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  • The Ragpicker King – Book Review – Author Natalina Reis


    The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane, #2)The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars

    I have to admit that I am upset. I was convinced this was a duology, so when I got toward the end of the book and things were looking pretty unresolved, I googled it. It’s a trilogy!!!!!

    This series is so good. Definitely a departure from what we were used to from Cassandra Clare, but just as brilliant in a more mature way.

    The world building is fantastic with all its parallels with reality and all the lore that goes with it. The characters have been developed in true Clare’s fashion, tridimensional and complex and the relationships between several of her characters are believable and often heart wrenching.

    There were a few totally unexpected plot twists at the end and I am now left with the awful knowledge that it will be a long while until I can read the conclusion to this fabulous story.

    Highly, highly recommend it.

    View all my reviews



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  • The Love Haters – Book Review – Author Natalina Reis


    The Love HatersThe Love Haters by Katherine Center
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    Another great book by Katherine Center.

    The humor mixes with the seriousness of the themes perfectly. I loved the characters (including the side characters like The Gals, clueless Cole, and Beanie) and who wouldn’t love an overly friendly and rumbustious Great Dane?

    I devoured the book (audio) and I only have one complaint which is the same I had with Center’s last book I read: she has the tendency to overextend the ending.

    She has a great ending–or what I think should be the ending–and then she goes on with more stuff that however interesting is kind of superfluous to the plot or enjoyment of the story. Just my opinion and the only reason I am giving the book four stars instead of five.

    Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for more books by Center.

    View all my reviews



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  • Wearing the other character’s clothes (Sapphic Book Bingo 2025)

    Wearing the other character’s clothes (Sapphic Book Bingo 2025)


    Wearing the other character’s clothes

    It’s time for another Micro-Trope category of the Sapphic Book Bingo! This week, we’re covering one of the most swoon-worthy micro-tropes out there: one character wearing the other character’s clothes.

    For this category, read a sapphic book where one main character wears something that belongs to the other. There’s something incredibly intimate about slipping into the clothes of someone you’re falling for! It could be a sweatshirt that still smells like her, a too-big T-shirt borrowed after a sleepover, or a jacket draped over shivering shoulders.

     

    15 sapphic books in which we see one character wearing the other character’s clothes

    Below, you’ll find 15 sapphic books in which we see one character wearing the other character’s clothes.

     

    Damage Control by Jae

    An actress practically since birth, Grace Durand has finally made it in Hollywood. When a photo of her in a seeming compromising situation with another woman is plastered all over the tabloids, she fears for her career as a lead in romantic movies.

    Desperate for a publicist who’ll convince America that she’s straight, Grace hires Lauren Pearce, one of Hollywood’s leading PR agents, not knowing that she’s a lesbian.

    Lauren has dealt with PR nightmares for years, so doing damage control for one more rich, spoiled client shouldn’t be a problem—or so she thinks. But the more time she spends with Grace, the more she realizes how different she is from her television persona.

    Getting involved with her client is not in her game plan, especially since it would confirm the rumors and ruin Grace’s career, but the attraction between them is growing as they run the gauntlet of the paparazzi together.

    Available at:

    Ylva Publishing

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    Flowers and Gemstones by Alaina Erdell

    Hannah knows how to grow her family’s jewelry design company into one of the most successful on the West Coast. But share her emotions? Not so much. She needs to break up with her girlfriend, Bren, but tragedy strikes before she gathers the courage.

    It’s been years, but Vanessa hasn’t recovered from her ex, Bren, dumping her. She’s owned her flower shop for over twenty-five years and should be confidently anticipating her fiftieth birthday, but she still battles her mother’s criticism.

    When Vanessa mysteriously shows up at Bren’s funeral, questions, and a few eyebrows, are raised. Was Bren who Hannah and Vanessa thought she was? Did they really know her at all? As the secrets and lies mount, the shocking truth reveals why their relationships failed. But will learning from the past give them the skills to build a future with one another?

    Available at:

    Bold Strokes Books

    Amazon

    Apple Books

     

    Baking Ice Cubes, A Legal Thriller by Alexi Venice

    Former college basketball star Hank Hart is no stranger to making a three-pointer with only seconds left in the game. Now an experienced lawyer, Hank honors a request by renowned Attorney Monica Spade to take over the trial of a case at the eleventh hour.

    While working in the charming town of Apple Grove, Hank discovers corporate sabotage, clandestine relationships, and suspicious motives lurking behind a seemingly straightforward medical procedure. She also finds herself trying to keep secret a flirtatious exchange with a powerful woman whose charisma is off the charts. Hank is usually the one blowing up secrets about witnesses, not trying desperately to hide her own. Facing formidable and dangerous opponents, Hank needs to finesse an incriminating bombshell out of a cunning killer to pull off a miraculous upset.

    Can Hank deliver justice and secure a victory for her clients as she risks her life to expose the lies and people behind them? While doing so, can she win the heart of the charismatic woman?

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Midnight Magic by Cameron Darrow

    A second-class citizen with a shattered heart, Vimika is ready to start her life over. But as a freelance wizard in Atvalia, that’s easier said than done. So when she’s offered a job that could afford her that new life several times over, what choice does she have but to take it? Yes, it involves tracking down something that is either impossible or highly illegal, but money solves everyone else’s problems, why not hers?

    Because no deception is more powerful than self-deception.

    Now cut off from her magic in the middle of a job she should never have taken, Vimika must confront herself in more ways than one. Trapped alone with a wizard out of time, she’ll have to fight not only the illusions keeping them imprisoned but the ones guarding her heart. Failure might trap them both forever, while success could grant them a freedom neither has ever known. Or get them killed.

    At least she’d never have to wake up with a hangover again.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    No Good Reason by Cari Hunter

    “I can’t do this. I can’t do any of this without her.”

    Detective Sanne Jensen (not blonde, not tall, definitely not Scandinavian) and Dr. Meg Fielding (scruffy, scatterbrained, prone to swearing at patients) are lifelong best friends, sharing the same deprived background and occasionally the same bed.When a violent kidnapping stuns the Peak District village of Rowlee, both women become involved in the case.

    As Sanne and her colleagues in East Derbyshire Special Ops search for the culprit, and Meg fights to keep his victim alive, a shocking discovery turns the investigation on its head. With the clock ticking, Sanne and Meg find themselves pushed closer by a crime that threatens to tear everything apart.

    Available at:

    Bold Strokes Books

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    A Lake of Feathers and Moonbeams by Dax Murray

    Strange things can be said of the forest that spans the border of two kingdoms long at war. An evil sorcerer has made it his dominion, or an elegant enchantress has claimed it as her domain and grants wishes to those who chance upon her, or maybe the forest is guarded by an ancient and wrathful spirit. But Katya calls the forest home, living a life of magic and charms with her partner Ivan.

    But a threat looms over their forest, some darkness and danger that Ivan swears to protect her from. Katya finds herself caught up in a web of grudges and deception spanning generations, but most dangerous of all is the beautiful princess who stumbled into their woods. A princess who sets Katya’s heart fluttering with both desire and fear.

    As forces rally to rescue the princess or go to war, Katya must take measure of her own powers and decide what she is willing to sacrifice. Will she retreat to the safety of what’s familiar or give up everything she knows to spread her wings and fly?

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Apple Books

    Audible

     

    Take Her On by Emily Wright

    Between pining for her straight best friend, trying to revitalise her football team after another year of defeat, and dealing with her own family problems, she’s already overwhelmed.

    When her arch rival, Jamie Mellor, joins the football squad, it threatens to push her over the edge. Not only is it the last chance to prove her worth as captain, Maya must now find a way to play alongside this annoying loud mouth without losing her mind every five minutes.

    Jamie is in desperate need of a fresh start after all the drama at her last university. She wants to keep her head down, focus on football, and listen to her eighties music. Yet it’s immediately clear Maya is going to make life difficult for her—both on and off the pitch. Luckily, Jamie finds riling up her new team captain seriously entertaining.

    As the championship draws near and feelings intensify, tensions rise and secrets threaten to unravel. The two rivals must overcome their differences and find a way to win together, but are the games strictly on the field? Or have Maya and Jamie finally met their match?

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Embracing the Moon by Jeannie Levig

    Gwen Jamison has been attracted to her best friend Taylor for years but has kept her feelings masked as friendship. Left behind by her mother at age nine, then by her first love eight years later, she’s vowed never to trust her heart to anyone. It’s easier to have casual relationships than risk falling in love.

    Taylor Matthews has no interest in a relationship. The one and only time she lost herself in love it cost her four years of her life. Never again. In the three decades since, she’s turned her life around, built a successful career, established solid friendships, and had plenty of women, sex, and fun. No complications, no entanglements, no regrets—until Gwen.

    Just as Gwen and Taylor are exploring the new love they’ve found, the present and past collide, threatening the future they long to share.

    Available at:

    Bold Strokes Books

    Amazon

    Apple Books

     

    Deck the Palms by Kat Jackson

    For the first time in her life, Allison Bradley feels like she’s on the right path. She’s left the west coast and as the holidays approach, she’s settling into her new home in Clearwater Beach. A warm winter has never sounded so good, and she is absolutely not going to date anyone while she builds the next phase of her life.

    Dating is the last thing on Drew Kingsley’s mind. In fact, she’s sworn it off for good. She’d much rather focus on her business—something she can control—and her grandmother, the one person she trusts will love her unconditionally.

    Despite being thrown together by the meddling work of little old ladies, Allison and Drew do not want to like each other. But as the magic of the holidays surrounds them, even they will be forced to see that the walls they’ve built to protect themselves might be better taken down to let good love in.

    Available at:

    Bella Books

    Amazon

    Apple Books

     

    The Captain’s Claim by Katie Trapp

    Captain Hellebore rules with an iron fist. It is the key to her survival. When she finds an intruder aboard her ship, Hellebore is left with one choice. Throw Honey overboard or turn her over to the King’s guard. Only Hellebore never anticipated the wisp of a woman to be the mate she was convinced would never come.

    Determined to save her family from certain death, Honey Stark stows away on the only ship bound for Vulture Island. She finds more on board than she bargained for and must navigate a world and a bond she never knew existed.

    As Hellebore and Honey’s connection deepens, the reality of their situation intensifies. With love on the line and the world in her hands, Hellebore sets out to claim what is rightfully hers and to save Honey and her people from ultimate death.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    These Thin Lines by Milena McKay

    In the heart of Paris, Chiara Conti is a Queen trapped in an Ivory Tower of haute couture, fortune and lovelessness. Lonely and dejected, she’s longing for inspiration, for direction, for understanding.

    When Vi Courtenay falls at her feet, losing her shoe like a veritable Cinderella, events are set in motion that will unravel their carefully fashioned lives.

    With everything tainted, will the thin lines they rend ever be mended?

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Unadulterated Something by MJ Duncan

    Emma Beauchamp and Campbell Jordan’s rivalry on the ice was legendary. Retirement should have closed that chapter of their lives, but when Campbell joins the faculty at Stonebridge—the prestigious Berkshires boarding school where Emma now teaches—it takes on a brand new life. There’s plenty of distrust and lingering animosity, but as circumstances force them to find a way to not only coexist, but work together, Emma and Campbell find that being on the same team isn’t as awful as they’d feared. Will their years spent battling it out for team and country be too much to overcome? Or will they finally acknowledge the truth behind the electric connection they share?

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Chrysalis and Requiem by Quinton Li

    At Adraredon Academy, fervent passion, contemporary companionship, and forbidden desires intertwine with tall gothic spires, ancient halls, and centuries of history. Veaer Rosell can’t imagine a better place to satiate her craving for beauty, knowledge, and art.

    Yet senior year shatters her illusion of tranquillity and civil intellect when she witnesses the headmaster’s daughter murder another student and is confronted by an unthinkable choice: avenging her fallen peer or taking this secret to the grave, one way or another.

    But fate laughs at Veaer’s expense when the headmaster’s daughter requests her aid. Driven by an all-consuming thirst for answers, Veaer becomes an untimely partner in solving a murder they both know the answer to, unaware of the intricacies that come with learning the bigger picture and playing with death.

    Available at:

    Amazon

     

    Don’t Cry for Me by Rachel Lacey

    Eve Marlow has her eyes on the prize: a third season of her popular business makeover show, Do Over. But when her ratings take an unexpected dive, Eve needs a blockbuster new client, or she can kiss season three goodbye. She has her work cut out for her, and that’s before she discovers a litter of newborn kittens in a trash can. Now she’s desperate to find someone to take them so she can concentrate on reviving her career.

    Josie Swanson had to put her kitten rescue on the back burner when she inherited her father’s bar two years ago. Since then, she’s invested all her time and energy into keeping it afloat, but despite her best efforts, Swanson’s is going under. When she gets a phone call from Eve Marlow, host of the television show Josie applied to earlier that year, the woman she’s convinced can save her bar, Josie hopes her luck has finally turned.

    Eve knows what she needs to succeed, and it isn’t Josie—or her bar. There’s no denying the chemistry sizzling between them, though. Josie’s personality is as vibrant as her turquoise-tipped hair. She stirs things in Eve that haven’t been stirred in a long time, but there’s a reason she keeps her heart under lock and key. Eve stands to lose a lot more than her TV show if she lets her guard down, no matter how tempted she is to see if Josie’s love would be worth the risk.

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Behind the Eyes by Sharon K Angelici

    Theirs was a love story for the ages: Rasabel, the captain of the guard living a life devoted to duty and honor. And Isolde, the woman of the territory hungry for more than society’s requirements of a lady.

    In a world of swords and arrows, love was indefensible against obsession, lust and a cruel curse. For years, they searched for an end to their torment. When the alarm bells of Acadia ring, Rasabel goes home, but she is unwelcome. Determined to seek revenge her path collides with Bylyn, a young thief on the run from the executioner’s axe. Their meeting entangles their lives forever. Can Rasabel and Isolde find hope in the hands of a girl who will do anything to keep her freedom?

    Available at:

    Amazon

    Audible

     

    Join us for the Pride Month Book Calendar

    Pride Month Book Calendar

    To celebrate Pride Month in June, I have joined forces with 100+ authors of sapphic fiction to bring you a fun event with daily free books, book giveaways, and books you can get at a discount. You can already sign up for the daily reminder emails and can enter a giveaway to win one of 24 book gift cards.

    Check out the Pride Month Book Calendar!

     

    Leave a comment

    What book will you be reading for the “wearing the other character’s clothes” category? Let us know in the comments!



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  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Donna Hatch

    Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Donna Hatch


    An Excerpt by Donna Hatch, Regency Romance Author 

    Available on Amazon

    Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.” 

    Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to her. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean. 

    All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply. 

    Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul. 

    Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate. 

    Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.” 

    No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out. 

    “Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?” 

    Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream. 

    She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies. 

    Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.” 

    As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm. She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly. 

    A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.” 

    She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?” 

    A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.” 

    Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.” 

    “Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face. 

    Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl! 

    “Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.” 

    “I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.” 

    She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.” 

    He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.” 

    That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.” 

    His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.” 





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  • Walking the Valley of of Death: Death Valley National Park

    Walking the Valley of of Death: Death Valley National Park


    Title frame showing sand dunes of Death Valley with brown mountains in the distance.

    When my husband suggested a trip to Death Valley National Park in February, I hesitated. I’m a mountain girl, after all. Give me misty forests, alpine lakes, and snow-dusted peaks, and I’m content. The thought of trading all that for barren salt flats and endless desert seemed… well, a little bleak.

    But what I found there? It took my breath away.

    Campervan Parked at Death Valley's Furnace Creek Campground

    Furnace Creek Campground

    We rolled into Furnace Creek in our Winnebago Solis campervan, the desert sun charging the van’s solar panels while cool breezes threaded through the open windows. There’s something oddly luxurious about winter camping in a place that bakes in summer—like we’d slipped in through a secret backdoor, welcomed by the land before the heat arrived.

    So much to see

    Our days were full of wonder. We hiked the golden Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, half-hoping to spot a lost droid or two from Star Wars fame (See title photo above). We drove the winding curves of Artist’s Drive, where the rocks are splashed with wild colors—lavender, green, rose, ochre—as if God got playful with a paintbrush.

    Sunset colors the rock formations at Zabrinskie Point

    We watched the sun melt into the horizon at Zabriskie Point, bathing the landscape in molten light. The view was so dramatic, it felt almost sacred. I thought of Psalm 23:4:

    Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. [NASB]

    I find it interesting that in The Message, author Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of this verse refers to Death Valley by name:

    Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
    Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. [MSG]

    Standing there, in a place literally called Death Valley, I didn’t feel fear. I felt awe. And presence. And peace.

    Author Karen Barnett posing with sign for Badwater Basin

    We visited the Natural Bridge, wandered through the salt-encrusted cracks of the Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America!), and had fun discussing geology. With two advanced degrees in geography between us, you can bet we were totally nerding out. Being in the “lowest place” felt almost poetic—like tracing the contours of Earth’s story with our own feet.

    We tried to spot fighter jets roaring through Rainbow Canyon (aka Star Wars Canyon), but the Air Force didn’t get our memo. Still, the canyon was worth the visit.

    Our favorite hike

    Our favorite hike, hands-down, was the loop around Ubehebe Crater. The crater is massive—half a mile wide and over 700 feet deep—and hiking its rim gave us sweeping views of volcanic drama and desert solitude. The stillness of the place gave a sense of the sacred.

    The People of Death Valley

    Borax Works, Death Valley

    We also made a stop at the Harmony Borax Works, wandering through the remnants of the 20-mule team days. There’s something humbling about the grit and determination it took to survive and work in this landscape. Much of the labor was done by Chinese immigrants who spent long days in the heat scraping borax from the salt flats. At night, they camped on-site in tents and crude shelters while the other employees bunked at nearby Furnace Creek Ranch.

    Final thoughts

    What I expected to be dry and desolate turned out to be deeply moving. Death Valley isn’t barren—it’s honest. Even around the remains of the Borax works, life still clings: desert blooms, curious ravens, resilient lizards. In the park’s wild silence, I found a kind of clarity I hadn’t known I was missing.

    I came home with sand in my shoes, salt on my skin, and a heart full of unexpected gratitude. Sometimes it’s in the starkest places that God reminds us—we’re never truly alone.

    Have you ever visited Death Valley—or a place that surprised you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

    Karen



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  • The Book of Dog – Review – Author Natalina Reis


    The Book of Dog: A SatireThe Book of Dog: A Satire by D.J. Molles
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars

    This was such a surprise. A good one.
    I picked up the book after a recommendation from another writer and I’m so glad I did.
    I thought it would be a light, funny read and it certainly was, but it surprised me with much deeper themes, so relevant to the world we are living in today.
    I bought the audio book and I have to say the narrator was amazing. His interpretation of the cat’s (Sweetpea) voice and attitude had me in stitches (and it was so accurate) throughout the whole book.
    If you are a pet lover and want a good laugh while still exploring world/human issues, this is the book for you. Brilliant!

    View all my reviews



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  • Origin of the Easter Bunny

    Origin of the Easter Bunny



    Spring flowers, baby animals, and chicks hatching from their shells herald the arrival of spring and Easter. In many countries including the United States, Easter can be as much about the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and candy as it is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what does the Easter Bunny have to do with the Religious holiday we call Easter?
    Rabbit Symbol
    In many European Countries including England, the Easter Bunny is known…

    The post Origin of the Easter Bunny appeared first on Donna Hatch.



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  • The Legend of the Poinsettia

    The Legend of the Poinsettia



    Compiled and retold by Donna Hatch
    Long ago, families in a small Mexican village prepared their finest gifts to lay before the baby Jesus in the nativity in the church on Christmas Eve. One little girl named Pepita had always loved the tradition, but this year felt different. This year, she wanted to bring her own gift to the infant Christ child.
    Because her family was very poor, they lacked the money to buy him…

    The post The Legend of the Poinsettia appeared first on Donna Hatch.



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  • Tress of The Emerald Sea – Book Review – Author Natalina Reis


    Tress of the Emerald SeaTress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    I had no idea what to expect from this book. I had never read a Sanderson book and had heard amazing things about him. I also knew that this particular title was not Sanderson’s usual fare.

    I really enjoyed it for the most part. It did remind me a lot of The Prince’s Bride, a movie (not so much the book, I’m afraid) I absolutely adore. Quirky, nonsensical, funny, and totally “out there”. My kind of humor.

    I thought it went on a bit too long, but other than that, I truly enjoyed it. After reading quite a few very serious and heavy fantasies, this was the perfect palate cleanser. Tress was a great character and so was the Rat and the rest of the crew.

    And the funniest and best one-liners ever! I wish I had thought of writing them down.

    View all my reviews



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  • The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner

    The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner


    The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner is a captivating historical romance that will tug at your heartstrings. This exceptional book, like so many others by the talented author, never fails to deliver.

    historical romance review introvert reader

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

    The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner
    Rating: four-half-stars
    Published: 1995
    Illustrator: H. Tom Hall, Alan Ayers
    Published by: Bantam, Fanfare
    Genres: Historical Romance, Civil War Romance, Western Romance, Romance with Rape Element
    Pages: 445
    Format: Paperback
    Buy on: AmazonAbeBooksOpen Library (BORROW FOR FREE)
    Reviewed by: IntrovertReader

    Historical Romance Review: The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner

    The Book

    The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner is yet another stellar romance by this indomitable author.

    The Plot

    Part I

    Will Lassater comes to California to seek his fortune in the incredible forests. He has been logging all his life on the East Coast and dreams of starting his own business.

    California is different, exciting, and new—and is the home of Santana Maria Chavez Lopez, the most beautiful woman Will has ever seen. He is instantly attracted to her dark beauty. Unfortunately, she is engaged to a cruel man.

    Along with starting his own mill, Will vows to find a way to help Santana escape from an arranged marriage.

    At the marriageable age of sixteen, Santana wants to honor her father by accepting a proposal from his best friend’s son. Nevertheless, she cannot help but be frightened by the demonic lust in the eyes of her intended husband, Hugo, whenever he looks at her.

    Distraught, Santana knows marriage to Hugo will condemn her to a life of misery, but she doesn’t know what to do.

    Then Santana meets Will, and she thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen, even if he is a gringo. Will is equally smitten by the senorita‘s delicate beauty.

    Santana’s heart fills with an impossible hope when Will offers to rescue her from marrying Hugo. She is delighted at the thought of starting a new life with the man of her dreams. True to his word, Will helps Santana break free from her obligation, and they embark on their journey as husband and wife.

    the forever tree

    Part II

    The Civil War breaks out, forcing Will to return to the East to fight. Santana is left to raise their children alone and await her husband’s return. During his absence, a horrific event will alter her life and their marriage.

    When Will returns, he cannot understand the changes in Santana, who is no longer the adoring bride he knew. He fears he may have lost her love forever after leaving her to fight in a war that she didn’t comprehend. However, with his own traumatic experiences of war haunting him, Will doesn’t know how to win back his wife’s love.

    Since Santana knows Will feels guilty for leaving her, she lets him believe that her resentment is the root of their problems. She can’t possibly tell him the dark secret she has locked in her heart. He would never understand. Instead, she hides her pain and shame until it threatens to destroy all that she has.

    It’s only after experiencing a horrific tragedy that they begin to heal.

    My Opinion

    The Forever Tree is a genuinely moving and beautifully crafted story that delves into the depths of human emotions, drawing readers into a world of tragic loss and eventual healing.

    Rosanne Bittner’s mastery of storytelling shines through every page, effortlessly evoking deep-seated feelings and leaving a profound impact on me. The tender love shared between Santana and Will is depicted with an authentic depth of feeling, making their connection truly wonderful to experience.

    This novel is an emotional whirlwind that skillfully weaves together heart-wrenching tragedy and heartwarming love.

    Heat Level

    Emotional bonding is at the heart of the intimate scenes in The Forever Tree, as is warm passion. Santana and Will have great chemistry, but it’s their devotion to each other that stands out most in these moments.

    very warm heat level
    A warm heat destined to burn for a lifetime.

    Final Analysis of The Forever Tree

    With each book she writes, Rosanne Bittner proves that she is a master of her craft. The Forever Tree is a poignant story with the power to move readers to tears and leave a lasting impression in their hearts.

    Rating Report Card
    Plot

    4.5

    Characters

    4.5

    Writing

    5

    Chemistry

    4.5

    Fun Factor

    4.5

    Cover

    4.5

    Overall: 4.6

    Synopsis

    THEY CAME FROM TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS
    Will Lassater had come to California to build a logging empire, never expecting to fall in love with this golden land. Then he beheld the exotic Spanish beauty called Santana, and the rugged New Englander was forever lost. In her dark, luminous eyes he saw all that was beautiful and irresistible about this rich and fertile country—all that he wished to possess yet did not fully understand.

    BUT NOTHING AND NO ONE COULD KEEP THEM APART
    With every beat of her innocent heart Santana knew that this tall, handsome, blue-eyed American was the only man she could ever love. But between Santana and Will stood a lifetime of tradition—and a powerful and ruthless Spanish don who would kill any man who dared to covet his intended bride. Now, as Will’s dream of Lassater Mills becomes a reality, he will risk everything to make Santana his own. And though love cannot protect them from vengeful enemies or the fires of change raging across this land, it may give them the strength to face an uncertain future, and in the midst of tragedy the courage to begin anew…

    THE FOREVER TREE BY ROSANNE BITTNER


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