441 Friday!

Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Audrey arrives in Atlanta early to perform all of her maid-of-honor duties along with final fittings for a one-of-a-kind dress. But Carly’s wedding is nothing short of an event, complete with Prince Charming, and the festivities make Audrey question whether there’s a prince of her own anywhere in her future. Enter the groom’s brother and best man. Shaggy-haired, tattooed bad boy J.R. Hunt couldn’t be any more different from Prince Charming if he rode in on a Harley Davidson. Oh, wait. He actually did ride in on a Harley!

If you’re looking for a new series, look no further. Bricker offers quirky characters, engaging settings, (get it? engaging?!? sorry couldn’t help myself) plenty of humor, and fun insight into the ever-burgoning business of getting married. Thouroughly enjoyable. Readalike ~ Kaye Dacus

Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too. In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

I really enjoyed learning a little bit about professional noses and the perfume business, but I don’t feel that Scent of Rain is up to Billerbeck’s usual standard. I usually really identify with her female leads, but Daphne fell a little short for me although I found Jesse’s story to be very compelling. Of course this might be because Daphne is so calm about being left at the alter. I would probably be a hysterical mess! I’m going to chalk it up to personal preference especially since I loved Split Ends and A Billion Reasons Why.
Readalike ~ Jenny B. Jones

Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall

Charleston in 1811 is bustling with immigrants like Adalia, a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses. She is terrified her secret will be discovered, but when the handsome son of a prominent family sweeps her into his glamorous world, the secret could be ruinous—for both of them.

While MaryLu Tyndall never disappoints, Veil of Pearls is my favorite book by her since her original Legacy of the King’s Pirates series! Veil of Pearls is kind of a Cinderella tale, but Prince Charming is a little snobby and a lot prejudiced, and Adalia, as a runaway slave, is in more danger than Cinderella ever dreamed of! Don’t miss this chance to dive into Tyndall’s trademark exotic settings, adventurous plots and high-seas romance! Check out the author’s blog for lots of fun info. about Pirates and more swashbuckling fiction stuff!

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello

After the FBI suspends her for bending rules, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon wants to redeem her career and re-start her life. But when the Bureau offers her an undercover assignment, she’s forced to take on a double-life. Sent to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh’s supposed to find out who’s fixing the races. But when horses start dying and her own life is threatened, she realizes something bigger—and more sinister—is ruining Emerald Downs. And she’s never felt more alone. In the fifth book of the popular mystery series, Raleigh Harmon walks through the darkest night of her soul, and finds herself searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

Ah, Raleigh Harmon, I’ve missed shouting at you. 🙂 I love this character. I love her stubborn unwillingness to defer to authority when she’s convinced she’s right and they’re wrong, I love her compulsive avoidance of emotional entanglements and I love that these traits constantly land her in trouble! I love the geology woven throughout the plots. And I love Jack. I love this series and so will you! The Stars Shine Bright is preceded by The Stones Cry Out, The Rivers Run Dry, The Clouds Roll Away and The Mountains Bow Down.
P.S. I also love these titles.

Advertisement