Books by Katydid

  Her Second Chance Cowboy A Prairie Valley Novel Written by: Ellen Joy Her Second Chance Cowboy is a story of returning to the past. Georgie is a strong, determined woman trying to make the best of her situation as she returns home and reunites with an old flame. The tension between her past and present make this story a little intense. There is wavering, family drama, political ramifications, and so much more within this cowboy story. The story is well-written and while the theme was not quite to my taste, Ellen Joy did a great job with this book.

  Unwrapping Hope A Widow's Might Novella Written by: Sandra Ardoin Unwrapping Hope is a heart-felt Christian romance set in an historical era. Phoebe Crain has secrets hidden in the past. Spence Newland is trying to live up to his family's expectations of him. Between these two, the romance grows as their prejudices fade away. They both learn to trust in God through their trials and tribulations.  This sweet romance shows the power of faith without being too over the top. The characters have real trials that seem hopeless. Sandra Ardoin tells this calm tale, creating a sweet historical romance. 

  Caetlin's Courage Cwenland Chronicles Book One Written by: Rachel A. James Caetlin's Courage is story of courage, determination, intrigue, and duplicity. Rachel James manages to write this one in such way the reader is left guessing until the very end. Who is on who's team and what everyone's end goal is.  Not only is this a story of historical adventure and suspense, it has a great romance layered within the story. The characters have individual arcs that drive the the rest of the story.  Caetlin's Courage is a great story that could use a little polishing. 

  The Perfect Catch Rosemont High Book 3 Written by: Britney M. Mills This sweet YA romance takes two teenagers on opposite side of the tracks and lines them up together. With a baseball, trailer  park, troublemaker on the outside on one hand and a picture perfect, college applicant star on the other, these two have a long way to go before they find their romance.' The Perfect Catch is a great installment in the Rosemont High books. Britney Mills infuses these characters with feelings that I remember from high school and wanted so desperately to break out of. The romance is perfect, especially as Dax Stratton shows his true gentle and sweet self. I wouldn't mind my future teenagers reading this romance someday. 

 On the Run A Guardian Novel Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson On the Run is a book that gives crime shows like NCIS, CSI, and Blue Bloods a run for their money. There is action, there is adventure, there is romance, and it all lies within the realms of national security for the United States while being set in a different country.  This is a great follow-up to Traci Abramson's other guardian novels but works well as a stand-alone novel as well. The plot line is cohesive and the mystery of whodunit lasts until Traci is ready for the big reveal. There are different pieces to different mysteries running all throughout which makes this such a good, intense read.  All of Traci's books give me the thrill of the chase without scaring me beyond what I can handle. Everything in this story feels so realistic. Traci Hunter Abramson's first hand experience with the intelligence communities shows in her expertise of writing. 

  Love Unexpected The Unexpected Series: Book 2 Written by: J.S. Baker Love Unexpected reminded me of the old movie, What Woman Want- a couple of advertising executives who are at odds, fighting over clients and promotions. Love Unexpected added sparks and misunderstanding that pull Jenna and Conner apart until they are able to get over their misconceived notions and being at odds with each other. This was a fun, comedic read. I smiled all throughout as the characters thought the worst of each other until they were forced into an awkward situation fraught with vulnerability.  This story was a perfect lighthearted read for an afternoon. The romance was great and the comedy was just right. 

Widows of Somerset Timeless Regency Collection Written by: Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore This collection of regency romances were a perfect read to relax at the end of the my day. Each story had the same unifying elements like the Secret Society of Young Widows and the eccentric Lady Joanna but were also unique and had their own strong plot. I adored this collection of stories and I am sure I will read it again. With the start of an intriguing series in The Widow of Lavender Cottage and two well-written and beautiful romances accompanying it, I couldn't ask for more from a Timeless Regency Collection. Each of the romances drew me in and helped me escape the current world events. They lifted my spirits as the widows went from being against ever loving again to falling in love with the best of men in every single case.

  The Mechanics of Mistletoe Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson The Mechanics of Mistletoe is the perfect introduction to the world of Shiloh Ridge Ranch. With a story that is focused on the main characters of Sammy Benton and Bear Glover, it sneaks in little tidbits of their friends and family. I not only got to learn about them, but see snapshots of their future romance stories.   The small town atmosphere is perfect for the characters involved. Liz Isaacson brings it to life as the town and surrounding area comes together in the wake of a natural disaster. People show up to help each other and make the important things happen. This world is one that I would visit in a heartbeat. 

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts A Steampunk Cinderella Written by: Nancy Campbell Allen I was so excited to read this retelling of Cinderella. Set in the steampunk world of Nancy Campbell Allen's fictional creation I loved how she brought it all together. With a human right's advocate for a Cinderella and a police inspector as the prince charming and a fun twist for the fairy godmother, every element tied together in the end to create a meaningful story that pushes for a better world while subtly mimicking the timeless fairy tale. Nancy's characters have strong personalities with flaws that follow their strength. She incorporates characters from previous books in ways that strengthen the story yet maintaining this story's stand alone status. The adventure and mystery drew me in so I wanted to keep reading from the very first page until I uncovered the answer to the plot while adding the perfect amount of romance to make my heart happy.

Roommaid Written by: Sariah Wilson Roommaid is fun, light-hearted novel filled with the real life of a trust fund baby learning to live in the real world. As Madison Huntington decides to follow her dreams rather than the path her parents outlined she has mishaps and sooo many learning experiences. I had a hard time setting this one down, staying up late to read it with a smile on my face.  The characters were relatable and real with overbearing parents and struggles coming into their own sense of person. This book was a treat to read from start to finish as Madison learns how to be more than just a roommate but a roommaid. 

  A Hopeful Christmas A Regency Romance Collection Written by: Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen These four authors came together and wrote romantic Christmas stories where hope is seems lost. Each story shows the true Christmas spirit in a regency world. Four different perspectives with different stories. I loved the reading about the couples who found each other in time for Christmas along  with the couple who thought everything had been taken away from them but angels came to rescue.  Walker, Bessey, Kelly, and Jensen write about strong women who find their way to happiness within the confines of the societal expectations of their time. Each story has sweet and meaningful themes. They are well-written and are the perfect length.