated by the search and rescues portions of the story. In the beginning, Reed is introduced while on a rescue mission. I was immediately immersed into this portion of the story. I liked the danger, and the cool head of Reed. Search and Rescue in the wilderness is no joke! 
• I adored Reed. He is an all around good guy. He has a big heart. I especially liked seeing him on a rescue. He is all serious and all about saving lives while on a mission. He was an excellent male lead. 
• The book after a lot of action and drama, finally ends in a great spot. I liked the way it worked out. 

And The Not So Much:

• I picked this up wanting a holiday read. This is not a Christmas book. There is a brief mention of the holidays, but Christmas Day in the book is absolutely dismal. I am not sure why this is being marketed as a holiday book because it really isn’t. This is a winter romance. 
• I was not a fan of Erika. She is a tough sell. She has lots of issues, and she comes off as being an ice queen. I struggled throughout with her character. There was some growth, and I did like the way she changed at the end, but I was never a fan. 
• The romance was a bit much for me. As I said, I was expecting a light, holiday read. Instead I get this steamy, sexy book. I was put off by the insta love vibe. I also got sick of the lust. I don’t know how many times I read about Reed’s jeans bulging. The latter half of the book has pages and pages of sex scenes that I got tired of and skimmed over. It was too much, especially in what I thought was a holiday book.

An Alaskan Christmas is a book plenty of readers are liking, but it was a miss for me. I specifically wanted a holiday read, and this book is not that. There is a mere mention of Christmas, other than that I would consider this a winter romance. I wasn’t a fan of the insta love, lusty romance, and the main character, Erika, was too much of an ice queen for me. If you want a holiday book, skip this one, but if you want a heated romance for winter, this is one to grab. 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Tell Me Something Tuesday #215: Book Disappointments of 2019

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

 

Here is our topic for the week:

What books disappointed you in 2020?

 

We are up to my disappointment list for 2019. This is my take on the best and worst of the year. I do mine a little differently. I don’t name books that are bad or crown one the worst, instead I discuss books that disappointed me. Some of these reads may have earned two to three stars, but I wanted more or expected more from the author or book. By no means are these books that are bad, they are books that I went into with high hopes, and ended up disappointed. 

Here are my disappointments for the year:

Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske:

Now That It’s You is a romance that I picked up hoping for a light, fluffy read. I was disappointed in this one as even though it had a wonderful main character, the romance falters after some ugly information comes to light. I also hated the drama and ugliness that came about after Matt’s death. This book had potential, but unfortunately for me, the drama and the negativity ruined the read. This is one I would recommend as a borrow if you are inclined to read it. 

 

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald:

Time After Time is a tough book for me to review. On one hand, I enjoyed the unconventional romance, the setting and the era, but on the other, I was left overall disappointed in the way that things worked out. A romance with a ghost presents all kinds of obstacles, but I appreciated the depth of emotion packed into this one. I think after all the turmoil and obstacles I wanted this one to be different. I wasn’t satisfied at all with the end. 

 

The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman:

The Devouring Gray was a book I picked up on impulse based on comparisons, something I rarely do. Unfortunately, I this story did not meet expectations. I thought the story lacked cohesiveness, I hated the way it jumped around between characters. It needed better transitions. I also felt that the concept of the Beast and the Devouring Gray were not fleshed out enough. I wanted to know so much more. This book started out strong, but in the end, it fell flat. If you are inclined to read this one, I suggest borrowing it from the library.

 

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda:

The Last House Guest is a hard book for me to review. On one hand, I liked the twists and the mystery, but on the other hand, I detested the cast of unlikeable characters, and I found the timeline messy and confusing. The ending was exciting, and I appreciated that I didn’t figure out who done it. Sadly, Ms. Miranda failed to impress me with this book.

 

Meet Cute by Helen Hunting:

Meet Cute is a book I picked up looking to read a light, fluffy romance, and I was disappointed that this book is not that at all. Instead this is a enemies to lovers romance that occurs after a tragic accident. There are some bright spots in this one, and I liked it. Be warned, the cover is misleading. Don’t go into it hoping for adorable scenes and funny moments, this isn’t that. I would recommend borrowing this one from the library. 

 

Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker:

Say You Still Love Me was a book I wanted to love, but the romance fell flat on its but for me. I didn’t like the insta teenage lust aspect. It moved too fast to be believable. It worked better in present day, but not enough to salvage it. Luckily, there were other aspects to enjoy such as Piper sticking it to the good old boy, the friendships and the change about of the ex fiancé. This one doesn’t live up to the high standard Ms. Tucker has set with her previous novels, but true fans will likely enjoy it. 

 

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

The Lovely and the Lost was book that started out strong. I was sucked in by the suspenseful story line involving a young girl missing in the woods. I loved the rescue dogs and the search. Unfortunately, the plot was a hot mess. There were several story lines that were left hanging, and the explanations that were provided left me unsatisfied. I was left completely confused, wondering if there was more to come?? As it stands, this was a flop.

 

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren:

Twice in a Blue Moon was a book I expected to fall in love with, unfortunately this one did not live up to my high expectations. I was sorely disappointed in the romance, and I couldn’t stand the male love interest. Furthermore, this one was sorely lacking in the fun and flirty department. The romance lacked chemistry, and I never felt the connection. Unfortunately, this is one that I cannot recommend, which pains me because I usually love the books from this author duo. Hopefully this is just a fluke, and the next book will be back to the high standards I have come to expect from the Christina Lauren name.

 

As you can see, many of these books are from tried and true authors, but their latest outings didn’t meet my expectations. Sigh... it wasn’t a great year for contemporary romances for me. Here’s hoping to better in 2020.

Your turn, what were your book disappointments this year?

Next week’s TMST:

Best Books of 2019.

Review: Snowfall on Cedar Trail (Sweetwater Springs #3) by Annie Rains

 

 

Last Christmas was tough for Halona Locklear and her seven-year-old son Theo, who hasn't spoken a word since his father's death. This year, Halona wants nothing more than to give him a good holiday and to hear his sweet voice again. Enrolling him in the Mentor Match program might help, but when Theo gets matched with Sweetwater Springs Chief of Police, Alex Baker, Halona realizes that the handsome hero might know secrets about her past that she is determined to keep buried. 

Chief of Police, Alex Baker, re-opens his father's hit-and-run cold case every December, hoping to finally solve it. This year, his plate is full with being a Mentor Match to a young seven-year-old boy as well. His biggest obstacle, however, is fighting his attraction to the boy's mother, Halona. As Alex gets close to solving his father's cold case, he learns that those closest to him may be in danger -- including Halona. Alex has already lost one of the most important people in his life; he isn't about to lose her too, even if it means walking away to keep her safe. 

Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson! 
Kindle Edition, 736 pages
Published October 8th 2019 by Forever
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: A memorable Christmas tale packed full of holiday cheer, but it is much more than holiday fluff as it takes on some tough stuff too. 

Halona is hoping to have a happier holiday than last year. It has been a year since her husband died due to complications from football head injuries. In the last year, Halona’s son Theo hasn’t spoken a word. He has select mutism, meaning he doesn’t speak due to trauma. Halona wants nothing more than to hear her son speak again. So when an opportunity arises for Theo to be involved in the Mentor Match program, Halona jumps at the chance. Theo is matched with Chief of Police, Alex Baker. Chief Baker has had a crush on Halona since high school, but he never acted on it because Halona is the sister of his best friend. The more Halona and Alex Baker are around one another, the more the sparks fly, but is either one of them willing to risk their heart after so much hurt?

What I Liked:

• Snowfall on Cedar Trail turned out to be a surprising holiday treat. I like that this book was packed full of the holiday stuff like Christmas decorating, holiday parties, cookies, presents and good cheer, but it also takes on some sensitive topics like domestic abuse, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and post traumatic stress disorder. It thought this book had a nice balance between the serious stuff and the fluff. 
• I enjoyed both the main characters: Halona and Alex. Halona is a newly widowed mother trying to balance life with caring for her traumatized son. She still struggles with the way her marriage ended and the death of her husband. Her husband was a star football player suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which made his behavior erratic. Despite what Halona has been through, she is a kind and caring person. I loved her big heart, especially when she extended an olive branch to someone who needed it. Alex on the outside might appear as a tough cop, but inside he has a heart of gold. Time and time again, he went over and above for the citizens of Sweetwater Springs, especially when it came to a victim of domestic abuse. I also loved how kind and caring he was toward Theo, Halona’s son suffering from PTSD. 
• The romance is sweet. It is based on years of attraction, but neither ever acted on those feelings. I enjoyed watching the friendship strengthen as the two leaned on one another for support, and then it became so much more. Yes, there were stumbles and moments of stubbornness on both parts, but in the end they get it right.
• As I mentioned, this one takes on plenty of tough stuff. I liked learning more about selective mutism and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Both are topics that I know little about. I thought the author did a great job of incorporating these issues into the story. I also thought the way she handled the domestic abuse was excellent. 
• Even though there are tough moments in the story, in between there are lots of lovely holiday moments that readers love this time of year.
• One of the highlights, and the most surprising parts of the book for me was near the end. The book seems to be building toward a climatic moment, and I was worried as to how it was going to evolve. Then the book took a surprising turn. I loved the way it worked out. The scene in the coffee shop was holiday magic! 
• I appreciated that I was able to jump into this series without having read any of the other books in the series. I was never lost and it was easy to slip into the story as it was a stand alone. 
• The book ends in a nice happy spot. I thought it was the perfect way to end the book. 

And The Not So Much:

• I liked the romance, but there was one point where I thought Halona blew up and made a big deal over nothing. Her behavior was out of line, and I didn’t like it. 
• I wasn’t a big fan of the the whole murder mystery side story. Just my opinion. 

Snowfall on Cedar Trail was a complex holiday book. I liked that this was so much more than fluff. The other takes on some serious topics and balances them beautifully with the holiday cheer. This was an excellent read for the holiday season. If you want more than substance to your holiday reading, this is one to try. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer

 

 

A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships . . . to warm the coldest of hearts--and maybe even find love.

Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar's steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn't so cold after all. And with the help of Wink's uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer's enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published October 15th 2019 by Ballantine Books
Source: Publisher

 

Three stars: A cute but predictable Christmas story that reads like a Hallmark holiday movie. 

Christina is busy prepping her Nantucket toy store for the holiday season. Unfortunately, Christina and her fellow shop owners receive notification from their new landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, that the rent will be rising twenty percent after the first of the year. The dismal news puts a damper on the holiday season, and Christina fears that her little shop will have to close. Then by chance, Christina befriends a young girl, who happens to be the granddaughter of her miserly landlord. Could Christina’s newfound friendship perhaps be the key to the grinch landlord’s heart?

What I Liked:

• Let It Snow is a holiday book that reads like a holiday movie. It is full of sweet fluff, a little romance and lots of holiday cheer from Christmas cookie baking, tree decorating, caroling, hot chocolate and Christmas shopping. It is predictable, but if you are a fan of the holiday movies, this book will work for you. 
• I liked the Nantucket setting. The little stores on the wharf were charming, though chilly. I liked the holiday feel of the town, it felt cozy and warm. 
• I enjoyed the relationship Christina forms with Wink. At first, the relationship starts out rocky when Christina catches nine year old Wink trying to shoplift from her store. Luckily, Christina has a big heart, and she offers Wink a job. Wink turns out to be a delightful character, and I thought the friendship between the two was one of the highlights of the novel.
• Even though the book was predictable, it was a pleasant read. Nothing overly dramatic, and it ends with a nice feel good Christmas celebration.  

And The Not So Much:

• This book is totally predictable. It was apparent early on what was going to happen, and it played out just like I suspected. It was also a little cheesy at times, but that is to be expected when you are dealing with holiday reads. 
• The romance didn’t work for me. It was too rushed and it had the insta love vibe. I felt like it moved way to fast, and it lacked the friendship and chemistry that I wanted. 
• I was not a fan of the Inner Christina, basically the reader is treated to Christina’s inner self chastising her for this and that. It got annoying. 
• I could not stand Harriet, one of the shop keepers. Harriet is a gold digger. She was constantly complaining about finding a rich man to marry. Yuck. She needed to go away. Could not stand her!

Let It Snow is a book that is full of Christmas fluff and all the stuff you love in a holiday read. My issues with this one were that it was predictable, the romance was of the insta love variety, and one of the characters was irritating. However, if you like cookies, caroling, shopping, decorations and holiday cheer, this is one to try. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: Coming Home for Christmas(Haven Point #10) by RaeAnne Thayne

 

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they’d moved on without her. That she’d missed too much. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning? 
ebook, 384 pages
Published September 24th 2019 by HQN Books
Source: Publisher

 

 

 

Four stars: A heartwarming second chance romance with some holiday cheer.

 

After seven years, Elizabeth opens her door to find her long lost husband standing on her porch. He is angry, insisting that she return to Haven Point with him immediately to prevent his arrest for her disappearance. Elizabeth knew this day would come, but she is still terrified. At least she can go home and see her children, but Luke adamantly refuses letting her see the kids. Seven years ago, Elizabeth weighed down by postpartum depression, guilt and grief left her home. Then a terrible accident prevented her from returning. If she tried to explain what really happened would Luke understand? 

What I Liked:

• Coming Home for Christmas is a second chance romance all about family and forgiveness. Even though the book starts out angry, things take a gentle turn, and soon the reader is enveloped in forgiveness, compassion and cozy holiday cheer. 
• I liked the complexity of Elizabeth. In the opening chapters, I wasn’t sure what to make of her character. She ran away from home seven years ago, leaving behind her husband and two young children. As the story progresses, her layers peel back, and the reader understands her tragedy. At that point, my heart went out to her. She was a fighter, and she had so much loss in her life. I wanted desperately for her to be able to forgive herself, and to find a new path forward. 
• Luke also takes some time to get know. At first, he is angry, bitter and closed off. After seven years of accusatory fingers pointed at him blaming him for Elizabeth’s disappearance, he wants some answers. He can’t believe that Elizabeth is living in another state, and not once has she contacted him or their children. However when it matters the most, Luke listens and opens his heart. He is then able to forgive and move forward. I liked that he chose forgiveness. Luke is a good guy, and a kind and caring father. 
• The two children are well written. I liked that the author took time to explore the children's tangled emotions when it came to the reappearance of their long lost mother. I liked the honesty from the kids. 
• I liked the holiday vibe. The author doesn’t overdo it with the holiday theme. Instead there is a subtle sense of the upcoming holidays. I especially enjoyed the kind gesture of holiday giving at the end. 
• I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series, but I had no trouble jumping in with book ten. I was never lost. 
• The book ends one year into the future. I liked seeing how everyone fared. It ends in a good happy spot. 

And The Not So Much:

• With a novel like this, you know how it is going to end. Everything was predictable other than the reason for Elizabeth’s disappearance. 
• This is a small point, but I grew up in Idaho. The town of Haven Point is supposedly a fictional small town set outside Boise. I didn’t feel like the author captured Idaho at all. There was no details that indicated the author had even been to Idaho. 

Coming Home for Christmas is a nice second chance romance that is all about family and forgiveness. I liked that this one explored some deeper issues while maintaining a feel good vibe. I also appreciated the subtle holiday touch. This is nice book for those who want a pleasant holiday read. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.