Book Review: A Lighthouse Cafe Christmas by Jennifer Faye

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: A Lighthouse Cafe Christmas

Series: Bluestar Island #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 184

Published: November 16, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

As Bluestar Island prepares for a very special Christmas wedding, Santa’s sleigh crashes into The Lighthouse Café, reuniting Bluestar’s beloved waitress with her former fiancé.

In this holiday novella, Darla Evans has carved out a quiet life for herself as a waitress at The Lighthouse Café. Up until this point, she’s conveniently avoided the one man who shattered her heart and her dreams. But when a wedding draws him back to the island, she knows their meetup is unavoidable.

Tech entrepreneur William “Will” Campbell has returned to his childhood home to be the best man in his father’s wedding. But first his father has a very special task for him—to restore a sleigh in time for the wedding. However, there’s not much time until Christmas. He just might need some help.

As snowflakes cover the small town of Bluestar, Will and Darla work together to make it a very special holiday wedding. With the past looming between them, will the magic of the season open their hearts and allow them to find love again?

Review:

Continuing on with the series! I've been excited about this one...mainly because of the cover lol. 

Here we have Darla and Will. Darla has been living a nice and simple and quiet life as a waitress. She has successfully avoided Will since he broke her heart years ago. However, there is a wedding coming and she knows Will will be there. Will is back to be the best man at his father's wedding. His father has tasked him to restore a sleigh for the wedding. There isn't much time, so he will need some help. Will and Darla must work together but their past is looming around them. Will the magic of the season help erase the old hurts and let them try again?

Oh no. I am in the minority here...............

I didn't really like this one. I struggled to like Darla or Will. I struggled to care. I think it would've been better if they just stayed friends. 

I managed to push through because I was curious to see how they would fix everything (sleigh and their broken hearts). I also have liked the series up until now so I was hopeful it would eventually suck me in. 

Sadly......not for me. But I love the cover!

2 stars from me.

 

Book Review: Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: Harvest Dance

Series: Bluestar Island #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 350

Published: October 5, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A single dad, who's in over his head, and an event planner running from her past, are drawn together on charming Bluestar Island by a determined six-year-old and her escape-artist goat.

Event planner, Charlotte "Aster" Smith, has fled the only life she has ever known. The situation has left her questioning her own judgment as she cautiously tries to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. Taking the job of event coordinator for the small town is a step in the right direction. The only problem is it's currently a part-time position, but the mayor suggests with additional funding the position could transform into a full-time job. In the meantime, she needs a second job in order to stay financially afloat.

Farmer and single father, Sam Bell, is struggling to keep his aging farm from going bankrupt while raising his young daughter. And now that his daughter's babysitter is heading off to college, he needs help. So when he finds Aster is in need of work, he thinks his problems are solved. But things aren't always what they seem. And he can't help wondering what Aster is keeping from him.

In the lingering rays of a Bluestar Island sunset, Sam and Aster find themselves dancing upon the sand. As they help each other heal, the possibility of a future together becomes tangible. But will the ghosts from their pasts extinguish this budding romance?

Review:

I read book 1 a while back and I was itching to read this one, but I was saving this one for the beginning of fall. Welllll it is September so it counts. ;) 

Here we follow Sam and Aster. Sam is a single dad who is trying his hardest to raise his kid and keep up on his farm. When his babysitter takes off for college, he needs to hire someone else. Enter in Aster. Aster fled the only life she has ever known and is trying to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. New life, fresh start, but she is keeping her past a secret just in case. She is trying to stay afloat finacially. The job she took is only part-time for now while they wait for the funding to be approved for full-time. Aster needs another part time job, so she accepts the babysitting job from Sam. They fall for each other, but is this going to last? Or will their pasts stop them from falling in love?

This was very sweet with a little bit of darkness. I think the author did a lovely job of balancing the story out. It was never overly sweet where you get a cavity, but it wasn't all doom and gloom. 

Poor Aster was in an abusive relationship. She was forced to flee when the justice system let her down time and time again (not a shocker). She is even going by her middle name to really start over. 

Sam and his kiddo were sweet. I loved his farm! Especially the goat!! 

The chemistry was pretty much there from the moment they met, but it was a slowburn due to their baggage from the past. It felt right for them especially after he hired her.

But yes, this was a nice sweet book. The trauma was done well and it felt natural. 

The middle had a couple of slow parts that I tried my hardest not to skim, but it was worth it for the rest of the story. 

Very sweet. I can't wait to read book 3.

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): The goat!!!!

Least Favorite Character(s): Oz

 Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #21 (MC works on a Farm)

Book Review: Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: Love Blooms

Series: Bluestar Island #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 287

Published: April 3, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

He’s an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true—opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she’s on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker’s life is in a tailspin after he’s injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island’s Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help…and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island’s sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

Review:

Wanted to save this for summer or spring time, BUT I couldn't wait. I want to get to the other two in series and you need to read this one first. 

Here we have Ethan and Hannah. Ethan is a New York firefighter who's life is in a tailspin after he's injured while on the job. When an urgent call brings him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to stay on the island and watch his great aunt's dog and take over her duties of the Spring Fling. Hannah has always wanted to own a bakery of her very own. When a broken water pipe washes away her plans, she is on the verge of losing everything. She can't miss the spring time business! Hannah and Ethan team up. He promises he can repair her shop before May and Hannah agrees to help him organize the Spring Fling. 

This was very sweet...and long winded. I enjoyed it overall, don't get me wrong. But it took forever for any sort of character development for these two. Hannah has some serious issues. Her father was a firefighter and died on the job so she can't get close to Ethan. Ethan is unsure of what he wants to do in life since his accident. However, it was all very clear........Ethan open your contractor business.....Hannah....go to therapy. Gah. 

I liked both Ethan and Hannah, but their will-they-won't-they made my eye twitch sometimes. I just wanted them to be together dangit. They were so sweet and perfect for each other!!!! 

The side characters were gems. I can't wait to read more on this island. I think the next one is about Hannah's brother. Weeeee! He needs love and a partner for sure. 

The ending was nicely done. They have come to turns with stuff and the outcome was perfect for everyone. Everyone got what they want and needed. Yayy. 

This was a very sweet romance. No steamy scenes, but it was nice. Very Hallmark-y in the best of ways. 

All-in-all, this is a perfect spring read. Yes, yes I read it during Xmas time but oh well. A very cute couple who have a LOT to work through. The love took a LONG while, but it was worth it in the end. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet