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Three Reasons You Should Read This Contemporary Literary Fiction:
My Mother’s Gift by Steffanie Edward is the story of a family growing old together and apart – of generational changes and taking care of the ones you love.
Erica’s story is slowly told – her past, her present, her plans for the future – as she confronts the challenge of helping her mother, Ione, live with advanced Alzheimer’s Disease.
ione is very family-orented – and even on her worse days, you can still see this in her, and she wants nothing more than to live her last days among them.
What if going home was the only way to find out where you belonged?
When Erica gets a phone call to say her mother, Ione, is ill in St Lucia, she knows she must go to her, even though their relationship has always been difficult. The island – the place of her mother’s birth – is somewhere that Erica has never called home.
Even when the plane touches down in the tropical paradise, with its palm trees swaying in the island breeze, the sound of accents so like her mother’s own calling loud in the air, Erica doesn’t find herself wanting to stay a moment longer than she has to.
But stepping into her mother’s house, she is shocked by what she finds. Her mother’s memory is fading and she is having strange, erratic episodes. Erica knows the right thing to do is to stay with her, even if it means leaving everything in England behind.
Could you uproot your whole life for the person who raised you? Can a place you’ve never felt at home ever feel like where you belong? And – as you experience loss – is it ever possible to also find love and peace?
My Mother’s Gift by Steffanie Edward is the story of a family finding a new way, a family coming together and drifting apart, of past arguments and joys forgotten. And while there are some very sad and heart-breaking scenes, the story overall feels more like a love story between a mother and daughter.
Erica returns to St Lucia to visit her mom every year, but this year it’s a lot different. Ione’s Alzheimer’s has progressed quickly, and she doesn’t even seem to be the same person most of the time. There are wonderfully sweet moments for mother and daughter to share that quickly deteriorate into manic episodes of violence and rage. Author Steffanie Edward did an amazing job showing how this disease can tear families apart. She artfully showed the real trauma experienced by both Erica and Ione.
The family that lives in St Lucia didn’t always agree with Erica’s decisions, and sometimes I didn’t either. But they all shared one common goal – doing what was best for Ione. Did they make the right decision in the long run? Maybe. It’s hard to say, and the book makes sure that this is very clear. You never know what the best choice at the end will be, you can only choose what your heart is leading you to.
There’s life outside of being a carer for Alzheimer’s too, and this was something Erica had to learn, and her family helped her learn it. Being able to lean on and depend the people around her was such a blessing.
There were a couple of inconsistencies that jumped out at me. For example, a time when she drank wine at night, then complained about being tired after her third rum and coke from the night before. But they were pretty minor. There’s life outside of Alzheimer’s too, and this was something Erica had to learn, and her family helped her learn it.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Title: Never Hide Again Author: Garnet Christie Genre: Romantic Suspense
One man will do anything to keep her safe.
The other will do anything to see her dead.
For the last five years, I’ve been living as Olivia Tucker. With a cautious eye over my shoulder, I’ve been hiding in Seattle, staying anonymous, keeping a low-profile at a small interior design company.
Until Grant Brexton.
Billionaire, CEO of Hall and Brexton, he’s known as Seattle’s Best Playboy, the man who keeps Seattle under his heel.
As his new personal assistant, our attraction should be forbidden.
But Grant isn’t merely a man who sets my heart on fire.
He teaches me to be as strong as he is.
To live ruthlessly and without apologizing.
Most of all, Grant teaches me how to stop living in the shadows of fear.
Our love is unstoppable. Our bond is unbreakable.
Or so I think.
Lonnie, the man who murdered my husband, proves he’s still looking for me.
And just like five years before, he could rip everything away.
Grant included.
It will be up to me to walk in the power I’ve become familiar with and maintain control over my life.
Garnet Christie is an author and Midwestern native living in the desert. Though she misses trees, Garnet admits there is an acrid beauty to the place that has been home for twenty years. A traveling enthusiast, Garnet has visited over thirty-seven states and when challenged with something new, whether it was ice skating, tap dancing, ballet, piano lessons, or horseback riding, she never backed down. Armed with that bravery, a childhood spent in the company of English teachers, and her creative soul, Garnet took to writing
She loves serving up Alpha male’s who are searching for their happily ever after, and paring them up with women who are equally, if not more, reluctant. Inspired by experiences in life, friends, family, and countless stories on television and books, Garnet writes whatever story is screaming at her the loudest.
When not writing, Garnet is found reading, dancing, and spending too much money on K-pop merch. All the above is achieved by drinking too much tea, avoiding sleep, and eating chocolate. Garnet also adores Italian food and will go to great lengths to hunt down a fantastic plate of Chicken Marsala that comes with a cannoli.
Title: First Down Author: Jennifer M. Miller Series: First Down #1 Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Meghan Grace is hiding a secret that will destroy her.
For Grey, grief and pain go hand in hand. After her father’s death, she hides her true self from the world under thick make-up and dyed hair. No one can see the tragedy in her eyes.
When she’s forced to run away, she finds solace in her college scholarship. Except she’s constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting for her mother to strike. All hope seems lost…
Until Chase plops into the chair next to her. If only he knew who she really was… If he connects the dots too late, he’ll lose her, and his chance at the NFL, forever.
Fans of Lucy Score and Meghan Quinn will love the witty dialogue and angsty athletes in Jennifer M. Miller’s First Down series.
“Remember how I told you my name is Megan Grace?” She knows my entire life story, I just left out the tidbits about Chase.
“Judging by the size of those biceps and big blue eyes you– left out the juiciest parts! How dare you?”
“Be quiet,” I whisper through clenched teeth, “he’ll hear you.” I filled in the gaps of my story. How my dad meant everything to me, how we’ve been friends since we were young but as we grew up things changed. He became more than a friend.
She took another look through the opening on the shelf, “He’s hot, please tell me you tapped that?”
“I wish. We were way too young for that. We almost kissed. Once.”
USA Today and internationally bestselling author Jennifer M. Miller writes sports romance as well as paranormal romance for Creative Words Press. When she’s not writing, Jennifer travels across the United States with her family in an RV. At each destination, she draws inspiration for her next story.
Whether its worlds with magic and werewolves or a budding flame between the star wide receiver and his coach’s daughter, she always adds a healthy dose of steam and humor. If you like Jennifer’s angsty characters and witty dialogue, she recommends you also check out Lucy Score and Emelia Rose. They’re kind of her idols.
Title: Last Resort Author: Amelia Wilde Genre: Contemporary Romance
Emerson LeBlanc lost more than an acquisition. He lost the woman he loves.
There’s no redemption for a man with his past. No future for a relationship built on stalking and kidnapping. At least that’s what he believes. When he meets Daphne again, she’s not a piece of art. She’s a woman determined to paint a new path. For herself. For him. Except the ocean holds more than shadows. It holds danger that could ruin them both.
Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.
Amelia is a USA Today best selling author from northern Michigan. Be her friend!
When Arkimedes is kidnapped by The Dark Ones, Nava Forrest is forced to make a bargain with the devil. But when Nava comes face-to-face with her beloved, he has no memory of her, their soul bond or the past eleven years of his life.
Under the cover of a fake engagement, Nava must hide her soulmate bond, navigate the Copper Kingdom’s deadly court, and field off demon attacks in the nearby forest. All whilst attempting to trigger her soulmate’s memories and convince him to flee. But this new version of Arkimedes is cold, ruthless, and determined to solve the mystery of why he was abandoned as a child.
Yet the soulmate bond won’t be denied. Nava and Ark are drawn to each other, and her delicate web of secrets is threatening to unravel…
She wrapped her hands tightly around the terrace’s balusters. “Well, for someone who just claimed I wasn’t a prisoner when your guard almost killed me, you sure treat me like one.” Arkimedes hovered closer and his body brushed hers, his energy a mist of cool air against her heated skin. “Don’t fool yourself. I did that because you are to be Devon’s bride.” Nava raised a brow, feeling the wave of dangerous fire churn between them. “In that case, can I at least move next to my fiancé? I sure would love to spend some time with him.” Arkimedes held the railing so tightly his knuckles turned white. Nava was sure it would explode under the pressure of his power at any moment. “You are to stay here, where I can keep my eyes on you.” “One would think you are jealous of your brother, sir.” “Don’t flatter yourself.” His eyes dropped to her lips. The swarming heat that took over her body left her breathless, and she pulled away. Being so close strengthened his emotions within her, and she didn’t need to feel his jealousy when he was so clearly trying to be an asshole. “Speaking of, when will I see Devon?” A fake smile appeared on his handsome features. “Are you going to stay out of trouble if you do?” “Is that what betrothed people do?” Her words came out harsher than she’d intended them. His nostrils flared. “Good girls do.” “Who says I’m good?” A wave of burning desire that was all him had her blood boiling. She gulped at his darkening gaze. “No, I supposed you mustn’t be.”
Abbey Fox has always loved storytelling. Ever since she was little, she used to create characters for fun, get immersed in their life stories, worlds and magic systems. This naturally progressed onto writing, her first story being a cringy teenage highschool Romance, which she wrote at the age of thirteen in a notebook that was half falling apart by the time she wrote ‘the end’.
As time has gone by she has dived into writing other genres, from YA Fantasy, to Mystery Romance, Sci-fi Apocalyptic YA and a plethora of short stories. Now she is focusing on her love for Adult Fiction, in the Fantasy Romance/ Paranormal Romance genres.
Her debut Novel, The Curse of the Crow is coming out later this year, a part one of an enthralling series set on a magical world where soulmates are real and kingdoms are corrupted by power.
When Abbey is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her four year old son, tending to her indoor tropical jungle and painting fun characters with watercolors.
Surrounded by flames and turmoil, David can’t remember how he ended up in the unfamiliar town of Ingress. While his heart is eager to find a way back home, he can’t help but intercede when he sees a young orphaned child in need of help.
Welcomed by a broken community, David becomes Ender—the unlikely leader who teaches his new people how to survive in the wilderness after losing everything. Together, they work to rebuild Ingress while Ender builds a life better than the one he left behind.
But it all could be for nothing if anyone discovers Ender’s secret.
Bria Starr grew up in a small town in Minnesota and continues to live there with her family. She’s a quiet person with an infinite imagination, loves junk food, and is always cold. Her favorite things include reading, writing, listening to music, and watching too many movies.
Opposites clash in this wild, unpredictable rom com, where two strangers team up to stop a wedding at all costs.
Nathaniel Barry is monochromatic, meticulous, and uptight. Izzy Harris is wild, unpredictable, and free-spirited. Nathaniel has a trendy apartment, a successful career, and a girlfriend he’s about to propose to. Izzy has no home, no career, and nobody special to hold her down.
They’re polar-opposites in every way.
So when they sit next to each other on the train to Romeo, New York they clash from the very start. Naturally, Nathaniel decides he wants nothing to do with Izzy. And Izzy…well, she has a different opinion.
No matter how much Nathaniel protests, Izzy knows it was fate that brought them together. Nathaniel’s girlfriend just ran off to marry another man, and Izzy swears she’ll help Nathaniel win her back. They have three days to stop the ill-advised wedding. It should be easy. It should be simple. But when two polar opposites team-up to stop a wedding, there’s only one guarantee – that nothing will go as planned.
Author Sarah Ready writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her books have been described as “euphoric”, “heartwarming” and “laugh out loud”. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She loves to write fast-paced, emotionally compelling romances about quirky, smart women and the men who love them.
Before writing romance full-time Sarah had lots of fun teaching at an Ivy League. Then she realized she could have even more fun writing romance. Her favorite things after writing are adventuring and travel. You’ll frequently find her using her degree at a dino dig site, crawling into a cave, snorkeling, or on horseback riding through the jungle – all fodder for her next book. She’s lived in Scotland, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland and NYC. She currently lives in the Caribbean with her water-obsessed pup and her awesome family.
After months of searching, the missing royals have been tracked to the mountainous hills of South Dakota. As Micah Lyall picks up their scent, he can’t miss the intermingled smells of the Black Hills pack.
At first glance, they seem to be living together peacefully. Raelynn is all smiles about her upcoming mating to alpha Soren Blackridge. Yet unease raises Micah’s hackles when he begins to sense a shadow of danger casting its evil gloom over the pack. He’s felt this darkness before, and it brings back memories he doesn’t even remember.
To complicate matters further, mating signs are pointing him straight to Raelynn. It’s up to Micah to break the spell and make the beautiful royal see who she truly belongs with. But how can he take that risk knowing Soren’s pack surrounds them, and the vindictive alpha will never let Raelynn go without a fight?
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Everything’s sweeter in the South has always been her mantra and she lives by it, whether it’s with her writing or in her everyday life. Maybe that’s why she’s seriously addicted to chocolate.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, including a children’s book with her daughter. Her favorite to write is romantic suspense, but she’s also found a passion in romantic comedy. She loves to make people laugh which is why you’ll never see her without a smile on her face.
Title: A Vampire’s Soul Author: Marie-Claude Bourque Genre: Paranormal Romance
A VAMPIRE’S SOUL: A Friends to Lovers Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance
Meet the Order of the Black Oak: a powerful order of modern-day warriors fighting evil to protect the ones they love.
When Montreal vampire Emmeline Dubois regains her lost soul in a spell gone wrong, she embarks on an arduous journey toward her redemption.
But a zealous vampire hunter is hell-bent on killing her, and even the secret love of powerful Mount-Royal Immortal Professor Justinien St-Amand might not be enough to save her.
If you love loyal tough guys with hearts, satisfying slow-burn paranormal romance and safe Happily Ever Afters, the Black Oak World is for you.
“Justin.” Suddenly swallowed whole by her emotions, she bit her bottom lip. “What would have happened to us if you had asked me to dance that night?”
“Instead of Valerian?”
“Yes,” she rasped, her voice tainted with mixed feelings.
“I don’t know.” His gaze remained impenetrable.
She knew they bonded but she couldn’t read him. A rush of complex impressions invaded her heart. Had she wished for him to declare some undeniable love for her?
He hadn’t.
And right there, for some crazy reason— stranded in this house, with a possible assassin after her—she wanted him to say that he had feelings for her.
Wanted him to fall in love with her. She found herself with no choice. She would have to make it happen. She knew she had to focus on her redemption, but this—Justin and her— it had to be. In fact, it already was.
Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.
Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes.
