Review: The Lodge on Holly Road by Sheila Roberts

Sheila Does it Again!

Once again, one of my favorite authors doesn’t disappoint with her latest novel, The Lodge on Holly Road. The latest in the Life in Icicle Falls Series, as well as her latest holiday read, this time we follow Olivia Wallace and her two sons and get a peek at life at her B&B in the mythical tourist town of Icicle Falls. This time we get to see a typical Christmas celebration at the Lodge and two special families that converge on Icicle Falls for Christmas. Sheila pulls out all the stops for a fun-filled celebration that is reminiscent of Steel Magnolias and Beaches…tears of sorrow one minute, tears of laughter and frivolity the next. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to get through a Sheila Robert’s title without crying.

For Writers: If you’re a writer and considering a series, I would highly recommend Sheila’s Life in Icicle Falls series. Even though they are written and things happen in a chronological order, you can read each title separately and catch up later. For example, The Lodge on Holly Road mentions the Chocolate Festival that happens every Valentines Day. Even if you haven’t read Better Than Chocolate yet, you can go back read that after and learn about how the Samantha Sterling brought about the annual Chocolate Festival.

P.S. Although Muriel Sterling’s books didn’t play a large role in this title, I am still waiting for Sheila to publish them, as Muriel Sterling, of course!

As a member of Sheila’s street team, I did receive an ARC of this title.

Review: The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

I am taking a break from m/m romance today and talking about my friend, Sheila Roberts’, new book, The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane. I truly call Sheila a friend, she’s been a mentor for me for a few years as I have worked on my own novels. I even got to meet her last year when she was in Kansas City for the Romantic Times reader’s convention in May.

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane once again takes us to Icicle Falls, an idyllic town in the mountains of Washington State. This is the fourth or fifth book that take takes place there, part of Sheila’s life in Icicle Falls series. I was first introduced to the town and it’s inhabitants after reading Better than Chocolate. This story is also about the Sterling sisters and Bailey’s return to life in Icicle Falls after a horrible publicity stunt left her practically bankrupt in Los Angeles.

When Bailey returns, her and her sister Cecily, become interested in the same man for the different reasons. What is so wonderful about Sheila’s stories and writing is that Cecily and Bailey could be any two sisters, siblings, cousins, best friends, fighting over the same person. I think deep down inside we’re all looking for love and that’s what makes us so crazy in that dating stage. We’ve all been afraid someone was going to take our man. But the great thing about The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is that it begs the question, so if someone did take your man, is he the one meant for me?

Another thing I love about The Life in Icicle Falls series is the wisdom provided by town author and Sterling family matriarch, Muriel Sterling. The theme with this book is starting over, which is why Bailey returns to Icicle Falls to begin with.

For writers: Every book I read, I always try to glean a lesson for my own writing. Sheila is the master of point of view, so if you’re trying to hone your POV skills, read Sheila’s books. She even wrote an m/f romance from the guy’s point of view, and did it beautifully. That’s what makes Tea Shop so good, you get to see the situation from everyone’s point of view and that creates tension and heightens the ebbs and flows of the plot.

I am a member of Sheila’s street team, so I received a copy of the book well before it was released. But I still have one question for Sheila, when are we going to see Muriel Sterling’s books available????

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge by Sheila Roberts

I just got done reading Sheila Robert’s latest novel, The Cottage on Juniper Ridge. Yet another story set in Icicle Falls, this time we meet Jen Heath and Stacey Thomas. Jen Heath reads a Muriel Sterling book on simplifying her life and that includes selling her Seattle condo and moving to Icicle Falls. Stacey is a long-time resident who turns simplifying her life into a business of matching people with the right gentle used and antique things.

Once again, Sheila comes through with a great story about women and their incredible group of friends banding together to work through life’s problems. And it’s set in the gorgeous backdrop of the little mountain community of Icicle Falls. My husband, Thomas, and I would love to run a b&b in the little Ozark mountain town of Eureka Springs, AR one day. I think that’s why I like these stories so much, because I see myself fitting in this little town and getting along with these characters so much.

I’m a member of Sheila’s street team, so I usually get the book before everyone else does. Maybe one day I’ll get one read and posted by the time it’s released? Thanks for letting me be involved, Sheila!

What She Wants

For my first review, I have chosen What She Wants, by Sheila Roberts.

What she wants is the story of Jonathan Templar and his poker buddies as they navigate their love lives, each man at a different point in their lives.  Yes, this is a romance, but with a twist:  the entire novel is told from the guys' points of view!  That's right, you're not left wondering, "What was this guy thinking?" because you know exactly what motivates each and everyone of the male characters.  This as a great light read from a different perspective. 

For Writers: 

Because I am also writer, I always read with the intent to learn something from the book I read.  With this book, writers can learn about taking a chance with POV.  Most romance novels are told from the perspective of the heroine.  This entire novel is told from the male characters points of view.  Writers, don't be afraid to try something new and write your story from a different perspective than what is expected for your genre.