There's never a time that is too off center for a heart warming story filled with wonderful characters that takes place in a town like Morgan's Grove. I was captivated by the passages as the author described the town square and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. I wanted to traverse the town shops, the covered bridge, the mansion, and the library. I wanted to meet Lucille, her darling little corgis, and the mysterious Rick with the heart of gold. I wanted to make the acquaintance of the sisters that run The Pit, converse with all the locals, and sample some of that delicious sounding gingerbread!

In short, I loved my time in this town and getting to know everyone from start to finish was definitely something that memories are made of. If you're a Women's Fiction or Sweet Romance fan (or even a Hallmark movie fan!), make the trek to Morgan's Grove for your next reading escape.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own ( )

*Thank you to Traci Borum for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest and unbiased Review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Today we have a more realistic romance novel, Love Starts Here about Jill, a successful mystery writer facing writer's block. Under the guise of a writing assignment, Jill is sucked into the small Texas town of Morgan's Grove. Here she discovers unknown family roots. As the townspeople welcome her as one of their own and the new found connection of her family's past, Jill starts to grow. Is it enough to get her out of her rut or does she need more? Like the hunky grandson Rick Wright?

Can I just say that it is so refreshing to read a romance where you can actually read about the characters falling in love rather than it being instant? I'm not completely against the love at first sight cliche, but I feel that nowadays its just a way to give lazy writers an excuse not to have to write about real love. Okay, that may be a bit too harsh but Borum just does it so effortlessly.

It was also refreshing for the characters to be civil to each other. I like a good enemies to lovers trope it seems as if it has just been too overused. Another serendipitous surprise was that I liked all the characters. Jill did frustrate me towards the end of the book with her insecurities, but it was a good kind of frustration (if that makes any sense). Rick was such a sweetheart, that I don't blame Jill for falling in love with him, I pretty much did (Don't tell me husband!).

My Favorite character by far, besides the corgis George and Gracie, was Lucille. She was just so cute and heartwarming, Not some meddling granny whose sole purpose was to just push the romance between Jill and Rick. She felt real, fleshed out, as if she was also a main character.

There were just a couple of things that did frustrate me, such as the small conflict that arose with Jill writing her article, but choosing to not tell anyone. It seemed a bit unnecessary, but at least Borum didn't drag it out. Another thing is Jill's relationship with her mother, it's obvious that she has some lingering childhood (and Adulthood) issues about her mother's flighty ways that I was hoping to see something. Either a conflict or at the very least a conversation but we got neither. This is a series so I do hope we can explore this further going into the next books. Overall, I loved the book, and if you are in the mood to experience real romance and to feel good this is your book. ( )

I received the digital copy of this book from the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.

Jill McCallister is an author with several successful books published. She lives in Colorado with her roommate Lindsey who occupies her time with boyfriend Charlie. When Jill faces writer’s block for 4 months she turns to her college roommate, Miranda Jenkins, who runs an online magazine. She thinks doing some freelance work might help provide some inspiration.

Miranda gives her an assignment just before Christmas to research the latest trends with genealogy which takes Jill to Texas where she discovers her own family history. Initially skeptical Jill decides she does need a break and learning about her father’s ancestry piqued her interest. Her fascination increases when she discovers a link to Alfred J. Stout who made billions in the textile industry in NYC before building a mansion in Texas for his wife. He eventually buys the surrounding area and names the town after his daughter Morgan.

Once in Morgan’s Grove, Jill can’t help but be amazed by the quaint friendly atmosphere. Even a mix up with her B&B reservation turns into a pleasant experience when Mrs. Haversham refers her to Lucille Wright. Apparently, Lucille has been considering renting out to a border and happily invites Jill to stay. Lucille is a wealth of information regarding the town’s history and soon discovers Jill link to the founders. Jill is elated with her good fortune as there seems to be plenty of information for her article.

Since Lucille’s beloved Frank passed away her grandson Rick visits often from CA. He happens to make a surprise visit before the holidays much to Lucille’s delight. It takes some time but soon Jill finds herself spending time with Rick helping his grandmother and her two corgis, George and Gracie. There is a friendly cast of characters which are more than eager to help the well-known author discover more about her family.

This is a wonderful start to a series set in Morgan’s Grove. It sounds like a place you would want to visit and feel comfortable.
( )

If you love squishy romance, this is a good one for you. ( )

I received the digital copy of this book from the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.

Jill McCallister is an author with several successful books published. She lives in Colorado with her roommate Lindsey who occupies her time with boyfriend Charlie. When Jill faces writer’s block for 4 months she turns to her college roommate, Miranda Jenkins, who runs an online magazine. She thinks doing some freelance work might help provide some inspiration.

Miranda gives her an assignment just before Christmas to research the latest trends with genealogy which takes Jill to Texas where she discovers her own family history. Initially skeptical Jill decides she does need a break and learning about her father’s ancestry piqued her interest. Her fascination increases when she discovers a link to Alfred J. Stout who made billions in the textile industry in NYC before building a mansion in Texas for his wife. He eventually buys the surrounding area and names the town after his daughter Morgan.

Once in Morgan’s Grove, Jill can’t help but be amazed by the quaint friendly atmosphere. Even a mix up with her B&B reservation turns into a pleasant experience when Mrs. Haversham refers her to Lucille Wright. Apparently, Lucille has been considering renting out to a border and happily invites Jill to stay. Lucille is a wealth of information regarding the town’s history and soon discovers Jill link to the founders. Jill is elated with her good fortune as there seems to be plenty of information for her article.

Since Lucille’s beloved Frank passed away her grandson Rick visits often from CA. He happens to make a surprise visit before the holidays much to Lucille’s delight. It takes some time but soon Jill finds herself spending time with Rick helping his grandmother and her two corgis, George and Gracie. There is a friendly cast of characters which are more than eager to help the well-known author discover more about her family.

This is a wonderful start to a series set in Morgan’s Grove. It sounds like a place you would want to visit and feel comfortable. ( )