What I Read - December 2013 & January 2014

Well t is the end of January already and let me just say I am totally over summer! I spend the entire time feeling super tired and grouchy, hopefully we will be getting some cooler weather soon. Now on to what I read.

December:

 Right as Rain 

by Tricia Stringer

(ARC thanks to Harlequin Australia)

 Pawn

by Aimee Carter

(ARC thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia)

 Captivate

by Vanessa Garden

(ARC thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia)

The House on Burra Burra Lane

by Jennie Jones

(ARC thanks to Harlequin Australia)

January

 The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor

by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga

The Wisdom of the Shire

by Noble Smith

The January Wish

by Juliet Madison

(ARC thanks to Harlequin Escape Australia and Netgalley)

The January Wish by Juliet Madison

Title: The January Wish
Author: Juliet Madison
ISBN: 9780857991119
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Publish Date:  January 2014

Synopsis:

When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it's the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.

A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia's small coastal town with secrets that can't be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia's well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.


They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.

My Thoughts:

The January Wish is the story of Sylvia Greene and how, with the help of one little wish, her life is changed forever. Dr Sylvia Greene prides herself on her well organised life, full of science and routine, but all that changes when she makes a wish at the Tarrin's Bay Wishing Festival. Before long she is faced with the daughter she gave up for adoption and a new, very attractive work colleague.
The January Wish starts off slowly but really picks up the pace towards the end of the book where it hits an emotional high point that leaves a lasting impression. The characters are easy to relate to and each has their own issues to deal with creating a web of subplots.
I really enjoyed The January Wish despite it's slow start, it was definitely worth reading. Perfect for a nice light read.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia, Escape Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

The House On Burra Burra Lane by Jennie Jones

Title: The House On Burra Burra Lane
Author: Jennie Jones
ISBN: 9781743567746
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Publish Date: January 2014

Synopsis:

Just ten days after her fresh start in the isolated Snowy Mountains, Samantha Walker trips over a three hundred pound pig and lands in the arms of Dr. Ethan Granger — and the firing line for gossip. It was hardly a ‘date’ but sparks of the sensual kind are difficult to smother in a community of only 87 people. Now there’s a bet running on how long she’ll stay and what she’ll get up to while she’s in town.

Ethan has his own issues — Sammy’s presence in his childhood home brings with it painful recollections of family scandals and a bad‐boy youth. When the gossip around them heightens, his life is suddenly a deck of cards spread on the table for all to see. Then Sammy's past catches up with her... and it looks like all bets are off.

My Thoughts:

Samantha Walker has packed up her life in the city and moved to the small and closely knit community of Swallow's Fall, where she meets the local vet, Ethan Granger. From this first encounter there is a mutual attraction between Sammie and Ethan and when Ethan offers to help Sammie fix up her house, the seeds of romance have been sown. Soon Sammie and Ethan are the talk of the town, but secrets from their pasts threaten to end their friendship.

As with most romance stories the attraction between the main characters, Sammie and Ethan is immediate, however they both carry a lot of emotional baggage and are very wary of ruining what could be a wonderful friendship.
I love the complexity of the characters. Sammy is bold and caring but determined to make a good impression and forge a good reputation for herself in the small community. Ethan is stubborn and determined but struggles with the memories of his past.
Jennie Jones has created not only believable main characters but the secondary characters are delightful as well and each of them has their own stories to tell, from Grandy, the town patriarch to Josh, the teenager who is just trying to find his place in life. Each and everyone of the characters helps bring the fictional rural setting of Swallow's Fall to life, and discovering the way their lives all intertwine is a pleasure.
The House On Burra Burra Lane is a delightful debut novel of hard won relationships full of comprise and acceptance. A must read for fans of rural romance.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.