Thoughts of a Reader

This is the first book in the Laurel Cove series by Teresa Tysinger. I was so excited to read this book because it is set in the mountains of North Carolina. I was even more excited when reading in chapter three that the main male character went to North Carolina State University. And then later found out that his degree was in architecture which was what I originally wanted to do but it didn’t work out. I loved the beginning of this book when the two main characters, Livy Johnson and Jack Bowdon, meet or shall I say re-meet because they knew each other as kids. The way Teresa writes that part of the story really made me realize I was going to love the rest. This novel definitely had me wanting to visit Laurel Cove.

Were you picked on as a kid? Did you have issues with feeling less than pretty? If you said yes to either of these questions or both, then you will be able to relate to Dr. Marley Bakersfield. Even though Marley worked to change her weight and uses makeup as well as her bangs to hide a scar she got while riding her bike as a kid, she still feels the pain of her childhood. She was on the heavier side as a kid and was picked on mercilessly. Because she was constantly picked on as a kid, she carries internal scars that effect even into adulthood and she vows to return to her hometown as little as possible. That worked well for her until her dad needs her help with his surgical practice. While home, she not only runs into her childhood tormenter but also the one person who stood up for her back then. She has no plans on staying in her hometown any longer than is necessary to help out her dad, but will that change? Jill Boyce again does an excellent job of bringing her characters to life and making them very relatable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet romantic stories.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

This is the Jill Boyce’s second book she has written and it is the second in the “A Dose of Love” series. While the books in this series have the same theme, they do not have the same characters and therefore do not have to be read together or in order.  “Perfectly Imperfect” is about Dr. Blaire Cunningham who ironically is an infectious disease doctor. I say ironically because she is also as germophobic as Monk from the television show.  Jill does an excellent job of being sensitive to a person with this type of phobia.  Some of the habits that Dr. Cunningham has make you want to laugh and cry at the same time. It also kind of falls under if you don’t laugh then you’ll cry scenario.  They seem humorous at first then you think about how debilitating they can be for a person and you want to cry.  Also in this novel, you are introduced to Felipe Martinez. He comes to New York looking for a doctor to head up his clinic in Guatemala which is being advertised on flyers around the city.  Dr. Cunningham’s friends tell her she should be that doctor.  However, she isn’t so sure that she can handle it with her fear of germs.  Does she go to Guatemala?  Does she get over her fear of germs?  Does she meet and fall for Felipe?  Well if you want to know, then you need to read this book to find out.  I definitely think you will enjoy going along for the ride.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

This is my first book by this author. Max Evans is back in his hometown that he ran away from after making many mistakes. His mom convinces him to buy a bed and breakfast that unbeknownst to him belonged to his high school ex-girlfriend. So it’s no surprise that when he meets the previous owner and now manager that he is floored to realize the widow his mom told him owned the bed and breakfast isn’t old like he thought. Intrigued yet? If not, then you still need to get this book. Gabrielle Meyer does an excellent job of throwing surprises into this story. She also makes it hard not to fall for the lead characters and want them to get back together. This book is a beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption and coming home.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

This is Jill Boyce’s debut novel and the first in the “A Dose of Love” series. In “Harte Broken”, you meet Dr. Amy Harte who lost her mother, who was her best friend, a year prior. Unfortunately she was not there with her mom when she passed and therefore not only is dealing with the grief you experience upon losing such an important person in your life but also guilt at not being there to say goodbye in person. The loss of her mother causes her to stop attending church as it sometimes does when people get mad with God. However, she meets someone, Seth Broadstone, that might just change that for her and help her come back to the faith she grew up with. There is one character in the book named Dr. Mark Blakely that she works with who does not understand the whole faith concept but yet still is trying to date her. You will definitely find yourself rooting for Seth instead. Even though this book is a work of fiction, the author writes this book from personal experience and it shows. She does such a great job of handling the grief aspect of the story that is shows much compassion and empathy. I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this book and not just because coffee is mentioned several times.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.