Review of SUMMER IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Liz Johnson

On August 18, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800737399 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:08/08/2023 Series:Prince Edward Island Shores , #3 Pages:352

Synopsis

A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she’s determined to save her community

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it’s not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there’s more to the quiet man than meets the eye.

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’t seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up—or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.

Join New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson for a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance with this final book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series.

My Thoughts

Although this is the third and final book in the series, it is the first book that I have read by this author, so I can recommend it as a standalone. The book centers around a hurricane that destroys the local playhouse and the woman who is determined to rebuild it in order to honor her grandmother. Kelsey has a lot to say about the importance of the arts and enlists the help of mostly silent and thoughtful Levi to do a fundraiser to rebuild. There is another man in the picture who is covering the aftermath of the hurricane for his weather channel, but he is a secondary character who does try to charm Kelsey, but she is too focused on her goal of establishing a new playhouse and doesn’t really notice Levi or the weatherman who wants to pursue her. This is a clean contemporary romance with all the good feels of a small town and people who pitch in to help each other. I loved the characters, the intriguing plot and the sweet, blossoming romance. This book was delightfully readable and a warm romance with some laugh out loud moments between the two main characters who are so totally different from each other. There was a little intrigue, a lot of characterization and plenty to love about this book that was heartfelt and showed the author’s love for the Prince Edward Island setting.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

By day **Liz Johnson** is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a *New York Times* bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.
For more information, go to http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Baker Bookhouse

With deep appreciation to Revell Books for including me in their Revell Reads Blogger Program that has introduced me to so many good books and new-to-me authors.

Review of TACOS FOR TWO by Betsy St. Amant

On October 9, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This is a brilliantly written contemporary romance with likable characters and a constant undercurrent of humor. Rory Perez inherits a food truck from her aunt, but she has no clue how to actually cook Mexican food. Nevertheless, she tries to make it a success for the sake of Grady and Nicole, the real chef and her best friend. Having the money she needs to keep the food truck running is Rory’s priority, so she is more than a little incensed when one of the town’s wealthiest residents asks for cooking lessons and then becomes her rival in the cooking contest. Jude Worthington is a lawyer but wants to be a cook and own his own food truck. There are some really funny scenes between these two as Rory who is clueless tries to teach Jude how to cook. The text messages between the two are priceless and chuckle-worthy. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two stubborn people who have to find themselves before they can find each other. With themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness and trust, this is a book not to be missed by those who enjoy clean contemporary romance, with a dash of cilantro, a few tears and a whole lot of smiles.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley since I am a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*Sweet, clean contemporary roman*ce *suitable for anyone who enjoys a good love story*

*Photo and bio from author’s website at* http://www.betsystamant.com

Coming on October 12th! Purchase Links:

Chuckles, chortles and cilantro await you in this awesome new book from Betsy St. Amant. Pre-order it today!

Review of SIDE TRIP by Kerry Lonsdale

On July 7, 2020 By vickleaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

This is a contemporary romance that is unlike any other book in this genre that I have ever read. It was light, humorous, mysterious and just plain fun to read! Joy Evers is going on a cross-country road trip from CA to NYC when she meets Dylan Westfield at a small diner in Arizona. Dylan’s car has broken down, and on the spur of the moment, Joy invites him to share her ride with her. They establish rules for their road trip that were spontaneously made but which made a big difference in their 10-day road trip acquaintance. Rule 1: No last names. Rule 2: Whenever one wants to go on a side trip, then they both must agree to go. Rule 3: What happens on the road stays on the road.

I really enjoyed the two points of view, that of Dylan and that of Joy. I looked forward to both equally because both added to the story in such an imaginative way! There were also two timelines, during the road trip (called before) and after the road trip. The books is not just a fluffy love story either since it makes you think. Do you need to plan out your life, and what if your plans change? Should everyone have a bucket list? Joy was using her deceased sister Judy’s bucket list when she met Dylan. Fate or accident? The entire plot was woven together so intricately well that the two stories of the main characters meshed perfectly. This is the perfect read for laughing, thinking and listening to some good music along the trip down life’s road, with unexpected turns and stops that will have you wanting more, even at the end!

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”