Review: Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson

I had nearly given up on Gibson and her romances but on a whim bought this book. I haven't been thrilled with her books since See Jane Score and haven't even attempted the 2 or so previous to this. I was really in the mood for a second chance at love story so I bought it. Boy am I glad I did!

Although I remain wary, Gibson redeemed herself to some degree. Not Another Bad Date was just what I needed to escape for a weekend. I seek out romance novels with a sports theme and since football is my favorite this was perfect. I enjoyed the heroine, Adele. She didn't get on my nerves at all like some previous heroines in Gibson's books. Zach was dreamy and filled the hero role well. All in all this was a sweet romance worth your time, especially for those who haven't been thrilled with some of her most recent novels.

Rating: A-

Review: Springwater Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

I just finished listening to Springwater Wedding and completed another reading challenge! Yeah! This time I did enjoy the book as I was working in my yard.

This is my first Linda Lael Miller and it won't be my last. It was a contemporary romance and one of my favorite types--the second chance at love kind. Apparently, Miller has written many books prior to this set in historical Springwater, Montana dealing with several families.

I thought this was a well-rounded book both in terms of romance and characters. Although I was mostly interested in JT and Maggie's relationship the other romances that were brewing or reigniting moved along nicely, too. It was fun getting caught up in the intertwining relationships of this town and I want to read about some of their ancestors in previous books.

My only issue with the book was the mystery involving the cattle. It felt tacked on in a way, even though it gave a good reason why some characters would be doing certain things. A twist near the end of the story came out of nowhere and seemed implausible.

Rating: B

Review: Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

I'm thrilled to have finished another reading challenge book! I just wish the book had been better.

I know this series is madly popular, especially here in MN. Even the older books have waiting lists on book swap sites. So, I went into it thinking I would just love its cozy setting and characters. I've always been a big fan of books and movies set in a diner, general store or similar where all types of characters come and go. It's a great way to make introductions to the audience as to who these folks are and a great way to keep up with them. All the elements seemed to be there for a great read. However, it was missing a likable protagonist.

The plot of this book was OK, although it seemed to bulge at the seams a bit. The secondary characters were pleasant enough, if not a bit bland. My biggest issue with this story (and maybe the series?) is Hannah's involvement with the investigation of a murder. She seemed to thumb her nose at authorities and went too far by breaking and entering and other assorted things. I much prefer an amateur sleuth stumbling onto things or if s/he does do some investigating, it isn't so reckless. She came off quite arrogant. The explanation by the author as to why Hannah and friends did certain things didn't hold water for me.

I'm not sure where to go from here since I wasn't that impressed. I have many more books from this series loaded into my iTunes to eventually listen to on my iPod. I believe this is the second book. It can make some people shake if they even think about reading a series out of order. I do prefer that for character development purposes but it isn't something I have to do. I feel if it's a good book, it should be able to stand on its own.

I do see potential in some characters and will most likely give a later book a try to see if things have improved with Hannah and how she handles herself with the investigating. If she hasn't, then I guess this series isn't for me.

Rating: C+