Book Review - The Bloom Girls by A.J. Pine

 

Gabi Bloom only believes in photographic evidence and things she can view from her camera lens. She certain doesn't believe in signs. She went to Europe to kick off her photography career and see the sights. When she is in Ireland, all of that changes when she locks eyes with a blue eyed American bartender, Ethan. She wasn't prepared for how intense her attraction to him would be or that they would be going together engaged. 

Forty year old, Alissa has a lot on her plate and now she has to worry about her daughter's upcoming marriage. She raised her daughter by herself while Gabi's father, Matt, traveled the globe. As she is dealing with her little girl getting married, Alissa finds out that she is pregnant again. Her ex is the father and he wants to be a part of her life for good. However, Alissa decides to keep it a secret so she can help Gabi plan the perfect wedding.

The book started off interesting as we learn how Gabi meets Ethan but, around the halfway mark I lost interest in the book. I felt like we got snippets on Gabi's relationship but, then the story skips their time together and then starts off on them returning home together. I feel like that didn't give us any insight into their relationship.

I had a hard time bonding or liking any of the characters as we barely got to know their backstory. They felt like cardboard cut outs. The book had a few funny moments but, the story barely moved along. Instead there was pages and pages filled with fluff pieces and different random characters finding out Alissa's secret. I felt that too much time was given to the fluffy parts of the story rather than the interesting bits. I felt like that this book was focusing on too many things and should have just focused on one story line. There was so many teases and hints about character's stories that went nowhere. I like romcoms as much as the next person but, this book was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - The Summer Sisters (Juniper Springs, #2) by Sara Richardson

 

The Buchanan sisters share everything including their inherited Juniper Inn. The sisters plan to remodel and do a grand re-opening of the inn. However, their mother, Lillian, refuses to attend the party because of her decades long feud with her sister, Sassy.

Rose is determined to make the celebration an extravagant one to celebrate both the inn and Sassy. Even if it means requesting the help from a certain surly hardware store owner to help with the renovations. Dahlia is heartbroken that her marriage has failed. She decides to move closer to her family. She and her kids are starting to rebuild their lives when Dahlia questions if she is ready to fall in love again. She is worried about the stability she has worked hard to give her children.

Sassy has missed her sister and tried to reconnect. However, they are both two stubborn to reconcile. When Sassy discovers something that might change her life forever, will it be too late for them to reconnect?

I thought the book was a cute and cozy romantic read. This was the second book in the series but, can be read as a standalone. This was my first book in the series and I felt like I missed some nuances between the characters. The story was told from alternating point of views and a few times I got confused between the sisters. I thought the book was a cute read and look forward to reading more books in the series. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this novel.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**