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Past Reviews

THE SWIMMING HOLES OF TEXAS by Julie Wernersbach & Carolyn Tracy

Genre: Travel / Outdoors / Swimming; Publisher: The University of Texas Press

Date of Publication: May 16, 2017; Number of Pages: 240, 100 color photos

A Must-Have, So-Much-More-Than a Guide Book – helping Texan families survive the summer (and learn a little too).

I absolutely loved The Swimming Holes of Texas.  Of course, majoring in geography and being a “fun fact” junkie might make me a bit biased.  The comprehensive information about each location, including historical, geographical and geological information, alongside the wonderful photography, serves the reader so much more deeply than the average “travel guide”.

As mentioned in the introduction, summers are unbearable here in Texas and free time usually includes finding a way to cool off from the heat.  This book is a fantastic guide to the oasis that is the swimming hole.  Don’t miss the “pro-tips” for insider info (so you don’t get caught with your pants down – literally).  And most importantly, I think, the author stresses the importance of taking care of our natural sites.  Clean up after yourselves so that we leave it for others to use.  Kudos for making sure to reiterate that point.  We love our state, hence the motto, “Don’t Mess with Texas”.

Whether you’re a traveler just visiting, or a family looking for a unique place to have fun, you’ll find something to meet your needs in this book. The photographs are fantastic, capturing the magnificence of these unique places.  No matter where you are in Texas, you’ll find a place not too far away to make a day trip worthwhile.

I highly recommend this book, and will be keeping it handy to find a spot to cool off this summer.

BEFORE THE RAIN FALLS by CAMILLE DI MAIO

Genre: Women’s Fiction / Historical / Family; Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Date of Publication: May 16, 2017; Number of Pages: 334

This is a story of love in it’s purest form.  It’s about sacrifice and family.

It’s about finding oneself amidst the crisis of your life.  It is truly a beautiful story. This book cannot be classified into any particular genre.  It’s realistic fiction, women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, and romance.  Di Maio’s writing has springboarded from it’s already lofty place (with her debut novel, THE MEMORY OF US) with the story of Della Lee.  As the story unfolds, the author skillfully parallels four storylines, weaving them together like an elaborate tapestry to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion.  The characters are wonderful and the descriptions are so fantastic.  I could almost feel the heat on my skin as I read about Puerto Pasar I really can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed the writing in this book.

Absolutely DEVOURED this book! Best book I’ve read all year. It has history, romance, intrigue and wonderful characters that make you feel like you’ve known them all of your life. What an amazing story this turned out to be. I loved Di Maio’s first book, but this one blows it out of the water! I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

*I received an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*

The Irish Prince

by Virginia Nelson Billionaire Dynasties #2

Aiden, known to the world as “The Irish Prince”, is an uptight CEO who likes to be in control, and live up to his playboy reputation.  His assistant Chelsea, who has been working side by side with him for years, and she’s had enough of his #$*&. His playboy ways have broken the last straw and she’s determined to quit.

Enter the supermodel ex-girlfriend, and surprise! Aiden has a 10 year old daughter! Determined to control the situation, he plans a trip to the Grand Canyon with his new found offspring, and insist Chelsea come along to help run interference with her.  

Although she didn’t want to go, Chelsea agrees and things start heating up. Sparks fly as Aiden and Chelsea discover their feelings are stronger than simple attraction. Meanwhile, the three of them grow close spending time together at the cabin.  But things go awry, and Aiden’s need to control things blow up in his face.  But no worries, it’s a romance!  There’s a HEA for this couple and their new “family” and it left me with a smile!

The one thing I love the most about this book (and most of the Indulgence line by Entangled) is that even though it is the second of a series, it reads like a stand-alone.   I devoured this book in one day.  It’s a quick read with all the feels in the right places.  I highly recommend this one to lovers of contemporary romance, who like great banter, yummy hot bedroom scenes and a feel-good HEA.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*