5 stars and read July 2012.

I first became a fan of Katie Fforde's when I read "Practically Perfect." I really liked Anna and her greyhound. I got this kindle book in May 2012 because this storyline sounded good. I wasn't disappointed. Katie Fforde has a system that I like. And I also like her humor. Katie also sticks with her storyline, rather then having 3 or more character point of views that just clutter the story. In my opinion, Katie creates a story that isn't cluttered or doesn't take away from the main character's story.

Laura Horsley is a likeable character. I enjoyed how passionate she is with books. Like all Katie's heroines, Laura steps out of her comfort zone. It's a given that Laura has to find a new job when the bookshop that she current works at closes. A new opportunity falls on Katie's lap the same day the bookstore closes. A little to easy in my opinion. But I liked the job Laura was given. A big task to manage a book and film festival. I didn't really believe or care that Laura is a virgin. I did like that Laura learn to break from her structured life and gained confidence.

Dermot Flynn is an author everyone wishes to have at their festival. But doesn't like doing 'any' book publicity stuff. I really liked this Irish hero. Dermot has a bit of attitude edge and cocky, but he also has a soft side to him. I also really liked Laura's friend, Monica. She has a friendly carefree attitude that I can relate to.

This was an addicting read. It's my favorite of Katie Fforde's. I have reread this a few times now. And I recommend this Brit chick lit book.

2013
Home for the Holidays a.k.a. "Trading Christmas" by Debbie Macomber

"Trading Christmas" (or "When Christmas Comes") and "The Forgetful Bride" are charming Christmas stories. I haven't read that many Macomber books, but the ones I've read I have found to be just the ticket for quick romance reads.

"Trading Christmas"

Emily Springer, widow with daughter off at college (who I felt rightfully enjoying her life and making her own adventures). She lives in Washington at a little town with exaggerating love for Christmas. But she's not happy being alone for the holidays. So she swaps houses.

Charles Brewster, professor at Boston with a book deadline. Wants privacy and a anti-Christmas town to stay at (dumped by wife on Christmas). Why a history professor would confuse the two Leavenworth towns I don't know.

Then you've got Faith Kerrigan (Em's friend) and Ray Brewster (Charles' bro), as well as Emily's 21 year old daughter, Heather and her love life. All this together makes three good love stories in one.

The character development was good. I liked all of them, although Emily came off a little annoying sometimes.

Then... You've got "The Forgetful Bride" which is also cute but predictable. It was a very quick read and enjoyable.

I read these after seeing the Hallmark movie, (Trading Christmas), staring Tom Cavanagh (The Capture of the Green River Killer and Ed).

I really enjoyed the movie as well as the book. ”

Dangerous Heart by Tracy Bateman
(Westward Hearts: Book 3)

4★

Historical Romance and Christian Romance that had an actual nice plot. A Hallmark kind of book. I don't often read either historical romance or Christian fiction books. Dangerous Heart had a nice medium and some likeable characters. Tracy Bateman is a new-to-me author and I did jump the gun in reading the last book of this trilogy. I jumped because the heroine, Ginger, seemed more likeable for me. And she is. She's a strong woman who has grown up with her outlaw father and his gang. She doesn't swoon or blush profusely like other historical romance heroines I'm used to. She isn't a doormat either.

And the plot felt realistic. About prairie life on a westward-bound wagon train heading to Oregon. Along the way they encounter Ginger's dad and his gang. And then they have to worry about cholera and other dangers (like catching pneumonia if you want to take a bath in the open rivers or giving birth - especially with a doctor who is even praying to God for help because he doesn't know what to do).

And then there's drama with Ginger seeking revenge for her brother's death, and her dad and his gang's plans of robbing and such. It was a little predictable but it never bored me. I'm actually looking forward to reading the other two books now.

I REALLY loved this book. There were trigger moments for me. Anna’s struggle w being a caretaker was hard for me. I was my Grandpa’s caretaker for 10 years. His death wasn’t kind and in fact it was ugly. It’s been 5 yrs since he died & I’m still grieving.

I really feel seen with Anna’s character with the struggles of being a caretaker for your family. It’s really horrific and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do that again.

I wanted to read this book quickly like I did with her other 2 books because I really loved them. I did have to skip over some of those trigger moments and not because they were badly written. They’re beautiful. It just reminded me sooo much of my grandfather (though Anna’s dad’s health was completely different than my Gramps).

In all these books Quan was my favorite. I’m glad he got his HEA. I wish I had been lucky like Anna to have someone like him during that time… though my family was great too.

… and yes I’ve been crying ugly while reading this book and now while writing this review. It’s ok. It’s healthy to cry.

I loved this slow burn romance!!! I loved Rachel and Camden soooo much!!!!