Blue Ridge Sunrise

Book description: "Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?

Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.

As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love."

My review: This is not a book with everything falling into place perfectly.  Life happens and the characters are human. While this book does of course have a "perfect" ending, the path there is anything but. I appreciate that about this story. I thought the trips back in time helped with understanding the story. It gave more meaning to the plot and a better understanding of the characters. I have enjoyed other books by Denise Hunter and this one was no exception. Her characters are relatable and her plots are well-developed. If you are looking for a good book to read over the holidays, this is one I can recommend. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Out of the Ordinary

Book description:  "Working as a paid companion may be quite commonplace, but Miss Gertrude Cadwalader's eccentric employer makes her job unpredictable, to say the least. She finds herself carrying out an array of highly unusual tasks, including wearing peculiar outfits and returning items the woman pilfered. But when the wealthy Mrs. Sinclair catches Gertrude sneaking around the Sinclair yacht with some of the missing items in her possession, she immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair is caught in the middle of a misunderstanding between his mother and Gertrude, but he can't help coming to his friend's defense. Even as he hopes their friendship might become something more, Harrison is unprepared for the outlandish escapades that seem to follow the lovely, anything-but-ordinary Gertrude at every turn."

My review: If you need a good laugh, this is the book for you! Just when you think circumstances can't get any more comical, you find that you are mistaken. Jen Turano has a way with words, and while this book is titled Out of the Ordinary, all her books seem to be anything but ordinary. Even the characters names show a great sense of humor. I loved Gertrude and the development of her character and Mrs. Sinclair and her eccentric ways, but Harrison Sinclair was actually my favorite. Many times I just had to shake my head as I chuckled.  Frankly to me it seemed the ending was a bit rushed. I think so much time was spent on the unusual events, that the story line stalled some and the ending had to be rushed. In spite of a rushed ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. All my opinions are my own.