Book Review: A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by Christina George

This a nice, light, easy read.

A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella
by Christina George

File Size: 1134 KB
Print Length: 143 pages
Publication Date: August 20, 2018
ASIN: B07FB6WNDQ
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holidays, Small Town
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Willa O’Rourke knows the true story, the story that doesn’t sell magazines.
In less than 8 hours Willa went from being a behind-the-scenes nanny for one of the hottest A-list celebrity couples, to having her picture splashed all over every magazine in the country.
Caught in the arms of her sexy employer, Johnny Blaze.
No one cares that Johnny hit on her, and she repeatedly told him no.
The world thinks Willa O’Rourke is more interesting as the slutty, home-wrecking, opportunistic nanny. She even has a hashtag trending on Twitter. #dirtynanny
Humiliated and desperate to get away from the harsh eyes of Hollywood, she decides to take a short break from her suddenly not so glamorous life and head home for the holidays.
But a quiet Christmas to recoup before heading back to LA wasn’t in the cards.
She immediately runs into Jack, her seriously hot, fireman ex-boyfriend.
Despite Willa’s attempts to keep a low profile, she and Jack are thrown together for a Christmas charity project -- making her wonder if she’s meant for a simpler life in Harper’s Corner after all.

Review:
Willa left behind her high school and college boyfriend to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She ended up working as a nanny for a celebrity couple, having to fend off advances by her sexy boss. After being caught in a picture that looks bad, she has returned home in disgrace with the scandal of the #dirtynanny.

Willa can barely hold her head up but fortunately her brother and friends are willing to welcome her home. She doesn’t expect any warm welcome from her ex-boyfriend, Jack, a handsome firefighter.

Jack was devastated when Willa left although he loved her enough to let her go pursue her dream. He’s never really gotten over her but he doesn’t plan to get hurt again. Still, the attraction between them picks up immediately and he’ll have to decide if its worth sharing passion on a short basis even if she might leave again.

The characters are likeable and the chemistry is strong. I liked the Christmas elements that had Willa and Jack helping to put together Christmas decorations and activities, including a presentation of The Christmas Carol, for an orphanage. The other town characters are fun and add to the story. The second chance isn’t a slam dunk but is fraught with tension which is engaging. 

I enjoyed another book (The Publicist) by Ms. George which was a bit more intense. This is an easy read that sets the stage for a nice series. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy second chance romance and Christmas settings.

Source: Author Marketing Experts for review. This adds to my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

This is a fun, charming romance with a baby and vintage cars.
Must Love Babies
by Lynnette Austin

File Size: 1764 KB
Print Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2018)
ASIN: B079JVCHTX
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

This baby's not the only one in need of a cuddle...
Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He's in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister's been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That's the end of the bachelor lifestyle.
Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant's in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man...?

Review:
Brant has his bachelor eye on Molly Stiles although he knows he shouldn’t move on his interest since she doesn’t seem an easy, limited time date. Still, he can enjoy looking. When his sister is hospitalized after a car accident, Brant is called in to take care of his five-month-old nephew. This ends his loose bachelor days and he is glad to find Molly is willing to help him out. She might not have a lot of experience with infants, but she does love babies.

Molly has trauma from her young years and men who leave. She has a To-Do schedule that keeps her career in focus and finding a boyfriend out a few years. She might have been able to resist Brant when she thought he was single, trouble and leaving town to boot. Now he is not only planning to move his business to Misty Bottoms, but it is clear he can use help and support with the infant he is caring for. Surely she can help him and keep to her To-Do time line… if only he wasn’t pushing to change the schedule.

These are both charming characters. Brant is quick to step up to help his family and he is consistently a gentleman with Molly (despite his mental thoughts). Molly has made a successful start of her own business but has emotional baggage to work through. The interaction with the baby is natural and fun (think first time diaper changes, feeding and bathing). Brant’s brothers and their vintage car business, as well as a surprise celebrity wedding, add to the story.

I enjoyed the easy flow of the dialogue and the struggles both characters go through to overcome their internal resistance to commitment. Although the story is fairly predictable, it is nicely handled and there are a few surprises as Molly faces her background disappointment. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong romance where the guy has to convince the girl to take a chance on love.

Source: Author Marketing Experts. This will qualify for a 2018 review for my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

Audiobook Review: The Painter of Time by Matthew S O'Connell

There is great history, art detail and a good twist in this story.
The Painter of Time
By: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-13-18
Language: English
Publisher: Matthew O'Connell
Genre: Historical, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Contemporary/historical suspense audiobook set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy.
Bronx born and bred, Mackenzie Ferrara is both nervous and excited to begin her career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters in New York City. The star of the restoration team is a handsome and reserved Italian, Anthony Bataglia. On loan from the Ufizzi, he is renowned for his ability to bring pre-Renaissance treasures back to life. Despite a rocky start, the two form a close working relationship, which Mackenzie hopes will blossom into something more.
But as she works with him she begins to notice peculiar patterns and unexplainable similarities in all of his restorations. Something is clearly not what it seems to be with the dashing Mr. Bataglia. Mackenzie - with help from her father, a retired detective - is determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences.
©2015 Matthew O'Connell (P)2018 Matthew O'Connell

Review:
Mackenzie is excited to begin her new career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters Museum. She is partnered to work under a renowned restorer, a handsome Italian, Anthony Bataglia. Anthony specializes in restorations of pre-Renaissance works. He is quiet and dedicated and Mackenzie is learning as he mentors her, showing her how to inspect every corner and inch of the work, documenting any deterioration in color, paint medium, canvas, condition or other unusual anomalies.

Mackenzie notices an unusual detail regarding women in several paintings as well as a mystery about the signatures. Mackenzie’s father is a retired cop who has reason to be interested in art anomalies due to an old forgery case. They discuss the details of Mackenzie’s research and turn up some more interesting facts. Mackenzie’s investigation brings a possibility of romance while revealing some surprises and twists that are unique and fun.

The plot details are engaging and kept me eagerly listening. The historical elements of the paintings and the detailed explanation of restoration are very fascinating. The descriptions would pull in any art lover and even those of us who are familiar with some art periods and styles but are in no way art authorities. I recommend this to mystery lovers as well as art lovers.

Audio Notes: Susan Fouche does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices and energies to each of the characters. The presentation is clear and flows easily. I enjoyed this and highly recommend the audio version.

Source: Author Marketing Experts. This qualifies for my Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Second Chance: Live Chat Opportunity GIVEAWAY Plus Three Copies of What Happens At Christmas!!

Here is another chance for some lucky reader to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!


Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release:

WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates: 

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST. 

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

• There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;  

• THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

The live chat events are being hosted by Author Marketing Experts as a Google+ hangout.

HOW TO ENTER:
1) You must have a Google+ account and be able to participate at 6pm PST on the event night.
Hint: Anyone with Gmail or other Google account is already set up to activate Google+
If you don't already have one you can set up a Google+ account here: https://plus.google.com

2) To enter for October 16 you will have to act quickly. (I'm sorry I had internet difficulties so I lost the weekend to announce this and had to make a Flash for the first date.)  If you have a Google+ account (or will get one by tomorrow morning), AND you can attend on Tuesday 10/16 at 6pm PST (registering by 5:50pm PST) Please email me at mesreads AT gmail.com between when this post goes live and 8am Central tomorrow morning (10/16). Put "October 16 Live Event with Victoria" (or similar wording) as the Subject of your email. I will use random.org to pick ONE WINNER from the emails for the "Seat" at the October 16 event.

3) To enter for the "Seat" for the November 6th Event and the additional THREE book copies:

ENTER THROUGH THIS FORM

 

THERE WILL BE ONE "SEAT" WINNER and THREE ADDITIONAL BOOK WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 29, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 30, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag. See More Details below the Book and Author info, after the holiday divider bar.

- On Sale and at the Top of Everyone’s Christmas Gift Lists October 2012 -

“Alexander’s divine Victorian Christmas confection provides an abundance of wit and warmth… This star belongs at the top of the tree.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for What Happens at Christmas

#1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander has for years been a force in the world of historical romance.  This holiday season, she gifts readers with WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS, a passionate Victorian English holiday romance filled with her signature wit and warmth. In it, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry.

Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome prince. The prince insists on getting her family’s approval first, which leaves the lovely widow with a problem. The last thing Camille wants is for him to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille can pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, their romance ended at her mother’s insistence. Now he’s back, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable.

And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—this season, and every Christmas yet to come…

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written twenty-five full-length novels and six novellas. Her books have hit the top ten on the New York Times bestseller list and regularly appear on the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.  She has twice been nominated for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award.  She lives in Omaha, NE.
Please visit her at www.VictoriaAlexander.com

Praise for Victoria Alexander’s Holiday Romances:
“This Victorian yuletide romance provides erotic sizzle and delectably cleaver dialogue on every page.” – USA Today

“I was swept up…it was refreshing to read a book in which the rugged leading man was determined to wed the love of his life, while the heroine is the one looking for a little fun. I relished every bit of this witty read.” – FIRST for Women

“Corsets will be loosened, indubitably.” – The News Tribune

“Smart and sexy, filled with witty banter and stellar writing, this lively Victorian jaunt pairs a free-thinking, unconventional heroine with a footloose hero in a glorious battle of the sexes.” – Library Journal

“A breezy, witty, romantic story. The perfect mood-setter for this winter season!” – B&N’s Heart 2 Heart Blog

Chicago Sun-Times named HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS one of the “10 Best Bet Holiday Gifts for the Book Lover” in 2011!

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype,  you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and me:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!

FLASH!! Special Chance to Attend Live Chat with Victoria Alexander!

Would you love to meet a bestselling romance author?  Here is a chance for some lucky readers to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!


Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release: WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates: 

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST. 

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

• There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;  

• THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

The live chat events are being hosted by Author Marketing Experts as a Google+ hangout.

HOW TO ENTER:
1) You must have a Google+ account and be able to participate at 6pm PST on the event night.
Hint: Anyone with Gmail or other Google account is already set up to activate Google+
If you don't already have one you can set up a Google+ account here: https://plus.google.com

2) To enter for October 16 you will have to act quickly. (I'm sorry I had internet difficulties so I lost the weekend to announce this and had to make a Flash for the first date.)  If you have a Google+ account (or will get one by tomorrow morning), AND you can attend on Tuesday 10/16 at 6pm PST (registering by 5:50pm PST) Please email me at mesreads AT gmail.com between when this post goes live and 8am Central tomorrow morning (10/16). Put "October 16 Live Event with Victoria" (or similar wording) as the Subject of your email. I will use random.org to pick ONE WINNER from the emails for the "Seat" at the October 16 event.

3) To enter for the "Seat" for the November 6th Event and the additional THREE book copies watch the blog for the Entry Post a little later tonight.

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.
 
You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype,  you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and myself:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!