Book Reviews

Book Review: Curvy Girls Can’t Date Cowboys

Curvy Girls Can’t Date Cowboys
by Kelsie Stelting
Book 3 in the Curvy Girl Club series
Rating: 4.5/5
Release date: October 24, 2020

I’m always so impressed with stories about teenagers that deal with very real situations and emotions. Kelsie Stelting does not shy away from the hard-to-address topics that face teenagers and even grown adults. She has a way of drawing you into the story and making you face your insecurities and misconceptions. I would highly recommend these books for teenage daughters – if I had a teenage daughter, I would definitely have her read this series. I’ve read the other two books. I don’t think it’s necessary to read the other books beforehand but they are just as good and available on Kindle Unlimited – so why not?

Ginger Nash is the resident AV nerd that wishes to have what her friends have found – love and acceptance from a serious boyfriend. She’s had a distant crush on the local cowboy in her video class but never really talked with him. When she finally takes a chance to speak with him, the conversation takes a turn when she mentions working at her parents’ specialty grocery story. Ginger’s parents opened the health food store after Ginger recovered from antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. Ginger’s asthma and breathing treatments are a regular thing for her. Can Ginger find a way to get her overprotective parents to let her go off to UCLA and live in the dorms? Can Ginger find a way to work together with the cowboy for their school video project? What happens when she begins to see what Ray the Cowboy’s life looks like on a ranch?

Ahh. High school. So many feelings. Good or bad. LOL. But the author knows how to pull on the readers’ heartstrings and get the reader fall in love with the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read through it very fast. Its message is one worth noting. As a medical student, I enjoyed learning about how asthma had changed her life and her family’s life. (Pardon my yelling at her to not forget to her refill). As a creative, I loved seeing the impact her videos had. I definitely know the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into editing short videos. As someone who’s not at her ideal body weight, I’ve felt the insecurities and listened to the lies regarding what is beautiful. I applaud the author for so clearly addressing the issues around our identity that come up even after or maybe because of high school.

PG-13 – highly recommend.

My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 24, 2020 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter

Autumn Skies
By Denise Hunter
Book 3 in the Bluebell Inn Romance series
Rating: 4.5/5
Release date: October 20, 2020

She does it again! It was such an enjoyable experience going back to the Bluebell Inn and hanging out with the Bennett siblings again. I’ve read the previous two books in the series and highly recommend them. However, this book can be read as a standalone.

21-year-old Grace Bennett is ready strike out on her own and expand her business. After helping her siblings start and run a successful inn, the time has come to sell. Grace’s outdoor adventures rental and guide business needs its own location. Focused on her career, Grace doesn’t know what hit her when new guest, Wyatt Jennings, walks in the door to check-in. His gaze is intense but he’s also a bit mysterious since he doesn’t know how long he’ll stay. When Grace offers to help guide him in hiking around the area, two hearts begin their journey of falling in love. Can these two very different people find healing from their tragic pasts? What happens when Wyatt reveals who he is to Grace?

I loved this story so much. It was easy to read and empathize with the main characters. I felt all the panic and terror that occurs with PTSD. Mental health problems are very real and I love when authors can address them in a manner that is non-stigmatizing. The main characters had to fight their way back to health. They had to embrace their insecurities and fears and find resolution for their feelings.

Although this is a Christian romance, it was not at all preachy. Although there’s faith woven throughout and a couple church scenes, I would categorize this book more as inspirational.

And I’m not ashamed to say I might have a crush on Wyatt. (Sigh). 😉

Highly recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance in a beautiful setting.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 14, 2020 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

The Key to Love
by Betsy St. Amant
Rating: 4/5
Release date: October 13, 2020

I’ve haven’t read many books by Betsy St. Amant, but I did enjoy her contribution to A Year of Weddings so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this gem. I was not disappointed and the author doesn’t skimp on the story which pleasantly surprised me. Although I will say, by reading the title, I was hoping for music inspired theme but alas, the “key” has nothing to do with music but with locks and keys.

Bri Duval is a classic romantic at heart thanks to the beautiful love story her parents demonstrated for her before they tragically passed away. She is a talented baker of Parisian treats at the struggling, local bakery, The Pastry Puff, in Story, Kansas. Her beloved mother taught her everything she knew except for her secret ingredient for the macarons, so Bri is constantly trying to perfect the recipe. Even though Paris’ famous lovelock bridge was taken down, Bri has created her own lovelock wall at her bakery and decides to film the shop’s successful love stories. The video goes viral, and Trek Magazine wants to do a feature on the bakery shop. Gerard Fortier is the man sent to write the article, and he and Bri do not hit it off right away. With a little bit of Elizabeth and Darcy first impressions vibes, the two just don’t seem to get along and only seem to push each other’s buttons. Gerard is a man who doesn’t ever want to put down roots but instead travels the world in search of his next article. He does, however, desire to be promoted so he can write on topics that really matter, so he’s determined to complete this sappy article despite his opinions on love. As Gerard begins to get to know Bri, obstacles to the bakery’s success keep getting in the way. Can Gerard and Bri find a way to come together and find real love?

I really enjoyed the story and loved how it didn’t seem rushed. So many times watching Hallmark movies, I’m always yelling at the screen that the couple have only known each other for a few days. lol. I appreciate the slow burn and snark that occurs between the couple. I appreciate that the concept of what romance and love is is explored. The small town vibes were charming and made me want to go visit (especially since I’m so close to Kansas). My mouth was constantly watering at the desserts, and I was googling where I could find some petit fours and macarons. The struggling bakery also gave me “You’ve Got Mail” vibes, which made me smile.

Highly recommend if you enjoy romantic comedies set in a small town.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Purchase your copy here.