The Book: Wishful Thinking

The Author: Lynette Sofras

The Story:  A high-speed blow-out in the fast lane of a busy motorway! Miraculously, Jess and her young son escape almost-certain death.

Then, like another miracle, Jess encounters Christian Goodchild, pop star turned Hollywood A-lister; followed by a night of enchantment.

But Christian is entangled in a relationship so damaging that Jess doubts their love can survive in this glamorous but complex new world.

Could it all turn out to be just wishful thinking?

Review by jennytwist: When Jess and her young son, Ben are nearly killed in a high-speed blow-out on the motorway, their escape feels like a miracle. And it seems like another small miracle when, unable to face the rest of her long drive, the roadside rescue man finds a small hotel to take them in, even though it is closed for a few days. And there she find yet another miracle. She meets Chris, the man of her dreams.

It all seems too good to be true! Perhaps she is dreaming or has indeed died and gone to heaven.
But it is really happening and, as is the way of real life, the path of true love does not run smooth. Jess’s baggage, in the shape of her young son, is nothing compared to the baggage Chris is carrying. He is bound, not so much by love as by guilt, to the woman who used to play in his band. And she will not let him go easily.

This is Ms Sofras’ second novel and it is superb. Her beautiful, articulate prose is a pleasure to read. Her characters live and breathe and her plot is interesting and different. I fell into the story at the first page and did not surface until I’d finished. It left me wanting more and I shall certainly read it again.

Another winner!

Review by S. Howes: The dashingly handsome, unattainable and rich hero; the scheming lover; a menage a trois….what more could you ask for? I bought this on Kindle and within the first 24 hours had got through over half the book.

It is one of those novels that you just have to keep reading because you are gripped until you get to the end. Your emotions are wrenched as you feel sympathy, then anger, then disbelief at the unimaginable cruelty of Amber, as she attempts to manipulate all around her.

Just when you feel all is lost, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But I want more from this writer. This is the second book I have read and I now need a sequel to both!

The book: Christmas Runaway

The Author: Mimi Barbour

The Story: While driving home in a vicious storm, Sara’s white Samoyed becomes agitated and forces Sara to pull over too quickly, which lands the car in the ditch.

As soon as she opens the door, the dog takes off into the bush and forces her to follow the tracks that lead to a runaway teen, injured and terrified.

Review by OnTheMark: Mimi Barbour has pushed all the Christmas buttons in this endearing short story; loneliness, family misunderstandings, the realization of how fast time goes by, traditional foods, snowy weather, even a beloved family pet.

If you enjoy heartwarming Christmas romances, you will wile away a pleasant hour reading Christmas Runaway.

Review by Windigo: Sara realized too late that she never should have let her young son go to Hawaii with his friends over Christmas.She quickly discovered that her favorite food, great wine, and lots of chocolate do not take the place of your family on Christmas (or any other time).

But a raging snowstorm, a life saving dog and a runaway girl are the makings of a Christmas Sara will never forget. Oh and don’t forget, tall, dark and handsome.

You never know what’s going to happen when you end up falling in a heap on a dark and icy road. A Merry Christmas, indeed! A sweet, funny and pertinent story. Read it. And feel good.

Review by Dorothy Johnson: Sara is feeling sad and alone this Christmas after her son decides to spend this year’s holiday with friends in Hawaii. As she drives home through a snowstorm she pictures returning to her empty house.

But a crash into a ditch and her dog running off into the woods changes everything on that Christmas night.

Mimi Barbour has written a charming Christmas story that will warm your heart. It’s a quick read, which is perfect for the busy holiday season. I recommend Christmas Runaway to readers looking to get into the Christmas spirit this year!