Tag Archives: Susan Mallery

Spring Fling Blog Hop

21 Tuesday Apr 2015

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So today’s Blog Hop is supposed to be about that book that you’d soon give up anything for – a date, sleep, chocolate, yadda yadda … I chose a book that was actually one of the very first ones I ever wrote a review for.  There have been A LOT of books I’ve read and loved since this one and many that came before it.  But when someone asks about a book that sticks with you, this is one I think of.  I just absolutely love Gracie and can’t wait to share her with everyone.

Here is my original review of Falling for Gracie … I hope she becomes one of your favorites as well.

*****

9780373775293_p0_v1_s260x420First comes love, then comes marriage…

At least, that was Gracie’s plan at the ripe old age of fourteen. She loved eighteen-year-old heartthrob Riley with a desperation that made her a town legend. Even now that she’s all grown up, the locals in sleepy Los Lobos won’t let her forget her youthful crush.

And how can she, when she’s face-to-face with Riley at every turn? The onetime bad boy has come back to town seeking respectability—but the sparks that fly between them are anything but respectable! Gracie’s determined to keep her distance, but when someone sets out to ruin both their reputations, the two discover that first love is sometimes better the second time around.

I should start this review by saying that I love Susan Mallery’s books. They have, for me, just the right combination of humor, romance and relationship issues. Falling For Gracie was the first of her books that I read and is still one of my favorites.

Fourteen years ago Gracie Landon had a crush on Riley Whitefield. Her antics to separate him from his girlfriends made her a legend in their town. It even caused the town paper to run “The Gracie Chronicles” detailing her creativity, like the time she locked a skunk in his car for a few hours or when she nailed the doors and windows shut so his date couldn’t leave her house. In truth she was really a teenage stalker that embarrassed her family. When 18 year old Riley was forced to marry his pregnant girlfriend, Gracie was sent to stay with relatives so she couldn’t ruin the wedding. With the gossip lingering, her mother decided she would be raised by an aunt and uncle instead of returning to Los Lobos.

Now Gracie is a renowned wedding cake baker and back in town for a few weeks for her younger sister’s wedding. It’s uncomfortable for her, not only because the town continues to remind her of her childhood humiliation, but her time away from her family has made them strangers. Since they had a long distance relationship with sporadic visits, they don’t know the kind life that she led and make assumptions based on her actions before she left. She doesn’t have enough knowledge of her family to be able to understand how to deal with them. It creates uncomfortable situations and hurt feelings.

To make matters worse, a divorced Riley is also in town due to his uncle’s will which states that he will inherit millions but only if he wins the mayoral election. Gracie’s sister thinks her husband, who works as Riley’s campaign manager, is cheating on her so she enlists Gracie to help her learn the truth. She convinces Gracie to go to Riley’s to confirm he is actually working on the campaign and of course Riley catches her sneaking around. Although she is able to convince him that she hasn’t reverted to being a stalker, the situation with her sister’s marriage pushes them together, allowing for the requisite romantic sparks. Their troubles continue to mount when you add in Riley’s ex-wife, the shady dealings of the current mayor, and someone trying to ruin both Gracie’s business and Riley’s campaign.

Although there is a lot going on, I felt that Mallery was able to comfortably handle the mysteries, romance and familial interactions. Riley’s issues with his father, uncle, and even his mother make his decisions understandable. It is also easy to see how Gracie’s broken relationship with her siblings and her mother contributes to their awkward interactions. The way Gracie and Riley developed a relationship was enjoyable and I felt that how Gracie came to an understanding with her mother, though quick, was well handled. Although I think that Riley’s eventual resolution about his uncle and Gracie’s dealings with her sisters could have been expanded, overall I found this to be a fantastic story.

Mallery’s stories are at times funny and other times touching, but they are always entertaining and Falling for Gracie no different.

*****

Giveaway:

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and some great reading material!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/558c5de817/

*****

Make sure you check out all of the wonderful sites participating on the Hop!

https://lauriestarkey.wordpress.com/blog/

http://wackymommareads.blogspot.com

http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com

https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com/

http://sarasbooksandthings.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

http://soulcleverbooks.blogspot.com

http://bfdbookblog.net/

http://www.anovelkindofbliss.blogspot.com

https://bookandbastille.wordpress.com/

http://onceuponawish.weebly.com

https://blogtasticreviews.wordpress.com/

ttp://lovelyparanormalbooks.blogspot.co.nz

http://thebookish-life.blogspot.com

http://herbookthoughts.reads-it.com

http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com

http://athousandwordsamillionbooks.blogspot.in

https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

http://theapbookclub.blogspot.com

http://themistresscase.blogspot.com/

https://bookandbastille.wordpress.com/

http://recklessindulgence.wordpress.com

http://thebookishowl.net

https://blogtasticreviews.wordpress.com/

http://www.naturalbri.com

http://aamzybookwonder.blogspot.co.uk/

http://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/

http://archiestandwoodsreviewsandwritings.blogspot.com

http://britishbookwormblog.com

http://lexicalcreations.weebly.com/jens-blog

http://www.naturalbri.com

http://aamzybookwonder.blogspot.co.uk/

http://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/

http://archiestandwoodsreviewsandwritings.blogspot.com

http://britishbookwormblog.com

http://lexicalcreations.weebly.com/jens-blog

http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com

*****

I really hope you enjoyed the Spring Fling Blog Hop.  If so, please make sure you go visit our organizers Good Tales Book Tours at www.goodtalesbooktours.com

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Book Review – Yours for Christmas

05 Friday Dec 2014

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cover55240-mediumStep out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallory.

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hothe’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together.

Y’all I just LOVE Susan Mallery’s books (which you can see here and here and here and over a half dozen other reviews I’ve done) and Yours for Christmas doesn’t let me down.  The characters are so real that I feel like I actually know them, that I could call them up to meet me for coffee.  Every high and low was like my own and I gave a little hooray at the end.

Both Baily and Kenny’s feelings are totally understandable, the doubts and fears so real.  Their story has been coming along for the last couple of books, so we’ve had those little hints along the way, and I was so excited to finally read it.  Their relationship built so naturally and fluidly, it was sweet and fun and a little bit heartbreaking at times (for both of them).  And the ending has to be one of my favorites.  I won’t spoil anything but I gave Baily a little atta girl cheer.

I don’t know what more to say when it comes to Mallery’s work that I haven’t said before – fantastic characters, engrossing stories, real emotions, humorous moments, all mixed with times of angst.

For years I haven’t even hesitated when I saw her name on the cover of a book – she’s a master at the heartfelt, contemporary romance.  And it just makes it all the better when it is a Christmas story!

Book Review – Before We Kiss

01 Sunday Jun 2014

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The newest Fool’s Gold book by Susan Mallery came out this week and I’m super excited to have the review!

*****

cover44461-mediumFormer pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

Is anyone going to be surprised when I say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Susan Mallery?  I didn’t think so.  Once again, she brings her readers a touching, sweet, romantic, funny, endearing and beautiful love story.  We got a little peek at the two in When We Me, but now we get the rest of their story.

With Sam’s history, it is no wonder that he’s running scared from any kind of commitment.  His marriage ended horribly and he’s not had much better luck with women since.  But he’s got a big heart, he’s just afraid to give it away.

As if his relationship woes aren’t enough, Sam’s family is one of the funniest things ever … even for Fool’s Gold, where quirky is a way of life.  I don’t know how he survived his childhood without being a total basket case, because his parents are an absolutely hoot and one of the best things in the story.  Somehow managed to grow into a well-adjusted, caring man.

Dellina is giving and sweet and sassy.  Fool’s Gold is her home and she epitomizes everything that makes the little town so great.  She’ll be wonderful for Sam if he’ll just let her in.

As always, we’re given updates on previous couples and some hints at future stories.  (I have to say that I’m dying to get to the bottom of what Kenny is hiding.)  It’s one of my favorite parts of the Fool’s Gold stories but it is also one of the most frustrating … because I end up impatient for what comes next.

Full of laugh out loud moments and some steamy interactions between Sam and Dellina, Before We Kiss has Mallery’s unique blend of heart and humor.  The dialogue is snappy, the characters are engaging, and the story is complex.  I loved Sam from the moment he first showed up and I was so happy to see him find his match.

Book Review – When We Met

12 Saturday Apr 2014

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This one isn’t out yet, but I was too excited to wait!

*****

9780373778652_p0_v1_s260x420New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool’s Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed…

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

If you’ve read any of the other Fool’s Gold books you kinda know the plan – two people who had no intention of falling in love fall in love, one of them runs scared (usually him), there’s a love fest night with alcohol and sisterly love to offer comfort and bash the guy, then the guy comes to his sense and they live happily ever after.  BUUUUT if you’ve read any of the other Fool’s Gold books then you know it is a magical journey every single time, regardless if you know what to expect.  Plus, Taryn can’t do anything quite like everyone else … absolutely best love fest ever!  She’s got to be one of my favorite characters.

And I so want to raid her closet!  She had a very rough start to life but she’s making up for now with awesome style and a lot of sass.  She’s strong, smart, and caring, but her past has definitely left scars when it comes to men and love.  She’s made a family for herself with the guys at Score but there’s still that intimate part of her life that is lacking.

Angel hasn’t exactly had an easy go of it either.  We’ve gotten to know him a little bit as we’ve been there with the other members of the bodyguard school as they fell in love, but now we get a little bit more on why he’s as closed off as he is.  It’s a tragic story but with the love of a strong woman, and best of all a sweet troop of little girls, he’s starting to open up a little.  It’s not a smooth journey (it never is), but it is a touching one and I devoured every page.

Like all of Mallery’s stories, this isn’t just about the hero and heroine.  We get little updates on previous couples, plus a look at future stories.  And I have to say that I absolutely adore Taryn’s Boys.  She might treat those football players like unruly children (and sometimes they are) but they have big hearts and troubles of their own.  Two of them are getting books in the next couple of months and I’m sure the third won’t be far behind (if not actually right along with the others).  I definitely can say I’ll be first in line for all of them!  (As always, you don’t have to read all of the stories in order and you can definitely start right here … but with fantastic stories like these, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to get them all.)

Mallery is a master at giving her readers The Cute mixed in with a lot of The Heart and spicing it up with The Funny and When We Metis a prime example.  It never fails that she makes me laugh and cry and rant and smile and love every single minute of it.  If you like small town charm, quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and tender love stories, you can’t miss with a Fool’s Gold romance.

Book Review – Evening Stars

25 Tuesday Feb 2014

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I’m always super excited when a new Susan Mallery book releases and this one is no different.  Check out my review below!

*****

cover38764-mediumSmall-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More “Mom” than their mother ever was, she sacrificed medical school—and her first love—so her sister could break free. Which is why she isn’t exactly thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island, especially when Nina’s life has suddenly become…complicated.

Nina unexpectedly finds herself juggling two men—her high school sweetheart and a younger maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. But as fun as all this romance is, Nina has real life to deal with. Averil doesn’t seem to want the great guy she’s married to, and doesn’t seem to be making headway writing her first book; their mom is living life just as recklessly as she always has; and Nina’s starting to realize that the control she once had is slipping out of her fingers. Her hopes of getting off the island seem to be stretching further away…until her mother makes a discovery that could change everything forever.

But before Nina and Averil can reach for the stars, they have to decide what they want. Will Averil stay? Will Nina leave? And what about the men who claim to love them? Does love heal, or will finding their happy ending mean giving up all they’ve ever wanted?

If you are a fan of her “Fool’s Gold” stories, you know Susan Mallery is very adept at giving readers amusing interactions between charming characters – lots of sparkling, funny dialogue to go along with the depth and heart of her storylines.  In the three “Blackberry Island” books, we still get her trademark wit and an engaging romance, but there is also so much more.  Her characters are raw and emotional, dealing with life decisions and introspection. There is still that love story element but the books are more about the characters themselves.  It’s about their growth – their realizations about themselves and their relationships, and how they want to move forward.  Not that that isn’t also in her “Fool’s Gold” books, but for me it plays a bigger part in this series.

With the final book, Evening Stars, we’re given a beautifully compelling exploration of the family dynamic between Nina, her mother and her sister.  All of them are forced to take a look at themselves and how they deal with those around them – their past, their present and what they want for their future. It’s vivid, compelling, heartfelt and complex. Another beautifully crafted and genuine look at people’s faults and strengths, real in its difficulties but uplifting too.

(Mallery’s “Blackberry Island” series has a poignancy to it that isn’t as readily apparent in her “Fool’s Gold” books. I’d classify these as more Women’s Fiction than Romance, so you might keep that in mind.)

Book Review – Christmas on 4th Street

15 Friday Nov 2013

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New review now up.

*****

cover33271-medium

Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….

As much as I love Susan Mallery’s books, I put off reading this one.  I just didn’t think I was up for another story about a commitment-phobic guy running away and then coming back to beg for forgiveness … but I should have had more faith in Mallery’s immense skill as a writer.  And I definitely should have remembered that she has never steered me wrong before.  Christmas on 4th Street is just as heartwarming, quirky and romantic as any of the Fool’s Gold books that have come before it.  It’s full of witty banter and smoldering moments, tenderness and laughter.

Noelle is strong and sweet and positive.  She’s had a rough few years but she’s come out the other side with the knowledge that you have to enjoy every minute of the time you are given. Then she meets the attractive, brooding, but oh-so-charming Gabriel.  As an army trauma doctor in the Middle East, Gabriel has seen horrible things happen to people.  For years, he’s dealt with a lot of uncertainty, stress and death.  And unlike Noelle, he doesn’t see the value in getting involved with other people when disaster could strike at any moment.  But nothing prepared him for upbeat, sexy Noelle.

I think my favorite part of this story is that there isn’t a lot of trouble as Noelle and Gabriel slide into a relationship.  Gabriel is very up front about his feelings on commitment and the fact that he’s leaving after Christmas.  You know that love will win out and you get to enjoy watching their feelings grow – it’s sweet and touching, full of humor and fun.  We’re given those special touches that make Fool’s Gold so enchanting, but at its heart the story is about these two people and their path to a happy ending.

With Christmas on 4th Street, Mallery once again gives readers a sigh-worthy story about falling in love and the joy that can be found when you learn to open your heart.

Three Little Words

06 Tuesday Aug 2013

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New review is now up.

*****

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Isabel Beebe is back in Fool’s Gold to run her family’s bridal store while her parents are on vacation and to help get it ready to sell.  But she’s heading back to NYC as soon as she can, whe has big plans to start her own fashion business.  When Ford Hendricks was dumped by his fiance weeks before his wedding, he joined the Navy and hasn’t been back since.  Now home to help run the “bodyguard school”, he’s having problems settling in … especially considering his mother’s match-making attempts.  Isabel may have been the little sister of his former fiance and the girl whose letters kept him sane as a SEAL, but she’s all grown up now.  What seemed like a simple plan to use their friendship to fool his mother into thinking there is more going on quickly turns into something more.  But what can a man who doesn’t think he has the capability to love give a woman who already has one foot out the door on her way back to the Big Apple?

I can have more than one pretend boyfriend in Fool’s Gold, right?  We’ve had some great guys before and now there’s Ford … he’s just oh-so-yummy!  He’s sweet, sexy, thoughtful and caring.  He loves his mother so he talks Isabel into a fake relationship just so that he doesn’t have to hurt her feelings with his refusal to date any of the women she suggests.  And of course everyone knows where that is going to lead … yup, things stop being quite so fake.  I loved both of these characters.  They are fun and complement each other wonderfully.  I was hoping for a happy ending for them from the first chapter and of course, since this is Fool’s Gold, you know they’ll get it … with a few bumps along the way.  I think the ending is one of my favorites – there’s angst without being too angsty and things resolve themselves quicky but satisfyingly.

Oh, and I can’t forget the secondary storyline between Consuelo and Ford’s brother Kent.  Full of heart, even if it didn’t take up a bunch of pages, it too was super sweet and satisfying.  Kent is just as caring and sexy, without being quite as rough as Ford.  He’s had a softer life but Denise Hendricks raised good boys who turned into fantastic men.  (Is it ok to have both brothers as my fictional boyfriend?)  I almost wish that Consuelo had a chance at her own book because she has such an interesting past that leads to some unusual romantic troubles.  She’s tough but vulnerable and Kent finds all those soft, scary parts inside her.  It’s such a treat to watch her fight falling in love.

And of course we are given sneak peeks into the next books in the series coming in 2014 – more football players, people!  WooHoo, bring ’em on!  They are described as three gorgeous guys who have always been able to get or buy what they want … so they are a little spoiled.  I can just imagine what kind of trouble they are going to get themselves into with the lovely ladies of Fool’s Gold.  Luckily, to help us wait, we’re going to get Noelle’s story as a Christmas romance in a few months and she takes on Gideon’s twin, Gabriel.  I just know it’s going to be another winner.

If you’ve never read a Fool’s Gold book, or anything by Susan Mallery, pick up Three Little Words.  You’ll get a wonderful love story and a great introduction to the fantastic world Mallery has created.  (Of course if you have read any of her books, you’ve probably already got a copy of this one.)  As I’ve said over and over and over again, I absolutely love Susan Mallery’s books.  She always makes me smile, laugh, sigh and even occasionally cry.  And her stories never fail to delight – full of characters that are witty, touching and sexy, and dialogue that is smart, funny, flirty, and sweet.  It’s an irresistible combination that makes me happy every time.  So pick up any of them, all of them, it doesn’t matter.  Just go out, get one of her books and prepare to be hooked.

Two of a Kind

25 Tuesday Jun 2013

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Susan Mallery welcomes us back to Fool’s Gold with Two of a Kind, a poignant, heart-warming love story full of wit, tenderness and passion.  Freakishly smart Felicia Swift has always been a bit of a misfit.  She grew up at a university, more of an experiment than a kid, and went straight into the military where she worked with special ops teams doing logistics.  Now she’s going to help her friends open the bodyguard school and hopefully finally find a home.  Gideon Boylan just wants a place where he can be left alone.  Years spent as a POW has left scars both physical and emotional.  And even though they shared a steamy night years ago, Gideon knows that he can’t give Felicia the family she wants.  But as they find their attraction still as strong as ever, will they discover that they are perfect for each other, faults and all?

I couldn’t wait for this book to come out because Felicia was such an engaging character in Just One Kiss and I loved the idea of super-sexy, super-troubled, Gideon.  Two of a Kind is a wonderful story and both characters are flawed but so very charming.  They’ve led totally different lives but ended up in the same place, a little bit on the outside, and together they find a place to belong.  Felicia and Gideon are sweet together and I love the emotionally charged interactions that Mallery very deftly creates for them.

With Two of a Kind, like always, Mallery treats readers to humorous dialogue that pops, a strong story-line that touches the heart, and memorable characters so real you expect to run into them at the store.  Although it’s not a requirement to have read Just One Kiss I would recommend it – not only will it give you more understanding of the complex, addictive characters you’ll find inhabiting Fool’s Gold, but it’s a fantastic read all on its own.

Just One Kiss

28 Tuesday May 2013

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cover23875-mediumI’ll admit it, I’m biased.  I absolutely LOVE Susan Mallery’s books and I look forward to Spring because I know that it means that new Fool’s Gold books are coming out … and this year doesn’t look like it is going to disappoint.

Fifteen years ago teenager Patience McGraw fell in love with her best friend, Justice Garrett.  She finally got up enough courage to tell him how she felt, only he disappeared without a trace in the middle of the night.  Fool’s Gold and Patience were the best thing about Justice’s childhood.  In the witness protection program to escape his criminal father, he was stunned when they suddenly had to relocate after his father was seen in the area.  Now, after years in the military and a stint doing private security, Justice is back in the only place that ever felt like home to open a defense academy – and to see Patience again.  When they realize that their feelings are still strong, will they be able to trust in themselves and each other enough to commit to something more that Just One Kiss?

Once again Mallery brings readers her signature quirkiness and heart in a book full of humor, love and angst.  Although Patience is pretty well centered, Justice is struggling with the things he’s seen and done, plus his fear that he could hurt people like his father.  A fear like that goes deep and no matter how many people tell you otherwise, you are still going to have doubts.  I love the little boy hidden in the man – the one that wants so badly to connect to others, to have a normal life, and for someone to give him the comfort and love he didn’t have growing up.  No matter how big and strong and capable he is, I just want to give him a hug and a cookie.

As always, a Fool’s Gold novel is about more than the two people in the blurb.  It’s always like coming home for me when I pick up one of these books because the town is so real and the people are like old friends.  We’re given updates on everyone, but we’re introduced to new friends too, which is fun.  Mallery does a great job of giving you just enough about the people who will be in the next handful of books to tease you.  I’m actually restraining myself from picking up my ARC of the next novel as I know it is going to be so awesome.  Felicia, who will be the focus next, was definitely a highlight for me in an all-star supporting cast.  I just know she’s going to be a trip to get to know better.

New and long-term readers will love the newest in Mallery’s amazing series – with heart, humor and just that perfect tinge of heat, Just One Kiss is sure to please.

Three Sisters

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Andi Gordon moved to Blackberry Island to start over after she was left at the altar.  She’s bought one of three Victorian houses, known as the Three Sisters, that sit on the highest hill in town.  On one side lives Deanna Phillips and her five daughters in her historically accurate home.  But hiding behind the perfect façade is a mess of a family.  On the other side is Boston King, married to her high school sweetheart and living with an immense tragedy.  Brought together by geography, the three women quickly find themselves in a friendship that will help them through some of the roughest times of their lives.

In Three Sisters, Susan Mallery once again brings readers a story packed full of emotion, delivered in her unforgettable style of smart dialogue, compelling characters, and heartfelt narrative.  I have to admit that I start to giggle and clap like a little kid as soon as I hear that she’s got a new book coming out.  I have yet to find one of her stories that doesn’t pull me in right away and leave me feeling more fulfilled at the end.

This one is told in three parts as Andi, Deanna and Boston all have to deal with the curve balls life throws at them.  I appreciated the switch back and forth as each story was hard hitting and I needed to the chance to change gears before getting overwhelmed.  Andi’s is the most traditional storyline, in a typical romance sense – she is left at the alter and has to cautiously feel her way in a new town with the chance of a new love.  Although her’s is the least emotionally raw of the three stories, the relationship she builds with Wade, and the troubles they experience, is still heartwarming.  Personally, I found Deanna’s to be the most difficult to handle – she is so confused and broken when she realizes that her family could be falling apart.  Her changes are the most satisfying for me.  Boston’s does run a close second, though.  Her troubles are heartbreaking and the devastation to her marriage is easy to understand.

For readers looking for a book of depth and emotion, Susan Mallery’s Three Sisters is not to be missed.