Lois Faye Dyer

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Valentine’s Day appears on our calendars amid the chill winds of winter, just when we’re apt to be longing for a break from cold and snow. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with heart-shaped greeting cards, decadent chocolate truffles and a sinfully delicious romance novel. We’ve chosen three such romantic tales from authors Anne Barton, Anne Gracie and Beverly Jenkins—each the perfect prescription to chase away the winter doldrums. So brew a hot mug of Tazo tea, break out the chocolates, settle into your favorite cozy chair, and prepare to be enthralled.    

ROMANTIC EXTORTION

In the normal course of events, it is highly unlikely that a talented seamstress such as Anabelle Honeycote would cross paths with a duke in London of 1815—unless, of course, she were so unwise as to attempt to blackmail him. Anabelle does just that in When She Was Wicked by Anne Barton, though she quickly rues her choice of victim when the Duke of Huntford captures her and does some blackmailing of his own. The seamstress quickly finds herself living in the duke’s beautiful Mayfair home and creating elegant wardrobes for his two younger sisters. But all is not as it seems, for Anabelle is not merely a seamstress, nor is she an unprincipled extortionist. The duke soon learns his life has become much more complicated—and enriched—by the arrival of the lovely Anabelle. Despite the strict rules of Regency society that forbid their friendship, neither Anabelle nor the duke can deny the attraction that draws them together. The question is whether they can find a way to bridge their worlds without mutual heartbreak.

This delightful debut novel introduces readers to the Honeycote and Huntford families and launches a series of stories featuring four sisters. These women are distinctly different but equally intelligent, and their heroes promise to be strong-willed and committed. Both Anabelle and her duke have a powerful sense of justice that make them irresistibly cheer-worthy. The romance between the two is passionate and Anabelle’s world of Regency fashion is well drawn and detailed. 

UNEXPECTED SPOILS

Survival is difficult for young women without family in Regency-era London, as we learn in The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie. Late one night in 1816, Abigail Chantry finds herself climbing through the window of a rundown home—once elegant—to commit thievery. Abigail needs food, and she’s desperate enough to steal. To her shock, she finds the house isn’t deserted, for an elderly woman is in the bedchamber. They carry on a strangely normal conversation and Abigail learns that Lady Beatrice lives alone, with only servants to care for her. Appalled at the neglect and the bedridden woman’s fragile state, Abigail returns for a second visit. Unable to turn her back on the situation, she marches into the home to champion the sharp-witted old lady. All goes well until Lady Beatrice’s long-absent nephew, Max, returns home from the East Indies. Abigail is indignant that he had abandoned his aunt to the care of servants; Max is highly suspicious of Abigail’s motives for befriending his aunt. Despite their mutual antagonism, however, they’re drawn together by an attraction neither can deny.  

There’s action and adventure aplenty in this well-written story, together with a heroine to root for and a strong, honorable hero. The witty dialogue and humor, in addition to an interesting mystery for the hero and heroine to solve, guarantee readers will eagerly look forward to the next installment in the Chance Sisters Romance series. 

LOVE IN THE WEST

In Destiny’s Embrace, the first novel of a planned series, best-selling author Beverly Jenkins takes readers to a California rancho in 1885, where matriarch Alanza Yates wants her three sons to marry. The men aren't interested, but the oldest, Logan, reluctantly agrees to let his mother find a housekeeper for him. In Philadelphia, seamstress Mariah Cooper wants to leave behind an unhappy life as an unpaid servant, and the advertisement for employment in California seems heaven sent. But Mariah wasn’t expecting the handsome man that meets her at the railroad station. Despite Logan Yates’ good looks and charm, however, the two argue almost from the first moment they meet. Logan is a man accustomed to beautiful women falling at his feet, and for the first time in his life, he must contend with a woman who insists on respect. He quickly learns that Mariah inspires not only lust, but genuine liking, affection, and finally, love.

The hero and heroine in Destiny’s Embrace are endearing and it’s a pleasure to watch them struggle as they come to grips with an attraction so powerful that it creates a sea change in both their lives. Logan gives Mariah the acceptance she’s never before felt, while she makes him realize he’s ready for home and family. The novel is filled with interesting snippets of California history and life in the American West just before the turn of the century. Readers will be delighted to know future books in the series will feature Logan’s brothers.

Valentine’s Day appears on our calendars amid the chill winds of winter, just when we’re apt to be longing for a break from cold and snow. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with heart-shaped greeting cards, decadent chocolate truffles and a sinfully delicious romance novel. We’ve chosen three such romantic tales from authors Anne Barton, […]
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Move over dukes and vampires. These days, more and more novels are featuring cowboys (and cowgirls) as they mosey—or gallop!—along the trail to romance. What better setting is there for falling in love than under a star-filled sky, out in the expansive wide open? Here are three new city-meets-country romances that prove the old saying that opposites really do attract.

LOVE ON THE TEST RUN
In Cowboy Seeks Bride, Dallas businesswoman Haley B. Mckay is excited about the idea of filming a modern-day version of an infamous Old West cattle drive for a reality show. When her boss insists she ride along on a test run, she’s annoyed but determined to make it through the ordeal. Rancher Dewar O’Donnell is convinced city-girl Haley won’t last longer than a day or two. Sparks fly the moment Haley and Dewar meet, and as the long days and nights roll by, their attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore. With marauding coyotes, a “guard” donkey named Eeyore and the occasional thunderstorm, life is certainly never dull on the trail, but will Haley and Dewar have a future when the 30-day test run is over? 

Carolyn Brown delivers a Texas-size romance between two endearing characters.

Author Carolyn Brown must have drawn upon her time spent living in Texas and Oklahoma, because the novel’s setting certainly feels rich and authentic. The characters are charming and endearing, and readers will no doubt be cheering for Haley and Dewar to conquer the roadblocks (or trailblocks) they encounter so that they can begin their lives together and settle into their happy-ever-after. 

COWGIRL ROPES A HEART
New York financial adviser Evan Kincaid shook the dust of Caribou Crossing from his boots after high school and never planned to return. In Home on the Range by Susan Fox, it’s 10 years later, and Evan’s biggest client insists that he check out a potential investment in a Caribou resort ranch. Much to Evan’s shock, the head wrangler at that ranch is his childhood sweetheart, Jessica Bly. Jess is stunned to see Evan, particularly since she’s been keeping a big secret from him since he left town all those years ago. Before long, the two discover that their friendship and love never died. Both are wary and have hidden wounds, but their second chance just might enable them to face a bright future together. 

Prolific author Susan Fox paints a vivid picture of life on a guest ranch and in a small western town. Fox’s strong storytelling skills deliver a warm tale with heart that’s sure to please readers.

HOME ON THE RANCH
Florida realtor Madeline Pruett barely remembers her absentee father, so it comes as a shock when she learns he has died and left her a one-third share—the other shares belonging to two half-sisters she didn’t even know existed—in a Colorado ranch. In Julia London’s Homecoming Ranch, Madeline travels to Pine River, assuming that they’ll all agree to sell the ranch and that she’ll quickly return to Florida. But the situation is far more complicated, and it becomes evident that a swift resolution isn’t going to happen. Now, Madeline must cope with two new sisters and living on a beautiful but remote ranch. Adding to the confusing mix is hunky Luke Kendrick, whose family has ties to the ranch whom Madeline can’t ignore. 

Bestselling author Julia London has created a complicated heroine, secondary characters that are intriguing, a charming setting of small town and beautiful ranch country, and a plot that will surely delight readers.
 

Lois Faye Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

Move over dukes and vampires. These days, more and more novels are featuring cowboys (and cowgirls) as they mosey—or gallop!—along the trail to romance. What better setting is there for falling in love than under a star-filled sky, out in the expansive wide open? Here are three new city-meets-country romances that prove the old saying […]
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The Betrayal of the Blood Lily continues Lauren Willig’s best-selling Pink Carnation series. The author, a Harvard law school graduate, has made good use of her additional degree in history to brilliantly create 19th-century British heroines and heroes.

Lady Penelope Deveraux Staines, a rebel at heart, is forced into marriage to avoid a scandal, and then whisked off to India by her husband. It quickly becomes apparent that Lord Staines is many things—but he is neither faithful, honorable nor courageous. Since Lady Penelope is all of the above, the marriage quickly grows strained and difficult.

While her husband eagerly embraces the more decadent and debauched aspects of their new surroundings, Penelope is entranced by the lush and wildly exotic India countryside. The strictures of London society had chafed her independent heart, but the beautiful yet dangerous land surrounding Hyderabad calls to her very soul. So, too, does the handsome and equally dangerous Captain Alex Reid. Thrown together when Alex is assigned to transport Penelope and her husband to Hyderabad, the two are first wary and suspicious of each other. But neither can deny the irresistible pull of attraction.

Adding even more intrigue to the journey, Penelope has information regarding a spy known as the Marigold. After several unsuccessful attempts on her life, Alex knows the beautiful redhead is in serious peril. The two must combine all their intelligence and knowledge of human nature if they are to survive, and soon, they’re working together to unravel the complex threads of political and militant forces—a net of French spies, espionage and danger that draws tighter about them each day.

As in the other Pink Carnation novels, this historical storyline is framed by a modern-day one, as American scholar Eloise researches Penelope’s adventures with the help of a dashing Brit. Both plotlines keep readers entertained with ever-heightening emotional stakes. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily will delight readers with its vivid historical detail, deeply honorable characters fighting against truly wicked villains and a plot filled with baffling mystery and heart-pounding danger.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily continues Lauren Willig’s best-selling Pink Carnation series. The author, a Harvard law school graduate, has made good use of her additional degree in history to brilliantly create 19th-century British heroines and heroes. Lady Penelope Deveraux Staines, a rebel at heart, is forced into marriage to avoid a scandal, and […]
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Pacific Northwest author Susan Wiggs has a long list of best-selling novels that have earned her accolades, awards and the adoration of a legion of fans. In The Apple Orchard, Wiggs begins a new series set in California’s verdant Sonoma Valley, presenting readers with a riveting novel that combines history, romance and suspense.

What if you suddenly learned that everything you thought was true about your life was not, in fact, the whole truth? This is the position that Tess Delaney is placed in when she’s blindsided by a revelation that shatters nearly everything she’s believed about her past.

At 29, Tess has carved out a successful career as a treasure hunter, restoring stolen pieces to their rightful owners. She lives a career-focused life filled with travel, a handful of friends and an apartment in San Francisco, where she rarely spends any time. All of this changes when Dominic Rossi arrives at her office one morning to tell her that her grandfather—whom she didn’t even know existed—has been severely injured. Furthermore, Tess learns that she has a half-sister with whom she now shares responsibility for Bella Vista, a hundred-acre apple orchard in California’s Sonoma County.

Stunned by Dominic’s news, Tess agrees to travel with him to Bella Vista, where she meets her sister, Isabel, who is just as fascinated as Tess by their newly discovered connection. Bella Vista’s rolling green acres are a revelation, representing a slower pace of life that is vastly different from Tess’s fast-track lifestyle in San Francisco.

Tess had only planned on a short visit, but the need to learn more about the family she never knew makes her stay. And then there’s Dominic, whose solid strength, goodness and undeniably rugged good looks are difficult to ignore. The days quickly slide by, and Tess finds herself more entranced by and entangled with her sister, Dominic and Bella Vista. 

But there are secrets at Bella Vista. Secrets that stretch back to World War II and her grandfather’s childhood in Denmark. Fortunately for her newly discovered family, Tess is a woman trained to solve mysteries. Her inquiries could bring resolution and happiness to Bella Vista’s residents, but will it mean happiness for Tess, too? 

The Apple Orchard is a feast for the senses—rich with fascinating detail about researching provenance for lost treasures and the sumptuous descriptions of fabulous food, accompanied by actual recipes. Readers will fall in love with Tess’s family, the fragrant, vital life-pulse of Bella Vista’s lush acres, and California’s warm golden sunshine. The second book in the Bella Vista series will focus on Tess’s sister, Isabel, a prospect that is sure to have many readers eagerly awaiting their next visit to the luscious Sonoma apple orchard.  

Pacific Northwest author Susan Wiggs has a long list of best-selling novels that have earned her accolades, awards and the adoration of a legion of fans. In The Apple Orchard, Wiggs begins a new series set in California’s verdant Sonoma Valley, presenting readers with a riveting novel that combines history, romance and suspense. What if […]
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Hit List is the 21st installment in author Laurell K. Hamilton’s long running series featuring Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter. This latest in the popular series is an interesting combo of paranormal, thriller, mystery and layered character study. Fans of Hamilton’s Vampire Hunter novels know that our heroine, U.S. Marshal Anita Blake, has evolved into a powerful, experienced solver of crimes. But this time out, she has to deal with not just one, but two serial killers. Amazingly, one is a member of the group that her partner, Edward, has brought in to provide backup during a particularly deadly and dangerous case. The other is the leader of the criminals she and fellow Marshal Edward are hunting.

The deadly group known as the Harlequins are "the vampire equivalent of police, spies, judge, jury and executioner. They were also some of the greatest warriors to ever live, or unlive." And the female vampire leading them wants Anita taken alive—because the Mother of All Darkness wants to take over Anita’s body.

It’s the worst of all possible situations for Anita. With a new boss who’s determined to prove she’s unworthy of her solid crime-solving reputation, and too many rookies involved in the case, things go from bad to worse. Too many people are injured or dying—and the killer is still free. Even with the aid of her partner Edward, whose powers and ability to outthink and outmaneuver the bad guys has helped keep them alive through countless, seemingly impossible assignments, Anita isn’t convinced either of them will survive this time. In the final confrontation, she must gamble all of their lives on the paranormal powers of her friends and lovers—or watch them all die.

Hit List is filled with heart-stopping danger, intriguing character connections, brilliant police work, and a plot with surprising twists. There’s little doubt the novel will land Hamilton on bestseller lists once again. If you like tales of thrilling adventure with a paranormal twist, this book’s for you.

Lois Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.

Hit List is the 21st installment in author Laurell K. Hamilton’s long running series featuring Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter. This latest in the popular series is an interesting combo of paranormal, thriller, mystery and layered character study. Fans of Hamilton’s Vampire Hunter novels know that our heroine, U.S. Marshal Anita Blake, has evolved into a […]
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Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush are each best-selling authors on their own, but the Oregon sisters raise the stakes when they join forces to pen a terrifyingly suspenseful novel, Wicked Lies.

At a small hospital on the Oregon coast, nurse Laura Adderley is relieved to be getting a divorce, but devastated to discover that she and her ex-husband’s sole attempt to reconcile has resulted in a pregnancy. She’s even more appalled when she learns her onetime nemesis, the infamous psychotic killer Justice Turnbull, knows she’s carrying a child. She hears his voice in her mind—and she knows he’s coming for her and her unborn baby. Because Justice has escaped after murdering his jailers at Halo Valley Security Hospital . . . and retribution is his sole focus.

Fortunately for Laura, reporter Harrison Frost is following a lead on a news story about Turnbull’s escape. At first, Harrison only wants information from the pretty nurse, but before long he’s committed to stopping Turnbull. Because if he can’t, Laura will be dead.

Wicked Lies is a riveting, can’t-put-it-down, heart-pounding good read. If you love suspense with enough twists and turns to tie you into knots, this one’s for you.

Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush are each best-selling authors on their own, but the Oregon sisters raise the stakes when they join forces to pen a terrifyingly suspenseful novel, Wicked Lies. At a small hospital on the Oregon coast, nurse Laura Adderley is relieved to be getting a divorce, but devastated to discover that she […]
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In the third book in her Chesapeake Shores trilogy, author Sherryl Woods takes readers back to Maryland and a small-town beach community with warm yet complicated family relationships.

The only girl among the O’Brien siblings, Susie O’Brien has spent more than a year “not dating” Mack Franklin while they’re spending every spare moment together. Her family is confused, and she’s ready to move past their just-friends status. Mack feels the same, but when he’s about to turn up the heat in their relationship, he loses his job as a sports reporter. Reeling from the shock, he’s barely absorbed the impact when Susie is slammed with a diagnosis that’s devastating.

While their once-idyllic world threatens to crumble into chaos about them, the two struggle to come to terms with a radically changed view of the future. The O’Brien clan rallies around them, but the depth of their love and commitment will be tested to the limit. Will they survive the storms that challenge them? Woods tugs on the heartstrings with this endearing romance and readers will find much to enjoy in this charming love story.

 

Lois Dyer writes from Washington.

In the third book in her Chesapeake Shores trilogy, author Sherryl Woods takes readers back to Maryland and a small-town beach community with warm yet complicated family relationships. The only girl among the O’Brien siblings, Susie O’Brien has spent more than a year “not dating” Mack Franklin while they’re spending every spare moment together. Her […]
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Fans of paranormal, urban fantasy and romance novels are breathless with anticipation. This month, New York Times best-selling author J.R. Ward returns with Lover Unleashed, entry #9 in her wildly successful Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The books feature powerful vampires whose warrior skills are matched only by their eroticism and commitment to their mates. Despite overwhelming odds, the Brotherhood warriors fight a never-ending battle to save an unsuspecting human world from the evil Omega and the Lessening Society.

Lover Unleashed stars brilliant surgeon Manny Manello, ex-boss of trauma physician Jane Whitcomb, who is now mated to the vampire warrior Vishous. When tragedy strikes, Manny is recruited into the Brother’s secret world. His expertise as a neurosurgeon is needed to save one of their own, Payne, a female warrior with a lineage that’s off the charts. But one look at his patient and it suddenly becomes very personal for Manny: “This female is mine,” he thinks.

Long-awaited by fans, the story of Manny and Payne is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

Fans of paranormal, urban fantasy and romance novels are breathless with anticipation. This month, New York Times best-selling author J.R. Ward returns with Lover Unleashed, entry #9 in her wildly successful Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The books feature powerful vampires whose warrior skills are matched only by their eroticism and commitment to their mates. Despite […]
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Over the course of an amazingly productive career that’s made her a household name, author Nora Roberts has delighted romantic suspense fans with nearly 200 titles. After delivering so many consistently excellent novels, one might assume a writer could grow complacent. Ms. Roberts proves there’s zero chance of that happening with her latest, Chasing Fire. In a breath-stealing roller-coaster ride of romance, mystery and murder, La Nora reminds us why her books routinely appear at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.

In Chasing Fire, Rowan Tripp is both the daughter of a legendary smokejumper and an experienced firefighter in her own right. She’s looking forward to spending another summer working with the Zulies, an elite group of smokejumpers headquartered in Missoula, Montana. This is Gulliver Curry’s first season with the Zulies and the moment he meets Rowan, sparks fly. However, she has a hard and fast rule: never get romantically involved with fellow smokejumpers. Gull, however, is determined to make her rethink that decision. As they share long, grueling days of training and danger while fighting fires, their mutual admiration for each other’s character and professional abilities grows—as does the physical attraction that soon roars out of control between them.

Haunted by nightmares of her partner’s death in a fire the year before, the firefighting season has barely begun before Rowan discovers she faces a far more immediate danger. Someone is killing people and setting fires to cover up the crimes. Each of the victims is known to Rowan and it’s soon clear that she is being targeted. With Gull’s help, Rowan must search for a murderer at the same time the two are fighting monster forest fires. Gull is determined to protect Rowan, but the killer always seems to stay three steps ahead of them and danger lurks at every turn. Both Gull and Rowan know they must move quickly to solve the murders before they or one of their fellow Zulies become the next to die.   

 

Roberts knocks it out of the park with this latest novel, delivering enough thrills, chills, romance and mayhem to satisfy the most demanding reader. The dangerous life of the men and women who spend their days fighting forest fires provides an intriguing, colorful backdrop to the suspense and romance of Chasing Fire.

 

Lois Faye Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

Over the course of an amazingly productive career that’s made her a household name, author Nora Roberts has delighted romantic suspense fans with nearly 200 titles. After delivering so many consistently excellent novels, one might assume a writer could grow complacent. Ms. Roberts proves there’s zero chance of that happening with her latest, Chasing Fire. […]
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Seattle author Jayne Ann Krentz has a well-deserved reputation for excellence among romance and mystery readers. Her latest release, In Too Deep, does not disappoint.

In Too Deep kicks off the Looking Glass Trilogy and is also a part of Krentz’s long-running Arcane Society novels. The story features Fallon Jones, a “modern day Sherlock Holmes” with a psychic twist who has come to the tiny village of Scargill Cove to escape his problems. Isabella Valdez has also fled to the small town on the Northern California coast—and she’s seeking Fallon’s help.

Both Fallon and Isabella have unique psychic gifts. When they join forces to solve a mystery tied to a dangerous 1800s psychic inventor whose creations threaten the modern-day residents of the Cove, they discover that their gifts are even more powerful together. Other Scargill Cove inhabitants have talents of their own—and reasons for protecting the village’s hidden history. But when someone uses murder to gain access to evil power, it’s up to Fallon and Isabella to stop them.

Finding and destroying a killer, however, is only the tip of the iceberg. Cold psychic energy is swirling through the streets of Scargill Cove and death threatens the residents. Only Fallon and Isabella can untangle the threads and save the tiny population.

Other questions are on their minds as well. How does the threat to their neighbors in Scargill Cove tie in with the person chasing Isabella? What did she see that has her former employer willing to go to any lengths to ensure Isabella’s silence—even if that means her death? And how are the assassins connected to the mysterious killer robot dolls and the destructive magic lantern light that nearly killed Fallon months earlier?

In a plot that twists and turns with ever-intriguing layers, Krentz deftly weaves romance and creates characters whom readers will root for and love. In an interview with USA Today, Krentz is quoted as saying that romance “is potentially dangerous, but . . . nothing of significance gets done in the world without it.” The quote is particularly apt when applied to In Too Deep, for without the romance between Fallon and Isabella, the fascinating mysteries would remain unsolved. Fortunately for readers, there’s plenty of romance to save the day.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.

Seattle author Jayne Ann Krentz has a well-deserved reputation for excellence among romance and mystery readers. Her latest release, In Too Deep, does not disappoint. In Too Deep kicks off the Looking Glass Trilogy and is also a part of Krentz’s long-running Arcane Society novels. The story features Fallon Jones, a “modern day Sherlock Holmes” […]
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Before becoming a best-selling author, Sheila Roberts tried her hand at a variety of careers, including playing piano in a country-rock band and delivering singing telegrams. Fortunately for readers, she eventually discovered that what she loves best is writing fiction—stories that make women laugh while inspiring them to improve their lives. Her novels often include tips for personal growth or recipes, delivering a little ‘something extra’ that enriches the book’s appeal. Her latest, Love in Bloom, offers practical gardening tips, very apropos given the book’s theme and title.

Love in Bloom brings readers back to small town Heart’s Lake, where florist Hope Walker has an affinity for flowers and an uncanny insight into her customers’ needs. Unfortunately, she’s also struggling to recover emotionally after surviving breast cancer. The medical issues are resolved, but Hope’s heart and self-esteem took a hit that left an emotional scar that refuses to heal.

When hunky carpenter Jason Wells strolls into Changing Seasons Floral and places an order, Hope’s heart goes zing. But her practical self argues that healthy, handsome Jason would never want—or love—a woman with physical scars. So when her cute, sassy sister Bobbi makes a play for Jason, Hope steps back and tries to convince herself to be happy for them. She even agrees to help her sister compose notes, plan dates and pretend to have half-ownership in Hope’s flower shop. Their conspiracy backfires, however, when Jason learns the woman he’s really been falling in love with is Hope, not her sister.

Meanwhile, 76-year-old Millie Baldwin is new to Heart Lake and struggling to cope with her not-long-divorced, bitter daughter and two teenage grandchildren. And the novel’s third woman of interest, Amber Howell, is also recently arrived in Heart Lake, having moved there with her young son, Seth, and her unemployed chef husband. Amber is trying to keep from resenting her husband’s gloomy attitude but it’s growing more difficult each day.

Hope, Millie and Amber bond when they find themselves sharing neighboring plots at the Heart Lake community garden. There’s just something about the warm sunshine, green plants in fertile soil, fresh air and sympathetic company that calms, soothes and provides a haven for these three women. Together, they find their way through trying days, supporting each other as they make difficult decisions, share laughter and resolve important life issues.

There’s a lot to like about Love in Bloom. Roberts brings a charming tone, wry wisdom, and many laugh-out-loud moments to her latest novel. Whether a new reader or longtime fan, fiction lovers everywhere will thoroughly enjoy their time spent visiting Heart Lake.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.

Before becoming a best-selling author, Sheila Roberts tried her hand at a variety of careers, including playing piano in a country-rock band and delivering singing telegrams. Fortunately for readers, she eventually discovered that what she loves best is writing fiction—stories that make women laugh while inspiring them to improve their lives. Her novels often include […]
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What began as a way to cope with being snowed in with her two young sons one winter has turned into a multimillion dollar career, though J.D. Robb—a pseudonym for mega-selling author Nora Roberts—couldn’t have known where that creative solution to boredom would lead her. A voracious reader, the Maryland native decided to try her hand at fiction writing during those snowy days in 1979 and she hasn’t stopped since, with more than 100 novels to her credit and countless appearances on the New York Times bestseller list.

The In Death series was born of necessity in 1995, when the prolific Roberts had stacked up a surplus of titles awaiting print. Intentionally moving outside the romantic suspense genre, Roberts created a gritty, urban-set, three-book story arc featuring police Lt. Eve Dallas and the mysterious billionaire Roarke. The two would work jointly—and, at times, at odds—to solve unspeakable crimes in New York City, circa 2060. Her publisher agreed to take a chance on the groundbreaking concept, publishing the books under the J.D. Robb pseudonym at Roberts’ request. (Roberts used the first initials of her sons’ names for “J.D.” and “Robb” is a diminutive of “Roberts”.)

The J.D. Robb titles quickly hit bestseller lists and gained critical acclaim, both from book reviewers and fellow writers. The information that “J.D. Robb” was really Nora Roberts was originally a well-kept secret, but the series found immediate popularity, the publisher eventually revealed the woman behind the pseudonym, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In Robb’s newest futuristic thriller, Promises in Death, New York City police Lt. Eve Dallas has a murder to solve that strikes too close to home. The victim is a fellow cop and the lover of Eve’s good friend Li Morris, the city’s chief medical examiner.

Was Det. Amaryllis Coltraine murdered with her own weapon because of a case she was investigating? Did she have personal enemies who wanted her dead? Or is her death somehow connected to the mysterious man with whom she shared a serious relationship in Atlanta two years earlier?

During the investigation, Eve begins to unravel the tangled threads of Det. Coltraine’s hidden past, and even Roarke is surprised at the revelations. Previously, he and Eve had collaborated on a case that led to the conviction of master criminal Max Riker, who is currently incarcerated in an off-planet penal colony. Neither Roarke nor Eve expected their lives would intersect with Riker or his crime organization again, yet their current investigation seems inextricably linked to the dethroned crime boss. Is it possible Riker has found a way to operate his criminal empire from behind bars—to the extent that he is capable of ordering a hit on a cop in New York City?

And as if answering all these questions to solve the complicated case isn’t difficult enough, it quickly becomes clear that someone doesn’t want her digging deeper. When Eve’s police issue vehicle is boxed in at a traffic stop and deliberately T-boned by a large van, Roarke’s blood runs cold. Has Coltraine’s killer turned his sights on Eve?

The details of the futuristic New York City setting and familiar faces in the supporting cast of characters remind the reader just how minutely Robb has crafted and populated this series. This 28th installment in the wildly popular series is sure to delight dedicated fans and garner new ones for the indomitable duo of Eve and Roarke.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.

What began as a way to cope with being snowed in with her two young sons one winter has turned into a multimillion dollar career, though J.D. Robb—a pseudonym for mega-selling author Nora Roberts—couldn’t have known where that creative solution to boredom would lead her. A voracious reader, the Maryland native decided to try her […]
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In her latest contemporary romance, New York Times best-selling author Susan Wiggs returns to the world of the Bellamy family and the snowy landscape of Willow Lake in Avalon, New York. When career-driven attorney Sophie Bellamy survives a terrorist attack, she's compelled to re-evaluate the demands of her work and its impact on her personal life. Making a life-altering decision, she walks away from a prestigious appointment at the World Court in The Hague to relocate to Willow Lake and focus on being a mother. Her children, Max and Daisy, are accustomed to Sophie's role as a long-distance, part-time parent. Now Sophie prays they'll welcome her determination to make up for the past and become a hands-on mother who's fully involved in their lives.

Arriving at Willow Lake in the midst of a winter blizzard, she's shaken when her vehicle slides off the road into a ditch. Fortunately, hunky neighbor and local veterinarian Noah Shepherd comes to her rescue. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and Sophie's new world suddenly includes the unexpected delight of falling in love.

Sophie focuses on building a life in Avalon, learning to be a hockey mom to Max, reconnecting with Daisy, babysitting Daisy's tiny son, Charlie, and working in a local law office. Life slowly settles into a semblance of normalcy as Sophie struggles to come to terms with lingering trauma from the terrorist incident, the underlying causes of her divorce, her ex-husband's remarriage, and her parents' expectations that she'll return to her high-powered career. Threaded through each day is the heady pleasure of loving Noah. But there are things Sophie doesn't know about Noah and when she learns the truth, it threatens to tear them apart forever.

Snowfall at Willow Lake is a charming addition to the popular Lakeshore Chronicles and readers will thoroughly enjoy revisiting the beloved residents and familiar streets of Avalon and the shores of Willow Lake. Wiggs excels at layering her characters with depth and complexity and fans of Sophie's children, Daisy and Max, will especially delight in the growth of those two characters. Wiggs places her oh-so-interesting people in a rural winter setting that makes the reader dream of snow and chilled air, and the result is a can't-put-down, eminently satisfying read.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.

In her latest contemporary romance, New York Times best-selling author Susan Wiggs returns to the world of the Bellamy family and the snowy landscape of Willow Lake in Avalon, New York. When career-driven attorney Sophie Bellamy survives a terrorist attack, she's compelled to re-evaluate the demands of her work and its impact on her personal […]

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