Carla's Book Crush

More Than I Bargained For by Jessica Leigh Johnson
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As Anna and Daniel struggle to create the “perfect” Christmas for their loved ones, they may just discover that they’ve been going about it all wrong—and that true joy can’t be found on a store shelf.

On Black Friday, Anna McAllister has one job: secure this year’s most sought-after toy, the TeddyTab, for her niece for Christmas. When she loses the last one to a frustratingly handsome architect, she’s sure to be put on the naughty list for life. Will she be able to find another one before she ruins her niece’s chance at a merry Christmas?

Daniel Hawkins has struggled for almost two years to be both mother and father to his six-year-old daughter. Since his wife’s passing, he can’t seem to get Christmas right. When he learns that the coveted TeddyTab is the one thing his daughter wants for Christmas, he braves the cold on Black Friday morning and snatches the last one off the shelf.

Unfortunately, securing the bear means taking it from the first woman to stir his emotions since losing his wife. Guilt, not to mention those blue eyes, drives him to give the bear back, but unless he can find a way into Anna’s heart, nobody’s going to get what they want this year.

“Jessica Leigh Johnson’s writing voice is witty and snarky and endearing with spark-filled romantic tension, a sweet-but-never-preachy faith thread, and stellar comedic timing.”

Jingle Bells Rock & Roll by Evie Sterling
Series: Sweet Christmas Kisses – Book 1
Note: I was able to purchase the entire series for free
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This Christmas, in Blue Flag, New York, the jingle bells aren’t the only things rocking and rolling.

As a rock star topping the charts, I’m used to my life being a non-stop show.
But this Christmas, I’m trading stadium lights for twinkling stars in my hometown of Blue Flag, New York.

My parents’ quaint mountain bed and breakfast is a far cry from the Hollywood hills, but it’s exactly the escape I need.
Accompanying me on this yuletide retreat are two people who keep my world spinning: Bryn, my best friend and personal assistant, and her twin brother Kade—my silent, smoldering bodyguard who’s had my heart racing since our teen years.

Kade, a former Navy SEAL, is about as excited to return to Blue Flag as a snowman is to sunbathe. His usual stoic demeanor has turned downright frosty. But the temperature between us rises when a blizzard strands us at the inn, cutting off all communication.

Just as our silent night threatens to become something more, my ex-boyfriend makes a surprise appearance, turning our little Christmas getaway into a full-blown holiday rock opera.

With the storm outside and emotions swirling inside, this Christmas is shaping up to be anything but silent.
Will the season’s magic be enough to melt Kade’s icy exterior, or will this rockstar’s holiday hit all the wrong notes?

The Day He Left Town by Elana Johnson
Series: Hawthorne Harbor Romance – Book 1
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He’s waiting for a promotion to come through. She’s back in her hometown after a humiliating break-up. Can Tony and Cat make their second chance stick this time?

Anthony Herrin has never wanted to live in Hawthorne Harbor. He’s followed his older brothers into public service, but he’s anxious to get back into the Forest Service. He’s waiting for his final interview to be scheduled, so running into his high school and college girlfriend at the top of one of their favorite hikes…not in his plans.

The Forest Service separated Catherine Magleby from Tony once before, and while their hikes and mutual love of the outdoors begins to heal the wounds from her recent relationship failure, Cat’s not sure she should just follow Tony wherever he’s going.

She’s got a gypsy spirit too, and she’s not keen to stay in the small town where she grew up, but her heart is in no condition to be broken again.

Will Tony and Cat be able to work past the obstacles keeping them apart to find their off-beat brand of happily-ever-after?

Love, Austen by Britney M. Mills
Series: Love, Austen – Book 1
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A matchmaker who can’t commit, a jaded divorce lawyer, and a mutually beneficial business agreement.

Matchmaker Meg Austen is focused on one thing—finding the financial backing to create the app for her company, Love, Austen. When the investment firm tells her she needs a boyfriend to prove her faith in her matchmaking process, she fears her dreams might never become a reality. Sure, she can match up other people, but love for herself. She’s not interested.

Parker Matthews is determined to get the partnership left vacant by his father’s death. But when a colleague suggests having a girlfriend will increase his chances to get the partnership, he panics–he’s cut women out of his life completely after his last relationship and wouldn’t even know who to ask.

As they spend real time together, their fake feelings change. But when their fears about commitment resurface, can they find a way to work past them? Or will Meg and Parker have to find another way to get what they want while mending their broken hearts?

Her Best Match by  Tamie Dearen
Series: The Best Girls- Book 1
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Feisty, stubborn, and bored with life in Texas, she’s is about to get more than she bargained for.

In a sort of mid-life crisis, widow Anne Best heads to the Big Apple for a job interview, expecting no more than a few days adventure in New York City. Instead, she finds herself with a new job working for the most infuriating man she’s ever met.

Billionaire Steven Gherring is one of New York’s Most Eligible Bachelors, and he has every intention of staying that way. But Gram has other ideas. She’s on a not-so-secret campaign to find a wife for her grandson.

As fearless as she is clumsy, Anne tackles every challenge (including her new boss) enthusiastically, with two lone exceptions… public speaking and recognizing her own feelings.

Passions rise along with hemlines as Gram joins forces with Anne, a veteran matchmaker, to find the perfect match for Steven.

All I Want For Christmas by Tracey Mayhew
Series: Romance In The Lakes – Book 1
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Will Christmas be the only thing Jess finds herself falling in love with this festive season?

After a devastating loss tore her family apart, Jess Harrison left the lakeside village she calls home and hasn’t looked back. Three years on, she returns to help Holly Richards, her best friend and business partner, through her own rough patch and quickly finds herself falling back into village life as if she’s never been away.

But a chance meeting with a handsome stranger soon has Jess confronting her own ghosts of Christmases past and she finds herself accepting his offer to help her rediscover her Christmas spirit.

Can friendships, both old and new, help restore Jess’ faith in Christmas and will she find love along the way?

Goodbye, Magnolia  by Krista Noorman
Series: Cornerstone — Book 1
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Her biggest rival set up his photography studio blocks from hers. Will she make it through wedding season without losing her shop … or her heart?

Wedding photography is Maggie’s passion. The art of capturing a moment forever in time is magical to her, and she’s worked hard to become the best of the best. Week after week, she works with couples as they plan their happily ever afters, but she hasn’t been so lucky in love.

Behind the camera, it’s easy to hide from the pain and rejection of her past. The life she has made for herself is safe and predictable until the owner of a rival photography studio sets up shop in her small town and comes to her with an unexpected proposal. Suddenly, everything she has worked so hard to build is threatened and her simple, controlled life is thrown into chaos.

As she travels the state of Michigan photographing weddings, she struggles to keep her business afloat and the wall around her heart intact. But along the way, she could learn more about loyalty and love than she ever imagined.

Bankrupt Love by C.L. Rain
Series: Wishing Springs Romances
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Harper Francis had it all—a glamorous PR career, billionaire fiancé, and impeccable style worthy of a magazine cover. Her life was as perfectly curated as her walk-in closet. But when word of her fiancé’s financial misdeeds goes viral, Harper’s perfect life crumbles faster than a pair of cheap heels.

With creditors hounding her every step and her reputation in shreds, a desperate Harper decides to flee the paparazzi and the penalties. As she passes through the quaint town of Wishing Springs, her flight gets grounded when a parking mishap lands her in community service under Mark Boone, a gruff caterer she once snubbed who sees payback in her predicament.

Stuck as Mark’s assistant, prim Harper has to trade pearls for pots as she tries mastering catering chaos. Worse, as they work closely planning events, Harper discovers Mark’s gruff facade hides talents that stir more than culinary magic.

When her scandal-struck ex comes courting with a tempting offer, Harper must make a choice. Returning to her old life of wealth and luxury may cost her everything.

The Love List by Elana Johnson
Series: Hilton Head Island – Book 1
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Beatrice Callahan loves lists. Sometimes she even makes a to-do list of things she’s already done, just to go check, check, check and feel accomplished. So it’s easy to understand why, when her divorce is finally final and her ex is all moved out, Bea takes a cool, close look at her life…and makes a list.

It’s not exactly a bucket list.

It’s a love list.

Bea loves the outdoors, so she puts visit 10 National Parks on the list.

She loves animals, and on goes get a puppy.

She loves the beach, and she adds take a dream vacation to the list, and decides to do that one first. After all she’s been through and all she’s lost, she needs time to relax, rest, and reset.

On the first day she arrives in Hilton Head Island, she meets Grant Turner, the man whose house she’s renting for her fabulous beach vacation. He’s just there to make sure she settles in properly and has enough towels.

But when Bea asks for recommendations around the island, Grant quickly becomes her tour guide and then a friend and then…more than friends.

Bea turns to her lists when things get confusing and her love list morphs once again… Can she add fall in love at age 45 to the list and check it off?

Much Ado About Josie by  Lacy Williams 
Series: Sunny Ridge Montana – Book 2
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Mack has built a solitary life for himself as a railroad surveyor. The only person he can rely on is his brother and partner. But when his brother is gravely injured, Mack is forced to accept help from the lovely Josie and her sidekick Ruthie.

Josie is Mack’s opposite in every way. She’s a dreamer who has led a charmed life. She sees the good in people. She draws people in, makes them feel special.

Trapped on a mountain, surviving an avalanche, and exposure to the elements… being with Josie is the biggest risk of all. Because she makes Mack want things he’s never had before.

What are the latest additions to your Kindle library?

Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!