Love In The Afternoon-by Karen Hawkins

Love In The Afternooon, A Novella by Karen Hawkins-Released 16 Jun 2019

Karen’s latest release needs to come with a warning label that reads “Warning: Tissues May Be Required”!!!

No “Love In The Afternoon” does not come with that warning, but it really should have. Karen’s ability to weave a theme into a story has always amazed and moved me, but never as she did with this latest modern day, small town story of a single mom raising a son with a form of Autism, a young “codger” hermitish very awkward type guy…all woven into a believable story.

I don’t want to give anything away, but I do want to tell you that this story is easy for any parent, sister, brother, friend of someone with children, aunts, uncles, grand and godparents to be empathetic with all of the characters involved. Even young adults will be able to identify with the characters (it is definitely a G rated story). This book truly gets you in the feels. I’m not usually an emotional person, but this story had me crying throughout, once we got passed the introduction of the characters. Sometimes for joy, sometimes because I could feel the pain of each and every character, and sometimes when they triumphed over the challenges that each character faced.

I give “Love in the Afternoon” 5 Purple Butterflies.

For more information on how to purchase “Love in the Afternoon” please visit The Publisher’s Page for Karen’s Latest Release at Simon & Schuster

“An Unexpected Encounter (Half Moon House)” by Deb Marlow (currently part of the “Encounters With A Rogue” Set)

Note: “An Unexpected Encounter (Half Moon House)” is currently on sale as part of the “Encounters With A Rogue” two story set for $0.99 for a limited time. If you miss the sale or the set becomes unavailable you can still purchase  “An Unexpected Encounter (Half Moon House)” separately as a stand alone.

 

“An Unexpected Encounter (Half Moon House)” by Deb Marlowe:

 

Though I’m Still Kind of New to the “Half Moon House” books by Deb Marlowe, I Love Hestia!

 

The first book I read, written by Deb Marlowe was “A Waltz In The Park” (Book 2 in this set) as part of the “Encounter At Hyde Park” Collection and just had to know how Hestia got started, (more on that tomorrow, as I need to reread it to do a proper review). I had to go hunt down more of Deb’s books and found  “The Love List (Half Moon House Book 1)” (released 13 Nov 2013)(link included in case you are like me and need to know how something got started), and I became more in love with Hestia and what she stands for, but more importantly what she does to help women that find themselves in situations that they need a helping hand up. I love how in “An Expected Encounter“, Hestia still gives a helping hand, but not just to a woman who needed a hand up, but to everyone involved, particularly at the end (if I’d been physically capable, I would have been jumping for joy.)

I had a very difficult time putting “An Expected Encounter” down, though I really should have waited to start it when I woke up this morning, as I had kept myself up for 24 hours, starting and finishing the book I reviewed yesterday, but just couldn’t wait to start it. I did have to put it down though, but the first thing I did after I awoke this morning was finish the story. The ending was a great way to start my day.

“An Expected Encounter” is very well written and as I discovered when I realized the second book in the set sounded familiar (I read that one a little over 3 years ago), and found the book blurb on Amazon, “An Expected Encounter” ties into the “A Waltz in The Park”, but you will have to read them both to see how.

“An Expected Encounter” works well as a stand alone book and reading it out of any particular order should not be an issue. I usually try to read things in order, but I was introduced to Deb’s books out of order and I’ve just gone with when I get them I read them (as close to as when I got them as possible)

There is one part of the book that has a bit of sexual activity, while not described in an unnecessary (like we don’t have an imagination) way there is still enough there that I have to give this one a hard PG or a soft R.

My Rating:  (using my Purple Butterfly System)

I give “An Expected Encounter” 5 Purple Butterflies.

Coming Tomorrow:

Book 2 of “Encounters With A Rogue:”  “A Waltz in the Park” (A Half Moon House Novella)” Released 24 Feb 2015

“The Gambler Wagers Her Baron (Craven House Book 4)”: by Christina McKnight

*NOTE: “The Gambler Wagers Her Baron (Craven House Book 4)” was released on 26 June 2018! Get your copy at the following locations:

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2Kp6Zya

iBooks – https://apple.co/2rJokuH

B&N – https://bit.ly/2jYC14B

Kobo – https://bit.ly/2GlW0mz

When happily ever after is the name of the game, gamblers must risk it all in this emotional conclusion to Christina McKnight’s bestselling Craven House series

This Review is of the 4th and Last Book in the ”Craven House Series” by Christina McKnight

 

“The Gambler Wagers Her Baron” by Christina McKnight

Dealing With The Loss of A Loved One

While this is Payton’s, the youngest daughter, story, one of the things that I love about this particular book is that Christina McKnight is able to show many of the sides of grief over the loss of a family member and how different people in the same family and other families process that grief and how we can all help each other through the difficult time that follows trying to process the loss and how try to move on afterwards.

 

“The Gambler Wagers Her Baron” is very well written, and I literally only put it down to eat, though my intent after I ate was to finish the chapter I was reading at the time and go to sleep because I had been awake 21 hours at that point. Next thing I knew it was 3 1/2 hours later and I’d finished the book. It really is that good.

“The Gambler Wagers Her Baron” works well as a stand alone book as well as being the end of the series, and if you read the series out of order, it really shouldn’t be an issue, unless you are like me and just MUST read things in order.

 

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “The Gambler Wagers Her Baron” 5 Purple Butterflies.

 In Reviewing My Reviews, I Missed Some:

“The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One)“

For more information about Judith’s Story, and the Kindle Edition is $0.99 click Here, but hurry as this price won’t last long.

“The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis (Craven House Book 2)”

For more information about Samantha’s Story click Here

“The Madame Catches Her Duke (Craven House Book 3)

I have not read this one yet so I cannot honestly rate it yet, however you can find more information about this book Here.

Story #6: “A Lady Hoyden’s Secret” by Dawn Brower, From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released June 5, 2018)*

*NOTE: “A Lady Hoyden’s Secret (Bluestockings Defying Rogues Book 2)” was released as a stand alone June 5, 2018. The “It Started with a Whisper” Collection is no longer available.

 

Story #6: “A Lady Hoyden’s Secret” by Dawn Brower

Mystery Person:

The Mystery of Lady X is finally solved in this story. Now I understand how they seem to be everywhere! You’ll have to read the book to find out who it is and figure out how they do it. Most definitely worth a couple of hours to read it.

The Story:

“A Lady Hoyden’s Secret” is a traditional Historical Romance, in a sense. What I love about this particular story is that the woman is smart enough to figure out how to achieve something that many women in that era could not. She was determined to be dependent on no one, and was definitely able to accomplish that.

I would rate this story a G, and definitely is not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and also difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “A Lady Hoyden’s Secret” is the sixth story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book. (And as I said above in my note it is available now.)

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “A Lady Hoyden’s Secret” 5 Purple Butterflies.

Coming up next: “The Gambler Wager Her Baron” by Christina McKnight

Released 26 Jun 2018 and available at the following locations:

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2Kp6Zya

iBooks – https://apple.co/2rJokuH

B&N – https://bit.ly/2jYC14B

Kobo – https://bit.ly/2GlW0mz

When happily ever after is the name of the game, gamblers must risk it all in this emotional conclusion to Christina McKnight’s bestselling Craven House series

Story #5: “How To Land An Earl in Ten Days”by Ava Stone From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released May 18, 2018)*

*NOTE: “How to Land an Earl in Ten Days:Heart of an Heiress” (Regency Hearts Book #3) was released as a stand alone May 8, 2018. The “It Started with a Whisper” Collection is no longer available.

Story #5: “How to Land an Earl in Ten Days” by Ava Stone

Mystery Person:

Lady X is still a mystery. She seems to have access to gain knowledge from the infamous Betting Book at White’s, appears to be everywhere, however, in this story she was rather quiet after her initial announcement, and no one seemed to be concerned as to her identity, so there are no clues in this story, unfortunately. Maybe in the next one?

The Story:

“How to Land an Earl in Ten Days” had more of the traditional Historical Romance style to it, but the way Ava Stone brings the characters to life you can’t help but feel like you are there in White’s with the gentlemen as they place their wager, or at the fair wanting or not wanting to ride the “Wheel of Pleasure”, and one part of the story had me crying with the character. I was definitely feeling her pain and frustration.

I would rate this story a soft PG, but only because of a couple wordings and one scene, and definitely is not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and also difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “How to Land an Earl in Ten Days” is the fifth story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book. (And as I said above in my note it is available now.)

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “How to Land an Earl in Ten Days” 5 Purple Butterflies.

Note: One more to go in this boxed set.

Story #4: “The Scandalous Widow” by Erica Monroe From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released Jan 23, 2018)*

*NOTE: “The Scandalous Widow” (Gothic Brides #3) will be available as a stand alone 24 April 2018. However, you can purchase it now as part of the “It Started with a Whisper” Collection (while it is still available).

Story #4: “The Scandalous Widow” by Erica Monroe

Mystery Person:

Of course, the identity of the Mystery Person, known only as Lady X, is still a mystery. There were absolutely NO clues in this story as to their identity. It amazes me how they seem to be everywhere all of the time.

The Story:

As I stated in my review of Erica Monroe’s “Secrets In Scarlet“, “The Scandalous Widow” has all of the elements that I love to read: Mystery, Detective work, Historical Significance, Adventure. I did kind of have a feeling of deja vu while reading it, because it is very similar to “Secrets in Scarlet“, but it was different enough to keep me interested in the story and the characters. I honestly thought it was part of her “Rookery Series” at first, but realized that it wasn’t when the story barely mentioned the Rookeries at all. This story DID have a touch of Science Fiction/Paranormal to it, but it’s so subtle that it isn’t frightening at all. There weren’t any drawn out sexual scenes in this one either. (Thank you.)

I would rate this story a soft PG, and definitely is not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and also difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “The Scandalous Widow” is the fourth story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book. (And as I said above in my note it is being released as one 24 April 2018)

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “The Scandalalous Widow” 5 Purple Butterflies.

The Legend of Nimway Hall: 1794-Charlotte by Karen Hawkins

Just Released Yesterday (22 Mar 2018) For Kindle

 

The Story:

It’s no secret (if you’ve read my other reviews) that Karen Hawkins is my most favorite Historical Romance author. While she has written many Regency Romance and a few Modern Romance novels and novellas, this is her first involving magic. I normally don’t read books with magic involved, and I have to say, Karen now has me hooked. I will be purchasing the remaining books in the series in April.

The story, “The Legend of Nimway Hall: 1794 – Charlotte”, is the second book in the series, and while I don’t normally read a series out of order, I had the opportunity to receive an advanced reader copy, for a free review, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and dived in. This novella was an easy read and Karen had me laughing early on. If you are familiar with anything involving Merlin (whether it be the Sword in the Stone, ABCs Once Upon A Time, etc.) you know anything that Merlin may have touched or had anything to do with in the past can assume a life of it’s own. I recognized it immediately (and that is all of the spoiler you are going to get in this review).

I particularly appreciate the information that Karen placed at the back of the book. It was informative and relevant to today, while providing a bit of history, without being drawn out about the condition. (I really don’t want to say anymore on that because it will spoil the way that the story unfolds.)

This story is could be rated PG, and is definitely not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “The Legend of Nimway Hall: 1794 – Charlotte” is the second novella in the “The Legend of Nimway Hall” series, I was able to read it as a stand alone book quite comfortably.

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “The Legend of Nimway Hall-1794 Charlotte” 5 Purple Butterflies.

Story #3: “The Lady Loves A Scandal” by Christina McKnight From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released Jan 23, 2018)

Be sure to see my “Note From T” in my blog two days ago.

Story #3: “The Lady Loves A Scandal” by Christina McKnight

Mystery Person:

Of course, the identity of the Mystery Person, known only as Lady X, is still a mystery. There were absolutely NO clues in this story as to their identity.

The Story:

Christina McKnight is also one of my most favorite authors. She also never fails to pull me into the story immediately and in “The Lady Loves A Scandal” not only did Christina draw me in immediately, but she also did what few authors have ever been able to do. She had me crying with Lady Sybil. I mean real crying with real tears on my part. I felt her pain and her turmoil that strongly through the entire story.

This story is definitely rated G, (thankfully), and definitely not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “The Lady Loves A Scandal” is the third story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book.

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “The Lady Loves A Scandal” 5 Purple Butterflies.

p.s.

After reviewing each individual story I will do a review of the entire collection as a set. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be doing that when I started, however, I feel this collection deserves an over all review as well.

 

Story #2: “Love Me, Lord Tender” by Deb Marlowe From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released Jan 23, 2018)

Be sure to see my “Note From T” in yesterdays blog.

Story #2: “Love Me, Lord Tender” by Deb Marlowe

Mystery Person:

As I said yesterday, the second the entry from “the gossip column” showed up on my Kindle I knew the story was going to be intriguing, and I was already hooked. With this second story in the collection I still really intrigued and I’m still trying to figure out who the heck the mysterious person is. I still do not have a clue. I thought for sure Lord Terror/aka Lord Tender was going to out her. Lord knows he had plenty of reason to do so. Alas, the identity of the Mystery Person is still a mystery. On one hand I’m disappointed because I still have no clue, (though I thought I did), but on the other, I’m relieved because it keeps the mystery interesting and keeps me wanting to keep reading (which I would anyway to see what other havoc they may wreck on the ton).

The Story:

Deb Marlowe is one of my most favorite authors. She never fails to pull me into the story immediately and “Love Me, Lord Tender” is no exception. While I knew how the story would end up, I have to admit, I was getting worried up toward the end that it wasn’t going to end the way I thought it would. Even, still the ending still surprised me and relieved me. I hate being wrong (though I’m not afraid to admit when I am).

One thing that I particularly was pleased with in “Love Me, Lord Tender” is that Deb tied it into her Half Moon House Series, and incorporated some of the elements of the history of the series.

This story is definitely rated G, (thankfully), and definitely not boring. This novella is definitely a quick read, and difficult to put down.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “Love Me, Lord Tender” is the second story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book.

My Rating:  (using the new Purple Butterfly System)

I give “Love Me, Lord Tender” 5 Purple Butterflies.

 

Story #1: “One Moonlit Tryst” by Amanda Mariel From: “It Started With A Whisper”-A Historical Romance Collection. (Released Jan 23, 2018)

A Note From T:

Normally these collections are previously published novellas, grouped together. “It Started With A Whisper” is “(ALL NEW MATERIAL)” according to Amazon.com. I didn’t realize until I was gathering information for this review, and because it is all new material, normally I would read them all and then give my review on the entire collection.

I’m not going to do that this time. My reasoning is:

1. When I read too many books, (yes I know, no such thing as too many books), back to back I get my facts mixed up. By reviewing each story in the series separately I will avoid mixing facts.
2. In as much as the series appears to have one mysterious person in common, reviewing each separately will help me to review the mysterious character.
3. I want to be able to recommend each as a stand alone, if applicable. By reviewing them separately I will be able to tell you if the story could be a stand alone novella.

Story #1: “One Moonlit Tryst” by Amanda Mariel

Mystery Person:

When I started reading this story I had a million personal things going on, and at first I had trouble devoting my attention to the story. This, however was NOT the fault of the author or the story. The second the entry from “the gossip column” showed up on my Kindle I knew the story was going to be intriguing, and I was already hooked. I don’t know why, exactly, I like these stories (with the gossip of the day at the beginning of each chapter)…but I have to say this one really has me intrigued and I’m trying to figure out who the heck the mysterious person is. Normally I have a clue at the beginning. I got all the way through this one and still don’t know who it is.

The Story:

One of the problems with reading (and probably writing) a particular genre is the stories have a tendency to blend in to one another (hence my Note #1 above). What fascinates me is that Amanda Mariel can still draw me in and get me wrapped up in the feeling of her characters and their adventures. I was totally able to identify with everything that Tabitha was feeling.

Also, since I seem to have started rating books based on particular content, this story is definitely rated G, (thankfully), and definitely not boring. Once I was able to put the world on hold for a bit, I couldn’t put this story down until I finished it.

Stand Alone? Or No?:

While “One Moonlit Tryst” is the opening story of the “It Started With A Whisper” Romance Collection, I do believe that this could well be a stand alone book.

My Rating:  (using the Amazon Star Method {I really need to come up with my own…hmmm}

I give “One Moonlit Tryst” 5 Stars.

RATING SYSTEM UPDATE:

I just came up with my own rating system using Purple (my favorite color) Butterflies (because they go on a migratory adventures) . Works the same way as stars but with Purple Butterflies.

I give “One Moonlit Tryst” 5 Purple Butterflies.