2 Bloggers 1 Series - Currant Creek Valley (Hope's Crossing #4)

 

Being the holiday month, Stormi and I decided to go with something "light" for a buddy read and we landed on the next installment of the Hope's Crossing series.  These books are pretty much quick reads for us, so it made total sense to work it into this crazy month.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Storm Reads and see what Stormi thought.

 

TITLE: Currant Creek Valley (Hope's Crossing #4)

AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne

PUBLISHER: HQN Books

PUBLISHING DATE: January 1, 2013

PAGES: 320   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: If you build it, love will come…to Hope's Crossing. 

Alexandra McKnight prefers a life of long workdays and short-term relationships, and she's found it in Hope's Crossing. A sous chef at the local ski resort, she's just been offered her dream job at an exclusive new restaurant being built in town. But when it comes to designing the kitchen, Alex finds herself getting up close and personal with construction foreman Sam Delgado…. 

At first glance, Sam seems perfect for Alex. He's big, tough, gorgeous—and in town for only a few weeks. But when Sam suddenly moves into a house down the road, Alex suspects that the devoted single father of a six-year-old boy wants more from her than she's willing to give. Now it's up to Sam to help Alex see that, no matter what happened in her past, together they can build something more meaningful in Hope's Crossing.

MY THOUGHTS: When I first started this series, I was looking for something similar in tastes to the Virgin River series.  While that will always remain a favorite to me, this series overall is similar in theme and quite enjoyable.

This installment focuses on Alex, a sibling to some of the characters featured in the prior books. Alex is a trained chef and is getting ready to open a new restaurant in Hope's Crossing backed by her sister's husband. This is finally Alex's opportunity to have her own kitchen.  When the contractor gets delayed, Brodie calls upon Sam, a professional he has used for jobs in another city, to come finish the job.  Sam is thrilled as he is looking for a quieter town where he and his son, 6-year-old Ethan to settle down. When Sam and Alex meet sparks fly.  However, both have some previous baggage to overcome and while Sam is willing to take a risk, Alex isn't.  Can Sam and Ethan change her mind.

I have to admit this is probably my least favorite of the series so far, but it was still good. I loved Sam and Ethan and enjoyed some of the side characters, especially the elderly lady Alex checks in on daily to provide food and assistance. Yet Alex was rather annoying and while her behaviors made sense in the end, I wish I had an idea earlier what had happened to make her such a player with the men in her life. Also, early on in the book, Alex finds a stray chocolate lab she names Leo running loose in town.  She takes the dog in and tries to find his owners but has no luck.  Leo plays a pretty big role in the majority of the book, which was a pleasant surprise and let's be honest, definitely bumped my rating up a star/paw.  

There are four more books in this series and I'm hoping I can conclude this series in 2026.  They are great to throw in here and there among some of my heavier, darker reads and I look forward to picking them up.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS (because of Leo)

Feed Your TBR - Eminence Front

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

January 20, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: A winter storm ravages a small community in New England, but the residents of one street are unprepared for what the snow an ancient curse, an entity that knows both their sins and their regrets and will stop at nothing to consume what belongs to it.


When John Stephenson peers out of his window on a Tuesday morning, he sees nothing but clear, gray skies hovering above the houses on his staid suburban street, but the next 48 hours will prove to be a waking nightmare from which John and his neighbors cannot escape. As the first flakes fall, the whispering begins. A woman walking her dog leans into the sidewalk as though something buried beneath speaks to her. As the storm grows in ferocity, each of the residents hear the storm calling.


What it says, however, few may survive to repeat.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I love a good winter horror and with this one dropping in January, it seems like the perfect time to pick it up.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

This Author Accomplished an Amazing Feat!

 

TITLE: The Meet-Poop

AUTHOR: Noelle Salazar

PUBLISHER: Noelle Salazar

PUBLISHING DATE: December 2, 2025

PAGES: 322   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Shit happens… 

Supermodel Lior Flynn is at the top of her game: gorgeous, confident, and successful. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she finds herself growing tired of the constant media scrutiny and even more tired of men who only view her as arm candy. Yearning to travel the world's beautiful places rather than just pose in them, she's ready for a change and ready to make a real connection—if she can find the courage to take the first step. 

Bestselling novelist Graham Forrester is still reeling from the collapse of his marriage to a flashy socialite turned influencer and officially done with high-drama women. Trapped post-divorce in a house that no longer feels like home and tending to his beloved old dog Brontë who doesn't have long to live, he knows he's stuck in a desperate rut but has no idea how to get out. 

When Lior's designer sneaker hits a steaming pile of you-know-what from the sweet golden retriever at the end of Graham's leash, it's no meet-cute - in fact, it's a meet-poop. And every encounter after is somehow messier than the first, until a chance moment when both let their guards down and sparks fly. But can Lior trust Graham not to put her in a book and bolster his own fame? And can Graham trust that the drama of Lior's life won't derail his own?

MY THOUGHTS: If you've visited my blog much, you know I love my dogs.  Well, all dogs really.  And let's be honest, if a dog dies in a book, I usually automatically deduct a star (or a paw) from my rating.  However, Salazar manages to not only have the dog die (it's a spoiler right at the beginning and she even states if it bothers the reader, they can skip directly to chapter 28), but she does it in a way that makes me love this book even more.

Graham is an author working on his latest book. His best friend and 4-legged pal, Brontë, is also growing older and the vet has advised she is probably nearing the end of her life.  Graham wants nothing more to spend time with his dog and finish his novel.  While walking her one day, Brontë has an accident Graham doesn't realize. Along comes supermodel Lior, who steps in it.  Lior herself has just received some bad news and she ends up stepping in it.  She goes off on Graham (but not Brontë) and Graham and soon becomes the topic of Graham's latest editorial for a nation-wide newspaper. 

Once the article publishes, Lior realizes the man she accosted is actually one of her favorite authors.  They continue to cross paths in the city, bot accidentally and then conveniently arranged, and eventually find some sort of comfort in each other.  Lior, Graham and Brontë grow closer but both adults have baggage which prevent them from realizing how much their feelings are actually growing.  But Br may know.  After all, Lior is the only other person who has ever gotten a two-thump tail approval from Brontë.

This book had it all.  The title might imply it's a lighthearted rom-com, but the author tackles a lot of deeper topics - family trauma, friendships, loss, complicated family dynamics and lifestyle changes.  She also tackles losing a much-loved pet/family member.  I loved Brontë and the relationship she had with Graham and the community.  Even when she passed, it was covered with grace and from an author I'm betting has experienced this type of loss herself.  

Salazar didn't wrap Lior and Graham's story in a nice package with a pretty bow which I respected and enjoyed.  Both characters showed quite a bit of growth and development as the book progressed and the side characters added substance and added to the plot, never distracting from it. Of course, there is an upcoming release focusing on Lior's best friend who just happens to be a veterinarian and of course, I'm counting the days to read that one as well.  Don't ignore this book because the dog dies.  I never once regretted picking it up and loved reading Brontë (and Graham and Lior's) story.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

If I'm Told "Don't Go Into the Woods" You Can Bet I'm Listening!

 

TITLE: I'll Make a Spectacle of You

AUTHOR: Beatrice Winifred Iker

PUBLISHER: Run For It

PUBLISHING DATE: November 18, 2025

PAGES: 400   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Zora Robinson is an ambitious grad student at her dream program, the Appalachian Studies at Bricksbury university. When her thesis advisor suggests she research the local folklore about a beast roaming the woods surrounding campus, Zora finds a local population uneager to talk to an outsider. 

As she delves into the history of the beast, she uncovers a rumored secret society called the Keepers that has tenuous ties to the beast…and Bricksbury itself. Zora soon finds herself plagued by visions, and her grip on reality starts to slip as she struggles to uncover what is real and what is folklore. But when a student goes missing, Zora starts to wonder if the Keepers ever really disbanded. 

There’s something in the woods and it has its eyes on Zora.

MY THOUGHTS: I have to admit this book was slow going for a while.  In fact, it took me over three weeks to complete.  For some reason, it was one I would put down and not be pressed to pick back up.  However, I persevered and in the end was delighted with the journey, even if it was a slow one.

Zora has recently been accepted to Bricksbury University to complete her graduate studies.  She studies in the area of Appalachian folklore and its roots in the southern Black culture.  Zora's sister, whom she has been estranged from for many years due to something which happened when they were teens, teaches religious studies at the University.  Both of their passions collide when they find themselves attending the same conjuring-related activitis and shops.  It seems Bricksbury is protected by some entity that resides in the woods and just perhaps this entity has been demanding sacrifices in order to protect the University from outside dangers throughout the years. 

I really liked Zora and enjoyed seeing the dynamics play out with her sister Jazzmine.  The book is pretty much set in present times with interesting articles and diary entries thrown in between some chapters which illustrate the history of the HBCU's and the factitious Bricksbury University.  I found the folklore aspects really interesting and thought the author did a wonderful job of making the reader question Zora's reliability regarding what she was experiencing as it related to reality.  

I have to make a special comment about Zora's Rottweiler, Henry Louis.  Zora creates a mojo bag to mask his presence and permits him to live unseen by others on campus, where he is not permitted.  Henry Louis is a huge comfort to Zora throughout the book, and I am pleased to say, he is not harmed in any way (and yes, I did research this before starting the book).   

So, I guess my only real issue with I'll Make a Spectacle of You is the overall pacing.  Besides that, I found it an intriguing folkloric horror high on atmosphere and deep rooted in historical practices.  I'm so glad to have picked this up and will look for more from the author in the future.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Thrall

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

January 1, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: Lucy Easting has at last broken free from her grim home life and is ready to truly live. But her long-awaited new beginning at Rollins University isn’t what she expected. After attending the first campus party of the year, Lucy awakens the next day with a memory block…and two puncture marks on her neck.

She tries to piece together what happened that night, but every lead brings her to another dead end. Until she receives a handwritten note from the campus radio station, inviting her to call. When she does, the host’s soothing voice over the line confirms her worst fear, and the simplest explanation of what’s happening to her: she’s turning into a vampire.

Lucy teams up with the show’s host, who narrowly escaped an attack her sophomore year, and a beautiful archery champion who, while exactly Lucy’s type, is as likely to shoot her as kiss her. They believe their “friend with the cold hands” is responsible for the disappearance of several women in town, and they’ve been tracking him via the airwaves since long before Lucy arrived.

As the vampire’s sway over Lucy grows and his plans become clear, she realizes she must fight for a future of her own, or she may not have any future at all.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: The cover initially caught my eye and I'm always up for a vampire tale!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Question - Was Santa the Original Stalker?

 

TITLE: He Sees You When You're Sleeping

AUTHOR: Alta Hensley

PUBLISHER: Avon

PUBLISHING DATE: September 16, 2025

PAGES: 336   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: It’s the night before Christmas and I’m alone in the house… Popular jewelry influencer Chloe Hallman is steeling herself to spend another holiday on her own. Instead, she finds herself drawn to two different guys… a smoldering hot fan of her secret, seductive online persona, and a sexy fireman named Jack who looks out for her in their NYC neighborhood. 

She has no idea that I know her better than she knows herself. Her deepest secrets, her darkest desires—she's careful, but I’ve been watching, never leaving footprints in the snow outside her home. Jack was the first responder to the accident that stole a beautiful young woman's family two Christmases ago, and he's been quietly guarding her ever since. When Jack uncovers Chloe’s secret account, his obsession only grows. Both he and Chloe are drawn to the darkness that mirrors their own. 

She’s my Christmas wish come true. And I'm hers. She just doesn’t know it yet. Will Chloe’s Christmas be a tale of fiery passion...or a dangerous game with a man whose love knows no bounds?

MY THOUGHTS: Let me be honest.  I knew what I was in for when I grabbed this from my local library's "New Releases" shelf.  And I figured it would at least be a fun and entertaining ride.  I wasn't wrong but it left me with a few questions.  Especially the one I already asked - was Santa the original stalker?

Chloe is an influencer for a popular jewelry company.  It pays most of her bills and allows her to maintain the house she inherited when her parents were killed in a car accident.  She also has a side job doing photography and posts for a more edgy indie designer.  What neither know, is that on certain nights, Chloe can be found on a dark and steamy site where she is basically a "cam girl."  This side escapade can definitely cost her the more lucrative job.

Jack is a fireman who was on call the night Chloe and her parents crashed.  He held her while more help arrived and her parents died.  However, Chloe doesn't recall any of that.  Since then, Jack has been stalking Chloe, wanting to assure she is safe and doing well (yea right mister!).  He secretly hangs up Christmas lights, shovels her sidewalks, and might have taken advantage of her elderly neighbor in order to install a nanny-cam in her bedroom.  

Chloe and Jack eventually meet, and their attraction takes off.  However, worried in concerned Jack is too "vanilla" for her.  Also, Jack is worried Chloe will never want to see him again once she learns what he has been doing.  Oh, and also figures out she is the "Winter Watcher" she has been interacting with on-line.  

So, I actually liked Chloe as a MC.  I liked that she had a pretty decent back story and quite a bit of character development considering the genre of this book.  I sort of liked Jack.  I mean, he was pretty cool - for a stalker, I guess.  Jack is a nice guy and helps out the neighborhood a lot, so I suppose he has a good heart, even if it is dark and twisty. This book heads just where you think it might and if you are interested in that, then I would definitely recommend it.  I found it fun and entertaining which was just what I was looking for over Thanksgiving break, and I might have already downloaded the sequel on Kindle Unlimited.  I mean come on, I need to get my money's worth out of that subscription somehow, right?

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Buried by Books #9

 

It's time for another addition of what books, sometimes weird and out-of-norm for the blog, I've put on hold with Libby or added to my KU possibility list.  One of my resolutions in 2026 is to get my money out of KU each month so who knows, you might see some of these reviewed in the new year! Oh, and I also have a Hoopla Wish List (TBR) going of sorts so I'm going to break today's posts into three categories.

LIBBY

The Dollmakers: Lynn Buchanan - I feel like this has been on my list forever, but I am still really interested in it.

Dreams: The Many Lives of Fleetwood Mac: Mark Blake - I ADORE Stevie Nicks and will get to this sometime.  I may even add the hard copy to my Christmas list.

Greenteeth: Molly O'Neill - I've seen some wonderful reviews of this one and it sound just odd enough to work for me.

HOOPLA

The Inheritance (Breach Wars #1): Ilona Andrews - I love this author duo and this one is fairly new. Doesn't hurt that there is an animal sidekick in the form of a German Shepard named Bear.

Playlist of the Damned: Edited by Jess Landry - A dark and weird anthology focusing on music and horror. Say no more.

Serial Killer Support Group: Saratoga Schaefer - I still need to read Grady Hendrix's take on this as well.

KINDLE UNLIMITED

Her Solstice Vampire: Monica Corwin - This one doesn't release until Christmas day but who knows, maybe I will want some vampires to spice up my Christmas.

The Christmas Leprechaun: Tiffany Royster - Another holiday horror.

Wormfood: Jeff Jacobson - There are no words (and apparently Goodreads agrees because they have no synopsis).

Have you read any of these?  Where would you start?