MRS. MIRACLE by Debbie Macomber

Publisher: Avon Books
Date Published: November 24, 2009
ISBN: 978-006-108346-4
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Angie
Obtained by Publisher for review

Seth Webster needs a miracle as Christmas approaches. His wife passed away four years ago and he has become a single parent to twin boys. After his wife’s death, his sons went to live with their maternal grandparents, who have recently decided to retire and travel. The boys have come to live with him, and while they are lovable kids, their rambunctious and precious behavior is causing housekeepers to quit and leave him in a bind. When the latest departs he tries it alone for a few weeks but is relieved when the agency sends Mrs. Merkle to his rescue just before the holidays.
When Seth meets Reba Maxwell she captures his eye and makes him wish for a future that includes her. He isn’t ready to let go of the past and his wife’s memory, yet she draws him to want more for himself and his sons. Reba has her own past that has left her scarred, yet she too is ready to let herself love again.
These two leading characters have to work to get to their happily ever after, but the main focal point of the story Mrs. Merkle (aka Mrs. Miracle) is the force that drives them to get what they want. This may be a love story, but more than that it is a story of hope and forgiveness. MRS. MIRACLE brings readers to a place full of Christmas joy and love.
The one complaint this novel brings to mind is the fact that it ends. The characters are well rounded, life like and lovable. There are no gaps in the reading, the story flows and ebbs naturally, but readers will stay enthralled and wanting to know just what will happen between Seth, Reba and the boys. A great addition is the recipes – Mrs. Merkle’s Country Pot Pie is yummy!
Debbie Macomber enthralls readers once again with MRS. MIRACLE. This novel originally released in 1996 is a classic tale that will delight readers. The timeless story has such an impact message that it has been turned into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie that is being shown on December 5, 2009 in the United States. Starring Doris Roberts, the movie was a great addition to reading the novel, but as in most cases the movie does not do the book justice, pick up your copy today to be delighted as the holidays approach!

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

HIS PRINCESS IN THE MAKING by Melissa James

Publisher: Harlequin M&B
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0373175918
Sweet Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained by: a local purchase
Reviewed by Pam


Guila Costa, known as Lia is suddenly thrust into the Australian media spotlight when her brother, Charlie becomes heir to the throne of Hellenia and is to marry Princess Jazmine. Now the king is trying to order her to marry Max the Grand Duke of Falcandias, and become the Princess Royal. Confused, but trying to do what is asked of her she mourns for the love of her life, while wondering how she can wind the clock back.

Toby Winder has loved Lia since childhood and had also, become part of her family when his parent’s marriage broke up. Now he’s hounded by the media even at his place of work, the fire-station. He’s unable to answer their questions, because his friends haven’t contacted him since he’d returned home. Then suddenly he’s whisked away by security along with a dog called Puck, because he was always in trouble, under the kings orders.

A delightful tale, of a love which most people long to find but sadly, very seldom ever do. The characters are well written and interesting, with a great mix of humor and tension as life gets dangerous in Hellenia, as another man tries to take over the country. The king also finds he can’t always get his own way, also that he’s not always right when he finds his country is struggling.

With major power struggles going on in the small kingdom, the characters are drawn into danger, making the story into a suspense filled read. I found the book fascinating enough to keep reading, even when I was meant to be sleeping. The characterization of Toby, makes a wonderful hero most women will love, as he puts his heart on the line in pursuit of happiness. The setting is as it should be, from ornate palaces to village houses, I never felt lost and enjoyed it all.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THE REBEL KING by Melissa James

Publisher: Harlequin
Date published: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0373175819
Sweet Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


When Australian born fireman Charlie Costa, learns he’s a prince and Giulia his sister a princess of the tiny nation of Hellenican he’s almost lost for words. Once he learns he’s also expected to marry a stranger to bring peace he’s ready to run back home or anywhere away from his newly found family.

His intended bride, Princess Jazmine, was meant to marry her cousin Max but the king has decreed otherwise. She intercedes between Charlie and his grandfather the king, when sparks begin to fly. Jazmine has realized from his expression and demeanour, Charlie is as stubborn as the king and they had all under estimated him. She has never met a man quite like Charlie before, he makes her feel like a woman, especially when he looks into her eyes.

Beginning to realize neither of their lives are about to be the same again, they realize if they if can make this work, it will stop Lord Orakis from keeping the ten year civil war from continuing. Charlie and Giulia begin to learn more about what it means to be a royal, with over the top security protection and the threat of assassins always lurking.

Ms. James has again written an interesting story, with a plot that didn’t rely on sex scenes to keep the momentum going. It’s full of tension and desire, when a commoner suddenly finds he’s heir to a throne, It’s a book this reviewer felt was a very worthwhile read as the characters are so believable.

When two Australians have to leave friends behind and try to find their way in a totally different culture, they begin to realize why their grandparents taught them another language. I also recommend it for the humor, compassion and funny moments within the covers as they struggle with so many rules.

The background of civil unrest and the way it impacts on the lives of ordinary people, was extremely well done. The setting may not exist in real life, but it takes the reader inside Hellenican and makes it come alive. The plot is constructed very well, keeping the story flowing well. The king was excellently drawn and all the main characters are easy to emphasize with as they interact within the story...as the reader waits to see if Charlie will choose wisely, they are assured of a very interesting journey, right to the last page.