Clean Romance

Book Review: The Beauty of Crows by Claire Sanders

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I just have to say, “I LOVE this cover!

I have been a Claire Sanders fan ever since I read her “The Masons of Brightfield” sweet romance series in 2021. So, I was thrilled to find out that she released a new book, The Beauty of Crows. I was thrilled to receive a copy and asked to write a review, so this is my honest review.

I was intrigued by the title, The Beauty of Crows, because I’ve never thought of crows as beautiful birds. The title was the thing that attracted my attention and made me want to read this book.

I have to say I was very surprised. The Beauty of Crows includes quite a bit more tension than The Masons of Brightfield series. This tension kept me turning pages until past my bedtime every night.

In The Beauty of Crows, Ms. Sanders has created extremely interesting characters who have struggles that many readers have either experienced for themselves, or know someone close to them who has. Her character, Rachel, was raised by a strict father who is the pastor of a church like many churches years ago—churches where pastors preached “hellfire and brimstone”. Her father has kept Rachel on the straight and narrow and she thought her life was fine and she was content.

Alden Fairchild is a rebellious young man, who has grown tired of his father’s attempts to keep him on the straight and narrow because his father criticized him and always found him lacking. So, Alden quickly resorts to a life of seeking after his fleshly desires and pleasures, and there’s nothing he likes better than causing raised eyebrows among people who walk the straight and narrow. Alden’s actions eventually cause him to be blamed for a crime and he has to face the possibility of losing his life.

Rachel’s convictions lead her to committing perjury in an attempt to save the life of someone she really doesn’t like.

Alden’s actions and Rachel’s convictions cause them to cross paths and change both their lives forever.

The Beauty of Crows is a wonderful story with at least two great messages. It is a clean fiction novel with engaging characters and a tense, page-turning plot.

If you like your romance stories on the tense side causing you to wonder about the outcome until near the end of the book, I highly recommend The Beauty of Crows. If you’ve never read a Claire Sanders novel, I highly recommend you start with this one. You won’t be disappointed.

I give The Beauty of Crows 5 stars.

A Book You Won’t Want to Miss!

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I have been reading Kathryn Amurra’s books ever since her first release in 2020. There is one I haven’t read yet, but will soon! But, today I want you to know about Kathryn Amurra’s upcoming release, Timeless! It is the second book in the “Heart’s True Desire” series, and you can preorder your copy today!

I guarantee you won’t want to miss this book, and while you wait for it’s release, which will happen on March 12, 2025, if you haven’t read the first book in the “Heart’s True Desire” series, Amulet, I suggest you get it and read it while you wait for your copy of Timeless.

Here are the links to preorder Timeless NOW:

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRYWP6SW/

Nook – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeless-kathryn-amurra/1146795420

Apple – https://books.apple.com/us/book/timeless/id6740036208

Here’s the book blurb for Timeless:

Erin Dovetree cannot forgive her father for cheating on her mother years ago and has sworn off men altogether. That is until destiny leads her to her grandmother’s incredibly attractive and mysterious landlord.

William Abbott has lived for over a hundred years, cursed with a static and unnatural existence as punishment for his past sins. Although drawn to the lovely and intelligent Erin, he refuses to subject her to the fate that is his alone to bear.

As Erin pieces together the story of Will’s past and discovers the true cause of his timeless existence, she must reconsider the judgments she has made in her own life. And to have any chance at a life together, she and Will must find answers to the questions that have plagued them both.

I finished reading Timeless last night, and let me just say, “I LOVE IT!” Watch for my upcoming Book Review of Timeless, as the release date gets a little closer.

In the meantime, I encourage you to read Amulet, the first book in Ms. Amurra’s “Heart’s True Desire” series. Though both Amulet and Timeless can be read as stand alones, Amulet does have a bit of background for and a connection to Timeless.

For sensitive readers, I will mention that Amulet has profanity in the first chapter or two, as well as in a later chapter, during a telephone conversations between two characters. I, too, am not a fan of profanity, but I was able to skim over the words and keep reading because I was invested in the characters and the story, and thankfully, the profanity was not excessive.

Book Review: The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis

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I never have time to read an entire book in one sitting, and usually that doesn’t bother me. However, when I started reading The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis, I did not want to put it down, and every time I had to, I couldn’t wait until I could pick it up again. I love Closed Door Romance stories in any genre and I read a LOT of them, but I can honestly say that I have never read one like The Lonely Mortician before.

D. M. Tregaskis wrote a story with a very complex story line and a lot of complications for the main female character, but I never once felt like it was bogged down or confusing. From Cinn’s job as a mortician, to someone haunting the house, to the dating game to raise funds for a community library, I was fully engaged in the story.

I found Cinn to be completely relatable and fully understood her confusion in regard to the men she dated for the dating game show. I felt her pain in the loss of people she loved, and not just in death. I also enjoyed watching Cinn’s change from the beginning of the story to the end. It was very realistic.

When two men, from the dating show, expressed serious interest in Cinn, I thought I knew which one I wanted her to choose. However, as the story progressed, that choice appeared much harder and not as crystal clear. D. M. Tregaskis also included some unique elements as well as some unexpected twists, which added depth and more than one positive message to the book.

This was the first book by D. M. Tregaskis I have read, but it will not be the last! I highly recommend The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis to anyone from young adults to adults of all ages who enjoy fun, unique romance stories, and I can’t wait to get my next D. M. Tregaskis book.

In Darkness: The Vampire

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I am a Book Reviewer and received a free copy of In Darkness: The Vampire and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor any review.

In Darkness: The Vampire by L. Diane Wolfe is the first book in her In Darkness series. It is a Paranormal Romance story. It is a short easy read with only 11 chapters.

Anna is an overworked barmaid in her father’s tavern. She longs to leave and is saving her money in hopes of doing so. One night a group of strangers enter the tavern and Anna is struck by their wealthy appearance. When she overhears that they are looking for Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library, she decides to offer to lead them.

During their travels, Anna and the leader of the group, Victor, form a special bond as Victor is surprised and impressed by Anna’s strength and determination and Anna feels safe in Victor’s protective presence. Victor is also very kind to Anna. Anna faces danger during the travel, and realizes she has tied herself to a group of vampires. Will Anna get them to Zancrela or will she become a meal for at least one of the vampires?

In Darkness: The Vampire is a story filled with action, adventure, danger, and a subtle romance. It is a unique vampire story in that these vampires are not immortal and the story does not include a lot of blood and gore. Ms. Wolfe has created well developed characters in the three main characters of the story. The cast of characters is short and well focused. The plot line is simple but definitely exciting and engaging, and the ending is definitely unique.

I thoroughly enjoyed In Darkness: The Vampire, and if you like clean Paranormal Romance stories or Vampire stories, I’m sure you’ll like In Darkness: The Vampire by Diane L. Wolfe.

I give In Darkness: The Vampire 5 stars.

To Save a Life by Michelle Wright

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To Save a Life (A Star Creek Christmas Book 1) by [Michelle Wright]

To Save a Life by Michelle Wright is the first book in Ms. Wright’s “A Star Creek Christmas” series. It is a clean, sweet romance story with endearing characters that have hearts for helping others.

Kayla works in a library and as Christmas approaches, the library begins planning programs for kids and families. Kayla, who experienced lymphoma as a teen, suggests having fundraising activities to support local charities that help people and that help children going through cancer. Her suggestion is approved and the planning begins.

Ben, one of Kayla’s coworkers finds that helping Kayla plan fundraising activities is a way to get to know her outside of the library.

Ms. Wright is a talented writer who has created a setting that could be anyone’s hometown and characters facing real life challenges. Her characters feel like friends and it is easy for the reader to get caught up in their lives – to laugh with then, hurt with them, and cheer them on.

The only thing I struggled with in To Save a Life were the typographical errors that frequently distracted me.

To Save a Life by Michelle Wright is a feel-good story and when the reader reaches the end, it’s almost disappointing to say goodbye to Kayla and Ben. Participating in their lives is fun and engaging. If you like reading romance stories with a touch of humor about characters, that could be your friends or family members, who handle life’s struggles with courage in a hometown setting, you will definitely enjoy To Save a Life (A Star Creek Christmas Book 1) by Michelle Wright.

I give To Save a Life by Michelle Wright 4 stars.