Newest WHISKEY CREEK novel by Brenda Novak: Review

dear readers,

I am in LOVE with Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series.  The characters in this series are so realistic and relatable.  I like that we meet most of the characters in book 1 and as the series continues we continue to see them grow.  These are not just novels about a couple coming together but about romances, relationships (friends and family) and life's up and downs.  It is not contained in just one novel but spill into the next book.

Brenda Novak has stated that these novels can be read on their own but I have to disagree.  To get the greatest enjoyment and to really understand the town and the characters it is best to start with the novella and read in order.  If you do decide to read them out of order please note you may get annoyed with the feeling that you are missing something.

Whiskey Creek:

 -When We Touch (Novella) 2012 

 -When Lightning Strikes (Book 1) 2012 
 -When Snow Falls (Book 2) 2013
 -When Summer Comes (Book 3) 2013
 -Home to Whiskey Creek (Book 4) 2013
 -Take Me Home for Christmas (Book 5) 2013
*COMING SOON -- Come Home to Me (Book 6) March 25, 2014





For my reviews of Whiskey Creek's novella and book 1 -3:
http://mynoveladdiction.blogspot.ca/2013/02/whiskey-creek.html

For my review of Whiskey Creek's book 4:
http://mynoveladdiction.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-home-to-whiskey-creek.html


Now in time for the holiday season comes the newest Whiskey Creek novel (Released today October 29, 2013)...

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review).

TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(Whiskey Creek: Book Five)
Written by Brenda Novak
genre: Contemporary romance

4 STARS

When Sophia's abusive husband, Skip is first found missing she cannot help but hope he never returns.  When she discovers that he has drowned in an attempt to run from the FBI her life turns into a bigger nightmare.  Once Sophia and Skip were the golden couple with money and now with Skip's crime she is left with no money and the whole town has turned on her.  Skip cheated the townspeople of Whiskey Creek and now Sophia has to face their wrath.

Ted was once in love with Sophia and then she left him for the wealthy Skip which has left Ted bitter towards Sophia.  He won't even let her attend their coffee club.  But when the town turns maliciously against her he offers her a job as his housekeeper.

As Sophia tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter, Alexa, Ted tries to keep away from her.  He even tries to start a relationship with their mutual friend, Eve to make his point.  As they get closer to Christmas will the holiday spirit bring the two to forgiveness?

I have been waiting for Sophia's story since I first read When Lightning Strikes.  You have a spoiled mean girl who has now become an almost recluse because she is being abused by her husband.  While I enjoyed her story and her reconnecting with her young daughter, Alexa I was not impressed with Ted - her love interest and Eve her supposed new friend.  Even with the weak romance story I really enjoyed this novel.  There was so much to discuss with this novel and the characters in this novel keep you interested.



love, 
kris

Back in Virgin River: REVIEWS

dear readers,

I am back in Virgin River a great place to visit...

A VIRGIN RIVER CHRISTMAS

(Book 4)

Written by Robyn Carr

3.5 STARS

It is Christmas in Virgin River and Marcie Sullivan has treked up the mountain to see if her late husband's best friend is alive and well. He has ignored all attempts to respond back to Marcie since her husband's accident. Ian Buchanan wants to be left alone. He has put his time in Iraq and now wants to live alone in the woods and live a simple life. Both are stubborn and it becomes a game of chicken until Marcie catches the flu and Ian and her are stuck in a small cabin for Christmas holiday.

If Ian wanted to be left alone he really should have done his research. Virgin River is the last place you should go as you cannot help but fall in love and or have babies. I am not a fan of holiday books but I zoomed through this one with glee :)

SECOND CHANCE PASS

(Book 5)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS

Paul Haggerty has been in love with Vanni before his best friend, Matt fell in love with her. He has stayed in the background being loyal to Matt and would do anything for either of them...like be there for Vanni when she goes into labour and wants him to be his birth buddy. All the emotion made Paul run home to Grant's Pass where he sleeps with a woman he doesn't love. Vanni's mother-in-law takes it as her duty to set Vanni up with a cute single doctor, Cameron. Cameron could be the one IF Paul hadn't already stolen her heart. Neither makes a move and things continually set them apart. Will Paul finally get his Vanni?

Nikki, Vanni's best friend's relationship has fallen apart as she wants more than he can ever give her. As she watches Vanni fall in love she wonders if there is a man for her...Joe, a former marine, looks at Nikki and wonders what kind of man would ever leave her.

A new resident has come into town, Muriel St. Claire - a famous older actress and catches Walt's eye. Preacher and Paige finally have the baby they tried so hard to conceive.

I am glad to finally get down to Paul and Vanni's story and have been routing for them since they first made their appearance in VR. You could feel Nikki's heartbreak with her jerk of ex-boyfriend. Harrumph. But seriously, everyone need a shake in this novel to get going. I felt like Jack and wanted to get in there and get them paired up. Thanks for another page-turner, Robyn Carr!

TEMPTATION RIDGE

(Book 6)

Written by Robyn Carr

4 STARS

Ready? Shelby is back in VR staying with her uncle Walt while she applies to college, plans a few trips and start to be like other women her age. Her first day back she meets Luke Riordan (new resident in VR). Both are looking for anything but each other but also cannot help but only look at one another. If they go in knowing that they both have other plans then they can be with another and part as friends...or can they?

Art, a 30 year old man with down syndrome, is the other new resident in VR. After being abused by his caretakers he runs away and Luke find him hurt, extremely dirty and hungry in one of his run down cabins. Luke decides to take him in until he can find out more details about Art.
Cameron, who had been set up with Vanni, meets a woman in a hotel bar and finds himself attracted to her and ready to take a chance. Just as quickly as they met she has vanished leaving behind another disappoint for the gorgeous doctor.

Mike and Brie are having a baby, Mel tries to get Cheryl into rehab, there is a bus crash, Muriel and Walt are getting closer and other Riordan men making there appearance. And, warning there is one heartbreak that will have you sniffling on the bus.

Another fabulous novel set in the idyllic Virgin River. I love the characters and the new romances in each novel. What i love best is hearing about how the other characters are now doing. It is kind of like what happens after happily ever after. I wish there was more of the other characters and less of Walt and Mel/Jack.


On to the next book in Virgin River...

love,
kris