Christine Nolfi

I've had this one for awhile, after Ms. Nolfi approached me about reading and reviewing. After finishing it, I wish I'd read it sooner. It was a fun read, and one that will strike a nerve with a lot of people.

Birdie started out (for me) like any other heroine I've read about this year. I started yawning. But then something happened that I wasn't expecting: she suddenly developed depth and became more than just a thief who wanted to make good. I ended up relating to her in a way that I never dreamed possible.

Hugh, on the other hand, I never really liked. I just didn't get him and after awhile, I stopped trying. Maybe I just didn't like him as a reported. I'm not totally sure.

Some of the supporting characters were a little tough to figure out (there were a lot of them), but it wasn't enough to make me want to stop. I was too interested in the plot and figure out where things were going. I wanted so badly for things to work out for Birdie and I wanted to see where she'd end up.

The story twists, it turns, and it flows. It sucked me in and helped me to overlook the couple of things that I didn't care for (see above). I can definitely see fans of chick lit and romance loving this one. Hefty dose of the romance without ever descending into trash. I appreciated that.

Overall, because I liked a lot more than I didn't, I'm giving this a 'Drool Worthy' rating.… (more)

2.5** rounded up

From the book jacket: Dr Mary Chance needs a sabbatical from medicine to grieve the loss of her closest friend. But, when she inherits a struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio, she isn’t prepared for Blossom Perini. Mary can’t resist falling for the precocious preteen – or the girl’s father.

My reactions
Perfect light romance for the days when I was laid low by COVID. Some of the characters are a bit too over-the-top eccentric to ring true, but it’s clear that Liberty is a community that comes together when one of its residents needs support.

The plot is both typical and unrealistic (think Hallmark movie), but it fit a couple of challenges, and kept me entertained. Glad to get this one off the tbr.… (more)

Nova owns her on landscaping business. She also is a foster mom. She has only fostered teenagers. So, when she is asked to take two young siblings in for an emergency placing, she hedges a little bit. She has never fostered young kids.

Henry is the older of the two at 9 years old. When he shows up at Nova’s, he is a tough, combative little boy. His little sister, Bella, is just as sweet as she can be but so timid. Nova knows she has her work cut out for her.

Nova is a character I adored. She is exactly what these two abused children need, a loving heart and home. Nova begins to crack each child’s shell with her patience. And soon Nova loses her heart as well. She knows she is not supposed to get close to these children. She knows she is going to lose them.

This story takes you through all the emotions. Egan, the children’s father, has my anger up in a snap. And the way he manipulates his children…I wanted to come through these pages. Then there is a secret about Nova no one knew…but it comes out. And it just takes her on an emotional roller coaster.

Need a heartfelt story which will have you hugging everyone in your family…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.… (more)

I really loved this story and Nova's character. This was a really heartfelt novel about two children caught up in the foster system and how confusing this situation can be for them. Nova has just landed a huge landscaping job that could put her company in the forefront for other jobs, and give her more of a name. But just as this job is supposed to kick off, she gets a very desperate call from her good friend and a case worker, there is an emergency and two smaller children need a place to stay. Nova is torn, she usually only takes in teenagers and she really needs to focus on this job, this is what will cement her future, but she knows she cannot say no. With the help of her mother and Imani she prepares all that is needed and takes in Bella and Henry, it should not be a long stay and this will be just temporary. But this case is unlike others before and Nova is in deeper than she wanted to get with these two kids, but when the truth about their father and fear for her and their lives is front and center, Nova has to decide what she wants her future to look like and what she must do to protect these kids. This was a very fast read and I was rooting for Nova the whole time. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (more)