Books by Katydid

Dealing with Dragons The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Book One Written by: Patricia C. Wrede Dealing with Dragons is a childhood favorite of mine. This story has all the stereotypes of the fairy tales- from damsels in distress and knights in shining armor to dragons who takes princess from their homes. Despite all the stereotypes, this story also adds a depth to the princess story. Princess Cimorene is a princess who is anything but the usual lady. She wants to learn how to cook, fence and anything and everything she can. When her parents tell her to become more normal, she runs away to become a dragon's princess. This story is empowering for girls. Just as Cimorene can choose her own destiny, other girls can as well. There are no limits to her future. Patricia Wrede shows readers through a fun fantasy story that prejudices and preconceived notions don't have a place in the world- that people can be anyone they want. 

Protecting Her Heart A McCormick's Creek Sweet Romance Written by: Jen Peters  Protecting Her Heart takes two best friends and adds the romance. The characters show some great growth and their relationship takes a hit while they figure out the groove of romance that is a little bit different than friendship. I felt like Javi was a little bit of a jerk to start with but over time he redeemed himself. Shauna has her tunnel vision at times and has to open her eyes to look past trying to make up for the past. This sweet romance was an easy read with some heavier topics in there. Set in a small town, everyone knows everyone without having an overwhelming number of characters. This helps Javi be the super cop that Shauna always says he is. Definitely a chick flick romance- perfect with some chocolate added.

Love Redesigned A Romantic Comedy Written by: Jenny Proctor Love Redesigned was such a fun light-hearted read.  Set in the world of fashion and social media stardom, both characters have their skeletons in the closet to overcome (some of those skeletons bigger than others). With family drama intertwined in business and their relationships, the comedic interplay is one that kept me turning the pages.  The characters are well-balanced with quirky flaws and definitive personalities. Their conflict and struggles in the relationship are understandable. It was utterly enjoyable reading as they fought and worked things out. This was a story I couldn't wait to finish. 

Blackmoore A Proper Romance Written by: Julianne Donaldson Julianne Donaldson created an empowering feminine story with Blackmoore. Kate Worthington has determined she can never marry the man she loves so she decides to create her own destiny. While struggling to meet her mother's requirements so she can embark on her desired future, romance starts to grow but Kate knows what she wants and will do anything she can to get there.  This story made me feel like I could set my mind and do anything I wanted. Set at a beautiful estate in the history of England and conforming to most of the social norms of the time, Julianne managed to create a twist to what history would have been. While a touch slow getting started, I enjoyed immersing myself in this world of achievers and regency.

A Proper Charade Written by: Esther Hatch A Proper Charade brought a fun refreshing air to the regency era. A young lady who has been told she is too light-hearted and frivolous by her brother seeks to find a way for self-improvement. As she carries on with her own charade, she keeps her positive comportment and helps those around her. The characters in this story make me want to experience the romance and the adventures they entertain. With the lingering looks and pitter-patter of hearts this a sweet romance. This story was entertaining and I loved reading another of Esther Hatch's works.

Escape Route Gulf Coast Firefighters: Book 3 Written by: Susan Oloier The third book in the Gulf Coast Firefighter series takes a decade old relationship that had almost completely disappeared and brings it back to life. With ups and downs and smoldering kisses- this story could be the definition of tumultuous romance. While the previous stories are more heart-warming, I couldn't wait to see how these two characters worked past their differences to find their happily ever after. With a sexy firefighter and stunning firefighter, this story packs a powerful punch with strong characters. If you are looking for a hard-earned romance this will do it for you.

The Green Dress Written by: Liz Tolsma This book  takes the true story of a serial killer and makes it come to life. With a setting that illustrates the time period and the desperate feelings of the characters within the story Liz Tolsma rewrote the history in a meaningful way. She managed to create suspense in who the killer was, keeping it a mystery between several different people while adding a hint of romance. Little bits of information throughout add intrigue and clues as to who will be the next to die and what is happening to each of the patients. While this story was short, the suspense and anticipation was high. I would have enjoyed a little more added to the story. It did provided a nice read on a late night.

Kissing a Billionaire A Timeless Romance Anthology Written by: Taylor Hart, Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers, Annette Lyon, Danyelle Ferguson,  and Sarah M. Eden This anthology is full of stories written by some of my favorite authors. With a predictable story or two mixed in with a few unpredictable this collection of billionaire stories  has everything to satisfy the romantic soul. While the billionaire trope has been done over and over, each of these stories has fantastic characters with realistic lives, hopes and dreams. The settings enhance each individual story from the beauties of Ireland to the normality of the urban cities to the rural parts of Wyoming. This Timeless Romance Anthology is another great one to add to the collection.

The Perfect Game Rosemont High Baseball: Book 2 Written by Britney M. Mills The Perfect Game is a feel-good romance. With two high -who have their own problems- one a dysfunctional family and the other, an extreme shyness that affects everyone but their friends- this story provides a great chick flick that a lot of young adults can relate to- me included. Each of us experiences our own drama and this would have given me hope for finding love and my own strength despite my mess of a life.  Both characters make their own mistakes but they find a way to work through things and find success in their passions and relationship. I wouldn't mind my own daughter reading this book someday with some conversations about how a relationship shouldn't make or break your whole world. 

Coming Home to Maverick Cowboy Inspired Romance: Book 1 Written by: Sophia Summers Sophia Summers broke up her normal genre to create this great Christian romance. A cowboy with a big heart and a singer who returns home after disappearing at the altar this love story teaches forgiveness, redemption, and working through the hard times. I loved this reminder that hard times come and with help from a higher power, love and commitment can survive and thrive despite mistakes. While both of these characters have their moments where I wanted to shake some sense into them, they are relatable. Each of us has the fight or flight reflex- not just in survival but in love too. While the characters take that reflex a little to the extreme, they demonstrate how to move past it too. So with some drama, Christian themes, and a feel-good romance story, I definitely enjoyed this one. 

The Belltown Six Pack Hitching the Pitcher, Falling for Centerfield, Charming the Shortstop, Snatching the Catcher, Flirting with First, Kissing on Third Written by: Sophia Summers, Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore I couldn't just write one review for this batch of books. These three authors wrote an impressive group of stories. As soon as I finished one, I started the next until I had finished all of them. The story line from one to the next is consistent with a great bond between these six guys. Each of the heroines are as different as could be. Most stories written by more than author have difficulties maintaining a cohesive feeling but these three had no issues.  With a group of baseball stars who made history by being drafted out of the same college team the same year, every single star is in a different state but the bond they forged as teammates stays strong. Each player has his own unique demons to battle and things to work past but the ladies in their lives make...