Book Review: Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen's charm… 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this clean, fun romance.  It was refreshing to read a book with no sex or swearing.  The characters were funny and I loved reading about the boys and all the mischief they get themselves into!

Annette and her little brothers are sent to live with their very prim and proper, mean and abusive aunt after the death of their parents.  Annette made a promise to care for her brothers and she fully intends to keep that promise and protect them from their aunt's wrath.  The boys are young though and as the saying goes, "boys will be boys".  They are into all sorts of trouble all the time. 

Annette's aunt issues Annette and the boys an ultimatum.  They either go away to Kellaway Manor for the summer and learn to become proper gentlemen or the aunt will send the boys to the orphanage.  Annette hasn't been to Kellaway Manor since she was nine and her last visit there ended in her own mischief with the boy that lived there.  

Once there, Annette feels right at home, even though Owen Kellaway (the boy she met at age 9) is there as well and still appears to cause some mischief.  Owen promises to help make the boys into the gentlemen they need to be and Annette finds herself falling for him a little more every day.

This story has it all.  It has romance, humor and even a little mystery.  There are parts where I actually laughed out loud.  It was a very entertaining read that I wasn't able to put down!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review*

Book Review: Caitlyn's Christmas Wish by Laura L. Walker

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

 Just when former model and single mother Caitlyn Drevier Reel has finally put her life on track after a divorce and six-month stint in rehab, she is surprised to receive an invitation from her ex-in-laws to spend Christmas with the family. After all, she reasons, her ex-husband Grant is constantly on the road with his band and it's only fair to allow them to get to know her young son, Brody. What Caitlyn isn't prepared for, however, is the spark of attraction she feels toward Ridge, Grant's older brother, or the sense of belonging to their wonderful family once again. Ridge, who is recovering from his own personal heartache, seems to feel the same about her. As they work together to ensure the success of the Winter Festival his parents have organized for their small Wyoming town, Caitlyn begins to envision a bright future. But will Grant's unexpected arrival keep her Christmas wish from coming true? This inspirational novella will have you grabbing a cup of hot cocoa as you get in the holiday mood.

My Thoughts: 

Caitlyn's Christmas Wish is a short, sweet, Christmas story that leaves you feeling good when you finish it.  

Caitlyn is a former model who was once married to a famous country singer, Grant.  Caitlyn divorced Grant when she found out she was pregnant because Grant was selfish and addicted to drugs.  Caitlyn had her own problems with eating disorders and Grant's family supported her while she went to a rehab center.  Now Grant's family has asked Caitlyn to spend Christmas with them.  They want to see their eight-month old grandson, Brody and they don't expect that Grant will be around because, well, he never comes home for the holidays. 

Caitlyn takes the family up on their offer and heads to the town where Grant's father is the mayor.  Grant's family is in the middle of a Christmas festival that lasts a few days so Ridge, Grant's brother, is the one who meets up with Caitlyn when she arrives.  There is an immediate spark between the two and Ridge, although a little awkward with Brody, seems to enjoy him.  

Of course, a couple days later, Grant surprisingly shows up.  Grant is having some issues and needs to get back together with Caitlyn to solve those issues.  Caitlyn has (very quickly) fallen in love with Ridge and has no desire to get back together with Grant.  The family goes through some conflicts but the story ends leaving you feeling good and in the Christmas mood.

I really liked Caitlyn and Ridge.  This book is such a short and fast read that there had to be an instant attraction between Ridge and Caitlyn so I wasn't too annoyed with that like I usually am with instant romances.  Grant was a very childish and immature man that annoyed every part of me.  

Charles and Jacinda are Grant and Ridge's parents and I really liked how they put Grant in his place several times.  He is their son and they love him but they had no problem telling him that he was wrong in the past and that he wasn't going to be allowed to act like the entitled brat that he was acting like.  

The story was very clean.  There was romance and kissing but no sex or foul language.  The Reel's are a religious family who believe that the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas but it was pretty mild and not preachy at all.  

If you are looking for a feel good Christmas story that you can read quickly, because we all know how busy this time of year is, then pick up this book.