Book Review: Finding Home by Lacey Wolfe

Finding Home by Lacey Wolfe
Publisher: Ruby Lioness Press
Pub Date: May 11, 2012
ebook
ISBN:  9781938397103


My rating: 5.0/5.0

My Review:
Finding Home is a lovely romance novella. I love that it can be read quickly yet it's a fully satisfying romantic read. I enjoyed getting to know Julie and Mark in the setting of Clearwater. The small town made a great backdrop for the story (I'm a sucker for small towns with nosy and good people).

Even though this is short in length, I still felt like I got a good feel for both of the main characters. The background built slowly so I could get to know them and they could get to know each other (well slow for a novella). Nothing between them ever felt forced or hurried. I felt the author paced the friendship and romance between Mark and Julie very well and made it very believable. She also created a great antithesis to Mark with Jeremy.

Great romance, a few spicy scenes, and a warm lovey feeling is what I felt left with when I finished Finding Home and that's exactly what I wanted going into the book. Ms. Wolfe has written a delightful novella that will satisfy any romance readers heart and make them sigh with longing and love at the end of the book. I'm also excited to hear there will be another book set in Clearwater later and we'll get to see more of Julie and Mark. Please hurry up and write Ms. Wolfe!

About Finding Home:
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Clearwater, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast.

Mark Thomas has moved to Clearwater to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Clearwater seems like the perfect place.

As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another.

Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Clearwater or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?

Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Smashwords / Ruby Lioness Press / All Romance

Excerpt:

The sun shined brightly through the windows. Julie wished now she had noticed the blinds were open last night. Pulling the sheets over her face, she closed her eyes for a few more minutes as she tried to wake up.

Finally, after battling with herself, she climbed out of the bed. She put her jeans back on and then pulled her hair up in a ponytail. A sudden urge to use the restroom took over, and she rushed toward the bathroom. This was something new—no bladder control. She didn’t expect to already have to pee so much.

She quickly brushed her teeth then made sure everything was tidy as though she hadn’t been there. Grabbing her suitcase, she left the room. She expected to find Chloe up front, but she was nowhere to be seen. So she stopped by the front desk and scribbled a note, thanking Chloe for the stay and saying they would talk soon. After all, she was going to need someone during this process. As young girls, she and Chloe had always gotten along.

Outside, the sun was bright. There was a chill to the air, however. The few clouds in the sky were thick and fluffy. She bet there would be a light snow shower before the day was over. In fact, she was surprised to not see any snow on the ground yet. It would be anytime now.

The drive to her mother’s house was short. She lived on the older side of town, and it was unchanged except that the trees had gotten taller.

Julie was excited to see her mom. It had been almost a year since she’d seen her.  Julie had flown her out last Christmas to visit her in New York City. She’d taken her mother everywhere, showing her every tourist spot there was to see. Her mother had loved it and said it had always been a dream of hers to travel. Julie hoped one day her mother would get to. Her father had died about ten years ago, and her mother had never remarried. She had a few close friends, though, and maybe one day they would all get together and travel.  But for now, Julie needed her mom. She couldn’t wait to have her mother embrace her and hold her tight, telling her it would all work out.

She pulled up to the house. It looked the same. A small ranch-style home painted a light blue color. It was time for a fresh coat of paint, that was sure. Perhaps she could get someone out here in the spring to spruce the place up. Her mother’s car wasn’t in its usual spot but instead pulled over near the picket fence. A pick-up truck sat where the car was usually parked. Maybe something was wrong with the vehicle, and she was borrowing the truck.

Climbing out of the car, Julie could smell bacon. A smiled crossed her face. Her mom was cooking breakfast. Shutting the car door quickly, she went up the front steps two at a time. As she turned the doorknob, she found it locked. Groaning, she dug through her purse until she found the key to the house and let herself in.

Loud music blared through the house. It was set to a local country station. This was so unlike her mother. In fact, as Julie looked around the living room and saw how untidy it was, she wondered if she was in the right house. Following the smell of food, she stepped into the kitchen. Julie froze. A half-naked man stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. It was as if he sensed he was no longer alone. He turned, and Julie thought she was going to faint.

“Hi,” the man said.

“Who the hell are you, and where is my mother?” Julie demanded.

***I received this book from the author through Sizzling PR for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Author Interview: Lacey Wolfe (Finding Home)

Today I welcome Lacey Wolfe, author of the novella Finding Home which I am featuring today.  I will start today with an interview and come later today will post the review of Finding Home, a wonderful love story. The tagline in the banner really does describe it best, "A little dash of sweet with a whole lot of spice."


Thanks for joining us today Lacey.

Describe the area you write in.

Currently, it’s wherever I can find a quiet corner. But, we are closing on our new home soon and I plan to set up an office in my bedroom. We have a cut out with a big window that I think it will be the perfect place for me and inspiration as I watch the people in the neighborhood.

What's your favorite season?

Fall. I’m a GA girl so that means temperatures in the 70’s.

Describe your ideal reading space (no expense spared here).

A big comfy chair with a blanket and one of my kitties. I want to be somewhere that if I doze off, it really doesn’t matter.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’d love to visit where the amish live as well as go west. I’ve never really left the south except to visit family in the north.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

Its something I always wanted to do, but was too scared of the Big Six houses and all the traveling that might follow. My kids are young and I don’t want to be away from them. When I discovered the world of ebooks, I thought I’d give it a try. And so far, I’ve been very happy. I love writing and telling stories and I like that I can get stories to my readers quickly this way.

How would you describe yourself?

If you know me, I’m talkative. Otherwise I’m pretty quiet.

What's the first sentence in Finding Home?

The first one is a little boring. So here are the first three.

Welcome to Clearwater, Wyoming. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Julie Miller rolled her eyes as she passed the sign that welcomed her back to her hometown

Tell us what is Finding Home about.

Finding Home is about a woman who basically needs her mom. She finds out she is pregnant and returns to her hometown to get the advice from her mom after her boyfriend dumps her. Only, I had to make it much more complicated. She doesn’t find her mom. She instead finds a half-naked man in the kitchen instead.

Dish, who’s your favorite character?

I loved Mark, the hero of the story. He is full of pain from his past and Julie changes everything in his life.

Mark is amazing, I really enjoyed how you wrote him.  Sometimes the heroes of romance novels seem to take a backseat, but not Mark, he's strong, he's good-looking and he's just what every woman wants in a man.

How did you feel when you finished Finding Home?

I know I wrote this story, but this is one of those ones I love. I think this story is sweet, full of love, as well as pain. I cried some while I wrote it. And when it finished, I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, I have another sweet romance that will follow this one and its called Bare Necessities. Readers will see Julie and Mark again when Julie’s cousin Ava moves to Clearwater to open a lingerie shop.

Oh good - I didn't want it to end, so I'm glad I'll see more of Clearwater and Julie and Mark!

For all of us impatient readers, what is up next for you?

The third book Accidental Love, in my Hot Bods erotic series just released. And I have a BDSM novella, Bound By Pleasure releasing in August. Finding Home is a sweet romance and I believe Bare Necessities will be releasing in October.

Thanks Lacey for joining us today!

About Finding Home:

Julie Miller has returned to her home in Clearwater, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast.

Mark Thomas has moved to Clearwater to escape his past. He needs a fresh
start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Clearwater seems like
the perfect place. 

As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another.

Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Clearwater or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?

Waiting On Wednesday (27)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I found this one in my Shelf Awareness newsletter last week and it sounds amazing. I have found myself drawn to WWII novels lately (must be my husband's influence) and this just sounds intriguing, gripping and so many other adjectives that I can't wait to get my hands on it!

City of Women by David R. Gillham

Release Date:  August 7, 2012

It is 1943—the height of the Second World War. With the men taken by the army, Berlin has become a city of women. And while her husband fights on the Eastern Front, Sigrid Schröder is, for all intents and purposes, the model soldier’s wife: She goes to work every day, does as much with her rations as she can, and dutifully cares for her meddling mother-in-law, all the while ignoring the horrific immoralities of the regime.

But behind this façade is an entirely different Sigrid, a woman who dreams of her former Jewish lover, who is now lost in the chaos of the war.

Sigrid’s tedious existence is turned upside down when she finds herself hiding a mother and her two young daughters—whom she believes might be her lover’s family—and she must make terrifying choices that could cost her everything.

Doesn't that sound really great?  What are you waiting on this week? 

Book Review: Crazy by Amy Reed

Crazy by Amy Reed

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publish Date: June 12, 2012

Hardcover, 384 pages

ISBN: 9781442413474

My Review:
When this book started I didn't know what I was going to think about it. The language is a little rough. The characters a little rough around the edges. But then I began to get to know Connor and Izzy and connect to them. Connor has his loving life with his caring mother, but he's in love with Izzy who's not in love with him. Izzy in her life where it seems no one loves her at least by the way she tells it. They are different and yet they are the same, they are two teenagers trying to feel their way through life through mistakes and leaning on each other. Connor needs Izzy and Izzy needs Connor even when they think they don't. It's not the healthiest relationship, but it's there for both of them and it's interesting to watch.

This book is not for the younger aged young adults. As I mentioned, the language can get rough, but it's there with a purpose. These are not perfect teenagers living perfect lives. The book serves as a book that teens everywhere can relate to. Not everyone has a perfect life and some, like Izzy, do need help and they need friends like Connor to see that when others closer to them do not.

Crazy is amazing, I could not put it down. I am a big fan of books in the format of emails and messages. I find them an interesting way to read a book. So I loved this. I love the way that Connor and Izzy talk back and forth to each other. Their honesty and dishonesty, and just they way they share with each other. There is so much to this book and yet I don't want to give anything away. It is a must-read, but carve out some time, because once you get into this one you won't want to put it down. I was enthralled by the book. It's kind of like a train wreck, you just can't look away. And I mean that in a good way, the writing is excellent, it's the story that is the train wreck, because it's a tough one, but I like the tough ones. I like the light ones too, but I enjoyed Crazy. It's real, it's honest and it's a book that should be read by adults and teens alike.

My rating: 5.0/5.0


About Crazy:

He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.

Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.

As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain... but what if no one else can?

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes

Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: June 19, 2012
Paperback, 288 pages
ISBN: 9780312643041


My rating: 5.0/5.0




My Review:
Monarch Beach is the perfect beach read of the summer. I spent my Saturday laying out in the sun just enjoying this book. Enjoying the story, enjoying the characters and enjoying the writing. It's just one of those books you read, it's a great diversion for an afternoon yet you still think about it when it's over. Amanda is a character I will remember as well as her mother and her son.

Amanda has found her husband cheating on her and has no idea how to proceed. Her life has fallen apart in the span of just a few minutes. I can't even imagine what that would be like. Now unfortunately I don't have a wealthy mother to take me away for the summer, but just as well I got to escape with Amanda in this book. Ms. Hughes does a wonderful job making the reader feel the emotions that Amanda feels and empathizing with her. Everything she felt I felt. It was really great writing on the author's part. And I didn't even feel jealousy or disbelief that she got to go away for the summer. These things do happen and Amanda and her mother were so likable, that I was pulling for them so it didn't matter that they could escape in this way that most people can't. I wanted them to and I wanted to see what would happen. The characters were amazing. Mostly we see Amanda since the book is about how she deals with this situation. But I also enjoyed her mother, her son, her best friend and the others that were brought into the plot. All were interesting and kept the plot moving.

The plot never waned from the opening scene where Amanda's life breaks in two. At the start she goes back in time, remembering and that really helped in getting to know Amanda and how she got to where she is and how she will get to where she will be as well. Everything that is in the book really has a point and you understand it by the end. I read quickly through the book while enjoying the sun on Saturday afternoon. It seemed the perfect place to enjoy the book. And enjoy it I did. Once I finally could put the time into reading it without interruptions I could not put Monarch Beach down. I wanted to know what would happen next and how Amanda would handle things. I was almost sad when it was over because I was done with Amanda, yet the book came to a very satisfying conclusion for me. But I had been around Amanda for several hours and I was not ready to let her go yet. That to me is a hallmark of a wonderful character and book.

Ms. Hughes has crafted a book that while it seems simple in plot, it's not and the meaning creeps up on you at the end. You feel very satisfied once you have finished it. But the beauty is to get to that satisfaction you have just read a wonderful light, yet not light beach read if that makes sense. While the subject matter is tough, I never felt down. Ms. Hughes manages to handle the subject matter in a way that never belittles it but never makes it completely depressing. How she did that I'm really not sure, but I loved it. It never felt like it was playing down Amanda's troubles but it wasn't playing them to the hilt either. It's really hard to explain without giving away the book. The simplest thing to say is to read it when it comes out tomorrow. It's a fabulous book that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys general fiction or women's fiction. It's a must for your beach bag, pool bag, lake bag or any vacation bag this summer.

About the Book:
Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one woman’s journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life—what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again.

When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life—and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention… and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down. 

About the Author:
Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She received a B.A. in English from Bard College and attended UC Berkeley's Masters in English and Creative Writing program. Her debut novel, MONARCH BEACH, will be published by St. Martin's Press in June 2012. A second novel, MARKET STREET, will be released in early 2013.

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***I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Author Interview: Anita Hughes (Monarch Beach)

Today I welcome Anita Hughes, author of Monarch Beach, her debut novel that comes out tomorrow June 19th.  I was contacted by Anita a little over a month ago and she's very nice and personable so I was very eager to read Monarch Beach and have her for an interview.  And I'm glad I did.  I will be posting my review of Monarch Beach later today, which is a wonderful book, but now enjoy learning more about this wonderful new author and her book.

What's the first sentence of Monarch Beach? 

The day my life changed forever started like any other Tuesday.

Do you have a favorite line in Monarch Beach? 

One of my favorite paragraphs is:

I held the butterfly up high and closed my eyes. I blinked and looked down at the golf course that spilled into the Pacific Ocean. The greens and blues blended together like a Monet painting. I didn’t know what to wish for.

I remember that one, I loved how visual it was and how I understood Amanda's feeling so well right then.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? 

I decided to become a writer when I won a nationwide writing contest in Australia when I was eight years old.

Wow, that is impressive and young!

How would you describe yourself? 

I’m fairly quiet with a good sense of humor.

If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be? 

I love so many books – I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading. One of the first books I remember loving was The City Boy by Herman Wouk.

I'm unfamiliar with that one, so I must go check it out.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to walk my dog near the beach, read and go to the movies. I love romantic comedies.

If you had to pick a character who really spoke to you in Monarch Beach who would it be? 

I would have to pick Amanda. She thought she had a wonderful life and then she went through so much pain. Her whole life was turned upside down.

Tell us what is Monarch Beach about. 

Monarch Beach is about a young San Francisco heiress who finds her French chef husband wrapped around his female sous chef. She accepts her widowed mother’s invitation to spend the summer in the Presidential Suite of the St. Regis, Monarch Beach.

The opening to Monarch Beach is rather emotional, did you find yourself feeling the emotions right there with Amanda? 

Yes, I am always right there with my characters. I can feel their emotions and hear their voices in my head. I still feel for Amanda.

How did you feel when you finished Monarch Beach?  

Happy because I loved the ending, sad because I hated leaving my characters. 

I understand that feeling completely, that's how I felt when I finished the book as well.

If you could take one trip, no expense spared, where would it be to? 

I think I would choose Capri. I went there when I was young and fell in love with it. I love that there are no cars and the water is such a beautiful green. There are wonderful shops and delicious food; it’s pretty heavenly.

Ooooh, that does sound heavenly, sounds like a new place to add to my must-see places.

What do you have in the works right now?  

A second novel, MARKET STREET will be released next April, and a third, LAKE COMO, later next year. I’m working on a new novel in another gorgeous location. I love novels with great settings because I feel like I’m on vacation when I write.

I can't wait for Market Street, I read the little preview and I'm already excited.  I have to say I am already hooked on your books after Monarch Beach!  

Thank you Anita for joining us today!

Make sure you come back later today for the review of Monarch Beach. 

Anita's website

About Monarch Beach:

Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one woman’s journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life—what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again.

When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life—and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention… and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down. 

Happy 111th Birthday Anastasia + You can win The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen

Even now in 2012, one of the greatest mysteries has been the fate of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov of Russia, the last of four daughters born to the Tsar Nikolas and his wife Alexandra. After the tragic execution of the Russian Royal family in1918, officials were never able to recover the remains of Anastasia. Tales of her supposed escape from Russia have gripped thousands for decades, fueling speculation that a daughter of Russia’s last sovereign ruler survived the revolution that destroyed her immediate family.

The Giveaway:
So in honor of Anastasia 111th birthday today (June 18th), Sourcebooks is offering a copy of The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen to one reader here at My Reading Room.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below, the only required entry is a free entry, all other entries are optional.  Good luck, open to US and Canada only and the book will mail from the publisher.  Ends 6/25/12.

About the Book:

IN A TIME OF RASPUTIN'S MAGIC AND ROMANOV MYSTERY, A YOUNG GIRL FINDS HERSELF AT THE HEART OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

She was an orphan, ushered into the royal palace on the prayers of her majestry. Yet, decades later, her time spent in the embrace of the Romanovs haunts her still. Is she responsible for those murderous events that changed everything?

If only she can find the heir, maybe she can put together the broken pieces of her own past-maybe she can hold on to the love she found. Bursting to life with the rich and glorious marvels of Imperial Russia, The Last Romanov is a magical tale of second chances and royal blood.

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