Audible Book Review: The Cowboys of Copper Mountain: A Christmas Collection by Katherine Garbera, Jane Porter, Melissa McClone

I liked all of these stories.
The Cowboys of Copper Mountain: A Christmas Collection
By: Katherine Garbera, Jane Porter, Melissa McClone
Narrated by: Loretta Rawlins

Series: Copper Mountain Christmas, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Contemporary, Holidays, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Three novellas and an unforgettable short story, now available together in one festive package!
"A Cowboy for Christmas" by Katherine Garbera. Annie Prudhomme never expected to be back in Marietta, Montana, and her family is fond of reminding her that she left them and the town behind in search of better things. A humiliating divorce that cost her everything she'd gained has driven her back home, and her family isn't about to welcome her back into the fold. She's in town to rebuild the old home that she inherited and to move on once again.
"Christmas at Copper Mountain" by Jane Porter. Since the loss of her family in a plane crash, Harley Diekerhoff has led a quiet life and keeps to herself. Taking the temporary job at the Copper Mountain Ranch as widower Brock Sheenan's housekeeper seems perfect for her. But her calm cocoon is invaded with the arrival of Brock's preteen twins, Mack and Molly, who've never experienced a proper Christmas, and before she knows it Harley's determined to make their holiday perfect.
"Home for Christmas" by Melissa McClone. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rachel Murphy loves the scent of gingerbread baking almost as much as she enjoys creating custom edible houses at Christmastime. But she needs a bigger kitchen if she wants to make the most of her impromptu holiday business. Enter Nate Vaughn, handsome venture capitalist turned Montana dude ranch owner - and her brother's boss.
"Mistletoe Magic" by Melissa McClone. Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin. Until a stray kitten brings her face to face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin's heart and brings back long-forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house, lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won't be spending this Christmas...alone.
©2013 Home For Christmas 2013 Melissa McClone. Christmas at Copper Mountain 2013 Jane Porter. (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
These four sweet romances are tied together by the location. I enjoyed that some of the characters were mentioned in the different stories. The writing styles have some differences, but all are easy reading/listening. There is a little bit of sexual content but nothing over the top in my opinion. I plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of second chance and injured party romances.

"A Cowboy for Christmas" by Katherine Garbera.
18-year-old Annie got out of Montana and married a man who set her up in the wealthy style she wanted. But fifteen years later he was arrested as a con man and everything they owned was taken. She has returned to Montana to rebuild the family home that she bought from her sister after their father’s death. The sisters aren’t talking since Annie seemed to have abandoned the family when she left. But now she is back hoping that, somehow, she can rebuild the house and her life.

Carson, a rancher, one of five brothers, is a widower with a young son, Evan. Years ago, Carson had a relationship with Annie, before she kept her promise to get away from Montana. He doesn’t know what brought her back and resulted in her working as a waitress at a favorite eatery. But he doesn’t need to be drawn in by a woman who doesn’t want to stay in Montana.

Neither of these characters are really looking for romance. It appears they may have a second chance at love, with the approval of a sweet son and a town that hopes they both find happiness.

I enjoyed these characters, and the writing was fine. I liked the description and plot even though there was a little repetition in the conflict issues. 4.5.

"Christmas at Copper Mountain" by Jane Porter.
Harley lost her husband and three children to a tragic plane crash. She is still trying to recover her footing several years later. Rather than face Christmas with her family, she chose to take a temporary housekeeper position with Montana rancher, widower, Brock Sheenan. She understands that he is hard working and pretty reclusive, which suits her fine. The ranch crew are happy with her cooking and care.

She is settling into the routine of cooking for Brock and his crew, when Brock chooses to go out late one stormy night to find lost cattle. Concerned Harley is concerned and then shocked when a knock at the door reveals two young children who have returned early and unexpectedly from boarding school.

Harley didn’t bargain for children and wants to get away, as soon as she can get a replacement. Brock is annoyed and disgusted thinking she doesn’t like kids, especially when she seems set on telling him he isn’t listening to his kids and isn’t allowing them to be kids and enjoy the holiday.

The lack of communication between these characters is frustrating. I was glad they finally saw the potential of a future together. 4.0.

"Home for Christmas" by Melissa McClone.
Rachel has agreed to visit her brother who is a foreman on a ranch in Montana at a time when she needs to escape having her dreams pulled out from under her by a supposed business partner. She is thrilled to discover the ranch house has a state of the art kitchen and jumps right in making her delicious ginger bread and unique ginger bread building designs.

Ranch owner Nate is surprised to find yummy treats in his kitchen and then he meets the beautiful woman creating these masterpieces. He immediately orders one of his own ranch. Then he sets out to work his entrepreneurial skills by directing Rachel on how to promote her business, including encouraging her to open a local shop.

Based on her recent experience, Rachel is quick to distrust Nate’s intentions. Can she overcome her distrust to accept help from Nate? Can Nate get out of business mode long enough to share his personal feelings with Rachel?

As much as I liked these characters too, it was another instance of lack of clear communication combined with unreasonable distrust. I wasn’t pleased with Rachel’s lack of self confidence and her swing to the total distrust realm. I was glad for their final HEA. 4.25.

"Mistletoe Magic" by Melissa McClone.
Caitlin is home in Marietta house sitting and reading books. She expects a very quiet Christmas. She discovers an abandoned, half frozen kitten in the snow. When she takes the kitten to the vet for attention she is shocked to discover her college crush, Noah, is the vet.

Noah remembers Caitlin from college but he could never find her after he walked away to concentrate on his school work to become a veterinarian. He doesn’t want to let her slip away again. This is another sweet, second chance romance that is an easy listen. 4.25.

Audio Notes: Loretta Rawlins does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and personality traits. I am very glad to have the opportunity to listen to this collection.

Source: 11/7/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Book Review: A Stockingful of Joy by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King

This reminds me why I like historical romance. I really enjoyed all four stories.
A Stockingful of Joy
by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King

Publisher : Signet; First Edition (October 30, 2007)
Mass Market Paperback : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 0451223489
Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

Now readers can enjoy the magical spirit of Christmas with this romantic quartet of stories filled with all the hope and joy of the holiday season.

Review:
This anthology was a joy for me. I happened to have a handful of books by Jill Barnett and a dozen or so in my Putney collection. I have enjoyed the other authors before too. All of the stories have attraction and sensuality to convey the romance without outright heat and graphic description. They are sweet and quick, easy reading to enjoy.

The Snow Rose by Susan King – 4.75.
Highlands, 1573. Catriona MacDonald is being forced to marry a man her uncle has chosen if she wants to keep her castle. Catriona has a snow rose pin that represents a 21-year-old promise to give aid so she seeks aid from a rival Scottish clan, the Frasers. But the clan will not help due to a signed pledge not to feud with the MacDonalds.

Catriona departs with food gifts. She returns to her small shieling, taking the food to a houseful of orphans she is helping. She prepares the new year’s traditions hoping for good luck although she can’t imagine who would come to be the first-foot through her door and bring blessings to her small abode. Then Kenneth Fraser stumbles in, having been attacked as he was trying to find her home.

Kenneth has to recover from his beating and as he does he finds himself drawn to the gentle, but strong young woman who was brave enough to seek help from his clan. Can Kenneth bring some good luck and help Catriona find a solution to her problems?

The Best Husband Money Can Buy by Mary Jo Putney – 4.75.
London 1818. Emma Stone is a distant cousin in the Vaughn family. As a child she loved the Christmas gatherings and remembers with fondness her crush on Anthony Vaughn, five years older. But the death of her parents sent Emma to become a governess.

Ten years later, Emma is mourning the fact that she is too poor to attend the annual festivities she still gets invited to. But this year things change. Through a random act of kindness, Emma inherits a stranger’s fortune. She decides to buy the best husband money can buy and then return to the family gathering.  Her new solicitor prepares dossiers of several appropriate men, but Emma is set on one who might not be quite appropriate based on family financial troubles. Emma hopes those troubles will help her convince Anthony Vaughn to marry her.

Emma finds Anthony in the mess of a morning after party, with participants strewn about the room. She is able to convince him to marry and they travel to the country to meet with the family for the first time in 10 years. Things seem to be going slowly by well, until Emma learns that there are bad feelings that impact Anthony and therefore their relationship. Will she find heartache or happiness with her ‘purchased’ husband?

A Light in the Window by Justine Dare – 4.5.
Wyoming Territory 1878. Morgan has been a drifter since a tender age when he left the home of his bitter, critical aunt. He takes shelter in a barn during a storm and is soon surprised when a small boy with a small pack comes in. It seems the boy, Zach, is intent on running away from his weepy, grabby, old aunt.

Faith has been crying as she grieves the loss of her sister and struggles to gain acceptance from her nephew, Zach. But Zach believes that his mother is coming back and nothing Faith can do is as good as his mother would do. Faith can’t even chop the wood to keep the fuel ready for the fire so how is she supposed to keep the homestead as Zach’s inheritance?

Surprising them all, Morgan decides to help in exchange for the shelter and food. His insight helps bring understanding between Faith and Zach and one day turns into a couple and soon Christmas Eve is upon them. Faith knows that Morgan isn’t likely to stay but perhaps he could be her gift for one Christmas before he goes and perhaps she can show him the love he has never known.

Boxing Day by Jill Barnett – 4.0.
New York 1898. Conn Donoughue is a big man, a former boxer known as the Irish Giant. Now he runs a gymnasium in the ‘belly’ of New York. He leases the four-story building and would like to buy it but can’t convince his stubborn landlady, Eleanor, to sell. It seems whenever the two see each other there is tension. She moves into the top flat only to learn the beautiful glass ceiling leaks. Conn has to rescue her (and this won’t be the only time).

They fuss at each other but a friendship quickly develops. Eleanor resists a stronger relationship because she is older than Conn. Can he convince her to move past her fear and give them a chance at love and a family?

Source: My own print TBR stack and author collected books (Putney and Barnett). This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Print goals.

Audible Book Review: Ayiti by Roxane Gay

This was not what I expected, but very interesting in its own right.

Ayiti

By: Roxane Gay

Narrated by: Roxane Gay

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 07-17-18

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Anthology, Collection, Short Stories

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary From New York Times best-selling powerhouse Roxane Gay, Ayiti is a powerful collection exploring the Haitian diaspora experience. Originally published by a small press, this edition will make Gay’s debut widely available for the first time, including several new stories. In Ayiti, a married couple seeking boat passage to America prepares to leave their homeland. A young woman procures a voodoo love potion to ensnare a childhood classmate. A mother takes a foreign soldier into her home as a boarder, and into her bed. And a woman conceives a daughter on the bank of a river while fleeing a horrific massacre, a daughter who later moves to America for a new life but is perpetually haunted by the mysterious scent of blood. These early stories showcase Gay’s prowess as "one of the voices of our age” (National Post, Canada). ©2011, 2018 Roxane Gay. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:

Ayiti: meaning Haiti.  This is an interesting collection of stories that are mostly not easy listening. Ms. Ayiti tells the tales of various Haitians or their children showing their experiences in Haiti and beyond. After I started listening I looked up the meaning of diaspora: A diaspora (/daɪˈæspərə/) is a scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale.

The experiences are at times distressing, horrifying, haunting, and touching. One particularly striking story tells of a grandmother’s experience at Massacre River, a river that divides Haiti and the Dominican Republic which the author describes as a border between two geographies of grief.” The tales describe the horrors of the past, the memories of her grandmother, and the lifelong impact the event had on her.

I almost didn’t get too far along because the language is very raw (foul) and graphic (rape and sex). I didn’t realize that the stories have been included as erotica, which is a genre/material I don’t generally read. Provided the raw language and sexual content wouldn’t bother the reader, I recommend this to readers who enjoy history and immigrant experiences.

Audio Notes: Roxane Gay narrates her own collection and does a good job. Not only does her voice fit the work, but she brings her own energy. It is likely I would not have read this in print so I am glad I picked up the audible on Daily Deal.

Source: 05/25/2019 Audible Daily Deal $.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice

All three stories are a lovely Treat!

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice
by Donna Kauffman; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles

File Size: 1013 KB
Print Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books (August 27, 2019)
ASIN: B07L2FNB7T
Genre: Anthology, Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.
Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …
Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

Review:
Bellaluna’s Bakeshop in Moonbright, Maine is a place with lovely people, yummy treats and a touch of magic. A secret tradition of the bakeshop owner, Sofia, is that a certain cookie will help bring a destined couple together.

Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman. My Rating 4.5 of 5.0.
Sofia’s granddaughter, Bree, loves working at the family bakeshop and loves being settled in her hometown. Sofia introduces her to Caleb who is a chef visiting from Philadelphia to oversee his Uncle’s restaurant.

The flirty thoughts and warm exchanges between Bree and Caleb made me smile. They face the conflict of being entranced in their family businesses in different states. Bree, especially, is reluctant to let her heart commit. Can Caleb’s warm charm find a way to convince her to take a chance at grabbing love?

Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles. My Rating 4.25 of 5.0.
Cassie is looking forward to celebrating Halloween with her own special fun for the community. On the romance side, she is done with unreliable men and has set her eyes on her secure, if not exciting, boss. Her boss turns aside her offered gift, but a handsome customer snags the cookie.

Chip is entranced by the pretty redhead even though she snubs him as a ‘working stiff’ who won’t suit her. She doesn’t know that Chip is successfully growing his business and working on flipping houses. They are thrown together when Cassie hires Chip to build her haunted maze. Will he be able to convince her that he is the right kind of guy for her?

This is another fun story although I was frustrated by Cassie’s attitude and attempts to win a man who wasn’t interested in her. Chip made a great, steady hero willing to show his determination until Cassie recognized the chemistry between them.

Sweet on You by Kate Angell. My Rating 4.5 of 5.0.
Lara has had a really bad day. Her boyfriend dumped her, her landlord raised the rent and her hours are being cut at work. She is coping with her misery over a latte and treat at the bakeshop when she is surprised as Jack, the town Mayor, stops by to say “Hi.” Although they never really talked in high school, Jack noticed the quiet girl who caught his eyes over the flashy girls. Jack offers Lara a job as the town event planner, challenging her to pull together the Halloween Parade which is only a few weeks away.

Lara will have to face her pushy ex, his high style new girlfriend and a grumpy geriatric who has a (fun) nickname for everyone and insists on having her plans considered too. Lara’s confidence grows as she deals with the issues, makes new friends, and glows with Jack’s support.

This one was so sweet and adorable. I really enjoyed the fun they had with the nicknames and costumes.

This is a collection of three sweet, flirty romances and the Halloween setting was a fun element. Each romance moves quickly even as the couples deal with real or perceived conflicts. Another nice touch is a cookie/pastry treat recipe shared with each story. I will be glad to snag stories by any of these authors in the future. I highly recommend this fun collection.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Book Review: Love, Murder & Mayhem, an Anthology

There are several good gems in this sci fi, mystery collection.
Love, Murder & Mayhem: 
Cosmic Tales of the Heart Gone Deadly Wrong
An Anthology

Paperback: 290 pages
Publisher: Crazy 8 Press (May 25, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0998364118
Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Love science fiction stories that all include elements of Love, Murder & Mayhem? Then welcome to the latest anthology from Crazy 8 Press! This amazing collection from 15 all-star authors will delight you with superhero and supervillain stories. AI, off-world, and space cruiser stories. We’ve also got private eyes, sleep surrogates, time travel, an aliens/monsters mash-up and … one DuckBob! With tales ranging from wild and wacky, dark and gritty, to heartbreaking and fun, take the deadly leap with authors Meriah Crawford, Paige Daniels, Peter David, Mary Fan, Michael Jan Friedman, Robert Greenberger, Glenn Hauman Paul Kupperberg, Karissa Laurel, Kelly Meding, Aaron Rosenberg, Hildy Silverman, Lois Spangler, Patrick Thomas, and editor Russ Colchamiro. You’ll never look at Love, Murder & Mayhem the same way again … and that’s just the way we like it.

Review:
This is an interesting collection of 15 short stories with superheros, villains, detectives, and aliens. Several of the stories are good mysteries and others were wonderfully funny with twists. There were a couple of stories near the beginning that left me wondering what was the goal or purpose; perhaps the authors have better longer works, but the shorts seemed incomplete with abrupt endings. It is worth reading beyond these to get to some marvelous stories.

The middle three stories are my favorites. First, The Note on the Blue Screen by Mary Fan. The primary character, named Watson, is a genius with a humanoid roommate designed as ‘Project Sherlock’. Sherlock takes after her name sake as a detective complete with a bad habit of taking drugs. One evening Watson returns home to find Sherlock sprawled on the sofa. Whether she is a victim of suicide or murder, the police won’t care. Waston finds a blue screened note that is supposedly from Sherlock but doesn’t quite fit her writing and phrasing. Watson knows it is up to her to decode the message, determining the clues that Sherlock left to solve her last big case. This was fun deduction and one of my favorites.

The next is The Hardwicke Files: The Case of My Old New Life and the One I Never Knew by Russ Colchamiro. This story involves two friends, a murder, a fire and an open and shut case… or so it seems. The protagonist is an investigator whose gut tells her that there is something in the facts that has been overlooked. This is another good mystery unraveled.

A third good story is As Time Goes By by Patrick Thomas. This is the story of a small-time criminal, a Daring Don’t named Tempus Fugitive. After serving time for his crime he is convinced by his wife and a hero Daring Do to use his powers for good. His change of heart isn’t appreciated by everyone. There are those that insult him and his wife and then there are those who try to blackmail him. This ends with an ironic twist.

Also fun were The Responders by Michael Jan Friedman, Invasive Maneuvers by Hildy Silverman and DuckBob: Killer Service by Aaron Rosenberg. I enjoy reading collections like this because it gives me a sample of writing by authors that I can search out. I recommend this collection to readers who enjoy short sci fi stories and mysteries.

I received this review invite from Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35500173-love-murder-mayhem

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Murder-Mayhem-Cosmic-Deadly-ebook/dp/B072W6GYDL/

About the Editor

Russ Colchamiro is the author of the rollicking space adventure, Crossline, the hilarious sci-fi backpacking comedy series, Finders Keepers, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, and is editor of the new anthology, Love, Murder & Mayhem, all with Crazy 8 Press.

Russ lives in New Jersey with his wife, two children, and crazy dog, Simon, who may in fact be an alien himself. Russ has also contributed to several other anthologies, including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, and Altered States of the Union, and TV Gods 2. He is now at work on a top-secret project, and a Finders Keepers spin-off.

As a matter of full disclosure, readers should not be surprised if Russ spontaneously teleports in a blast of white light followed by screaming fluorescent color and the feeling of being sucked through a tornado. It’s just how he gets around — windier than the bus, for sure, but much quicker.

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