BABY BOMBSHELL

By Lisa Ruff

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

Life is always full of surprises.

Anna Berzani is a fiery redhead who has made a name for herself as an architect in beautiful San Francisco, California. Moving halfway across the country to pursue her dream was spurred by her desire to escape from her meddling family. With two overly protective brothers and a sister plus a boisterous father and sweet, yet nosy mother, Anna needed a place to call her own.

Just when Anna believes she has finally found her groove, the Berzanis send an old family friend Evan McKenzie on a mission to persuade Anna to temporarily come back home. Of course, their need for her expertise is the perfect bait coupled with the spice and charm of a very sexy delivery man. What starts out as an innocent negotiation of affairs turns into a night filled with lust and desire from years gone by. Who knew that her childhood crush would one day become the object of her desire?

As is typical in Anna’s life, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Committed to helping her family, she does the right thing and flies back home to Crab Creek, Maryland only to discover that her recent tryst has resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. Realizing she has no other option than to marry her sexy lover Evan, she spills the beans to her unsuspecting man.

Evan McKenzie is known for his love’em and leave’em reputation. Having grown up in a broken home, he has no plans of ever settling down. So, when Anna drops the baby  bombshell, Evan does the only thing imaginable, he runs the other way. Despite his feelings for her, Evan doubts if he can ever change. Will these two lovebirds be able to meet half-way? Or, will this baby become the wedge that will forever keep them apart?

BABY BOMBSHELL is the third book in Lisa Ruff’s Berzani Family series in Harlequin’s American Romance line. With her delightful characters, she continues this memorable family saga filled with love, lust, and family values. Entertaining and sweetly enjoyable, Ruff gives birth to another sparkling baby.

ON FOLLY BEACH

By Karen White

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

The sands of time hold all of the answers.

            Emmy Hamilton is not your typical young woman. Widowed due to the war in Afghanistan, she is left to pick up the pieces of her life without the man she loved. As an only child, Emmy feels her “aloneness” acutely and desperately needs something in her life to help her overcome her emotional devastation.  She decides to follow her mother Paige’s sage advice, and leaves her home in Indiana to begin anew in Folly Beach, South Carolina, her mother’s childhood home.

            Upon her arrival, Emmy agrees to buy Folly Finds, Paige’s former favorite bookstore, as a way in which to heal her soul.  The purchase comes with one caveat however: she must allow the seller’s eccentric aunt, aptly named Lulu, to continue selling bottle trees on the premises. Hesitant to undertake such a permanent position on her own, she enlists the aide of the former owner to help with the transition.

            As Emmy delves into her new business venture, she stumbles upon a box containing love letters along with a sketch of a bottle tree.  Upon further investigation, she uncovers more rare books with secret messages scrawled in the margins that somehow may have a connection with the unusual Lulu. As this mystery unravels, she learns some harrowing details of a possible murder and even espionage that may have taken place in Folly Beach during World War II.  Has Emmy’s innocent search for a new life opened Pandora’s Box? Or, has she just taken the first step towards understanding the true meaning of life?

            ON FOLLY BEACH is the latest novel by the award-winning novelist Karen White. Known for her exquisite prose which delves into the inner core of her characters’ emotions, she delivers a superb story of two women separated by sixty years who must rise above all obstacles in order to find eternal peace. With her most recent endeavor, she has proven her prowess as a storyteller by demonstrating her unique combination of history with intrigue and love in order to create an unforgettable novel. Without a doubt, ON FOLLY BEACH is White’s crowning achievement.                

SKINNY ITALIAN

By Teresa Giudice with Heather Maclean

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

The New Jersey Housewives always know best.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey are a feisty bunch of women.  From explosive dinner parties to scandalous affairs revealed from secret pasts, these ladies sure know how to make a scene. Teresa Giudice is in the spotlight again, but this time instead of flipping tables, she’s whipping up some culinary delights in her delectable new book entitled SKINNY ITALIAN.

Not only does she share some of her family’s most treasured recipes, but also she offers up some helpful tips and sage advice on how to stay in shape while living a fulfilling life. The mother of four beautiful young girls, Teresa puts emphasis on providing a loving home filled with good food and healthy meal choices. Even her hunky husband Joe chimes in by sharing his two cents on the art of Italian cooking.

With over sixty recipes such as Tempting Tomato and Oregano Soup to Old World Pizza Dough, Teresa lets the reader in on some well-kept family secrets. Her educational vignettes such as the nutritional value of olive oil and the importance of using fresh herbs versus dried bring a touch of valuable know-how to the book. Of course, her advice to stay away from food that also is a stripper’s name (i.e. cookies, candy, and cupcakes) brings out her quirky sense of humor that we all have come to love.
Unlike the typical cookbook/wellness books featured in bookstores today, SKINNY ITALIAN dishes up the perfect blend of good taste with a dash of sugar as well as some zesty spice.  

SEVEN YEAR SWITCH

By Claire Cook

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

Life has a way of surprising itself.
Jill Murray has it all figured out. A single mom with a spunky 10-year-old daughter named Anastasia, Jill does her very best to keep her head above water.  Having been abandoned by her carefree husband seven years ago, she has learned the hard way how to survive without child support or assistance from loved ones.  Despite her unfortunate circumstances, her home is filled with laughter and love.

Making ends meet has been a struggle for Jill; however, her latest endeavors seem to be working. Juggling part-time jobs as a travel agent as well as a cooking instructor at the community college, Jill is able to pay the bills. And best of all, the very sexy Billy Sanders hires her for some consultant work on the side. Whoever said you can’t mix business with pleasure?  As far as Jill is concerned, she is willing to try.
Just when it seems life is as perfect as it can possibly be, her runaway groom Seth shows up expecting to pick up right where he left off. Of course, Anastasia, who is starving for his attention and love, welcomes him with open arms despite Jill’s reluctance. In the back of her mind, Anastasia envisions her broken home becoming whole once again. If only she can convince Jill that Seth is here to stay.

Fighting him tooth and nail, Jill puts on her armor as she prepares for the most extreme marital battle of her life.  What gives him the right to decide whether they can be a family again? And more importantly, how dare he assume that she still holds a place for him in her heart?
SEVEN YEAR SWITCH is the seventh book by the highly popular bestselling author Claire Cook. As sure as the summer breezes will descend upon the shores, Claire Cook delivers yet another charming and delightful story that will capture her readers’ hearts. Funny, engaging, and downright delectable, SEVEN YEAR SWITCH is this summer’s must-read.        

HALF-PRICE HOMICIDE
By Elaine Viets
Reviewed by Jennifer Vido
Shop until you drop.

It’s been a while since Helen Hawthorne left St. Louis to start a new life under an
assumed name. On the run from her money-grubbing ex-husband Rob, she has taken
various dead-end jobs to make ends meet. Her latest position as a saleslady at a high-end
consignment shop named Snapdragon has her rubbing elbows with the elite women in
Fort Lauderdale. It’s not the most desirable position, but at least it pays the bills.
As she tries to make nice with the local ladies, Helen and her quirky boss Vera
stumble upon some tantalizing scoop concerning a powerful developer named Danny
Martlet and his cute, Barbie doll wife, Chrissy. As tempers begin to flair, Helen does her est to stay out of the mix as she watches her own neighbor and even the county
commissioner get caught up in the melee.

Just when she thinks the worst has passed, Chrissy is found dead at Snapdragon
hanging by a scarf in the dressing room. To make matters worse, Helen’s ex-hubby is
back on the scene demanding unpaid alimony that he definitely does not deserve. As if
things aren’t complicated enough, Detective McNally, who has a bone to pick with her
from the past, is assigned to the case. Within a blink of an eye, Helen goes from being an
innocent bystander to the top of the suspect list.
HALF-PRICE HOMICIDE is ninth installment in The Dead -End Job Mystery
series by the award-winning novelist Elaine Viets. Once again, her spicy and spunky
heroine Helen takes the bite out of being unappreciated and underpaid as she tries to solve her latest caper.

With lots of twists and turns plus a comical cast of characters, HALF-
PRICE HOMICIDE is a bargain hunter’s dream.

AN UNEXPECTED FATHER

By Lisa Ruff

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

Life is indeed full of surprises.

      Living the past ten years on the road has been quite the journey for Mimi Green. In search of fame as a rock and roll star, she has made many sacrifices along the way. As a single mom, she has tried to provide as much normalcy for her son Jack as possible, but the pursuit of her lifelong dream has made it a challenge.

      Realizing she has to make some adjustments, Mimi and Jack move back home to Crab Creek, Maryland. With her parents by her side, she takes charge of her unhappy son’s life by providing the structure for which he has longed. If only he could make some friends. Then perhaps he would finally feel as if he truly belonged.

      As if her prayers have been answered, along comes Ian Berzani, a man with a passion for the sea. Within no time, Ian becomes more of a father-figure than simply a friend in Jack’s life, filling not just one void but two. Too bad he just happens to be the hottest man in town. With his seductive good looks and manly charms, Ian also steals Jack’s mother’s heart.

      Mimi Green is not the only one who has big dreams. Within three months, Ian Berzani plans on sailing around the world guided simply by his compass and love of the sea. Yet with the arrival of Mimi and Jack, all of sudden he has second thoughts. Will he set sail for uncharted waters, or will this bachelor choose to stay anchored with the ones he loves?                   

      AN UNEXPECTED FATHER is Lisa Ruff’s third novel in the highly popular Harlequin American Romance series. Her knowledge of the sea lends credibility to the plot as she shares insightful tidbits about the art of sailing with her readers. With delightful characters and a touching storyline, Ruff once gain succeeds in delivering the true essence of a superb Harlequin Romance. 

THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE

By Jennifer Ross

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

The sweet taste of success.

      Being a Southern Belle requires more than just beauty and charm.  It is a way of life for the rich and privileged women living south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Just ask Ansley Waller. As queen of her sorority at Baylor University, her main goals in life include marriage, children, and charity balls. Isn’t that what every young woman dreams of? 
So imagine the shame when her devoted fiancée decides to call it quits, leaving Ansley unattached and socially disgraced! With nowhere else to turn, she chooses to escape to New York City.  With her tail between her legs, she moves in with her grandmother Vivian, whom she has never met and whom her mother Hattie utterly despises, in hopes of starting anew.

Arriving in the Big Apple turns out to be a drastic change of scenery for this Dallas socialite.  Hoping to nurse her wounds, she seeks comfort in the arms of her grandmother.  Unfortunately, Vivian has other plans in mind for her darling granddaughter, requiring her to find employment in eight weeks or simply move out.

As Ansley hits the pavement in search of a master plan, she enlists the help of a new friend named Dot to help orchestrate her next move. With her options dwindling and time running out, Ansley comes up with the bright idea to combine her love of baking with her new passion for life.  Will her ambitious scheme be a recipe for disaster?  Or, will Ansley finally get to savor the sweet flavor of success?
THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a delicious debut novel by the talented writer and pastry aficionado Jennifer Ross. With each chapter, she shares scrumptious recipes for flavorful cupcakes with such hilarious names as Black Bottom Heartache and The Devil Made Me Do It and I Liked It. With a rich storyline and sweet romantic undertones, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a delectable treat. 

SILENT AUCTION

By Jane K. Cleland

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

The obvious is almost always the answer.
With the crisp, cool air of an autumn breeze blowing, Josie Prescott is ready to start her day as an antiques appraiser in the charming coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire.  Known as the authority of priceless objects, she is summoned to a lighthouse estate for an appraisal. Realizing her pristine reputation cannot rest solely on her good business sense, she is prepared to get to work to uncover the past and put a value on its future.

Upon arriving, she stumbles upon a ghastly scene involving the bludgeoned body of her dear friend Zoë’s nephew, Frankie. Within a blink of an eye, the police arrive and the investigation is quickly underway. Reeling from the fact that she has just witnessed the gruesome aftermath of a killing, Josie does her best to step aside as the town’s officials take over. What started out as just an ordinary job for Josie has now become a personal vendetta to help find Frankie’s killer.
Before long, Josie makes a connection between the lighthouse’s valuable works of art and the mysterious murder.  After careful inspection, it is discovered that a rare scrimshaw tooth is missing. As Josie tries to put the pieces together, it becomes quite obvious that her business colleagues may be hiding something. With her ever faithful sidekick Wes, the conscientious newspaper reporter, Josie dons her super sleuth hat in order to put this most unsettling case to rest. 
SILENT AUCTION is the fifth installment of Cleland’s highly praised Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery Series. Her latest adventure is entertaining yet educational, as she explores the intricate workings of scrimshaw. As we have come to expect, Cleland’s superb knowledge of the antiques business coupled with her wit and charm make this newly released mystery a prized contender.                     

SAVING CICADAS

By Nicole Seitz

Reviewed by Jennifer L. Vido

The power of family and faith.

      Janie Doe is an eight year old whose life is less than ordinary.  Living in a dysfunctional family in South Carolina, she does her best to cope with her unpleasant circumstances. With no father around, a mother coming apart at the seams, and a seventeen year old sister suffering from Down syndrome, her hopes and aspirations for living a normal life live quietly in her dreams.

When her mother Priscilla discovers that she is unexpectedly pregnant, she decides to take the family on a road trip in order to clear her mind. With no job or means in which to support her family, she packs up her daughters with her mother and father in tow and heads nowhere in particular in hopes of coming to terms with the unfortunate hand that she has been dealt.

As life sometimes does, she makes a full circle by heading back home to her childhood house.  Upon her arrival, she reconnects with her brother Pastor Fritz which helps fill the familial void she’s been carrying around for the better part of her life. Hoping to find Janie’s dad Harlan so that they can once again become a family, she embarks on a journey to put her life back in order.

Within no time, Priscilla makes peace with her new set of circumstances. With a new job and a roof above her head, she finally feels as if she can provide a nurturing home for her girls. If only she could turn back the clock and do away with her unwanted pregnancy. Then, her life would be complete. Yet, would destroying an innocent unborn baby’s life in order to better provide for the children nestled in her arms truly be unjust? 

SAVING CICADAS is a powerful novel by the very talented Low country author Nicole Seitz who dares to ask the question about the validity of an unborn child’s right to life. Through vivid and unforgettable characters, she reminds us all of the sheer beauty in the miracle of life. From start to finish, Seitz’s story is truly a gem. 

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

By Gretchen Rubin

Reviewed by Jennifer Vido

The road to happiness begins with you.

      Gretchen Rubin knows what it means to be happy. She has a loving husband, two beautiful daughters, and a circle of friends who fill her life. Yet oftentimes she wonders if she truly has it all. Is happiness merely a state of mind? Or perhaps is it just being satisfied with your own particular set of circumstances?

In order to find the answer, Gretchen embarks on a self-imposed journey to discover what makes herself and others feel fulfilled in life. With just one year to complete this study, she begins by defining her own twelve commandments to guide her through the project. With simple acts such as being herself and learning to let go, Gretchen takes flight on an adventure that will ultimately change her life.

As truths begin to emerge, Gretchen makes a list of secrets of adulthood that all too often we choose to ignore.  Realizing it’s okay to ask for help, and that you don’t always have to be good at everything, enables the happiness project to take shape. Setting goals for each month keeps her on the path towards discovering the ultimate source of happiness in everyday life.       

What Gretchen comes to find is that the simplest things in life often lead to the most contentment. Taking a step back to savor the sweetness in her marriage as well as delighting in the unexpected joy of finding new friends, she takes note of the essential pieces of her harmonious life. As the year comes to an end, she relishes the fact that she discovered what she knew all along…she truly is happy.

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT is the quintessential guide for anyone in need of finding the right balance in life. From helpful tips to encouraging words, Gretchen Rubin has truly found the yellow brick road to happiness.