QOTD: What kind of books do you like to read at the beach? . I'm a light hearted #romcom beach reader. . Such a great story about friendship and overcoming trauma. These women figure out their lives and show that you can forge new friendships as adults. Plus, I think I need to steal the idea of #Champagne Fridays! Popping bubbles to celebrate another week in the books. Women's fiction lovers should snatch this one up, perfect for the beach. . From #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery—a story of friends who become family, giving each other courage to start over… When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it's a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not. Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband's ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley's brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He's the first man to see past Bree's barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she's stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she's ever wanted? At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love. . #bookstagram #amreading #monday #mondaymotivation #photooftheday #susanmallery #boardwalkbookshop #bookshop #beach #beachreads #summer #beachvibes #bookish #bookstagrammer (at Columbus, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeehKG8vJHE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB by Susan Mallery

New #bookreview: THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB by Susan Mallery, 3 women w/ obstacles to overcome form a book club & life improves! A terrific read from one of my favorite #authors! #SusanMallery @harlequinbooks @canarystreetpress #womensfiction #bookstagram

CLICK TO PURCHASE From the publisher: The rules of summer book club are simple: No sad books No pressure Yessssss, wine! Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the…

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The Sister Effect : A Novel  by Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery’s newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story of Finley who is raising her niece because her long-addicted sister, Sloane, abandoned her. When Sloane reappears, eager to build a relationship with her daughter, Finley will struggle with forgiveness, the ties that bind a family together, and the fragility of trust.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom and her grandfather abandoned her and her sister Sloane when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules. Sloane went the other way. Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and damaged as ever, and wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been bruised once too often for her to trust easily. With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

Mallery, with wisdom, compassion and her trademark humor, explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole, in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

The Author: SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the Ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.

SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: @susanmallery Facebook: @susanmallery Instagram: @susanmallery Author website: https://www.susanmallery.com/

BUY LINKS: Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-sister-effect-susan-mallery/18611717?ean=9781335448644 B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sister-effect-susan-mallery/1141741087?ean=9781335448644 Books a Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Sister-Effect/Susan-Mallery/9781335448644?id=8318065423495 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1335448640?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1335448640

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

Finley McGowan loved her niece Aubrey with all her heart, but there was no avoiding the truth—Aubrey had not been born with tap dance talent. While the other eight-year-olds moved in perfect rhythm, Aubrey was just a half beat behind. Every time. Like a sharp, staccato echo as the song “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic played over the dance studio’s sound system.

Finley felt a few of the moms glance at her, as if gauging her reaction to Aubrey’s performance, but Finley only smiled and nodded along, filled with a fierce pride that Aubrey danced with enthusiasm and joy. If tap was going to be her life, then the rhythm thing would matter more, but Aubrey was still a kid and trying new things. So she wasn’t great at dance, or archery, or swimming—she was a sweet girl who had a big heart and a positive outlook on life. That was enough of a win for Finley. She could survive the jarring half-beat echo until her niece moved on to another activity.

The song ended and the adults gathered for the monthly update performance clapped. Aubrey rushed toward her aunt, arms outstretched for a big hug. Finley caught her and pulled her close.

“Excellent performance,” she said, smoothing the top of her head. “You weren’t nervous.”

“I know. I don’t get scared anymore. I really liked the song and the routine was fun to learn. Thank you for helping me practice.”

“Anytime.”

When Aubrey had first wanted to study tap, Finley had gone online to find instructions to build a small, homemade tap floor. They’d put it out in the garage, and hooked up a Bluetooth speaker. Every afternoon, before dinner, Finley had played “Counting Stars” and called out the steps so Aubrey could memorize her routine. Next week the dance students would get a new routine and new song, and the process would start all over again. Finley really hoped the new music wouldn’t be annoying—given that she was going to have to listen to it three or four hundred times over the next few weeks.

They walked to the cubbies, where Aubrey pulled a sweatshirt over her leotard, then traded tap shoes for rain boots. April in the Pacific Northwest meant gray, wet skies and cool temperatures. Finley made sure her niece had her backpack from school, then waved goodbye to the instructor before ushering Aubrey to her Subaru.

While her niece settled in the passenger side back seat, Finley put the backpack within arm’s reach. Inevitably, despite the short drive home, Aubrey would remember something she had to share and would go scrambling for it. Finley didn’t want a repeat of the time her niece had unfastened her seat belt and gone shimmying into the cargo area to dig out her perfect spelling test. Going sixty miles an hour down the freeway with an eight-year-old as a potential projectile had aged Finley twenty years.

“We got our history project,” Aubrey announced as Finley started the car. “We’re going to be working in teams to make a diorama of a local Native American tribe. There’s four of us in our group.” She paused dramatically. “Including Zoe!”

“Zoe red hair or Zoe black hair?”

Aubrey laughed. “Zoe black hair. If it had been Zoe red hair, my life would have been ruined forever.”

“Over a diorama? Shouldn’t your life be ruined over running out of ice cream or a rip in your favorite jacket?”

“Dioramas are important.” She paused. “And hard to spell. We’re going to pick our tribe tomorrow, then research them and decide on the diorama. I want to do totem poles. The different animals tell a story and I think that would be nice. Oliver wants a bear attacking a village, but Zoe is vegetarian and doesn’t want to see any blood.” Aubrey wrinkled her nose. “I eat meat and I wouldn’t want to see blood either. Harry agrees with me on the totems, but Zoe isn’t sure.”

“So much going on,” Finley said, not sure she could keep up with the third-grade diorama drama.

“I know. Could we stop at the cake store on the way home? For Grandma? She’s been sad.” Aubrey leaned forward as far as her seat belt would let her. “I don’t understand, though. I thought being on Broadway was a good thing.”

“It is.”

“So Grandma was a good teacher for her student. Why isn’t she happy?”

Finley wondered how to distill the emotional complexity that was her mother in a few easy-to-understand concepts. No way she was getting into the fact that her mother had once wanted to be on Broadway herself, only to end up broke and the mother of two little girls. The best Molly had managed for her theater career was a few minor roles in traveling companies. Eventually motherhood and the need to be practical had whittled away her dream until it was only a distant memory. These days she taught theater at the local community college and gave intensive acting classes in her basement. It was the latter that had been the cause of her current depression.

“Her student wasn’t grateful for all Grandma did for her. When she got the big role, she didn’t call or text and she didn’t say thank you for all of Grandma’s hard work.”

Molly had not only found her student a place to stay, she’d worked her contacts to get the audition in the first place. Finley might not understand the drive to stand in front of an audience, pretending to be someone else, but if it was your thing, then at least act human when someone gave you a break.

Finley glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Aubrey’s eyes widen.

“You’re always supposed to say thank you.”

“I know.”

“Poor Grandma. We have to buy her cake. The little one with the sprinkles she likes.”

Finley held in a grin. “And maybe a chocolate one for you and me to share?”

“Oh, that would be very nice, but we could just get one for Grandma if you think that’s better.”

Finley was sure that Aubrey almost meant those last words. At least in the moment. Should she follow through and not buy a second small cake, her niece would be crushed. Brave, but crushed.

Nothing Bundt Cakes wasn’t on the way home, but it wasn’t that far out of the way. Finley headed along Bothell-Everett Highway until she reached Central Market, across from the library. She turned left and parked in front of the bakery. She and Aubrey walked inside.

Her niece rushed to the display. “Look, they have the confetti ones Grandma likes. They’re so pretty.”

The clerk smiled. “Can I help you?”

“A couple of the little cakes,” Finley told her. “A confetti and a chocolate, please.”

Aubrey shot her a grateful look, then tapped on the case. “Could we get a vanilla one? I see Mom on Saturday afternoon. I could take her a cake.”

The unpleasant reminder of Aubrey’s upcoming visitation had Finley clenching her jaw. She consciously relaxed as she said, “It’s only Wednesday. I don’t know if the cake will still be fresh.”

“Just keep it in the refrigerator,” the clerk told her. “They’re good for five days after purchase.”

Aubrey jumped in place, her enthusiasm making her clap loudly. “That’s enough time.” She counted off the days. “Thursday, Friday, Saturday. That’s only three days. Mom will love her little cake so much.” She pressed her hands together. “Vanilla is her favorite.”

Finley told herself that of course Aubrey cared about her mother. Most kids loved their parents, regardless of how irresponsible those parents might be. It was a biological thing. Sloane was doing better these days. Maybe this time she would stay sober and out of prison. Something Finley could wish for, but didn’t actual believe.

Finley nodded at the clerk. “We’ll take all three, please.”

Aubrey rushed toward her and wrapped her arms around her waist. “Thank you, Finley. For the cake and coming to my performance and helping me practice.”

“I seem to be stuck loving you, kid. I try not to, but you’re just so adorable. I can’t help myself.”

Aubrey laughed, looking up at her. Finley ignored how much her niece looked like Sloane—they had the same big blue eyes and full mouth, the same long curly hair. Aubrey was a pretty girl but like her mother, she would mature into a stunning woman one day, as had her grandmother Molly before her. Only Finley was ordinary—a simple seagull in a flock of exotic parrots.

Probably for the best, she told herself as she paid for the cakes. In her experience beautiful women were easily distracted by the attention they received. Little mattered more than adulation. Relationships were ignored or lost or damaged, a casualty of the greatness that was the beautiful woman. Finley, on the other hand, could totally focus on what was important—like raising her niece and making sure no one threatened her safety. Not even her own mother.

*

“What is it?” Jericho Ford stared at the picture on the tablet screen. The swirling tubes of metal twisted together in some kind of shape, but he had no idea what it was.

“The artist describes this creation as the manifestation of his idea of happiness,” Antonio offered helpfully.

“It looks like a warthog.”

“It’s art.”

“So a fancy warthog.”

“It’s on sale.”

“I don’t care if it’s left on the side of the road with a sign reading ‘free.’ It’s ugly and no.” Jericho looked at his friend. “Why would you show that to me?”

“You said you needed some pieces for your family room.”

“I meant a sofa and maybe a bigger television.”

“You could put this on the coffee table.”

“That’s where I put my beer and popcorn.” Jericho pointed to the tablet. “If you like it so much, you get it.”

Antonio’s brows rose. “Absolutely not. My house is all about midcentury modern these days.”

“The warthog isn’t midcentury enough?”

“No.” Antonio slapped the tablet closed and put it in his backpack before removing two gray subway tiles and setting them on Jericho’s desk. “I want to make a change in the kitchen backsplash for number eleven.”

Antonio pointed to the tile on the right. “This was the original choice. I like the shine and the texture, but I’ve been thinking it’s too blue.” He tapped the tile on the right. “This has more green and goes better with the darker cabinets in the island.”

Jericho loved his job. He built houses in the Seattle area, good-quality houses with high-end finishes and smart designs. They sourced local when possible, had a great reputation and frequently a waiting list for their new-construction builds. Castwell Park—the five-plus acres he’d bought in Kirkland, Washington—had been subdivided into twenty oversized lots where Ford Construction was in the process of building luxury houses.

Jericho enjoyed the entire building process—from clearing the land to handing over the keys to the new owners. While he’d rather be doing something physical with his days, he was the site manager and owner, and all decisions flowed through him. Including tile changes suggested by his best friend and the project’s interior designer.

“Those tiles are the same color,” Jericho said flatly.

Antonio grimaced. “They’re not. This one—”

“Has more blue. Yes, you said.”

He grabbed the tiles and walked out of the large construction trailer set up across the street from the entrance to Castwell Park. He’d made a deal with the owners of the empty lot to rent the space while construction was underway. When his crew finished the twentieth home, he was going to build one for the lot’s owner. Jericho didn’t, as a rule, build one-offs, but it had been the price of getting a perfect location for the construction trailer, so he’d made an exception.

Once out in the natural light, he rocked the two tiles back and forth, looking for a color difference. Okay, sure, one was a little bluer, but he doubted five people in a hundred would notice. Still, Antonio’s design ideas were a big reason for the company’s success. He had a way of taking a hot trend and making it timeless.

“Email me the change authorization and I’ll okay it,” Jericho said, handing back the tiles.

“I knew you’d agree. These will make all the difference.”

“No more changes on house eleven or twelve,” he said, leading the way back inside the trailer. “The designs are locked in and we’ve placed all our orders.”

“I know. This is the last one.” Antonio smiled. “Besides, I’ve already checked with the distributor and she said it was no problem to substitute one for the other.” He settled in the chair by Jericho’s desk. “Dennis and I were talking about you last night.”

“That never means good things for me.”

Antonio dismissed the comment with a wave. “We’re inviting a woman to our next party.”

Jericho knew exactly what his friend meant but decided to pretend he didn’t. “You usually have women at your parties.”

“A woman for you.”

“No.”

Antonio leaned toward him. “It’s time. You and Lauren split up nearly seven months ago. I know you’re still pissed at your brother, but that’s separate from getting over your ex-wife. They cheated, they’re hideous people and we hate them, but it’s time for you to move on.”

Antonio had always had a gift for the quick recap, Jericho thought, appreciating his ability to distill the shock of finding out his wife and his younger brother were having an affair and the subsequent divorce into a single sentence.

“I’ve moved on,” Jericho told him.

“You’re not dating. Worse, you’re not picking up women in bars and sleeping with them.”

Jericho grinned. “When have I ever done that?”

“You’re a straight guy. Isn’t it a thing?”

“I hate it when you generalize about me because I’m straight.”

Antonio grinned. “Poor you.” His humor faded. “It’s time to stop pouting and move on with your life.”

“Hey, I don’t pout.”

“Fine, call it whatever you want. Lauren was a total bitch and I honestly don’t have words to describe what a shit Gil is for doing what he did. But you’re divorced, you claim to have moved on, so let’s see a little proof.” His mouth turned down. “I worry about you.”

“Thanks. I’m okay.”

Mostly. He hadn’t seen his brother in six months, which had made the holidays awkward. His family was small—just his mom, him and his brother, with Antonio as an adopted member. Gil’s affair with Lauren had rocked their family dynamics nearly as much as his father’s death eight years ago, shattering their small world. Their mother had taken Jericho’s side—at least at first. Lately she’d been making noises about a reconciliation. As Gil and Lauren were still a thing, he wasn’t ready to pull that particular trigger just yet.

“Dennis is a really good matchmaker,” Antonio murmured.

“Did I say no? I’m kind of sure I said no. I can get my own women.”

“Yes, but you won’t.”

“Now who’s pouting?”

The first five notes of “La Cucaracha” played outside, announcing the arrival of the food truck. Antonio’s face brightened.

“Lunchtime. You’re buying.”

“Somehow I’m always buying.”

“You’re the rich developer. I’m a struggling artist. It’s only fair.”

“You have a successful design business. And if that wasn’t enough, your husband is a partner at a fancy, high-priced law firm. You married money.”

Antonio laughed. “Wasn’t that smart of me?”

Jericho followed him out of the trailer. “You would have married him if he was broke and homeless. You love him.”

“I do and now we need to find someone for you to love. Not another redhead. That last one was a total disaster.”

“I’m not sure the failure of our marriage had anything to do with the color of her hair.”

“Maybe not, but why take the chance?”

Excerpted from The Sister Effect  by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2023 by Susan Mallery, Inc.. Published by Canary Street Press.

Currently Reading these 2 amazing books

#JoshandGemmaTheSecondTimeAround an ARC set to publish nxt month and #HomeSweetChristmas by the one and only #SusanMallery

Book Review: Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery  @susanmallery @HarlequinBooks

Book Review: Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery @susanmallery @HarlequinBooks

  Home Sweet Christmas Wishing Tree #2 by Susan Mallery Amazon  / B&N / GP/ Apple / BB With twinkling humor and heartfelt Christmas spirit, two friends find love in a town called Wishing Tree… Until Camryn Neff can return to her “real” life in Chicago, she’s in Wishing Tree to care for her twin sisters. She’s not looking for forever love, not here. But handsome hotelier Jake Crane is a…

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¡Hola a todos!😘 Como ya les comenté, el listado con las NOVEDADES DEL MES DE JULIO, ya se encuentra disponible en la página del blog. Encontrarán 62 propuestas de lectura, 60 del mes de julio y 2 rezagados del mes de junio. En el carrusel de imágenes, menciono las 13 novelas publicadas el día de hoy, 7 de julio, de las autoras: @belamarbel @tontosinolees @zahara.c.o @alysmarin_ @claudiacardozoautora @officialdaniellesteel @susanmallery @diana_gabaldon @vi_keeland @mariaacostaam #lauracambon @katherinepancolofficiel @virginiaflickescribe Si quieren ver el LISTADO COMPLETO, pueden visitar el blog (Link in BIO) ¡Feliz día y feliz lectura!🥰 #novelas #novelaromantica #literatura #libros #novedades #novedadesliterarias #novedadeseditoriales #librosrecomendados #blog #blogs #blogger #kindleunlimited #leoycomparto #kindle #blogmueroporloslibros #mueroporleer #lectura #bloggers #amazon #blogspot #autopublicaciones #instablog #instabloggers #bookgramers #lectores #escritores #escritoras #yoleoromántica #yoleoselecta (en Mexico City, Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cft98_qOgQl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

❤📚 #chasingperfect #read #love #susanmallery #foolsgoldseries #bookstagram #bookphotography #goodreads #pixaloop #edit #photography https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGb7HUAtkU/?igshid=moz1667x65xa

Happy Labor Day to everyone! I’m trying to soak up as much summer as I can & I’m still enjoying my summer reads! But hey, I enjoy reading no matter the season! Here’s a fun book about twin sisters I’m currently reading! Below is a summary from the publisher! . The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny... As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in? Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss. Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year! . Thank you so much @harlequinpublicityteam @harlequinbooks & @susanmallery for my copy! This book is available now, don’t miss it! How pretty is this book cover, at the pool, with my beautiful bag from @ruralaura :) Grab your copy anywhere books are sold & preserve that summer vibe! . #sponsored #susanmallery #authorsofinstagram #TheSummerOfSunshineAndMargot #harlequinpublicityteam #hqnbooks #summerreads #reading #instabl0gerz #igreads #bookstagram #bookshelf #bookish #ruralaura #booklove #bookmail #bookreview https://www.instagram.com/p/B15gR9rJpEq/?igshid=1x8zoq53lnkcw

앗싸!!! 찾았당!!! Susan Mallery님의 책을 수집하고 있거든요. 그런데 nbs서점에 없어서 수집 좀 힘들어요. 그래서 세일하는 서점에서 3개 찾았을 때 넘나 행복해요. 이제 작가님의 책은 4개 있어요 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 아직 많아요 ㅠㅠ 어디인지 잘 모르겠어요 ㅎ 계속 찾아볼께요 😊🤗📚 여러분도 이 책을 한번 읽어 보세요 😜 정말 읽을 만해요 ^^ 읽기 시작하면 그만하지 못할 정도로 재밌어요 ㅋㅋㅋ I collect #SusanMallery 's books but since it is not available at any NBS, its kinda hard to collect them all. I can usually find this at booksale but still I find it hard to look for the books. Try to read these books guys, it's fun and ahhhhhmmmm nakakakilig haha Once you start reading these, there is no way you'll stop from reading.. addicted hihi #books #bookstagram #책스타그램 #읽음 #christmason4thstreet #achristmasbride #someonelikeyou #susanmallerybooks #짱 #읽을만하다

The Boardwalk Bookshop: Book Review

Women's fiction lovers should snatch this one up, perfect for the beach reading. @susanmallery #booktwitter @harlequinbooks

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THE HAPPINESS PLAN by Susan Mallery   

New #bookreview: THE HAPPINESS PLAN by Susan Mallery, an unputdownable story of friendships and romance! @SusanMallery @HarperCollins #MIRA #womensfiction #domesticfiction #romance #summerread #beachread #unputdownable #mustread

CLICK TO PURCHASE From the publisher: A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!Three women search for joy in #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s new novel of hope, heartache, and the power of friendship. Heather is happy . . . ish. She has a successful business, a cute but contemptuous cat, and best friends Daphne and Tori who know where she’s broken and love her anyway. So why does she feel…

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HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS by Susan Mallery - EXCERPT

Book Summary: #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery's second book set in the small town of Wishing Tree, Washington is the witty and heartfelt story of two friends who expectedly find the person--and the place in which--they belong this Christmas, for fans of Elin Hildebrand, Robyn Carr, and Susan Wiggs. This small-town life wasn’t supposed to be for Camryn Neff. But after her mother died, Camryn moved home to Wishing Tree, Washington to care for her teenaged twin sisters and run the family wrapping paper business, Wrap Around the Clock. She loves her sisters and would do anything for them but, when they head off to college, she’s excited to move back to Chicago and restart her real life, completely attachment-free. So when a prospective client schedules a meeting and announces Project: Jake’s Bride, a plot to find a wife for her son, Camryn is completely disinterested. And when this client announces that Camryn is a candidate, she’s horrified. Being tied down is the last thing Camryn needs right now. She has no choice but to tell Jake what his mom is planning. But Camryn never expected to genuinely like him so much… River Best knows all about the danger of keeping secrets. After all, she’s had her heart broken and her world rocked by secrets a few times now and she won’t ever let it happen again. New to Wishing Tree and a little shy, River is looking to get involved in the community so she lets her friends talk her into running for Snow Queen, one of the town's honorary hosts of all Christmas events. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Tucker, her Snow King. As the season progresses, River starts to trust him more and more and wonders if he's the one. But little does River know that Dylan is keeping a secret from her, one that threatens everything between them.

The Author: SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as mom. Visit Susan online at www.susanmallery.com.

Author Website: https://www.susanmallery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanMallery Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmallery Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery

Buy Links: BookShop: https://bookshop.org/books/home-sweet-christmas-9781335449986/9781335449986 Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335934000_home-sweet-christmas.html     Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-sweet-christmas-susan-mallery/1140803095?ean=9781335934000 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Sweet-Christmas-Susan-Mallery/dp/1335934006/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OROAW8YH5DNX&keywords=home+sweet+christmas&qid=1664471578&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjM5IiwicXNhIjoiMS4yMSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMTUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=home+sweet+christmas%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Home-Sweet-Christmas/Susan-Mallery/9781335934000?id=8292090795540

EXCERPT:

One

“Your teeth are lovely, Camryn. Did you wear braces as a child?” Camryn Neff reminded herself that not only was the woman sitting across from her a very wealthy potential client, but also that her mother had raised her to be polite to her elders. Still, it took serious effort to keep from falling out of her chair at the weirdness of the question. “No. This is how they grew.” Hmm, that didn’t sound right, although to be honest, she didn’t have a lot of experience when a conversation turned dental. She refocused her mind to the meeting at hand. Not that she knew for sure why Helen Crane, leader of Wishing Tree society, such as it was, and sole owner of the very impressive Crane hotel empire, wanted to meet with her. The summons had come in the form of a handwritten note, inviting her to the large, sprawling estate on Grey Wolf Lake. Today at two. So here Camryn was, wearing a business suit that had been hanging in her closet for over a year. The dress code for Wishing Tree retail and the dress code for the job in finance she’d left back in Chicago were very different. While it had been fun to dust off her gorgeous boots and a silk blouse, and discover her skirts still fit, she was ready to get to the point of the invitation. “How can I help you, Mrs. Crane?” she asked. “Helen, please.” Camryn smiled. “Helen. I’m happy to host a wrapping party, either here or at the store. Or if you’d prefer, I can simply collect all your holiday gifts and wrap them for you.” She casually glanced around at the high ceilings of the sitting room. There was a massive fireplace, intricate molding and a view of the lake that, even with two feet of snow on the ground, was spectacular. And while there were lovely fall floral displays on several surfaces, there wasn’t a hint of Christmas to be found. Not in Wishing Tree, eight days before Thanksgiving. Those decorations didn’t appear until the Friday after. “I have some samples for custom wrapping paper,” she said, pulling out several sheets of paper from her leather briefcase. “The designs can be adjusted and the colors coordinated with what you have planned for this holiday season. Wrapped presents under a tree are such an elegant touch.” “You’re very thorough,” Helen murmured. “Impressive.” She made a note on a pad. “Are you married, dear?” “What?” Camryn clutched the wrapping paper samples. “No.” Helen nodded. “Your mother passed away last year, didn’t she?” A fist wrapped around Camryn’s heart. “Yes. In late October.” “I remember her. She was a lovely woman. You and your sisters must have been devastated.” That was one word for it, Camryn thought grimly, remembering how her life had been shattered by the loss. In the space of a few weeks, she’d gone from being a relatively carefree, engaged, happy junior executive in Chicago to the sole guardian for her twin sisters, all the while dealing with trying to keep Wrap Around the Clock, the family business, afloat. The first few months after her mother’s death were still a blur. She barely remembered anything about the holidays last year, save an unrelenting sadness. “This year the season will be so much happier,” Helen said firmly. “Victoria and Lily are thriving at school. Of course they still miss their mother, but they’re happy, healthy young adults.” The older woman smiled. “I know the teen years can be trying but I confess I quite enjoyed them with Jake.” Camryn frowned slightly. “How do you know about the twins?” she asked. Helen’s smile never faded. “It’s Wishing Tree, my dear. Everyone knows more than everyone else thinks. Now, you’re probably wondering why I invited you over today.” “To discuss wrapping paper?” Although even as Camryn voiced the question, she knew instinctively that was not the real reason. Helen Crane was close to sixty, with perfect posture and short, dark hair. Her gaze was direct, her clothes stylish. She looked as if she’d never wanted for anything and was very used to getting her way. “Of course you’ll take care of all my wrapping needs,” Helen said easily. “And I do like your idea of custom paper for faux presents under the tree. I’ll have my holiday decorator get in touch with you so you two can coordinate the design. But the real reason I asked you here is to talk about Jake.” Camryn was having a little trouble keeping up. The order for wrapping and the custom paper was great news, but why would Helen want to discuss her son? She knew who Jake was—everyone in town did. He was the handsome, successful heir to the Crane hotel fortune. He’d been the football captain in high school, had gone to Stanford. After learning the hotel business at the smaller Crane hotels, he was back in Wishing Tree, promoted to general manager of the largest, most luxurious of the properties. They’d never run in the same circles back when they’d been kids, in part because she was a few years younger. She’d been a lowly freshman while he’d been a popular senior. Her only real connection with Jake was the fact that he’d once been engaged to her friend Reggie. Helen sighed. “I’ve come to the conclusion that left to his own devices, Jake is never going to give me grandchildren. I lost my husband eighteen months ago, which has been very hard for me. It’s time for my son to get on with finding someone, getting married and having the grandchildren I deserve.” Well, that put the whole “did you wear braces” conversational gambit in perspective, Camryn thought, not sure if she should laugh or just plain feel sorry for Jake. His mother was a powerful woman. Camryn sure wouldn’t want to cross her. “I’m not sure what that has to do with me,” she admitted. Helen tapped her pad of paper. “I’ve come up with a plan. I’m calling it Project: Jake’s Bride. I’m going to find my son a wife and you’re a potential candidate.” Camryn heard all the words. Taken individually, she knew what Helen was saying. But when put together, in that exact way, the meaning completely escaped her. “I’m sorry, what?” “You’re pretty, you’re smart. You’ve done well at Wrap Around the Clock. You’re nurturing—look how you’ve cared for your baby sisters.” Helen smiled again. “I confess I do like the idea of instant grandchildren, so that’s a plus for you. There are other candidates, of course, but you’re definitely near the top of the list. All I need is confirmation from your gynecologist that you’re likely to be fertile and then we can get on with the business of you and Jake falling in love.” “You want to know if I’m fertile?” Camryn shoved the samples back in her briefcase and stood. “Mrs. Crane, I don’t know what century you think we’re living in, but this isn’t a conversation I’m going to have with you. My fertility is none of your business. Nor is my love life. If your plan is genuine, you need to rethink it. And while you’re doing that, you might want to make an appointment with your own doctor, because there’s absolutely something wrong with you.” Helen looked surprisingly unconcerned. “You’re right, Camryn. I apologize. Mentioning fertility was going a bit too far. You’re the first candidate I’ve spoken to, so I’m still finding my way through all this.” She wrote on her pad. “I won’t bring that up again. But as to the rest of it, seriously, what are your thoughts?” Camryn sank back on her chair. “Don’t do it. Meddling is one thing, but you’re talking about an actual campaign to find your son a bride. No. Just no. It’s likely to annoy him, and any woman who would participate in something like this isn’t anyone you want in your family.” Helen nodded slowly. “An interesting point. It’s just they make it look so easy on those reality shows.” “Nothing is real on those shows. The relationships don’t last. Jake’s going to find someone. Give him time.” “I’ve given him two years. I’m not getting younger, you know.” Her expression turned wistful. “And I do want grandchildren.” “Ask me on the right day and you can have the twins.” Helen laughed. “I wish that were true.” Her humor faded. “Do you know my son?” “Not really.” “We could start with a coffee date.” Camryn sighed. “Helen, seriously. This isn’t going to work. Let him get his own girl.” “He’s not. That’s the problem. All right, I can see I’m not going to convince you to be a willing participant. I appreciate your time.” She rose. “I meant what I said about the wrapping. I’ll arrange to have all my gifts taken to your store. And my holiday decorator will be in touch about the custom paper.” “Is the holiday decorator different from the regular decorator?” Camryn asked before she could stop herself. Helen chuckled. “Yes, she is. My regular decorator is temperamental and shudders at the thought of all that cheer and tradition. He came over close to Christmas a few years ago and nearly fainted when he saw the tree in the family room.” She leaned close and her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “It’s devoted to all the ornaments Jake made for me when he was little. There are plaster handprints and little stars made out of Popsicle sticks. My favorite is a tuna can with a tiny baby Jesus in the manger tucked inside. There’s bits of straw and a star.” She pressed both hands to her heart. “I tear up thinking about it.” Baby Jesus in a tuna can? Helen was one strange woman. Camryn collected her briefcase and followed Helen to the front door. Helen opened it, then looked at her. “You’re sure about not being a part of Project: Jake’s Bride?” “Yes. Very.” Camryn kept her tone firm, so there would be no misunderstanding. “A pity, but I respect your honesty.” Camryn walked to her SUV and put her briefcase in the backseat. Once she was behind the wheel, she glanced at the three-story house rising tall and proud against the snow and gray sky. The rich really were different, she told herself as she circled the driveway and headed for the main road. Different in a cray-cray kind of way. She turned left on North Ribbon Road. When she reached Cypress Highway, she started to turn right—the shortest way back to town. At the last minute, she went straight. Even as she drove north, she told herself it wasn’t her business. Maybe Jake knew about his mother’s plans. Maybe he supported them. Okay, not that, she thought, passing the outlet mall, then turning on Red Cedar Highway and heading up the mountain. She might not know Jake very well, but Reggie had dated him for months. Reggie was a sweetie who would never go out with a jerk. So Jake had to be a regular kind of guy, and regular guys didn’t approve of their mothers finding them wives. Besides, she doubted Jake needed any help in that department. He was tall, good-looking and really fit. She’d caught sight of him jogging past her store more than once and was willing to admit she’d stopped what she was doing to admire the view. He was also wealthy. Men like that didn’t need help getting dates. The sign for the resort came into view. She slowed for a second, then groaned as she drove up to the valet. Maybe she was making a mistake, but there was no way she couldn’t tell Jake what had just happened. It felt too much like not mentioning toilet paper stuck to someone’s shoe. If he already knew, then it would be a short conversation. If he didn’t care, then she would quietly think less of him and leave. If he was as horrified as she thought he might be, then she’d done her good deed for the week and yay her. Whatever the outcome, she would have done the right thing, which meant she would be able to sleep that night. Some days that was as good as it was going to get. Excerpted from Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery. Copyright © 2022 by Susan Mallery. Published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Indicação de Leitura ♥

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Olá pessoas, tudo bem? Hoje resolvi trazer para vocês um livro que me surpreendeu (e eu não sei porque, já que adoro os livros da Susan) e me deixou com o coração quentinho no final.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📙 Livro: As filhas da noiva - Como sobreviver ao casamento da sua mãe? ✍️ Autora: @susanmallery 📖 Editora: @harlequinbooksbrasil 📑 Páginas: 352 🌟 Nota: 4,5

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Um mesmo acontecimento no passado afetou a vida das irmãs Watson de formas muito diferentes, dando a cada uma uma perspectiva e sentimentos diferentes, afetando também o relacionamento com a mãe.

Sinopse: Courtney Watson é a irmã desajustada da família. Ela pode não ter uma vida tão organizada quanto a das irmãs, mas ela é excelente em uma coisa: guardar segredos. Inclusive sobre seu caso flamejante com um produtor musical. Planejar o casamento da própria mãe traz sua vida secreta à tona, mudando completamente a imagem que sua família tinha de Courtney para sempre.Quando o namorado de Siena, a irmã rebelde, a pede em casamento bem na frente de sua mãe e suas irmãs, é uma completa surpresa para ela. Siena já passou por dois noivados fracassados e desfeitos. Como ela pode aceitar se ela nem tem certeza que é isso que ela ainda quer?Rachel é a cínica da família. Ela acreditava que o amor duraria para sempre… até o seu divórcio. Enquanto o dia do casamento de sua mãe se aproxima, seu ex passa a implorar por uma segunda chance, e ela é forçada a reconhecer algumas verdades incômodas sobre os motivos pelos quais seu casamento não deu certo. Rachel precisa decidir se ela vai deixar o orgulho ficar no caminho do seu felizes para sempre.

~*~*~

É incrível ver o crescimento e amadurecimento de cada uma das irmãs. Como cada uma descobre como lidar com suas questões pessoais, como lidar umas com as outras e com a mãe.

Leitura é algo muito pessoal e isso é algo que eu acho muito interessante, mas o que me chamou a atenção nesse livro é que eu me identifiquei com partes de cada uma das irmãs, e também da mãe. Cada personagem mexeu comigo de uma forma diferente e eu amei a experiência de ler essa história, que é linda.

#asfilhasdanoiva  #susanmallery #harlequinbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/CI6V3aWDHB_/?igshid=1w73acnfkwf22

🌈happy Saturday, lovely friends. I have a few errands to run before easter vigil tonight, but just trying to stay hydrated and calm through it all 😌. What are you doing this weekend? Are you celebrating easter or Passover? • • 🙋🏻‍♀️tag! You’re wonderful! 😊 • • P.s. I’m kind of salty about this picture because I messed it up, but was too lazy to retake 😅 please no one mention the mishap if you see it 😂🙏🏼 • • #marquisdusoleil #pocahontas #awholenewworld #susanmallery #sarahdessen #alongfortheride #bookmark #bookmarks #book #bookish #bookishfeatures #booksandflowers #bibliophile #readingtime📖 #reading📖 #bookaddict #bookaholic #bookstagram #ireadya #yabooks #romance #romancenovels #ilovereading