Book Review: Last Chance Family by Hope Ramsay

This was a treat to read! An orphaned child, a cat and some kittens add to the charm of this sweet romance.
Last Chance Family
by Hope Ramsay

• File Size: 1238 KB
• Print Length: 369 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455556432
• Publisher: Forever (November 25, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00IRISK4K
• Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Mike Taggart has always been willing to take a gamble. But these stakes are just way too high - there's no way he's prepared to become a legal guardian to his five-year-old niece. His only option is to head from Las Vegas to Last Chance to sort things out as quickly as possible. Problem is, he arrives to find an inconsolable little girl, her sick cat, and a gorgeous veterinarian he can't get out of his mind.

Charlene Polk has two talents: healing sick critters and falling in love with the wrong men. Mike has trouble written all over him, but she can't leave him in the lurch. And the more time she spends with the sexy high roller, the more she sees that this ready-made family is the best stroke of luck they've ever had . . .

Review:
Mike is a gambler who plays poker in Las Vegas and supplements his income with day trading. Mike doesn’t believe he is made for family life. After all, as a five year-old, his stepdad left with his three year-old half brother, Timmy. Mike suffered with his addicted mother until he escaped home and his mom’s dangerous boyfriend, leaving behind his younger half sister, Angie. Now he has taken over temporary custody of his traumatized five year-old niece, Angie’s daughter, who witnessed her mother’s drive-by murder. Mike brings Rainbow, clutching Tigger her cat, to Last Chance, where he hopes that her other uncle, Pastor Tim, will take over custody.

Charlene is the assistant veterinarian in Last Chance. She has had a history of picking the wrong men, including her latest crush who she learns isn’t interested in her...or any other woman in town. Mike and Rainbow bring Tigger to the vet’s office with the sniffles and a cough. Charlene is quick to misjudge Mike’s real relationship with the adorable, clearly mixed-race child who won’t speak.

Pastor Tim is shocked when Mike shows up with Rainbow. He doesn’t remember having an older brother so is inclined to check out the story. He directs Mike and Rainbow to an apartment of one of his parishioners who is out of town. Mike is surprised to discover his interesting neighbors. One is another of Pastor Tim’s parishioners who is part of the local gossip chain in their small town. The other neighbor is the curvy veterinarian, Charlene, who has her own secret reasons for wanting to protect and care for Rainbow and Tigger while keeping her distance from the sexy bad-boy gambler.

Charlene and Rainbow begin to bond and Mike begins to think that Charlene would make a perfect Mother for Rainbow. All he has to do is get her hooked up with Pastor Tim, while ignoring his own attraction to her. A bachelor auction fundraiser seems just the place to get them together if he can get Tim to agree to participate and convince Charlene to bid on him. Mike even consults with Miriam, the town matchmaker.

I found myself picking this up whenever I had open time, and even staying up late to read. It is an adorable story! I totally enjoyed the vulnerable characters as they first tried to resist each other and later found redemption through each other. Ms. Ramsey treats several sensitive issues with grace and gentleness. The secondary characters are fun too and helped to remind me why I always enjoy this series. The romance is clean and warm and the writing has an easy flow with cute phrases that I like.

This may not be grand literature but it is an entertaining treat to read. I recommend this story to those who enjoy sweet, warm romance with child and animal elements.

I received this for an author tour and honest review. Please visit Author Top 5 post for Giveaway chance!

Book Review: Inn at Last Chance by Hope Ramsay

This is a sweet, entertaining romance with a ghostly element.
Inn at Last Chance
by Hope Ramsay

• File Size: 1207 KB
• Print Length: 365 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455522317
• Publisher: Forever (April 29, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00ECEA30M

Genre: Contemporary Romance with Paranormal Element
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
"Last Chance captures the essence of Southern charm and quirkiness. I'm totally captivated!" --- Sherryl Woods, New York Times bestselling author
Jenny Carpenter is the unrivaled pie-baking champion of Last Chance, South Carolina's annual Watermelon Festival and the town's unofficial spinster. With her dream of marriage and children on hold, she focuses on another dream, turning the local haunted house into a charming bed-and-breakfast. But her plans go off course when the home's former owner shows up on her doorstep on a dark and stormy night . . .

Mega-bestselling horror writer Gabriel Raintree is as mysterious and tortured as his heroes. His family's long-deserted mansion is just the inspiration he needs to finish his latest twisted tale, or so he thinks until he learns it's been sold. The new innkeeper proves to be as determined as she is kind, and soon Gabriel finds himself a paying guest in his own home. As Jenny and Gabe bring new passion to the old house, can she convince him to leave the ghosts of his past behind-and make Last Chance their first choice for a future together?

Review:
Things haven’t worked out in the romance department for Jenny so she has sworn off men.  Instead she has turned her efforts to getting her Inn ready to open. She is waiting for furniture and accessories. Instead she finds an large, stray dog in her yard. Then Gabriel Raintree shows up on a dark, stormy night seeking a room. He tries to buy the property back from her and she sends him packing.

Gabe doesn’t want to stay in the rundown motel in town. He is convinced that his writer’s block will be solved if he can only stay in his old childhood home. Gabe gets his wish to stay at the Inn when the library committee convinces Jenny to allow him a room in exchange for him speaking at a fundraiser.

Gabe lost his older brother, Luke, in a shooting accident when Gabe was just a young boy. He doesn’t remember much about the incident but holds anger towards Zeph who claimed blame for the accident. Gabe doesn’t understand why Zeph keeps warning him away from the house. The new dog adopts Gabe who dubs him “Bear” because he looks just like Luke’s dog.

A strange force at the Inn starts to cause mischief, first for Jenny then Gabe. The energy reacts badly when the new preacher in town comes for dinner. Jenny is glad for the chance to impress someone with her cooking since Gabe has refused to eat any of the pastries she makes each morning. Jenny is determined not to let a ghost defeat her dreams. Meanwhile the ghostly presence is helping Gabe with his writing. But the towns folk are questioning Jenny’s behavior and whether Gabe is violent.

Jenny and Gabe fight their attraction to each other for their own reasons. Jenny is afraid of being hurt and rejected again. Gabe has secrets that keep him from becoming involved and from being honest about his circumstances. Still the attraction grows and they are drawn even closer until danger threatens and Gabe’s secrets are revealed.

Can Gabe overcome his past to find a future? Will Jenny get to have her dreams fulfilled? This is worth the reading to find out. The writing moves smoothly and the small, Southern town setting makes it cozy and warm. I liked the tension between Jenny and Gabe which is enhanced by the mystery of the ghost. The long denied, gentle relationship between Zeph and Nita adds to the story, as does the dog character. This is a sweet, engaging series but this story could be a stand alone read with no trouble.

I received this title from the publisher, through NetGalley, for an honest review.

You can find my other reviews from the Last Chance series at THIS LINK.

Book Review and ARC #Giveaway: Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay

This is another warm romance with saucy, Southern charm.

Last Chance Book Club
by Hope Ramsay

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever (March 26, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455522295
• ISBN-13: 978-1455522293

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 2013

After a painful divorce, Savannah White wants nothing more than to find her happy place. So when she gets the chance to pack up her life -and her son - and move to the idyllic town where she spent childhood summers, she jumps at the opportunity. Last Chance is just as charming as she remembered. She's even invited to join the local book club, where talk soon turns to Savannah's plan to bring the ramshackle downtown movie theater back to life. A new challenge is just what Savannah needs to move forward.. . .

Dash Randall wants to put his fortune to good use, but he remembers Savannah as the bratty "princess" who descended upon him each June, causing no end of trouble. But the teenager he remembered has grown into a gorgeous and generous woman, and it isn't long before Dash finds himself wanting to make brand new memories with Savannah. But first, Dash and Savannah will need to make peace with their pasts to find a new chance for love.

Review:
Savannah inherited a run down movie theater in downtown Last Chance. She leaves behind her ex-husband and controlling, society conscious ex-mother-in-law, and returns, with her 12 year old son, Todd, to restore the theater.  Savannah spent her summers growing up in the small town and thinks to find a new chance there. She is surprised to find her girlhood nemesis, Dash, is living with her Aunt. Dash was another family ‘orphan’ vying for time with the grandparents and Aunt and Uncle, and she remembers him as the bully who put snakes in her bed.

Savannah has been belittled and challenged by her mother and mother-in-law and now she is determined to make it on her own.  The ladies' book club, which is also a knitting center and general support group, welcome Savannah with enthusiasm. The ladies think the theater renovation is a great project to encourage downtown redevelopment. They can get the funds for the renovation but they have to find a creative way to present it to Savannah who is reluctant to accept help.

Dash was a reckless youth and had a promising start and rising career in baseball. Unfortunately a wild evening ended his career and reputation. He returned to Last Chance to seek a quieter life where he could concentrate on his own recovery and help out his Aunt and Uncle. He remembers Savannah as a selfish ‘princess’ and a brat even if she has grown into a desirable woman.

Dash can relate to Todd and the young boy’s desire for a father who doesn’t care about him. Dash slowly begins to help Todd see his worth but to help Savannah he knows he has to turn her feelings around. Matters become more complicated as the theater restoration is sabotaged and threats of improper behavior are brought against Dash.

Savannah and Dash repel each other like magnets turned the wrong way until they are flipped and realize they can’t resist the draw. The romance is saucy, sizzling and warm. I was captivated by the conflict and tension between these characters and kept reading to see how it resolved.

I enjoy the warmth of the supportive people in Last Chance and enjoy the visits with characters from prior books. This is a sweet town with loyal friends and hot-blooded romances. This is a fun series and this is one more captivating installment.

I received this book from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.

Set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

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WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 6, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

I found this to be a delightful read!

Last Chance Christmas

by Hope Ramsay

• File Size: 495 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0446576077
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (September 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Dear Reader,

I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .

Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Review:
Lark is an intense, war-experienced photo-journalists. She nursed her father during his last few days during which he asked her to spread his ashes on the eighteenth hole of Golfing for God mini golf in Last Chance. Lark is trying to fulfill her father’s last wish and she hopes to get a little down time from her last traumatic assignment. Her father had only been in the town for a short time but he had created a racial stir in 1968 by taking a black woman into the local, white diner.

Some people in town believe Lark’s father murdered the grandfather of the current chief of police, Stone Rhodes. Many in town don’t want Lark stirring up memories of the racially charged time.  Stone’s stubborn father is one of those and Stone’s first inclination is to get Lark to leave town. He has enough trouble raising his daughters, while still clinging to the memory and loss of his wife. His eight year old daughter claims to see a weeping angel whom she wants to help find a way back to heaven and his fifteen year old is developing a friendship with a Jewish boy whose parents want to keep her away.

But Lark is set on getting permission to spread her father’s ashes even if it means pushing reluctant people to share their memories.  Then a local black man goes missing and is discovered killed.  At the same time someone is attacking and harassing Lark.  Stone begins to feel protective towards Lark and then he begins to feel emotions he has buried for years. Can Lark share her fears and emotions and will Stone recognize that he can have a second love before they lose the chance?

This story flew by as an easy, fun read. Lark and Stone are strong but troubled souls who need warmth, sharing and love but hold themselves apart. Ms. Ramsay does a good job of noting that issues of racial hatred and bigotry still exist today.  She also reveals similarities in Jewish Hanukkah and Christmas traditions, especially how the hope and joy of the season brings light in a dark world.And then there is the touch of angels for those willing to believe...

There is intrigue and fun in this story. I felt there were several loose ends but I still completely enjoyed the read.  I recommend this series to those who like family-centered romance with some quirky family members, strong, yet vulnerable characters, and a bit of spice with lots of warmth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lark makes an interesting observation about the church ladies:

The only community she knew about was the brotherhood that existed among the soldiers in the field.. But in a way, Semper Fi applied as much to the ladies of the auxilary as it did to the marines she knew. These women were always faithful. And when bad things happened, they closed ranks and took care of their own.  Location  3429.

I received this, for an honest review, from Forever, division of Hachette.

This is set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where are You Reading list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR REVIEW COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 25, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 26, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway, Two Copies, Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsey

This book is a welcome delight!

Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446576093
• ISBN-13: 978-0446576093

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Dear Reader,

Yes, our town is way off the beaten path, but strange, wonderful miracles happen a lot around here.

I've owned the Cut 'n' Curl beauty shop for years, and I've seen folks come for a visit, then stay for a lifetime. Take Jane-that pretty firecracker of a girl who just arrived in town. I would swear she's running from something. She came with only five dollars in her pocket but she's worked real hard to make a fresh start. She's turned my son Clay's life upside down without even realizing it.

And thank goodness for that! Ever since Clay left his country western band, he's played everything too safe. He needs to take a chance on Jane. Besides, the more he tries to keep his distance, the more he'll realize that he and Jane are singing the same tune.

But I should quit ramblin' and go check on Millie's permanent wave. Next time you're in Last Chance, be sure to swing by. We've got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Review:  Last Chance turns out to be a great place for a new chance.

Jane has had a bit of a struggle with life. She ran away from home when she was 17 headed to Nashville to become a country singer.  Fate had other plans and she ended up changing her name to Mary and geting a bus ticket to Miami. She’s had to take a few odd jobs over the years but she managed to get the money for cosmetology school and save toward her dreams. She was doing pretty well until she hooked up with a slick fellow who promised to take her to Nashville and introduce her to the right people. Unfortunately he introduced her to the wrong people and now she is on the run again using the last of her money to get to Last Chance, SC.

Clay is a sensitive musician who started a successful band in Nashville before losing the girl and coming back home. When he sees this gorgeous young lady eyeing his not so experienced friends he figures he better head her off at the pass. He’s had his share of heartache rescuing needy women and he’s decided to look for a mature woman to settle down with. Somehow that doesn’t stop him from feeling like a crazy teenager around Jane.

Jane surprises Clay because she won’t take money or help from him. She is determined to work, with the help of his mother, Ruby, and she is set on making her own way and taking care of herself.

The local match maker tells Clay that he needs to watch for his soul mate to come in town on the 9:30 bus. Within a few weeks he has three women that have arrived on the 9:30 bus: the crazy Jane; his first true love who has returned after a devastating divorce; and his last heartbreak who left him for the lead singer in the band.

Meanwhile, Clay’s older brother, the local Sheriff, has decided that Jane aka Mary (or is it Mary aka Jane?) is bad news. Not only does he want her away from Clay and their mother but he is accusing her of murder.

The quirky match maker has told Jane she needs to look for more than a knight in shining armor. Could a nice guy, boy scout type like Clay ever accept Jane’s shaky past and see beyond her trouble?

This book is full of fun, quirky characters, funny hijinks and lots of warm tender emotions. There is even a sweet Biblical message of protection and faith seen through the innocent eyes of a child. This was a fast read and an uplifting breath of fresh air. I am anxious to read the next book in the Last Chance series.

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and for providing TWO copies for giveaway.

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