On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni ~ a book review

This is a contemporary, clean romance.  It is categorized as Christian fiction but the mention of God is minimal, which is why I call it “clean”

The main character, Cora, has had many painful disappointments and yearns for a normal life again. She comes to Moonberry Lake, her mother’s childhood home, to renovate her family lodge.  Her mother’s will stipulates that she must live in it for a year. In that time she meets, becomes friends with and comes to love a “family” of quirky, eccentric neighbors and townspeople. The list of characters is many. There is a brusque, no-nonsence, old handi-woman who worms her way into Cora’s heart. There is a grumpy, hate filled man who believes he owns her land and wants her gone. There is her neighbor, Pastor Joe, her employer, a genius who can’t leave his house, an old woman who tends a forgotten cemetery and many more interesting folk.  There is also a kind, handsome dentist, and a helpful, old family friend that bring a bit of normalcy to the story.

Cora has dealt with a broken engagement, her mother’s death, secrets, mysteries, lies and natural disasters.

This is not a fast read. It is very involved, but by the time I got about a third of the way into it, it became much easier to read. The story starts to come together for the reader.

By the time you’ve finished the book, you will have gotten to know and taken to heart Cora’s many friends and family.

The back of the book has some recipes and a sneak peek at the next story set in Moonberry Lake.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about the author, Holly Varni

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson ~ a book review

This one is a keeper!  It’s the perfect book to read if you want to put yourself in a Christmas mood.  It’s easy to read, the characters are engaging and the plot is delightful.  However, if the typical holiday movie is not your cup of tea, you may not love it as much as I did. 

Here is the blurb from the publisher’s website:

“Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.”

This is a contemporary novella, so it doesn’t take long to read. There is a strong element of Christian faith but it doesn’t come across as “preachy”. 

This story has all the feel good elements of a happy holiday fantasy. A lovely Christmas village, a handsome "prince", a beautiful historic castle, and a couple of mysteries to solve.

My copy is a hard cover copy, another big plus!

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Melody Carlson and her other books 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.