The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman

 

Title: The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

By: Lori Nelson Spielman 

Published: 2020 

Call #: FIC Spielman 

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=Spielman&title=star-crossed

Although the characters of this novel might be cursed, the story is a blessing to read. All second-born daughters of the Fontana family have been cursed into believing they will never find love, but now they have a chance to break that curse. Poppy has invited her nieces Emilia and Lucy to join her on a trip to Italy because on her 80^th birthday, she will meet her true love on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral and end the curse. They’ve all taken a different approach to their supposed fate – Emilia uses it as an excuse not to get out there, Lucy throws herself in the dating game hoping to break the curse, and Poppy does what she can to live life to the fullest. While her nieces are skeptical about whether or not Poppy’s plan will work, they embark on a trip of their lifetime and discover things they never knew about themselves or about their effervescent aunt. 

This novel was an absolute delight to read. Not only does the author capture the beauty of Italy, but she has created a set of characters worth of love and a happy ending. Lori Nelson Spielman has written fast-paced story filled with beautiful locales, laughter, startling truths, self-discovery, romance, heartbreak, and joy. It is a must read for anyone looking for a feel-good escape. 

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials  Asst. 

Love on Beach Avenue by Jennifer Probst

 

Title: Love on Beach Avenue 

By: Jennifer Probst 

Published: 2020 

Call #: FIC Probst 

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=probst&title=love+on

 

Avery Sunshine runs a wedding planning business with her sisters and can’t wait to plan her best friend Ally’s wedding. The only problem is that Ally’s brother Carter insists on helping with every step and he never liked Avery. He doesn’t set out to be difficult, he just wants the best for the only family he has left. As tempers start to flair between Carter and Avery, so does an unexpected attraction. The only thing that can ruin a summer fling is the truth that while Avery’s livelihood revolves around love and happily ever after, Carter doesn’t believe in any of it. Will his beliefs keep them apart of can she open his heart up to the prospect of forever? 

This is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance that will have the reader eagerly awaiting the moment when tempers turn to passion. At some points Carter comes across a bit heavy handed, but then he dazzles in the next to sooth the irritation. His motivation helps the readers understand his behavior and it is easy to hope he’ll have a change of heart. This book is the first in a new series with hints throughout for future love stories of the Sunshine sisters.  

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst.

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

Title: Would Like to Meet

By: Rachel Winters

Published: 2019

Call #: FIC Winters

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=winters&title=would+like

 

Evie Summers wants to be an agent and if she can help Ezra Chester get his screenplay in time, she might get the promotion she justly deserves. The only problem is that Ezra isn’t interested in writing a rom-com like he promised. The only way he’ll do it is if Evie proves to him that people can honestly fall in love like they do in the movies, starting with the meet-cute. Desperate, Evie recreates one embarrassing meet-cute after another, hoping it will get the script done. Along the way, she befriends a single father and his adorable daughter while juggling her best friend’s wedding demands. This is either going to be a recipe for disaster or the answer to all of Evie’s prayers.

 

This book was a fabulous nod to classic romantic comedy movies. You can’t help but fall in love with Evie and her plight. She is easily the next Bridget Jones and Would Like to Meet is a true winner.

  

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst.

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: Undercover Bromance
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Published: 2020
Call #: FIC/Adams
http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=adams&title=undercover+bromance


    Undercover Bromance is the second in the Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams.   
I am happy to report that this book is just as good as the first in the series.  Full of laugh out loud moments, a compelling and timely story involving the #MeToo movement, and some spicy romantic moments.  It will have you reading long into the night.  The female lead is Liv Papandreas, a chef at Nashville's hottest celebrity restaurant.  It may be a dream job, but the owner is less than a dream to work for.  Liv catches him harassing a hostess and gets fired for confronting him over his behavior.   He also ruins her reputation in town, leaving her unable to find a new job.  Enter Braden Mack, member of the Bromance Book Club and prominent nightclub owner.  Liv is suspicious of his intentions, but reluctantly agrees to let him help her expose her ex-boss for what he is.  
    As in the first novel, the Book Club members take inspiration from the romantic suspense novel that they are reading and decide to help Liv set up a sting operation to bring down the celebrity chef.  They also recognize that Liv and Braden are perfect for each other and set about trying to bring the couple together.   Will Liv be able to bring down her ex-boss and expose him?  Do she and Braden finally realize they are perfect together?  You'll have to read this enchanting novel to find out.   While this is the second book in the series, don't be afraid to pick this one up first if you haven't read the first book. 
Each book can be read as a standalone, as each novel is focused on one or two particular characters, however it does help to know the backstory of some of the secondary characters.  Plus, they're just fun reads!  Perfect for romance readers who like their novels with a complete story, funny moments and just enough steamy scenes to keep the series firmly in the romance genre.

Jill B.
Popular Materials Manager

Springtime at Hope Cottage by Annie Rains

Title: Springtime at Hope Cottage

By: Annie Rains

Published: 2019

Call #: FIC Rains

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=rains&title=springtime+hope

Josie Kellum’s trip to Sweetwater Springs started as a visit to reconnect with her best friend and write a follow up article for her New York City magazine. Then she injured her knee and learned her trip would be extended because of a fire at her apartment building. This unexpected change of plans allows her the opportunity to connect with the attractive physical therapist who helped her with her knee. Tucker Locklear was able to ignore his attraction to Josie because she was only in town on a temporary basis, but with her trip extended, he finds it difficult to pretend there isn’t something there. His heart, though, is healing from the loss of his wife. Is it worth it to risk falling in love with someone who has her heart set on returning to the big city?

This is the second book in the Sweetwater Springs series, but easily works as a standalone. It’s a sweet romance that will have readers rooting for the characters to find their happiness as life keeps throwing them curve balls. It also includes a short story by Hope Ramsay which gives some backstory to the main character in Last Chance Christmas, which Poplar Creek Public Library has a copy of, so this one novel is a great introduction to two series. 

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst.

The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary

Title: The Flatshare
By: Beth O’Leary 
Published: 2019 
Call #: Fic/O’Leary
http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=o%27leary&title=flatshare


 Looking for the feel-good story of 2019? Look no further, because Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is it. This heartwarming novel features two strangers who become roommates without ever meeting. Leon is a night nurse and Tiffy is a book editor. Leon has advertised for a flatshare and Tiffy needs a new place to live after getting dumped by her boyfriend. The catch? They have to share a bed but at opposite times of the day. They communicate by leaving post-it notes around the apartment and soon become friends. Eventually they meet in person and friendship turns into romance but not without some drama from an ex-boyfriend, a girlfriend and throw in a brother wrongfully convicted in prison. It is a funny enjoyable book that brings a smile to your face. This book is on a lot of “Best of 2019” lists and nominated for the Goodreads Best Romance of 2019. If you like Jojo Moyes try this enjoyable novel about finding love in the last place you expected.

Lynn Donahue
Popular Materials Asst. Manager

Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me by Julie Wright

Title: Glass Slippers, Ever After and Me
Author: Julie Wright
Published: 2019
Call #: FIC Wright
http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=wright&title=glass slippers

As a reader, I've hit the jackpot lately with books I've gotten from the library and been unable to put down, they were that good. Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me by Julie Wright continues the trend.  This is a fun, loose and rather angsty re-imagining of Cinderella.  Frustrated wanna-be author Charlotte is sick of the constant rejections from agents and publishers and in a fit of pouring out all of that angst, writes the non-fiction book that will change her life. 

At the same time that Charlotte's professional life is changing, so is her personal life.  Anders, her neighbor & best friend has now turned into her love interest.  Anders fell in love with angsty, ice-cream eating, slightly messy Lottie.  Chic author Char is a whole other personality and Anders isn't so sure he wants to be with Char.  Her publicists and agent agree and want Charlotte to hide the fact that she has a boyfriend. 

As Charlotte navigates her new-found fame, she finds that it comes with a price that she may not be willing to pay.  Will Charlotte give up her family relationships?  Will she and Anders work out as a couple?  Finding out the answers to these questions will keep you up reading well past the stroke of midnight.

The story has a nice balance between humor and depth, with real world issues being solved realistically and in a flawed way--much like real life itself.  Charlotte and Anders both deal with family drama that feels realistic in terms of how the drama has shaped both characters into the people they are in the story.  A highly recommended read for fans of chick lit and general romance readers.


      Jill B.
      Popular Materials Manager

The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club #1) by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: Bromance Book Club
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Published: 2019
Call #: FIC/Adams
http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=Adams&title=bromance+book


     The title alone made me snatch this book right off the shelf.  What in the world was a Bromance Book Club?  Simply put, it's a group of professional who have turned to romance novels as a way to better understand women and learn how to improve their relationships.  The book begins with Gavin Scott, a famous baseball player, who let pride and fear royally screwed up his marriage.  His wife, Thea, has asked for a divorce and Gavin has no idea what to do.  He knows he loves Thea with all that he has, but he can't get over what she was hiding from him.  When one of his friends finds him in a bad way, he suggests group therapy, in the form of the Bromance Book Club. 
     The book is written from the point of view of both Gavin and Thea, giving the reader a great perspective of the couple's situation from both sides, which is refreshing for a romance novel. There are also a few chapters of the Regency romance novel that the book club is reading at the time the book takes place, which doesn't necessarily add to the plot, other than foreshadowing where the next part of the main story is heading.  
 To me, the best part of the book was the book club meetings themselves.  They add a ton of humor and fun to the story, often having me laughing out loud.  It also added a very sweet touch to the book, as the men in the group were very committed to making themselves into better partners for their spouses or girlfriends.  From start to finish, the book was a delight to read.  Lighthearted, funny, sexy, witty and just plain adorable at times.  Great start to a new series and I look forward to reading the sequel as soon as it comes out!

Jill B. 
Popular Materials Manager

An Alaskan Christmas by Jennifer Snow

Title: An Alaskan Christmas

By: Jennifer Snow

Published: 2019

Call #: FIC Snow

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=Snow&title=Alaskan+Christmas

Workaholic surgeon Erika Sheraton is not happy when her father, who happens to be her boss, forces her to take two-week vacation. She decides to use that time to reconnect with her best friend Cassie up in Wild River, where she also reconnects with Cassie’s brother, Reed Reynolds. At the first the two butt heads, but before long they can’t deny there’s a spark between them. After joining Reed on some search and rescue missions, Erika begins to see what life can be like at a more relaxed path, but then work cuts her vacation short, which also means the end of her time with Reed. While they try a long-distance relationship, the both realize that sacrifices must be made if they want to be together, but is either ready to give up the life they know for love?

With Christmas as a backdrop, this is a steamy romance to get you in the mood for the season without being overwhelmed by cheesy holiday clichés. The story is a nice reminder to stop and smell the roses and that some things like love are more important than work. At the same time, this book addresses complicated relationships with parents with a reminder that they too are human and can disappoint us and at some point we need to stop seeking their approval. This is a great romance for anyone who wants a hint of the season but doesn’t want to drown in eggnog.

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst. 

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

Title: The Book Charmer

Author: Karen Hawkins

Published: 2019

Call #: FIC Hawkins

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=hawkins+karen&title=the+book+charmer

The Book Charmer is the first in the Dove Pond series.  If the rest of the books are as good as the first, sign me up to read them all!   The book opens with a brief chapter introducing the reader to the Dove family, who have been the magic "benefactors" of Dove Pond since it's founding. Sarah Dove is the latest in the long line of Dove daughters to use her gifts to help the town. Sarah is the town librarian, a perfect role for her since books are magic to Sarah; she is able to hear books when they speak.  Her gift--to place each book in the hands of the reader that needs it the most. The next chapter introduces the reader to the other major character in the book, Grace Wheeler. 

 Grace is the new town clerk who's had a troubled past, but is trying to keep her small family together against all odds.  Grace only plans on staying in Dove Pond for one year, her foster mom, Mamma G, now suffering from dementia and Daisy, Grace's niece who just lost her mother, are too important to her to stay in a one-horse town with no options.   The book then dives into the story of how Sarah and Grace unite to save Dove Pond from financial ruin.

The chapters alternate between the point of views of Grace, Sarah, and some of the other residents of Dove Pond.  The story sucked me in immediately and Hawkins writes so vividly, that I could see the world of Dove Pond clearly in my mind.   Hawkins has such great character development, that I hated to say goodbye to the characters I'd come to like so much.  The good news is that this is the first in a three part series set in Dove Pond and I am eagerly waiting for the next one!  

Highly recommended for fans of light romance and those who believe in the magic of books.

Jill B.

Popular Materials Manager

Tailspin by Sandra Brown

Title: Tailspin

Author: Sandra Brown

Published: 2018

Call #: FIC BROWN

Rye Mallett is a ‘freight dog’ pilot who is more comfortable in the air than on the ground, constantly on the move keeping ahead of an incident in his past. So when he accepts a job to deliver a mysterious black box in to a Dr. Lambert in a fogbound northern Georgia town, Rye doesn’t ask questions. He manages to land safely, despite the sabotage attempt on his plane. Once on the ground Rye is met not by Dr. Lambert, but by one Dr. Brynn O’Neal,who claims she is there in Dr. Lambert’s place. Rye doesn't trust Brynn and so he decides to stay and make sure the mysterious box is delivered to the right person, after all, it is his reputation on the line. 

Brynn is an enigma to Rye,which ignites a curiosity within him that he can't ignore.  Rye decides to stay amd satisfy his curiosity about both Brynn and the mysterious box. What follows is a 48-hour race against time to deliver the box before time runs out. 

Full of the snappy dialogue and standard romantic suspense that Brown is known for, Tailspin, is a slow-moving story that packs a punch when the final twists are revealed. Fans of Sandra Brown will not be disappointed.

Nicole Hill
Popular Materials Asst. 

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Title: Things You Save in a Fire
Author: Katherine Center
Published: 2019
Call #: FIC/Center


Cassie Hanwell is a firefighter in Austin, Texas, and is extremely independent woman.  Relationships of any kind are merely a distraction to her, and for good reason.  Cassie's past has taught her that love, even in its varying forms, is nothing but trouble.  

The story begins with Cassie about to receive the Austin Fire Department's Valor Award, the first female to ever with this award.  When the Mayor announces a surprise guest will be giving Cassie the award, Cassie is shocked when she not only recognizes the surprise guest, but that it's the last person in the world she ever expected to see again.  Thankfully, the shock wears off quickly and Cassie takes matters into her own hands.

As if the situation at the awards banquet isn't enough, Cassie also has to deal with her estranged mother.  She's been calling Cassie non-stop, but Cassie has been ignoring the calls.  Finally, Cassie contacts her mother and is shocked when her mother tells her she's got some health issues asks her to move to Massachusetts to live with her for a year. Cassie quickly answers no, until the fallout from the awards banquet stalls her career in Austin and she's forced to find work elsewhere.  Suddenly Massachusetts doesn't seem so bad after all.

Cassie's reputation as a stellar firefighter helps her get a job a the Lillian Fire Department.  What she finds is that the LFD doesn't exactly want her so much as they need her.  Women are not welcome at the firehouse.  Cassie sets out to change that and prove that she can hang with the boys, even if it means following some self-imposed strict rules.

 Cassie has survived her past by burying it deep and closing herself off to people. What Cassie doesn't count on is the feelings that begin to surface as she gets to know her new firehouse and her mother again.  

Katherine Center writes about the messy parts of life with honesty and great character development.  I loved everything about this book--from the humorous moments to the heartbreaking ones.  Highly recommended for readers of women's fiction.  

Jill B
Popular Materials Manager

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Title: The Friend Zone
By: Abby Jimenez
Published: 2019
Call #: FIC Jimenez


Josh is the perfect guy for Kristen. She loves spending time with him and he understands her in a way that not even her mother can grasp. There are just two problems: she currently has an overseas boyfriend and Josh wants a big family while her health issues have her facing a hysterectomy before the age of thirty. When things end with her boyfriend and the door is wide open for her and Josh, Kristen struggles with doing what she knows is best for this man she loves. She refuses to let her desires get in the way of what she knows he really wants, even if it means she has to say goodbye.
This book comes off as a fun and playful romance filled with sarcasm, intense chemistry, and likable characters, but it has a much deeper side as it delves into not only the ramifications infertility can have on a relationship but also the loss of a loved one. This book will lead you on a worthwhile roller coaster of emotions from love to frustration to joy to grief and ultimately to the happily ever after you expect from a romance. 

Mary-Megan K.
Popular Materials Asst.

A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

Title: A Song for the Stars

By: Ilima Todd

Published: 2018

Call #: FIC Todd

Maile thought her future was set with plans to marry Ikaika, but when the white men return to her family’s island in Hawai’i, everything gets turned on its head. The first time they arrived from England they were treated like gods, but a surprise return and misunderstand stirs a battle between them. Soon Ikaika is dead and Maile is holding the ship's translator John Harbottle as her prisoner. Their time together starts to build an unlikely friendship and then attraction. When Maile’s home is threatened by another tribe, John’s connections might help them win the war. In exchange for his help, Maile must teach him how to navigate using the stars, but the closer the end of their time together comes, the more Maile realizes she doesn’t want this man who was once her enemy to leave.

Inspired by the author’s fourth great-grandparents, this novel at first feels reminiscent of Disney’s Pocahontas but develops into a rich story filled with culture and a slow burn romance. While told mostly from Maile’s point of view, chapters are interspersed with John’s diary entries which divulge his own insight. This is labeled a proper romance but feels more like a historical fiction that is full of Hawai’ian culture.

Mary-Megan K.
Popular Materials Asst.

The Lieutenant's Nurse by Sara Ackerman

Title: The Lieutenant’s Nurse

By: Sara Ackerman

Published: 2019

Call #: FIC Ackerman

When Eva Cassidy meets Lieutenant Clark Spencer on the S.S. Lurline headed to Hawaii she had no way of knowing he’d change her life and together they’d be a part of history. The attraction to this man, though, is another conflict in her life already in turmoil with the secrets that have her heading to Hawaii and a man waiting for her on land. While aboard, though, Clark meets a radio operator who picks up interesting transmissions from the Japanese, something that implies a potential attack on Pearl Harbor. Even with this warning, Eva and Clark are thrown into the devastation of December 7, 1941 and the threat to their lives doesn’t end with the bombs.

While at the heart of this novel is the romance between Eva and Clark  complicated by her childhood sweetheart, there is also the heart wrenching attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath that nurses faced at a nearby hospital. On top of that, there’s an intriguing conspiracy angle that based on the author’s research leads to the question of whether or not the whole thing could have been avoided. This was an enjoyable novel that will have readers questioning what really happened all those years ago.

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst.