Book Tour And Review: When we Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias

 Title:  When We Were Widows

Author: Annette Chavez Macias

Genre:  Women's fiction 

Publisher:  Montlake

Publication Date:    November 1, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

In this heartfelt story about finding love in loss, three widows are forced under the same roof, where they’ll need to overcome grief, anger, and old secrets to put their family back together.

Since her husband’s death six months ago, Yesica Diaz-Taylor seems to be taking her grief in stride. Then an angry outburst at work shatters the illusion. Her mandated support group counseling doesn’t help much. Yesica has always kept her feelings close, so even when an unlikely friendship blossoms with the group’s facilitator, she still has reasons for holding back. She’s just not ready to share.

Ana Diaz has been widowed for five years and continues to live life exactly as she did with her late husband. When her house floods, she’s forced to shake things up. Although it was never part of her plan, Ana moves in with her eldest daughter, Yesica. But the new living arrangement tests their already strained relationship.

Shadowed by unresolved tensions, Yesica, Ana, and matriarch Mama Melda must learn to share a home, their heartbreak, and, once and for all, the haunting family secrets that have kept them apart.

My thoughts 

Wow.  I just finished it, and I have so many thoughts, some of them to be only shared with a journal or therapist.  This book was absolutely amazing.  It was heartfelt, emotional and from beginning to end pulled at your heartstrings.  Although my grandmother became a widow when I was a child, my mom became a widow about 7 years ago, and witnessing that with my own eyes and reading what Yesica and Ana experienced felt like at times, someone had peaked into our lives.  One thing that remains the constant anywhere is how being the oldest daughter is not for the faint at heart.  I especially enjoyed and appreciated how all of thr questions in my head while reading were all answered by the end.  This was absolutely one of the best books I've read this year.  

About the Author

Annette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Annette also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Annette lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.

To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.

Book Review: Last Christmas Crush by Mia Heintzelman

Title:  Last Christmas Crush

Author:  Mia Heintzelman

Genre:  Contemporary romance 

Publisher:  Tule Publishing

Publication Date:  October 17, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

My thoughts 

Sometimes I wait and let the story marinate  after finishing it before starting my review.  In this case, I couldn't.  This was such an absolutely amazing read.   It already has me in my Hallmark Holiday feels (Yes, I know it doesn't take much because I'm a Christmas Stan, but this book truly has me ready now for the Christmas holiday season).  To be honest, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.  Loved the chemistry between Chiara and Jamieson, and Jamieson is truly that man (another book boyfriend to add to my roster).  Sometimes i like to include one of my favorite quotes from the story, but there were so many, I couldn’t or I'd tell the entire story.  Oh Holy Night is my absolute favorite christmas song. And after this book, I will never see the song the same, lol.  I can't wait for the next book in this series

About The Author 

Mia Heintzelman is a bestselling author of novels including Monopolove, The Friendship Contract, and The Accidental Crush. Her work has appeared on Book Riot, Romantically Inclined, and Readers Entertainment Radio. She writes fun, flirty, fiery romances about strong women and men with enough heart to fall for them. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Book tour and review: Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quentreo

 

Title:  Gabi, A girl in Pieces

Author;  Isabel quintero

Genre:  Ya

Publisher:  Cinco Puntos Press

Publication Date:  December 6, 2021

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year of high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy's pregnancy, Sebastian's coming out, the cute boys, her father's meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity.

July 24

My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn't want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it's important to wait until you're married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, "Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas." Eyes open, legs closed. That's as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don't mind it. I don't necessarily agree with that whole wait until you're married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can't tell my mom that because she will think I'm bad. Or worse: trying to be White.

My thoughts

Wow.  Normally after finishing a book, I'm able to go right to the next one.  This book was so good and emotional, I'm going to have to wait til tomorrow to start the next one.  Growing up, I had a couple of similarities as Gabi.mainmy growing up chunky and having a parent harp on it growing up.  I was also blamed sometimes foe things my younger brothers did.  ( some of the perils of being the oldest daughter, I guess) .  But  Gabi was that girl.  She was truly a great young lady and is the type of friend many if us needed growing up.  I would like to know what happens to her in the future.  It read like I was watching a movie (like we had kinda in the 90"s bit much better).  This was such a eye opening and very enjoyable book

About the Author 

Isabel Quintero lives and writes in the Inland Empire of Southern California, where she was born and raised. She attend Cal State San Bernardino where she received her B.A. in English and M.A. in Composition, and is currently an adjunct faculty instructor at two community colleges and teaches English. For fun she reads and writes, watches comedy movies, and obsesses over television crime dramas. Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, from Cinco Puntos Press, is her first novel. She is working on a few projects at the moment, one of which is a fantasy story about a young girl who is on a quest to save her family and encounters legends and folklore. Isabel enjoys carne asada tacos, pepperoni pizza (thin crust only please), dark chocolate, poetry, folk music, and looking at cute animal pictures. Oh, and long walks on the beach

Blog tour and Review. Seen her Year by Bailyn Wing

 

Title:  Seen Her Year 

Author:  Bayliner Wing

Genre:  YA

 Publisher:  Gayau Productions

Publication Date: October 10, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

For fans of cute slow-burn romance of Kimi Ni Todoke and high school senior vibes of Prom Pact; a heartwarming story about two broken teenagers finding solace in each other as they survive a senior year full of high school romance, friendship drama, and a jealous ex.

Thoughtful-but-misunderstood Kayla Summers has always been the second choice; to her father, her former crush, and her childhood friend. Tired of feeling like a screwup, she’s given up on getting too close to people. However, on the last day of her junior year, she fails to comfort her crying friend and ends up overhearing a dramatic breakup of an old crush of hers. Another innocent mistake, but it might just be the best one she’s ever made. That’s if . . . she’s willing to be a choice again.

Emotionally-worn-out Aiden McLaren will never be good enough; not for his dad nor his cheating girlfriend. Bruised by one-sided efforts and unmeetable expectations, getting involved with another girl is the last thing this football jock needs. But when the very witness of his humiliation provides him the comfort and healing he didn’t know he needed, maybe this girl can be trusted. Still, he’s learned a few things. Good things never last . . . or so he keeps telling himself to escape another broken heart.

She’ll give and he’ll give to their newfound relationship, but to what extent will they take?

It’s senior year.
Anything can happen.

My Thoughts

It has been 30 years since the start of my high school senior year, so I'm sure it's pretty safe to say that although i dont remember what happened, I'm sure it didnt go like this.  This was a wild ride.  There were moments of laughter and angst, and I enjoyed every minute of this read.  I enjoyed the ride the author took us on with these characters and excited for the author's next book.

About the Author

Baylin Wing is an author of fantasy, contemporary, and romance genres. Touched by a variety of entertainment as a kid, she was inspired to create stories that provide a tangible experience to her audience—just as she was given. Baylin writes in hopes of sharing a safe space to heal, be understood, and feel represented. When not writing her next project, she’s drawing, reading, or consuming other masterpieces.

Links to Purchase

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Blackwell

Bookshop

Blog Tour and Review: Only For The Holidays by Abiola Bello

 

Title:  Only For The Holidays

Author:  Abiola Bello

Genre:  YA Romance

Publisher:  SoHo Teen

Publication Date:  October 8, 2024

About the Book

The Love Hypothesis meets The Holiday in this fake dating YA romance about a city girl and country boy’s lives colliding at Christmas

City girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive season. She and her boyfriend are on a break and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmas away from London. Dragged to Saiyan Hedge Farm by her mother, Tia takes an instant dislike to the countryside estate. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How can she stalk her ex and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back from here?

Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in town—the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success while recovering from his own devastating breakup. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye—until they realize they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up appearances and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way?

My thoughts

I am one of those individuals that does not wait for Christmas season to begin to read themed stories.   So when I got the notice for this tour, I jumped at the chance to read this book (plus I absolutely loved the last book I read from them).  I enjoyed this book as much as the first one.  It had me laughing many times (and thankfully I wasn't eating when it did), and was such a heartwarming and beautiful story.   I think my favorite part was how Tia learned a lesson at a Young age that took many if us older women many years to learn ( and TBH, some of us still haven't taken it to heart at our big ages.) This author is two for two for me and I can't wait for their next book.  

About the Author

Abiola Bello was born and raised in Stoke Newington, North London. She is a Nigerian-British author and first began writing the Emily Knight saga at 12 years old.

Abiola received rave reviews for her debut middle-grade book series. Emily Knight I am, published by Hashtag Press which she has written under A. Bello. Emily Knight I am...Awakened was released in September 2017, published by Hashtag Press. It was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019, winner of London's Big Read 2019 and a finalist for 'Best Children's Book' for the People's Book Prize 2019.Emily Knight I am..Becoming, published by Hashtag Press is the third book in the award-winning series was released in September 2020 to strong reviews. Book 4 and the last in the series is due 2025.

The Very Merry Murder Club published by Farshore on October 28th 2021 is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch' and was featured in The Guardian's Children's and Teens Novel Roundup. It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month. The Super Sunny Murder Club was Blackwell's Book of the Month.

Her YA debut Love In Winter Wonderland is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch,' an Amazon's Editor's Choice and was featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels and a Junior Library Guild Gold.

Only for the Holidays was a Waterstones Best Paperback of 2023 and featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels

Her latest YA book is The Love Dare.

Book Review: The Trail Often Crossed by Ambar Cordova

Title:  The Trail Often Crossed

Author:  Ambar Cordova

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publication Date:  September 10, 2024

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

In this spicy sports romance, a woman has to face her attraction to the new man in town, who happens to be her newest rival.

Everything she touches dies.

Roe has always been a trailblazer. From a very young age, she learned that life has its own twists and turns, and the only way of making it out the other side is on your own. When she starts motocross racing, she thinks her biggest challenge will be making it to nationals, until she meets her newest rival.

Everything he wants is out of reach.

Santiago grew up as the caregiver, the glue to his family, especially after the loss that changed his life. He is everyone’s rock but has always felt like something is missing. When Roe unexpectedly barges into his life, she blurs all his carefully constructed lines. But he can’t protect her if she keeps pushing him away.

Roe and Santiago might be rivals, but the undeniable spark between them is hard to ignore. Can they make it to the finish line with their hearts in one piece?

My Thoughts

Have you ever read a story, and the characters are different then what you're used to, and by the time you're finished with said story, you are looking for a person like that? Well, that was me once I finished this book. I've never been feral about heavily tattooed Male characters, but in this case, I was like, Whoa, where can I get one of those. This was such a delightful and entertaining story. After reading this book, I've just added another author to my autobuy pile. I especially enjoyed Roe, and loved how her character was written. I can't wait for the next book from this author. 

About the Author

Ambar is the author of small-town and multicultural romance that brings emotional twists to her readers.

Her debut novel The Truth Never Spoken, is book 1 in the Baker Oaks series: A small-town series based in Florida.

Ambar is a wife and mom who has been living in Florida since 2015, and who loves the small town where she currently lives in.

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she embraces cultural differences and brings that to her books,

When she is not writing, she is enjoying time with her family, traveling, and reading.

Blog Tour. If I Loved You Less by Aamna Qures

 Title:  If I Loved You Less

Author: Aamna Qureshi

Genre:  Romance

Publication Date: July 17, 2024

Publisher : One More Chapter 

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

A joyful romantic comedy retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma!

I know what you’re thinking: poor little rich girl, she has everything, what else could she possibly need? Well, I’m looking for the great love of my life, thank you very much.

For Long Island native Humaira Mirza, it’s always been about love – and she has the matchmaking track record to prove it. Having successfully found ‘the one’ for both her aunt and her sister, the twenty-three-year-old is ready to claim a bit of romance for herself.

The perfect candidate? The gorgeous Rizwan Ali. But as Humaira employs her unique skills to obtain the perfect match with Rizwan, she’s forced to endure the disapproval of family friend Fawad Sheikh who she’s known forever. Fawad and Humaira have long traded barbs but as her romantic meddling leads to unintentional misadventures, she realises something shocking – is she starting to care what Fawad thinks?

My thoughts 

This was one of the cutest romances I've read in a while. I enjoyed reading about the main characters, and the antics they had to deal with from family and friends. It kept me laughing, entertained and rooting for love. Now I know a lot of people have said it's a retelling of a Jane Austin story, and TBH, I've never read a Jane Austin book ( although I've heard of her, they were not something that I wanted to read), so as far as that aspect, I can't say that it is or is not accurate, but what I will say is that I loved this story and couldn't put it down until I was completely done with it. This is definitely an author that I will look for future works from.  

About the Author 

Aamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She grew up in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity. When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.