Margaret Ethridge

Reviewed by JoAnne
Review copy provided by Turquoise Morning Press
This was an anthology with summer as its theme. There were 8 stories by 7 different authors. I was surprised one author - Terry - contributed 2. I have read stories by Ethridge, Barrett and Terry before so it was nice to see them included. No stories played up the same angle so the book was an interesting read that kept my attention from the first. There was romance, laughter, lots of conflict and some tense moments but each was headed towards a happily ever after. My only regret was that the stories were way too short and several ended so abruptly it wasn't until I turned the page that I realized the story had concluded. The best part was each author also included an excerpt fromone of their books as well as some information about themselves after all the stories were told. My favorite story was Fireworks. I liked the chemistry between Lucy and Harrison which was apparent from the beginning. It was chick lit at its best with lots of romantic overtures and connections plus playfulness especially on Harrison's part. The Green House was my least favorite only because I didn't like the story line. To me it was very unrealistic that 5 women could do something criminal, not cause damage to other surrounding properties and that no one caught on that they were involved. There was also no romance which all the other stories did have. It just didn't seem to fit the theme. I do plan to read additional books by each of these authors.

Favorite Quotes:
Declarations of Dependence by Margaret Ethridge
Ellie sucked in a sharp breath and it rattled around in her chest, pinging her insides like a sandstorm. She wanted to blame the sun for the heat in her cheeks, but they both knew it was all him. And her. Them. Together. At least for a few days...

Best Friends by Suzanne Barrett
What do you wear to a luncheon where your best friend is going to tell you she's in love with your husband?

Retrieving Hope by Bobbye Terry
"Mr. Haverford?" She gasped. "Daddy sent you?
He doesn't know I'm even here."
He stared up at her. "He knows all right. He made me swear on a stack of invoices I wouldn't let anything happen to you. He believed you might have thoughts of ending it all."

Beach Towel by Grace Greene
"Why are you following me?"
"I'm not. Well, I did follow you to Emerald Isle, but it's a coincidence I saw you this morning and that I'm at Mike's for breakfast."
"Andrew sent you. You go back and tell him he's out of my life."
"He didn't send me."

Fireworks by Julie Anne Lindsey
"Water drinker," he repeated. "I'm keeping track of what I know about you. So far I know you talk to dolphins, prefer bare feet, have an angelic smile, you cruise alone and like water."
"You're very observant."

The Green House by Amie Denman
"I'm surprised that it hasn't fallen victim to some sort of accident over the years," said Julia thoughtfully. "I don't think anyone would be too surprised if something happened to an abandoned house like that."

Old Devil Moon by Bobbye Terry
His eyes narrowed, shaded by long pale lashes. "I'm not a shark. Though the thought of eating you is tempting."

Surf’s Up by Krista Ames
"No way." How in the world could he be that lucky?
He'd come all the way to Florida, not intending to meet anyone and found someone from the same town? "Okay, that's just too weird. I live in Traverse City too. How is that possible?"… (meer)

Reviewed by JoAnne
ebook provided by Turquoise Morning Press

This was a novel that surprised me with its depth at times and other times at the shallowness of the two main characters, especially Tracy. It was a little confusing how the author kept going back and forth to their earlier life and then the present especially when Tracy would go back to the past in her thoughts in a present day chapter. Tracy didn't seem happy from the beginning of their relationship but she always acquiesced and did what she thought others wanted her to do. When she finally had enough of losing who she was as a person (or so she thought) she lost it and made everyone's life around her miserable until she came to her senses towards the end of the book. She didn't want Sean anymore but wasn't willing to give him up by divorcing him either. What others would have thought was a good life with a loving husband, 3 good kids, family, friends, a nice house, a job she sometimes loved became a ball and chain to Tracy and never seemed to be enough especially when she thought of all the lists and plans she made over the years that went unfulfilled or didn't match her original timetable. How Sean put up with it as long as he did surprised me no end but at times it seemed his love for Tracy made him weak where it should have made him strong loving her as much as he did. It shook her up when she met Sean and Tom's dad at her mother in law's wake and found out the reason he left her and his kids all those years before. Her friend Maggie gave her an earful and also got Tracy to see her life differently than she was picturing it after Maggie heard how she was treating Sean. All in all this was an enjoyable read. It kept my attention through many twists and turns - some expected and others not. There was also laughter and some tears. I like the way the book ended but would have liked a few more chapters to see if Tracy and Sean could really get back the love that was buried so deeply by both of them. I haven't read books by this author before and would be interested in reading others.

Favorite Quote: "Not happy, contented. Happy sounded better. No, contented is better. Happy is fleeting. A new scarf or handbag makes you happy, at least, until you see another one Trust me, contented is much better because when you are content, you want for nothing else."

"Tracy sat back in the chair, her eyes still fixed on the screen, and let the words sink into her skin. Content. I want to be content. I want to want for nothing more. Happiness is a choice."

"Happy doesn't last. Happy can be too easy."… (meer)

Reviewed by: Stephanie O

The blurb from this book gives you so much information. Before reading this book, I had only read one other book that was considered “romance” with a ghost in it. So, I kinda took this book as a challenge. Because there is NO WAY a second book of this type, could be hot . . right? I was so wrong. This book was scorching. I picked it up and found myself unable to put it down. I honestly do not want to give a single piece of this story away. So let me say this: this book is going to have you seeing ghost in a whole new light. No more translucent, sheet covered, chain carrying, hovering in the air beings. We’re talking Mohawk sporting, black nails, with rocker band t-shirts . . you know, the type your mother warned you about?!

A great book that packs a punch and when you finish, you may just find yourself flicking on the lights trying to find your own Frank.

http://www.romancing-the-book.com/2011/10/review-paramour-by-margaret-ethridge.h...… (meer)