Where it Began by Kathleen Pickering

Together Again Miniseries
Harlequin Superromance
ISBN: 9780373717545 (paperback)/0373717547
Pages: 288 (paperback)/478KB (e-book)
Published: January 03, 2012 (paperback); January 01, 2012 (e-book)
Rating: 4 ½ stars

Please make sure to read Kathleen’s message to the reader. It will give you some indication on how this story came about.

Maria Santiago is having dinner with Poppa, Elias Santiago, and Daniel Murphy Del Rio. She keeps having nightmares about her twin sister, Carmen. They are all discussing a trip that Maria wants to take. She wants to use her father’s ship and Del Rio will be her captain.

Daniel has a secret and doesn’t want to go along on the trip. In order to find out what that secret is, you’ll just have to read the book in order to find out. Their story will not disappoint. It’s a story that will show us how a couple has a second chance at love.

I can picture listening to soothing instrumental music as we take the trip along with Maria and Daniel. Kathleen also has me wishing that I was on a cruise somewhere. Not one of those cruise ships but something smaller and very romantic. You can either go to your travel agent to check things out or see what’s available online.

Kathleen also shows us the struggles people go through when a tragedy occurs. Some couples have to take small steps to get back to the way things were. Kathleen shows us there is hope for those that suffer after a tragedy. You will need to read this whole story if you want to know if it ends in a HEA.

This is a great summer read. I can also picture myself sitting on a beach somewhere with this book in my hand. I’m there relaxing, listening to the water coming up on the beach, all while I’m reading about Maria and Del Rio. You too may want to find a little patch of beach somewhere to read this book of Kathleen’s. If you like her work, you may also want to check out her web site, http://kathleenpickering.com/Home_Page.php, to see what other books she has written.

The Lady Is A Vamp by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau Novel, Book 17
Avon/HarperCollins Publishers
384 pages; 751KB
ISBN: 9780062078070
Published: July 31, 2012
Rating: 4 ½ stars

Jeanne Louise Argeneau was saying goodbye to Fred. Jeanie is a vampire and Fred is a human. She also comes across a kidnapper. His name is Paul and his daughter’s name is Livy, Olivia Jean Jones.

Almost immediately we fall in love with this newest Argeneau novel. Lynsay gets us totally engrossed in what’s going on with our three main characters. Then she does a 180 and we’re left saying “what?” But then she brings us right back on track. It leaves me hoping that Paul and Jeanne Louise make it.

I love Livy’s description as she references a New Line Cinema movie. You may want to check out The Little Vampire starring Jonathan Lipnicki and Rollo Weeks. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzDOiGX8sys. If you like the trailer, check out the movie.

I’m reading one of Lynsay’s scenes between Paul and Jeanne Louise, then in my head I find myself saying “no, no, no!” I also have to wonder whose story is going to be next. Will it be Livy? Will it be Bricker? I searched Lynsay’s web site, http://www.lynsaysands.net/index.html, and couldn’t find any hints as to if there will be a book 18. If you haven’t read the whole series, now may be the time to catch up as we wait to see if she will continue the Argeneau series. This also has an implied HEA ending.

My review is short because I don’t want to give anything away. I also want you to experience this book for yourself. If you like this series, you will want to continue with this one. I also have some catching up to do. I need to go back and read both The Bite Before Christmas and Under a Vampire Moon.

The Wolf Within by Sondrae Bennett

Book 3 in the “Alpine Woods Shifters” Series
Lyrical Press, Inc.
108 pages; 220KB
ISBN: 9781616503369
Published: November 17, 2011
Rating: 4 ½ stars

Brendan is a wolf shifter. Someone’s finally come home and he couldn’t be happier. He’s a very possessive man – a total alpha. He lives in a town called Alpine Woods.

Julie’s family is there to welcome her home. She’s had years of misunderstanding that needs to be fixed. Her sister Laurie owns a bookstore with her called “Books and Crannies”. It makes me think of the old-time bookstores.

Julie seems to have self-worth issues. She’s different from the rest of her family and sees that as a big problem. But isn’t that what makes each of us unique. Brendan has his work cut out for himself – especially when someone else is added into the picture.

As with all shifters, protection of mates is very important. What a way to show your love for someone. The only problem is that women are more independent these days and have something to say when a male gets too protective.

The only complaint I have is that this story was over too quickly. I just wanted it to go on a little longer. The only good thing is that I know this is a series and that book four “Worth Waiting For” just came out in May. Paranormal stories are great in that anything is possible. “The sky’s the limit”. Nothing is out of bounds. The world of the paranormal doesn’t exist – or does it? Only you can decide. You can also stop by Sondrae’s Corner, http://sondraebennett.blogspot.com/, to find out what is also going on with her.

What A Wonderful World with David Attenborough

Reblogged from The Dreamweaver's Cottage:

Sometimes, no words are needed.  Enjoy

What a great way to start, or end, your day. It only takes two minutes of your time. You have that - so stop over and watch.