Review: The Do-Over - Lynn Painter - November 2022 To clear my print bookshelf, I have been trying the last year to read more paperbacks as I had about a 2-year stint where I only read ebooks. This one was given to me as a bookstagram gift and it is the third book by Lynn Painter, I have read.  I have read one of her adult books and two YA reads now and I have to admit, I think I am more suited to Lynn's YA reads than her adult ones. There is just something about the YA ones that gives me happy and good vibes and a bit of reminiscing feel-good moments. One of my favorite themes in books is Groundhog Day, the re-living of a day over and over again until one day you get it right and finally can move on with your future. The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is Groundhog Day but set on Valentine's Day. We meet our female character Emilie, who has on paper the perfect boyfriend but she is about to discover that IRL he might not be the perfect guy for her as her Valentine's Day ends up o...

The Italian Holiday Nicole Sharp Publication date: February 7th 2023 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance Struggling writer Keats McCall is Italy bound by Valentine’s Day – but it’s certainly not for amore. She needs to escape her mindless barista job, the four walls of the rented room closing in on her, and the memories of last year’s disastrous break-up. Thank the Roman gods she can pack a bag and passport and run to her sister in Florence, Italy, in the hopes of getting her life back on track. Keats expected to spend her days meandering through the rain-soaked cobblestone streets of Florence. What she didn’t expect was Lorenzo, who smells of espresso, Italian history and self-assurance, to propel her on an unimaginable journey. From Florence to Venice, Keats basks in a luscious exploration of Italy and Lorenzo while she tries to figure out if the escapist mindset of an Italian Holiday can duct tape her life back together. Goodreads / Amazon — EXCERPT: A sof...

Escaping Valentine’s Day Christi Barth Publication date: February 2nd 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance An Italian romance is on the menu, but is she ready to order? Content creator Rory Hibbert knows Valentine’s Day is only fun for couples and chocolatiers. For singles like her, it’s a day of disappointment. And that’s why her new marketing agency client has arranged a tour of Italy crammed full of activities to distract from the holiday. This trip is a test for Rory—if it goes well, it will jump-start her new social media career. There’s just one snag: the ex she never got over is also on staff. Huck Cranshaw walked away from the love of his life for a huge opportunity on a cooking competition show. At least, that’s the excuse he gave Rory at the time—and he’s regretted it for five years. Cooking for tourists was supposed to be a stopgap between restaurant positions. Now it could be much, much more: a chance to fix the past. But when an Italian prince catches sig...

VBT# Cindi's Chocolate Valentine - Beverley Reichman - March 2022 With Valentine's Day coming up, this is a cute read for children aged 3-6 years old as it is a fun cute picture book and who doesn't love dogs, especially at that age.  The story starts with Cindi's owner dressing up and dancing around and roses and candles. She wonders what the day is as it can't be Christmas again already. It turns out it is Valentine's Day. Cindi's owners are really in the holiday spirit and decide to dress Cindi and her BFF Pitty Pat in cute little pet outfits. Cindi and Pitty Pat think they look ridiculous and are embarrassed as their owner parades them through their small town.  There is a new dog next door named Chip and he wants his own Valentine in the form of Cindi. Can Chip surprise Cindi with a little Valentine gift of her own turn her into a lover of Valentine's Day and change her mind about the sappy love stories? Find out in this cute indie picture book wr...

Review: Valentine - Book #5.5 On Dublin Street Series - Samantha Young - February 2015 This past weekend, I haven't felt like doing much. I have felt so blah and had such a lack of energy or enthusiasm - so I did what normally makes me feel better. I spent most of the weekend reading. Scrolling through my Kindle, I came across Valentine by Samantha Young and I knew the On Dublin Street series always makes me feel better and I had slowly been working my way through them. Like most books, I feel better going in blind as that way I don't have a lot of expectations but I knew I would love this one. Turns out I enjoyed Valentine by Samantha Young as it is a combination of the characters' stories over that one Valentine's Night. It was so good to be reunited with the characters and that no matter what ups and downs that they had been going through like a couple of characters' stories especially Cam and Jo’s had me tearing up as did Olivia and Nate’s.   I ...