The Story of Us by Teri Wilson

Synopsis:

A box of love letters from the past... may hold the key to the future…

Jamie always adored True Love Bookstore and Café, and now she’s the owner. But businesses are struggling in her small town, and her beloved store is threatened by a new retail development scheme.

Sawyer, Jamie’s former high school sweetheart, startles her when he comes to town for the first time in fifteen years. She soon learns he’s the architect of the proposed development and he’s there to sell local business owners on his plan. Sawyer had no idea that Jamie had bought the bookstore and poured everything she had into it. If he takes it over, he’ll break her heart a second time.

Jamie’s discovery of a box of old love letters and valentines might hold the key to saving her shop. And after all this time, could love be in the cards for Jamie and Sawyer, too?

My Review: 5 Stars

Jamie and Sawyer were high school sweethearts. 15 years ago, Sawyer broke off their relationship before he left for college. To say Jamie was heartbroken would be an understatement. She held onto the hope that he would return home after college, but it never happened. 

Now here they are, face to face, after all these years. They both had longed for and dreaded this moment. Everything was going fine until Jamie discovers that Sawyer works for the very company who's trying to buy out all the shop owners in the business district so they can tear everything down and replace it with a monstrosity of a building. 

But Jamie refuses to go down without a fight. She will do everything in her power to not only help the shop owners to see that Waterford is rich in history that shouldn't be destroyed, but help Sawyer to see that this new building is not what their small town needs. Help him to remember all the things he loved about their small town and to see where he's belonged all along.

When I woke up this morning and looked outside, I thought spending the day reading would be absolutely perfect. So, I curled up in my comfy chair, grabbed my kindle, and was transported to the small town of Waterford, OR.

I instantly fell in love with the small, quaint town and it's characters. The descriptions of everything and everyone had me feeling like I was right there, living and breathing in the story. I got a front row seat to the magic of love.

I absolutely adored Jamie and Sawyer! I'm a sucker for second chance romance, so I was rooting for them from the very beginning. This book was just what I needed today. 😊

Confession. I have not watched The Story of Us. In all honesty, I have not even seen the advertisements for it (as you can probably guess by my casting 😂). I'm one of those people who enjoy the book more than the movie. Why? Because I have the opportunity to be inside the characters' heads. To know their thoughts, their ideas, their struggles, their fears, their feelings. It's not something a movie can easily portray. Having said that, I know that after reading this book, I'm going to be able to enjoy the movie so much more.

My first book by Ms. Wilson was a hit. I'm looking forward to checking out more of her books.

And of course we can't forget my casting. I know... I know... these are not the actors in the movie, but it's who I saw the entire time I was reading. Haha.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen

Synopsis:

She shouldn't get involved with the cowboy next door...

Laid off from her teaching job in the city, Jemma Monroe takes a job teaching in a tiny town and rents a house on the outskirts. A visitor soon shows up at her door—a horse. His owner, a handsome neighbor in boots and a cowboy hat, comes by to collect him.

When single dad Wyatt Langford meets Jemma, it’s the first time he feels interest in a woman since his wife left. But she’s his daughter’s new teacher, so they both know they should keep their distance.

Nonetheless, Wyatt keeps finding excuses to spend time with Jemma, and Wyatt’s daughter becomes more and more attached to her. With them, Jemma discovers the good things about country life, from starry skies to s’mores cooked over a fire. But she still misses her past life in the city. Is there any reason for them to dream of a future together?

My Review: 5 Stars

Jemma Monroe heads to the small town of Haven Lake to take a temporary teaching position after she was laid off. She didn't quite know what to expect from the small town but she was up for the adventure. And boy did she get one! Where else would you answer the knock at the door to see a horse standing there? Or be in the middle of teaching and have a slithery, forked tongued vistor make an unforgettable entrance? Or meet a handsome, yet grumpy, cowboy that gives you butterflies?

Wyatt Langford has sworn off women ever since his wife left him and their daughter, Bailey Rae. He never wants to experience that kind of heartache again. Nor does he ever want to pick up the pieces of his precious daughter's heart after someone leaves them yet again. But he can't deny the pull that Jemma has on him. He'll just have to do his best to stay as far away from her as possible because his heart isn't the only one on the line. 

Staying away proves to be a problem, especially in a small town. The more Jemma and Wyatt get to know each other, the more time they want to spend together. Throw the adorable Bailey Rae into the mix and they all start feeling like they're a family. 

But Wyatt can't forget that Jemma's time in Haven Lake is only temporary. He'll have to decide if he should push her away once and for all or take a leap of faith to see if maybe, just maybe, they can become the family they all have been longing for. 

*dreamy sigh* 

For those of you that don't know, I'm a sucker for small town and single parent tropes. And when you put the two of them together in the same book, I'm instantly hooked and can't wait to read it! 

I'm happy to say that Country Hearts did not disappoint! I instantly fell in love with Jemma, Wyatt and Bailey Rae and couldn't wait for their story to unfold. I could not get enough of the banter back and forth between Jemma and Wyatt. I found myself busting out laughing and enjoying every minute of it. Add the little matchmaker, Bailey Rae, into the mix and there's no way you aren't going to love this book.

And I absolutely adored Haven Lake! I felt like I was transported there and I didn't want to leave. I wanted to curl up in Havenly Brew and watch life unfold around me while I'm nibbling on all the yummy treats and trying the new, fun drinks. This was the perfect book to curl up with on a quiet weekend. 

This is my first book by Ms. Madsen and I'll definitely be looking into reading more of her books. 

And of course I can't forget my casting! I pretty much saw these two from the very beginning. What do you think?!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Love on Location by Cassidy Carter

Synopsis:

Maybe what they needed most was there all along…

Delaney Phillips, a divorced mom, works for her longtime best friend Wyatt Andrews at Cabins in the Pines. Wyatt inherited the rustic resort from his father, and both he and Delaney have made countless happy memories there. After a highway bypass leaves it a little too off the beaten path, they’ll do just about anything to keep it open.

At Delaney’s urging, Wyatt auditions for a reality TV program that helps businesses in trouble. The show’s glamorous host arrives with her camera crew, turning the place upside down in hilarious and alarming ways.

But Delaney doesn’t like the woman’s new plans for the business…or her designs on Wyatt. Because even though Delaney’s known him since the first grade, she’s slowly but surely falling in love with him. Can she help him see the cabins—and their relationship—in a different light?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Cabins in the Pines has been in Wyatt Andrews family for years. Business was always good until a highway bypass made it difficult to get to. With the decline in reservations and several things breaking down, Wyatt will need to do something if he's going to keep his family legacy going.

Delaney Phillips has been best friends with Wyatt since the first grade. They were inseparable growing up and have always been there for each other. When Delaney got divorced, it was Wyatt's family who helped her pick up the pieces and move on with her life. She loves being the property manager and is always looking for ways to improve the Pines.

While watching one of her favorite reality TV shows, Delaney gets the idea to submit an audition video to ABC's of Business to see if they'll come out and film an episode at the Pines. If chosen, there's a chance that the much needed improvements will start bringing business in again.

But when Delaney discovers she's being kept out of the loop on important decisions and the host of the show starts taking a special liking to Wyatt, she starts doubting her decision to bring the show out to their little slice of heaven.

Everyone at the Pines will need to band together to do whatever it takes to not only keep the business going, but to help Delaney and Wyatt open their eyes and see what's standing right in front of them. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them.

*dreamy sigh*

You guys! Can I just tell you how cute Love on Location is? I found myself being transported to Cabins in the Pines and did not want to leave! I laughed out loud, got frustrated and found myself letting out little dreamy sighs while reading. I really enjoyed getting to know Delaney and Wyatt and found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. The characters were fun, the setting was picturesque and the romance was sweet. What more could you ask for?

I love finding new authors! This is my first book by Ms. Carter and I can tell you it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to seeing what she has in store for us next!

Can we just take a minute to admire these two?! I love them as Delaney and Wyatt!

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*