Review: Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Noah Mackie's life is finally back on track. He's getting the hang of this single father thing and he has a great support system with his sister living next door and the neighbors that have become like family. But when his job falls through, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall.

Another winner by Rachael Anderson! I loved this book. Noah and Cassie are both reluctant to start a new relationship – Noah can’t imagine falling in love again after the death of his beloved wife and Cassie is struggling to find herself after the death of her abusive husband. With the help of matchmaking family and friends, Noah and Cassie meet and despite their fears and concerns they open up their hearts to a second chance at love and happiness.

There was so much to this story that drew me in and kept me reading. The whole favorite ice cream question/personality analysis was funny. I loved the interaction between Noah and Cassie. The chemistry between the two was sweet and romantic. I loved Noah’s connection with his two very different girls. The vacuum trick to get the girls’ hair in a ponytail was so funny but gross too! Does he not know what gets sucked up into those things?! LOL And I was so happy that throughout the book and with Noah’s encouragement, Cassie reaches out to her own family that she had been alienated from because of her late husband.

A sweet clean romance that will leave a smile on your face. I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: The Reluctant Bachelorette

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Unknowingly Taycee is cast as the bachelorette for an online reality dating show created by her friend Jessa to raise some much needed funds for the faltering town of Shelter Springs. Taycee just wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.

Both Taycee and Luke have been pulled into this reality show against their will. As Taycee's best friend, I really couldn't believe Jessa did something of that magnitude behind her back. Taycee is pretty gracious about it and determines to make it work to help her hometown. However, Taycee is still dealing with feelings for Luke who left town (and Taycee) 10 years ago and never looked back. And Luke is pretty clueless when it comes to Taycee and can't figure out why his best friends little sister is so testy with him.

This was my least favorite of the Rachael Anderson books I've read but it was still a sweet clean romance that pulls at your heartstrings and has you rooting for Taycee and Luke.

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: The Rose of Winslow Street

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

Oh my! The push and pull of emotions in this book just about drove me crazy...lol. The audacity of a man to break into a house that is obviously occupied, even if you have what you consider is legal ownership of the house, just blew me away. Talk about single mindedness! Although I admire his determination to provide a place for his family I didn't care for his thoughtlessness for the Sawyer's. It took me awhile to care for his character because of this hardheadedness and stubbornness. But eventually his fierce love and protection of his family and later on Libby herself changed my opinion of him. :D

The complexities of the characters are skillfully woven into the story. Mirela and Libby both have secrets that have changed their lives. Mirela's secret has practically destroyed her. Over the course of the book the strong love of her brother, Michael, allows her to heal and move on. Libby's secret has caused many difficulties in her life and yet she has learned to deal with it and has become a stronger person because of it. That strength allows her to see more of who Michael really is in spite of his brusqueness.

This book took several unexpected turns and although it dealt with some heavy issues (illiteracy, discrimination, war crimes, suicide, betrayal), you are skillfully pulled along while they learn to forgive, forget, fall in love, find their way and make a new start.



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