Monday, November 11, 2024

My Thoughts on Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

 

About:

"If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together."
African proverb

Ever since Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica twenty years ago, they have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.

Along with their suitcases, both women bring emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. The two best friends slowly open up to each other about the challenges waiting for them back home. Soon they discover that the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they listen to the gentle lessons God is teaching them in this land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.

My Thoughts:

This story took a long awaited and postponed dream and put it into action. Why don't two friends who met as teens do what they dreamed one summer of doing? What is stopping them from dropping everything and going to Africa? Well, life actually and I found this novel a bit daring in the way these two, especially Fern who worked through her fears and went. Even when her life upended right before the trip. 

I think young people are so very hopeful and very idealistic especially when the future is wide open. Or so it seems. Then life happens and before you know it, twenty years have passed. That is what happened to Fern when she gets the call from Lilly that the time for their adventure to Africa is now.

This was an adventure of two friends against the backdrop of Africa, getting away from it all for a bit and reconnecting, sharing life stories, and ultimately putting their lives back into focus.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including Tea with Elephants, the Sisterchicks series, and the Christy Miller series for teen girls. Her books have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Robin and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren and live in southern California, where she co-hosts the Women Worth Knowing podcast. Learn more at RobinGunn.com.

My Thoughts and More on Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

 

 


About the Book


Book: Hope Like Wildflowers

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a heartfelt story of one woman's journey to finding herself and the One who loves her more than anything. Kizzie has been abandoned by her father after finding out she is pregnant. Kizzie has also been abandoned by the father of her child, even though he keeps coming around. What she discovers is true friendship with her neighbors who help set her on the road to forgiveness and accepting of herself. When Kizzy realizes, nothing is going to change for her and her son, she decides to set off to a new town and life.

This book seems to be in two parts. The first part, Kizzy growing up in wisdom and grace and the second in her life choices. She meets a man by the name of Noah Lewis who proves time and time again that he is not like the other men in her life, that expect her to be good or just good for them. Their journey to love is also wrought with challenges, however through Kizzy's change of heart towards God, she learns she will never be alone.

The author's notes are very enlightening on this story. Especially since this is loosely based on a true story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

It’s pretty easy to overlook wildflowers.

I mean, until they show off all their pretty colors, especially in the middle of a barren place, then they’re noticed and usually appreciated but did you know there’s a lot more to wildflowers that…meets the eye?

Apart from providing food and shelter for smaller animals and/or insects or assisting bees in pollination, wildflowers can be used as an ingredient for healing remedies and contribute to soil health and reduce erosion.

Especially in places where other plants aren’t likely to grow. They’re known as “hardy” because they can survive all sorts of weather conditions, extreme temperature, animal damage, even drought.

So why am I talking about wildflowers??

Because, in lots of ways, wildflowers are a great example of what hope looks like.

  1. Hope nourishes. Romans 15: 14 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” When we recall and reflect on what the Bible says about who we are in Christ, our hearts are encouraged and given the spiritual energy they need to remind ourselves of truth in the middle of hard times and wilderness-living.
  2. Hope spreads – Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” A heart filled with the knowledge of the love of God is a heart filled and “overflowing” with hope…and that hope is contagious. When we know whose we are and what our future looks like because of the One who loves us, we live in joy…even when the storms come.
  3. Hope restores and heals: “Isaiah 40:31 reads, “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
  4. Hope protects – Psalm 62:5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Life is hard. Sometimes, bone-achingly, soul-shakingly hard. If we’re reliant on our own ability to protect our faith or mind or soul, we will fail. We’re not strong enough and neither is any of our human defenses, but God is amply able to protect us from the storms, trials, and droughts that mean to wither our hope. HE is the hero of our heart’s story and he is armed to overcome so we can trust Him with our hope and our futures.
  5. And hope grows in the hard places. Hope does not consist of weak or wishful thinking, it grows out of nutrients squeezed from the soil it has. Hard-won, many times. Romans 5:3-4 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A life with Christ doesn’t mean that pain is taken away, but there is a promise and purpose in the pain. The promise that God is with us and a purpose that He is making us more like Him.

Hope Like Wildflowers tells the story of hope, but the main character, Kizzie, isn’t relying on her own abilities to keep her hope strong. Oh no! She learned to trust in the only One who is strong enough to BE her hope. He nourishes her heart when her life has turned upside down and she’s been forsaken. He restores and heals her when she’s been broken and cast out. He protects her from dangerous men who try to hurt her, but also he protects her heart from choosing the wrong path. And through the hard places of life, Kizzie’s hope overflows in joy to touch the lives of those around her.

And it’s beautiful and unexpected.

Like wildflowers.

How has God helped bring hope to your life? What trials has His hope helped you through?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Wishful Endings, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Sylvan Musings, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Labor Not in Vain, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

An Author’s Take, November 8

Back Porch Reads, November 9

Inklings and Notions, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

Just Your Average reviews, November 11

To Everything There Is A Season, November 12

Vicky Sluiter, November 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5482


Sunday, November 10, 2024

My Thoughts on Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks

 

About:

When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.

1811, Mediterranean Sea

May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.

Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love.

My Thoughts:

There is just something about ship stories that really gets to me. Especially romance ones. I don't know if it is the close proximity that they have or the beautiful ocean they are sailing on not to mention the dangers of storms and in this story, war. Whatever it is, I certainly like reading about it much more then I think I would like to experience it.

May Byam has suffered a lot in regard to her family. Tragedy and her father's imprisonment has chased away any good reputation. Her mother and aunt are moving on to be servants at an estate and would like her to come with them. May has other plans and wants to see the seas and adventure she and her late cousin used to talk about. However, her first meeting with the ship's chaplain goes awry and when she finds out her family connections to her new mistress, well that sets off a lot of feelings that May must now deal with. Not to mention the other sailors and there less than gentlemanly behavior. But her biggest nemesis, is the red-haired chaplain, who always seems to get under her skin.

Chaplain Elias Doswell is going back out to see after heartbreak. He will even face the horrors of war again to just get away from his broken heart. When he runs into May, things really couldn't get any worse, especially when he finds out she has been hired to be the captain's wife's lady's maid. He really should apologize. 

Like I said, being on the ship really didn't give them a chance to run away from one another and battles and sea life bring them even closer together in this drama filled romance on the seas. Their relationship was a tug of war, and that title itself is perfectly romantic and describes the story well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Friday, November 8, 2024

My Thoughts and More on A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James

 

A Path to Healing JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Path to Healing

Title: A Path to Healing
Series: The Prodigal Woman Series #3
Author:
Lisa James
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
November 1, 2024
Genre:
Christian Fantasy/Romance

Scarred. Blemished. Unwanted. These were all words that could describe Bethany. Since an accident disfigured the right side of her face, severing the betrothal to the man she loved, Bethany knew that no one would ever find her beautiful. When her mother insists she marries the only man willing to take her as a wife, Bethany begrudgingly agrees. Yet, the more she discovers about her new husband, the more she realizes that some scars are hidden deep within. 

After becoming a champion gladiator to purchase his mother’s freedom, Ezra wished to live a quiet life as a shepherd. When he hires a troubled woman with a veiled face to assist him with his flock, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to discover the woman beneath the mask. After a hasty marriage, Ezra vows to do everything he must to spare his wife from harm. But will her thirst for revenge against the dark forces that plague their homeland and his desperate need to protect his family tear them apart? 

Discover the story of a blemished woman in A Path to Healing. 

This Christian Fantasy novel can be read as a stand-alone novel or as part of The Prodigal Woman Series.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

A Path to Forgiveness A Path to Acceptance


About the Author

Lisa M. James

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels with diverse female leads for both young adult and adult audiences. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels.

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Visible by Darlene Corbett

 



About the Book

 

Book: Visible

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release date: May 15, 2024

Therapist Rachel Karem is accustomed to helping emotionally wounded individuals navigate the murky waters of dealing with complicated family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions. When individual therapy hits a brick wall for five successful professionals, she persuades them to engage in a ten-week group therapy program. But working through these sessions with her clients reveals Rachel’s own brokenness.

Widowed, childless, and estranged from her family, Rachel wonders if she will ever have a second chance at love. She is amazed when her own therapist advocates for her to “get back in the game.” To her surprise, Rachel enrolls in dance classes where she learns the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual, dramatic, the Tango embodies everything that is missing in Rachel’s life. As she grows more confident in her dance steps, her life becomes more entwined with her handsome dance partner, Michael. But past betrayals haunt Rachel’s emotions, and current rivals for Michael’s affections feed past rejections.

Even as her clients in the therapy group learn to support each other in their quest for personal wholeness, Rachel yearns for a deeper connection within herself to propel her into the next stage of her life. But will it be with or without Michael?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story about a therapist and five of her clients. Right off the bat we get to meet them as they meet one another for the first time in a group therapy session that Rachel, the therapist, wants to try to further help each one of them. We get viewpoints from all six, starting with their first awkward moments, their journey together, and to the point where they are no longer strangers.

Rachel is a successful therapist, and she acknowledges that she also needs some help with dealing with family drama. Not only are her patients helped on this journey but so is she as she begins to step out of her comfort zone and possibly meets  a love match. Her point on this journey, which comes out early in the book and what I found somewhat powerful, was that she wanted them and herself to become visible. This is their journey.

I felt the author did a good job of showing how therapy can help someone. Just talking to a person who is outside of the situation can bring a new perspective for the hurting individual. There are some difficult topics discussed; however, they are handled with care and grace.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Darlene Corbett views herself as a lifelong learner, a pursuer of excellence, a work-in-progress, and a truth seeker.

Serving others as a licensed psychotherapist has been her primary professional position for over thirty years.

Now, she includes Author/Writer and Speaker.

Her wealth of experience in human behavior prompted Darlene to write her ideas on paper, which set the stage for her book, “Stop Depriving the World of You,” published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

Darlene wrote her first novel, Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and plans on writing two more books in this series.

And right now?

Also, she’s finishing a contemporary romance, the first in another series.

Besides being an avid reader, Darlene loves animals, especially dogs, which you’ll see in her novel. Also, she treasures learning another language, yoga, fitness, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle.

She belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and AWSA.

She makes her home in Central Massachusetts with her beloved Shih Tzu and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

I created the protagonist, Rachel, with a Jordanian background. I’m half Syrian/Lebanese, so I thought I’d share an easy but delicious recipe given to me by my mother:

Hushwee:

1 lb. of ground lamb or lean beef

1 stick of butter

2 cups of white rice

5 cups of water and 5 chicken bouillons

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1 table spoon of allspice

A handful or 2 of pinenuts

On medium heat, stir-fry the beef with the butter.

Once it’s browned, mix in the dry rice, cinnamon, allspice, and pinenuts

Put aside

Boil 5 cups of water with the bouillons.

Once water has boiled, spoon in the mixture, bring the heat to low or one above, and cover.

20-25 minutes and should be done.

You may adjust according to your preference and stovetop.

This can be a side dish or the main mean with a nice Syrian salad such as Tabouli or Fattoush.

Bon Appetit

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Stories By Gina, November 2 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a winner’s choice of a paperback or eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5476/


Tuesday, November 5, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Jackson's Fall by Carole Brown

 



About the Book

 

Book: Jackson’s Fall (Troubles in the West Book Three)

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 20, 2024

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.

Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good  friends, and neither of them expected anything else.

But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Jackson has had a bit of a hard go at things. His twin brother and his fiancé ran away together. After being betrayed and left at the altar, Jackson had turned his back on love and God. He has decided now to be a rancher. However, even though a few years have passed, he can't seem to shake his brother, Jeremiah or Penelope his ex. They keep showing up taunting him and robbing his peace. Not only that but a young kind woman, new to town, Gabrielle, is just the kind of woman who could make him forget his problems. If only Jackson would open his heart again.

This is their story and the struggles that they go through, part as Jackson fights his destiny, and part as trouble from his past will just not let them be. The wild west was certainly an untamed place, but the strong and determined could push through. Is Jackson and Gabrielle those kinds of people? Well, you will need to read it and see. Filled with romance, danger, and trials, will Jackson finally fall?

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie

1 cup of self rising flour

¾ cup of sugar

1 stick of butter

¾ cup of milk

Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish

Pour batter over butter

Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter

Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes

Serve as is or with ice cream.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485


Monday, November 4, 2024

My Thoughts on The Blooming of Delphinium

 

About:

Making the perfect match is like arranging the perfect bouquet--and no one is better at it than Delphinium Hayes. Except when it comes to making a match for herself.

As far as hidden talents go, she is blessed with one of the more unique ones. With the slightest passing whiff, she knows someone's most admirable or weediest characteristic. This peculiar perception never fails to give her an advantage in understanding people--except for one man, whose scent doesn't seem to match his demeanor.

Prim and proper Elliot Sturgis, director of Moonberry Lake's Gardens Assisted Living and Senior Care Facility, carries the scent of violets--meaning love and loyalty--yet is strict and unwavering in his determination to stop a group of his wily residents from sneaking over to Delphinium's shop to play cards in the flower cooler. But the more glimpses Delphinium gets of the soft side beyond Elliot's harsh exterior, the more she understands his scent--and her intrigue deepens as sparks fly.

The crowd in her cooler isn't Delphinium's only problem. Behind on the mortgage payments and on the verge of losing her shop to foreclosure, Delphinium isn't sure where to turn for help. But God has a funny way of putting the right people in the place at the right time . . .

My Thoughts:

This was such an engaging read full of quirky characters and a unique gift that the heroine, Delphinium possesses. Feeling the loss of her grandmother and trying to keep her flower shop afloat, Delphinium has a lot on her plate. Along with an interesting first name, she also has a gift of determining other characters by what flower they smell like. I know, it sounds odd, it is, but it worked for the story.

However, in the midst of a somewhat crises, a bunch of residents from an assisted living home, start showing up in her shop's freezer playing poker. They are endearing and wild, and Delphinium doesn't know how to kick them out. She only knows that they must keep their clothes on, yes, she is having that problem. What is a girl to do when they have some of the wildest claims, requests, and demands she has ever heard of?

Enter two men in her life that totally confuse her. One, she cannot detect a scent and the other's scent does not match his demeanor. With the help of her new friends, romance might just be what Delphinium needs. But which one? Again, this was a fun and engaging read if a bit different.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Holly Varni is the author of On Moonberry Lake. A native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, she was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Though she, her husband, and their three sons live along the Central Coast of California, her beloved Midwest roots continue to haunt everything she writes. She hosts the Moments from Moonberry Lake podcast, where she shares more stories of her beloved characters. Learn more at HollyVarni.com.


My Thoughts on Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

  About: "If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together." African proverb Ever since Fern Espinoza...