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a longtime crush, Book Review, janette rallison

Book Review: A Longtime (and at one point illegal) Crush by Janette Rallison

Kathryn Cooper

Title: A Longtime (and at one point illegal) Crush
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: self
Release Date: February 2013
Pages: 62
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From the day Elsie’s older brother brought his friend Kye McBride over to their house, Elsie adored him. When she was eight, she secretly blew kisses to him. When she was twelve, she sat on the stairs unnoticed and watched him escort another girl to prom. When she was a senior in high school, she walked into math class and found out he was her new math teacher.

With that much emotion fueling her, things were bound to go wrong. And they did. Elsie not only spent the last two weeks of school avoiding him, she turned avoiding-Kye-at-all-costs into her life-long philosophy.

Now three years have passed and Elsie has come home for her brother’s wedding. She’s got to face Kye-–hopefully without getting crushed again.

My Thoughts:
Oh sigh, Janette Rallison can do no wrong. I love her books! She writes the best embarrassing moments. This one was painfully embarrassing and made me cringe . . . and laugh. Great great stuff. This was the first book by Janette I’ve read with an older Main Character. The other books I’ve read were teenagers. Elsie was in college and so probably early twenties, but she does flashback to her high school days too.

This is a must read for anyone who wants a sweet romance with a good laugh. Seriously, the girl was in love with her math teacher who happened to be her brother’s best friend. Classic. I loved every minute of this read! I just wished it was longer! This was a novella so only 62 pages of blissfully fun reading.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( a few punches )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Other Books By Janette Rallison (most are teen fiction)

a mckaslin homecoming, Book Review, jillian hart

Book Review: A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

Kathryn Cooper

Title: A McKaslin Homecoming
Author: Jillian Hart
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: July 2007
Pages: 310
Series: The McKaslin Clan Series 3 #5
3 STARS: I Liked It

When contacted by her long-lost grandmother, Lauren McKaslin wanted to reconnect – with all the warmhearted Montana McKaslins. For too long, she’d relied solely on herself and her faith. But mistrustful lawman Caleb Stone stood in the way, and his questions about her were intimidating. Was his attention more than a protective instinct? Now that she believed in family again, perhaps this was also the time to believe in true love.

My Thoughts:
A McKaslin Homecoming was a sweet love story about new love and family. Lauren was taken from her family when she was 2 years old by her mother. Her mother left behind her husband and 3 children to get out of the small town and try to become famous. Her childhood was rocky and full of mistrust. She couldn’t rely on her mom and thought her family didn’t want her.

Now she was older (I think 19 or 20) and was invited to meet her grandmother. After many years she gets to know her family. It was interesting to see how the family reacted to her homecoming. The sisters were a fun crew for sure. Caleb was the neighbor and family friend Lauren met first. Their relationship was cute.

The thing that bothered me was that things went along too easily without enough conflict. I also wanted more at the end. But overall it was a sweet and fast read I think romance lovers would enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Jillian Hart

Book Review, finding her way home, linda goodnight

Book Review: Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Finding Her Way Home
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 211
Series: Redemption River #1
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Welcome To Redemption, OklahomaThe idyllic little town Cheyenne Rhodes has chosen for her fresh start is almost “too” welcoming. After all, she’s come here to hide from her past–not to make new friends.

But single dad Trace Bowman isn’t about to let Cheyenne hide away her heart. He can’t ignore the special way she has with his daughter, Zoey– or how she’s reminded him of the power of real love. Now he needs to convince Cheyenne that Redemption is more than a place to hide–it’s also a way to be found….

My Thoughts:
This was a beautiful and deeply emotional book. Cheyenne was a victim of rape. The violent and brutal act was talked about in past tense without a lot of detail. I get attached and live through the characters I read so I don’t like to read about rape because of the paranoia that comes with that knowledge. The author did a great job expressing the feelings of a woman who had been raped. Above the violence and trauma it was a story of hope and healing through God and faith.

Cheyenne was a tough woman who’d been a police officer before she moved away and found Redemption, Oklahoma. She soon met the local vet and single dad Trace. Trace was charming and kind and patient. Cheyenne first loved his daughter Zoey who was blind yet confident and joyful.

Finding Her Way Home was so heartwarming to read. I loved it! I think anyone who loves a romance full of deep emotion will love this book.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( not detailed recollection of rape, abuse of a wife )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, linda goodnight, the wedding garden

Book Review: The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Wedding Garden
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: April 2010
Pages: 214
Series: Redemption River #2
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

“Are You My Dad?”The young boy’s question shocks Sloan Hawkins. Until Sloan realizes he “is” this child’s father. Years ago, the former bad boy was run out of Redemption, Oklahoma, where, ironically, he was thought unredeemable. The only people who believed in him were his beloved aunt and Annie Markham, the girl he loved and left behind. Now Sloan is back to face his past and help keep his aunt’s cherished garden thriving. But when he discovers his secret child–and that single mother Annie never stopped loving him– he’s determined that a wedding will take place in the garden nurtured by faith and love.

My Thoughts:
I loved this story!!! It had it all- romance, family, suspense, mystery. It wasn’t fast paced but a truly enjoyable read.

Sloan had left the town of Redemption long ago thinking it was for the best not knowing he’d left a son behind. Now he was back to see his dying aunt, the only family he had. Annie was the girl he thought he wasn’t good enough for and now she was his aunt’s at-home nurse. Annie and Sloan had to spend a lot of time around each other as Annie cared for his aunt.

I loved watching the story unfold. I think what made me love this story so much was because I loved the characters. Sloan and Annie had their own challenges and past heartaches that made me want them to find happiness.

This was a wonderful romance and story of Redemption. I cried and laughed, was happy and heartbroken. A fantastic read!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( threatened with a gun, talk of passed murder )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, linda goodnight, the lawman's christmas

Book Review: The Lawman’s Christmas Wish by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Lawman’s Christmas Wish
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: November 2010
Pages: 281
Series: Alaskan Bride Rush #6
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Widow Amy James can’t get through grocery shopping in Treasure Creek, Alaska, without a marriage proposal. And she’s hardly flattered. Most of her “suitors” are after the treasure her great-grandfather had buried on her property. But only “one” man promised her late husband he’d take care of her and the boys: police chief Reed Truscott. True, Reed is handsome and honest and makes her feel safe. But his honorable marriage proposal is about “obligation”–not love. Unless he can convince her that his Christmas wish is to join her family forever.

My Thoughts:
This was such a fun read to snuggle up with during a cold night. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to read it.

Amy and Reed were great characters. I loved Amy’s independence and love for her two boys. Reed was a hard worker and true friend. When Amy’s husband died Reed had promised he would take care of Amy. His first proposals didn’t go so well since Amy had no desire to marry someone out of obligation or because she couldn’t live alone. They struggled to understand each other.

A great addition to the story was the suspense. Pretty quickly Amy’s life and family are in danger because of her great grandfather’s treasure. Of course Reed wants to protect her, but Amy’s proud and a fighter.

I enjoyed The Lawman’s Christmas Wish, full of developing romance, suspense, and Christmas joy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( kidnapping, someone shot, blood )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, jillian hart, the rancher's promise

Book Review: The Rancher’s Promise by Jillian Hart

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Rancher’s Promise
Author: Jillian Hart
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Release Date: June 2010
Pages: 278
Series: Granger Family Ranch #3
3 STARS: I Liked It

Rancher Justin Granger hasn’t seen his high school sweetheart since she rode out of town with his heart. Now, “too good for this small town” Rori Cornell stands on his doorstep, seeking a job as his cook and housekeeper. He can’t turn her away, not with the sadness and worry in her cornflower-blue eyes. He’ll just have to avoid her between meals. But when Justin discovers that Rori’s big dream has always been “him, ” he finds his heart softening. And an old promise yearning to be kept.

My Thoughts:
This was a really sweet love story. I loved learning about Rori and Justin’s as their past together and apart came out through the story. Rori had left Justin and the farm life to go to college. Rori had gotten married and was now back in Justin’s life after a rough divorce. The characters were great with a fun peek into the life of a rancher. I didn’t know cows could show affection!

The only thing that bothered me was the change in Point of View. The POV changed without any break which left me confused and having to re-read paragraphs. Sometimes the switch would happen at a chapter, but other times it was the next sentence. Other than that it was a nice romance.

If you’re looking for a sweet love story about second chances then you’ll enjoy this book.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Jillian Hart

liesl shurtliff, rump, waiting on wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday: Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly post, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine , where we spotlight a book we are anxiously waiting to be published.

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
By Liesl Shurtliff
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Book for Young Readers
Release Date: April 9, 2013

Rump has never known his full name—his mother died before she could tell him. So all his life he’s been teased and bullied for his half-a-name. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. For Rump discovers he can spin straw into gold. Magical gold.

His best friend Red Riding Hood warns him that magic is dangerous—and she’s right! That gold is worth its weight in trouble. And with each thread he spins, Rump weaves himself deeper into a curse.

There’s only one way to break the spell: Rump must go on a quest to find his true name, along the way defending himself against pixies, trolls, poison apples, and one beautiful but vile-mannered queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—Rump just might triumph in the end.

An inventive fairytale retelling, perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine or Shannon Hale.

I have never read a story from the point of view of Rumpelstiltskin so this should be unique. Normally he’s the bad guy. I love that his friend is Red Riding Hood. This sounds like an exciting adventurous Middle Grade read! The cover is fantastical too!

What books are you “Waiting On” today?

Books by Liesl Shurtliff (click to view on Amazon)

Uncategorized

Happy Anniversary Colt!

Kathryn Cooper

8 years ago my husband Colt and I got married!!! My love for him grows stronger every year. 

In honor of this special day I decided to name 8 male fictional characters that my husband is to me. These are from books I know he’s read. I love that he reads some of my favorite books. 🙂

1. You are my WOLF when you keep me safe. (Scarlet by Marissa Meyer)
2. You are my PERCY when you’re the hero in my life. (Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan)
3. You are my MARCELLO when you work hard for our family. (River of Time by Lisa T. Bergren)
4. You are my LUCA when you make me laugh so hard my sides hurt. (River of Time by Lisa T. Bergren)
5. You are my KAI when you put my needs before your own. (Matched by Ally Condie)
6. You are my JACOB when we go on adventures together. (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer)
7. You are my EDWARD when your silent stare steals my heart. (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer)
8. You are my PEETA when no matter the good or the bad in our lives we support and love each other and make each other better. (Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)

I LOVE YOU COLT!

books mentioned (click the cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, marcia lynn mcclure, shackles of honor

Book Review: Shackles of Honor by Marcia Lynn McClure

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Shackles of Honor
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: Distractions Inc.
Release Date: April 4, 2012 (1st pub in 1998)
Pages: 323
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Cassidy Shea’s life was nothing if not serene. Loving parents and a doting brother provided happiness and innocent hope as life’s experience. Yes-life was blissful at Cassidy’s beloved home, Terrill. Still, for all Terrill’s beauty and tranquility, ever there was something intangible and evasive lurking in the shadows. And though Cassidy wasted little worry on it, still she sensed its existence-looming as a menacing fate bent on ruin. And when a dark stranger appeared, Cassidy could no longer ignore the ominous whispers of the secrets surrounding her. Mason Carlisle, an angry, unpredictable man, materialized-with Cassidy’s black fate at his heels. Thus, thrust into a world completely unknown to her, Cassidy found herself trapped, wandering in a labyrinth of mystery and concealments. Serenity was vanquished-and with it her dreams. Yet were the secrets-so cautiously kept from Cassidy-were they indeed the cloth, the very flax from which her dreams were spun, from which eternal bliss would be woven?

My Thoughts:
Oh boy this was another great romance. Shackles of Honor was full of unknown love, passion, hurt, mystery, and heartache. Cassidy was betrothed to Mason without her knowledge until the day he came to take her away. They seemed to despise each other at first.

This read was full of romance. I didn’t like the extreme frustration I felt because of the characters most of the book. I just wanted it to conclude I was so frustrated. Also there was some really passionate scenes. I was never worried they would go too far, but the characters were lacking a certain honesty at the time that I can’t go into and ruin the read for you.

A great romance I think any romance lover will enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, necking, sleeping in bed together- no sex )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( attacks and death )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

More Books By Marcia Lynn McClure

Book Review, marcia lynn mcclure, the mccall trilogy

Book Review: The McCall Trilogy by Marcia Lynn McClure

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The McCall Trilogy (The Foundling, To Echo the Past, An Old-Fashioned Romance)
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: unknown
Release Date:
Pages:
Series: McCall #1-3
5 STARS: I LOVED THEM!!!

Journey through generations of adventure and romance as three Marcia Lynn McClure favorites blend perfectly in The McCall Trilogy! The roundup begins with The Foundling (formerly released as Desert Fire). She opened her eyes and beheld, for the first time, the face of Jackson McCall… Posse up with the next generation of McCall heroes in To Echo the Past. Stripped of her heart’s hopes and dreams, she knew true loneliness—until an ordinary day revealed a heavenly oasis in the desert—Michael McCall… And finally, ride away to dreams come true with a modern-day McCall heroine in An Old-Fashioned Romance. Life went along simply, if not rather monotonously, for Breck McCall. She longed for something—something that seemed to be missing.

My Thoughts:
I love Marcia’s books. Romance books set in the ‘Ole West are so fun to read. Ah! It was so romantic!! I read the first 2 books because I’d already read book 3. If you like old fashioned books where the man is handsome and protects the woman he loves, and the woman is sweet but spunky then you’ll love these books. These are perfect to read during the month of love. 🙂

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( some fighting and injuries )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

More Books By Marcia Lynn McClure: