Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Amelia, Not Earhart, Makes the Headlines

Home is where the heart is. This is what Amelia learns as she makes a home for herself in Maple Valley. Following a divorce and the loss of her dreams, she finds a niche in the local newspaper office. The only problem is that the newspaper is floundering and she will do anything to make sure that doesn't happen. She even sends desperate e-mail requests to a former reporter who has made it big in the political world.

Like Never Before is a great modern day romance that left me with a smile on my face. I loved all of Ms. Tagg's references to vintage films and the historical element that she wove into the story. This is a great read and I am so glad that I discovered Melissa Tagg! (This is book 2 and I was able to read it as a stand alone, now off to book 1)

Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon

Pirates, explorers, treasure hunters, adventure and romance, Finders Keepers has all of this and more. I typically have a very easy time predicting the plot line of stories, yet Sarah Monzon's storytelling kept surprising me. I'm tempted to tell you about my favorite suprises, but I think you should read it for your self. This story will captivate you whether you like modern or historical fiction. The story line is paced well, I did not feel like she spent the majority of the book building up to a rushed conclusion. Nor did the time line feel unrealistic in how fast elements happened. I am excited to find out the stories of her supporting cast in the books to come.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

I was given this book as a gift. I was conflicted reading it, as I have not read the three preceding books. I am usually someone that prefers to read in chronological order, but decided to go against my pattern and read the last first. I fell in love with Gray and I was rooting for his Executive Protection Agent through out the whole story. It read great as a stand alone story, even though I know there were some spoilers in there for the stories that came before it. I can't wait to find out the story of the other Porter siblings.        

Close to You by Kara Isaac

This was definitely a unique setting and plot for me. I love Tolkien, but admittedly, was getting a little annoyed with the whole tour thing. Maybe I was just feeding off of the angst that Allison is feeling. The situations that Allison would find herself in were quite amusing. And the situations she creates for the other characters were some of my favorites! A great, clean, inspirational romance awaits you! Make sure you read Close to You this summer!        

The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald

This has been one of my favorite books of the summer! I absolutely loved Sarah. I loved that she wasn't society's idea of beautiful. I loved that she was physically strong and yet insecure emotionally. There was so much detail and thought put into her story. The only person I loved more than Sarah was Jesse. My heart ached for the misunderstandings that ensued. The redemption part The Carpenter's Daughter happened a little fast for me, but redemption can happen at any point and can be triggered by anything, so it wasn't implausible. This was a great book and it was bittersweet to come to the conclusion. I look forward to future stories from Jennifer Rodewald!        

Leaving Oxford by Janet W. Ferguson

Set in a beautiful southern college town, Leaving Oxford had me hooked right away. The pacing was steady and did not feel rushed. I loved the community to which Sarah belonged. I completely sympathized with her annoyance at the charmers in the story. I loved the story of overcoming that graced these pages and the sweet love that evolves. I am looking forward to the next stories in this series.

A Season To Love by Nicole Deese

I am biased. I love Nicole's storytelling. The characters are real. They are lovable despite their flaws. Sometimes you want to smack them for not seeing the obvious and other times they surprise you by doing exactly what you thought they wouldn't do. The one thing I can guarantee is that they will be so endearing you will be disappointed when the story comes to an end. Definitely read this book and read A Cliche Christmas if you haven't already. Both are beautiful modern day romances that are worth the read.