The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans... A Review

Richard Paul Evans writes the most wonderful Christmas stories and The Mistletoe Inn is no exception. It is a heartwarming story about love and second chances, that will touch your heart in all the right places like a nice cup of cocoa on a cold winter's night.

Kim is a thirty something working in a car dealership and hoping for her dreams of having her first book published. She's been through the ringer with romance and a devastating tragedy in her family. Zeke is a handsome, seems too good to be true, wonderful guy, Kim meets at a writers conference at the Mistletoe Inn. But Zeke has a few skeleton's in his closet too. When the two become writing buddies and the butterflies start to flutter, Kim needs to learn how to accept love into her life again and learn to trust again. But love is a little complicated for these two and... you'll have to read the story to find out the rest! This is a sweet, tender story that will not disappoint. Richard Paul Evans also does a wonderful job of dealing with aspects of depression and suicide, which is something that had touched Kim's life in the story.

My reading group usually reads a "Christmas" story for the Holiday break, and this was our choice this year. Everyone enjoyed it and it really is perfect for this time of year. It is a light, ultimately uplifting story. The chapters are short & sweet, and the writing itself is inviting. And let me tell you one more thing, it's a wonderful romance without the need for sex to warm up the pages!

I give this 4 Mistletoes! And I want to thank Simon & Schuster for sending along a copy for my reading pleasure and honest review!

The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain... A Review

Dear Anna,

What I have to tell you is difficult to write, but I know it will be far more difficult for you to hear, and I'm so sorry…

The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind their close friend Noelle's suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle—her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her friends and family—described a woman who embraced life.

Yet there was so much they didn't know.

With the discovery of the letter and its heartbreaking secret, Noelle's friends begin to uncover the truth about this complex woman who touched each of their lives—and the life of a desperate stranger—with love and betrayal, compassion and deceit...

What can I say about The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain other than it is a wonderful story full of mother's & daughters, friends & lovers, and long held secrets. I read A LOT and yet I found something very special in this book. The story invited me in, the characters welcomed me with their deepest thoughts, and the mystery of why one of three close friends kills herself unfolded before my eyes. The Midwife's Confession was such a pleasure to read. Almost immediately I was drawn into the story and I didn't put it down until I was done.

Tara, Emerson and Noelle are close friends, who've known each other since the beginning of college. The story begins with the suicide of Noelle, and opens with Noelle saying farewell to the world around her. When Emerson discovers Noelle dead, the investigation into why she would do something like that begins. What unfolds are long held secrets that will change the lives of the women left behind. And did I want to know what those secrets were, because after reading the first chapter I wanted to know why a person so appreciative of the world around her would say goodbye.

"Lifting her arm, she outlined the circle of the moon with her fingertip. Felt her eyes burn. I love you, world, she whispered.

I also enjoyed the way the novel was put together - Diane Chamberlain tells us the story through the voices of the main women in alternating chapters - Noelle, Tara, Emerson, plus a couple of others. The story unfolds as each woman puts forward a little piece of the puzzle. There is a satisfying twist at the end to boot. This would make a great book club selection too! Diane Chamberlain really touches on quite a few issues, including are we the sum of our actions or are we left to be defined by a single action.

If you enjoy stories involving women's friendships, a good mystery and good writing, this is the book for you! Book clubs make a note of this title too!

I want to thank the publisher for sending along a copy for review! I thoroughly enjoyed The Midwife's Confession! And, it's available from your local bookstore right now!