reecaspieces

Overview

“I loved this delightful romance about makeovers of old homes, old personas, and relationships that never had a chance to launch. A sweet, charming reminder of what you can build with a strong foundation.” – Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways

Erin Hahn’s Built to Last is a sparkling second chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.

Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like she does the rough spots on the vintage furniture finds she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs—the one who got away.

Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can’t help but come on board.

There’s something in it for everyone—almost. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she’s not the messy party girl anymore. And Lyle wants to twist the screws on his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could dream of with anyone. Sparks and sawdust fly as Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for “Homemade” and battle Lyle’s shenanigans at every turn.

Review

Shelby has decided to leave the Hollywood scene. She has been dumped by her long time boyfriend, Lyle and she is just over all the drama. She calls her old friend Cameron. He comes running to Shelby’s side. But, then Lyle decides to create some havoc and interfere.

At first, I was not real sure I was going to like Shelby. She came across as insincere and superficial. But after she left Hollywood and became a woodworker and a carpenter, I found her very charming. As for Cameron, he is just an all around good guy. You can’t help but fall for him. He has excellent magnetism!!!

I enjoyed the history between Shelby and Cameron. The connection between these two really made the story…plus their hate for Lyle. Lyle is something else…I just wanted to smack him!

Need a cute, quick read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Two families. One courtroom showdown. • John Grisham’s most gripping thriller yet. • “A legal literary legend.” —USA Today

The #1 New York Times bestselling author returns to Mississippi with the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham’s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.

For most of the last hundred years, Biloxi was known for its beaches, resorts, and seafood industry. But it had a darker side. It was also notorious for corruption and vice, everything from gambling, prostitution, bootleg liquor, and drugs to contract killings. The vice was controlled by small cabal of mobsters, many of them rumored to be members of the Dixie Mafia.

Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco grew up in Biloxi in the sixties and were childhood friends, as well as Little League all-stars. But as teenagers, their lives took them in different directions. Keith’s father became a legendary prosecutor, determined to “clean up the Coast.” Hugh’s father became the “Boss” of Biloxi’s criminal underground. Keith went to law school and followed in his father’s footsteps. Hugh preferred the nightlife and worked in his father’s clubs. The two families were headed for a showdown, one that would happen in a courtroom.

Life itself hangs in the balance in The Boys from Biloxi, a sweeping saga rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters.

Review

Keith and Hugh grew up together and played baseball on championship teams. But, their lives take different turns. Keith’s father becomes a prosecutor so this leads Keith to go to law school. Hugh’s father becomes the mob boss of the coast and Hugh falls into the family business. Each on opposite ends of the law with many conflicts headed their way.

Now, this is my favorite John Grisham cover! I love this cover. This story though, is not my favorite. And yes I have read every single one. And almost all are 5 stars. This one just seemed a bit long and drawn out. And most of his books are not like that…so…it could be me. I am thinking I am headed for a reading slump…so keep that in mind.

I enjoyed learning about all the insurance trials after hurricane Camille. I had no idea any of that occurred. Plus, the setting of Biloxi and cleaning up the coast was a very unique story line to me. Being from Mississippi, I really did not know about a lot of this…so this book had me researching. And as usual, his characters are some of the best! They are usually flawed and this book is no different. Some very real people exist in this book and I felt like I knew all of them!

And the ending…oh boy!

Need just a dang good book…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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Overview

Soon to be a Hello Sunshine/Prime feature film, from international bestselling author Melissa Hill comes an adorable holiday romance about taking chances, falling in love, and trusting destiny.

New York City at Christmas and a visit to Tiffany’s is a recipe to sweep a girl off her feet unless fate has other plans . . .

When Ethan Greene lost the love of his life, he never thought he would be able to replace her, until one woman stepped in and showed him how to be happy again. Now, on a romantic Christmas trip to New York City, he has a plan to show Vanessa just how important she is to him and maybe even to give his daughter, Daisy, a complete family again. He’s going to propose with a perfect ring from Tiffany’s.

Gary Knowles and his girlfriend, Rachel, are on the trip of a lifetime in New York at the most magical time of year. The only thing missing is Gary’s gift for Rachel, since as usual, he’s left his shopping far too late. On a last-minute Christmas Eve visit to Tiffany’s, he quickly picks out a charm bracelet for her and heads back to their hotel.

But, in a moment, one small mistake changes everything…

Review

Ethan decides to take his daughter and his new girlfriend, Vanessa, to New York for Christmas. It used to be his favorite place to share with his now deceased wife. He wants his daughter and Vanessa to share in the magic of this beautiful city. He also has an ulterior motive. He intends to stop by Tiffany’s and purchase an engagement ring.

But, as usual in the way of life. Ethan purchases the ring but in the confusion of an accident, gifts get switched. Ethan follows the ring all the way overseas to try and retrieve his gift. Things do not work out as planned.

I enjoyed this novel. Now, this is your typical Christmas romance. And I had it figured out after 2 chapters. I knew exactly what was going to happen. But, there is just something about this time of year and all the romances. They are quick, easy reads. Perfect for when life gets busy around the holiday. Just plain magical escapes.

Need a good book to get you in the spirit of Christmas…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Art historian Cate Adamson, desperate to succeed to console her grieving parents, leaves the Midwest to complete her doctorate in New York—only to find herself assigned to an impossible sexist advisor. She struggles to impress him until she discovers a hidden painting, possibly a Baroque masterpiece. Risking her career, financial disaster, and further alienation from her family, she flees to Spain with the painting to consult art experts.

Antonio, an impoverished duke, meets Cate on the train to Seville, and joins her search while attempting to rescue the decaying legacy of his family. They find clues and uncover evidence that will shock the titans of art history, may destroy her prospects as an art historian, and shatter her future with Antonio.

Written with vivid prose, rich references to seventeenth century Spanish art, compelling characters and a historical puzzle, Attribution is the story of one contemporary woman’s journey to understand the past and unlock her future.

Review

Cate is a struggling art history major. She cannot get her professor to give her credit or the attention she deserves. He only believes that the male art history students have what it takes. He is constantly shooting down Cate and her ideas for her thesis. However, during one of her jobs of cleaning out a storage room at her school, she discovers a rare painting. So, over Christmas break she decides to slip this beautiful painting out of the school and she takes it to Spain to have it analyzed.

Cate is a strong female character which I adored. Now, she has some ideas which she should have thought through. But, she is smart even if she is impetuous.

I absolutely loved learning about the art and the history of the painting. Add in the surprise surrounding the painting and you have a pretty dang good mystery unfolding in these pages!

Need a good artistic quest…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Book Summary:

In the tradition of Marie Benedict’s The Only Woman in the Room and Adriana Trigiani’s All The Stars in the Heavens, a stunning biographical historical novel set over five decades about Mexican actress Dolores del Río—the first major Latina star in Hollywood, member of Tinseltown’s glamorous inner circle with notables such as Orson Welles and Marlene Dietrich, and proud Mexican woman who helped pioneer Mexican cinema’s Golden Age.

She was known as the most beautiful woman in the world, but Dolores del Río was more than a pretty face.

1910, Mexico: As the country’s revolution spreads, Dolores, the daughter of a wealthy banker, must flee her comfortable life in Durango or risk death. Her family settles in Mexico City, where, at 16, she marries the worldly Jaime del Río. But in a twist of fate, at a party she meets an influential American director who recognizes in her a natural performer. He invites her to Hollywood, and practically overnight, the famous Miss del Río is born.

In California, Dolores’s star quickly rises, and her days become a whirlwind of movie-making and glamorous events. Swept up in Tinseltown’s glitzy inner circle, she takes her place among film royalty such as Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles. But as her career soars to new heights, her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, with family tragedy, painful divorce, and real heartache. And when she’s labeled box office poison amid growing prejudice before WWII, Dolores must decide what price she’s willing to pay to achieve her dreams, and if her heart and future instead lie where it all began… in Mexico.

Spanning half a century and narrated by Dolores’s fictional hairdresser and longtime friend, Miss del Río traces the life of a trailblazing woman whose legacy in Hollywood and in Mexico still shines bright today.

Review

Dolores is Mexican actress. She is absolutely stunning. She is even considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. But staying on top of the Hollywood screen is a never ending problem. So, her personal life takes hit after hit.

I read this book on a long flight. It was absolutely perfect for the plane. I was very much enthralled by Dolores. And to be honest, I enjoyed reading about the Spanish culture. I have not read too much about this, so it was intriguing. Add in the old Hollywood era and this was a pretty dang good read!

I loved that this story is based on a true person. As most of y’all know, I truly enjoy a book which has me researching. And you can read more about Dolores here.

Need a very different historical fiction…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Author Bio:

Bárbara Mujica is the bestselling author of four novels, including Frida, which was translated into 17 languages. She is also an award-winning short story writer and essayist whose work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Miami Herald, among others. A professor emerita of Spanish at Georgetown University, she grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Author Website: http://www.barbaramujica.com/contact-1.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-Mujica-Author-340343149394891/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blmujica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Escreen-name%3Ablmujica%7Ctwcon%5Es2 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/284429.B_rbara_Mujica

Buy Links:

BookShop: https://bookshop.org/books/miss-del-rio-a-novel-of-dolores-del-rio-the-first-major-latina-star-in-hollywood/9781525804991 

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781525899935_miss-del-ro.html 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/miss%20del%20rio 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miss-del-R%C3%ADo-Dolores-Hollywood-ebook/dp/B09P1NH1WQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BZO8TK7X65UR&keywords=miss+del+rio&qid=1662666853&sprefix=miss+del+rio%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1 

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Miss-Ro/Brbara-Mujica/9781525899935?id=8292090795540  

Powell’s: https://www.powells.com/book/miss-del-ro-9781525899935

Overview

A soul-stirring novel about what we choose to keep from our past and what we choose to leave behind, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here and the bestselling author of She’s Not There

Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising their beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined that she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in and taking over her father’s beekeeping business.

Lily Campanello is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start.

And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Their paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. With Ash, she feels happy for the first time. Yet at times, she wonders if she can trust him completely. . . .

Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But she would be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the flashes of his father’s temper in Ash, and as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her.

Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

Review

Lilly and Asher have just started dating. And their love story should have been fabulous. But, life takes a terrible turn. Lilly has died and Asher is accused of her murder. Asher’s mother, Olivia, calls in her brother, Jordan to represent Asher. And things just keep turning in the wrong direction.

To say I loved this book is an understatement! And yes, this is in true Jodi fashion. A “ripped from the headlines” story which had me all torn up, in more ways then one. And no, I will not give it away…but the story has a shocker twist right in the middle and it changed the whole novel!

Now, this story is not flawless. There are several decisions made in this novel which are contrived to fit the story. (Not sure if this makes sense.) For instance, I felt like the case against Asher was not strong enough and this was not really expanded on. It was just assumed the reader would not see it and follow this author blindly. That being said, I still could not stop reading and I was completely captivated by Asher’s situation. So, I guess I am that reader!

Need a story which will have you viewing a situation from all sides and will have you reading well into the night…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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