Mandy's Romance Corner Reviews

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book one
Autumn Getaway by Jennifer Gracen

Author Jennifer Gracen brings together a colorful cast of friends and family in Book One of the Seasons of Love series, AUTUMN GETAWAY. Newly divorced mom Lydia is just getting back on her feet. Her college roommate’s wedding promises a much-needed getaway weekend with old friends, at a beautiful manor in Connecticut. When she meets Sam, a handsome friend of the groom, she's nearly overwhelmed by a confusing mix of hope and trepidation. Their instant connection feels intensely real, to both of them, but the ink is barely dry on her divorce decree. It takes all her nerve, and more than a little prodding from her girlfriends, to convince Lydia to give her heart - and Sam - a chance. But when the magical weekend comes to a close, Sam must return to Chicago, while Lydia heads back to her complicated life and young son in New York. Can their newfound connection survive the trials of physical distance and years of emotional baggage?

Mandy's Review:

This is a really great book.  Jennifer Gracen does an awesome job of introducing the characters and developing the story line.  The book encompasses a little bit of drama, old friends reuniting for a wedding, newly divorced mom (Lydia) and a handsome single man (Sam).  It was a great, quick read and kept me entertained until the very end.  I really loved the way the divorced mom stuck to her true self through the book.  This is a great first book in the Seasons of Love series.  I highly recommend this book.  I give it 4 stars.

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book two

Winter Hopes by Jennifer Gracen

Author Jennifer Gracen reunites sexy, sophisticated Sam and sweet but wounded Lydia in Book Two of the Seasons of Love series, ”Winter Hopes”. Newly divorced mom Lydia is still getting back on her feet, and still reeling from her intense encounter with Sam at a friend’s destination wedding. As they tentatively explore the demands and rewards of long-distance dating, their instant connection evolves against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Each begins to trust again – opening up is difficult, even painful, but the joy and hope they feel in each other’s arms demands they lay their hearts on the line. Can their love survive the miles that separate them, and the complexities of nurturing a relationship via email, text and phone? And when Sam finally meets Lydia’s family, will old resentments and unspoken biases bring them closer together or driv e them apart? Full of the passion and tension any newly-joined couple experiences, this steamy yet hopeful book lays the foundation for Lydia’s budding relationship with Sam, and offers hope for second chances and a deep appreciation for the value of a loyal friend.

Mandy's Review:

This is book two in the Seasons of Love series.  In this book we see Sam and Lydia, who we met in book one, try their hand at a long distance relationship.  They are both a little skittish about getting into a new relationship but the instant connection they had when they met makes them want to try this out.  This book is another awesome read by Jennifer Gracen. The reader was entertained until the very end of the book.  It is a great book.  I give it 4 stars.

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book three

Spring Shadows by Jennifer Gracen

Lydia wasn’t looking for love. Having just finalized a difficult divorce, she attended her best friend’s destination wedding with a simple plan: to reconnect with old friends and take a much needed break from the stresses of single parenthood. But life had more in store for her. In AUTUMN GETAWAY, Book One of the Seasons of Love series, Lydia connected with charming, sensitive Sam over that weekend, and took a chance on someone new. Then, in WINTER HOPES, Sam and Lydia explored the excitement of blossoming romance. Even though a long distance relationship isn’t easy, in each other they found renewed hope, both overcoming past losses to learn to trust and love again. 

Now, in SPRING SHADOWS, Book Three of the series, author Jennifer Gracen brings Lydia and Sam one step closer to lasting happiness. But it isn’t all romance and roses. The realities of a long distance relationship held between Chicago and New York start to take a toll. Add in the complications posed by Sam’s overprotective brother, Lydia’s difficult ex-husband, and an unexpected tragedy, and it all threatens to tear them apart before they’ve even begun to truly be together. 

Lydia and Sam must face their pasts and come to terms with old fears and insecurities. They need to focus on the things that really matter: true love, forgiveness, compassion, and fearless commitment--another leap of faith. Full of the sweetness and heartfelt emotion you’ve come to expect from the Seasons of Love series, SPRING SHADOWS shows us the power of purposeful communication, understanding, and unrelenting self-awareness, proving that true, lasting love is possible when nurtured by healing and hope.

Mandy's Review:

In book three we see Sam and Lydia continue to build on their long distance relationship.  In this book they both have obstacles and hoops to jump through in order for their love to survive.  Sam's overprotective brother, Lydia's ex-husband and other crap the couples go through.  The cool thing about Jennifer Gracen is that everything these two go through is real and normal stuff.  The reader can relate to all of this and feel like they are part of the story.  I loved this book and can not wait until the next one comes out.  I give it 5 stars.

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Law of Attraction by Darlene Fredette

Lawyer Christina Crawford has a successful career and stable financial future, but is it enough? Her world is disrupted when a routine divorce case means working with a man she never expected—or wanted—to see again. During their first meeting, she can't deny a connection still exists. Her head warns her to run, but her heart yearns to stay.

Steven Mitchell is ruthless in the court room, but outside those doors, his easy charm, good looks and unlimited stream of female companions gives him an unscrupulous reputation. Six years ago Christina saw beyond his façade, but the emotions she evoked scared him and he pushed her away. Now he wants a second chance and he is determined to get her back...even if he has to play dirty.

Mandy's Review:

This is a great, light, and entertaining read.  We have two lawyers who have history reunited against each other in a divorce case.  Neither one can deny the attraction is still there but they are still a little skittish.  It was a fun read and I loved watching the battle of minds and hearts throughout this book.  It is well written and kept me reading until the very end.  You really need to pick up this book.  I give 4 stars.

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