V. Joy Palmer: romcom

Showing posts with label romcom. Show all posts

Friday, January 19, 2024

Review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

About the Book ~

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

For more information about Sarah Monzon and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is every bit as heartwarming as the title suggests!

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had the same vibes as watching a Christmas episode of The Office -- perfect no matter the season! And I am here. for. it! I loved the office environment and all those coworker dynamics. From Mackenzie and Jeremy's POVs all the way to characters we don't get to spend a lot of time with, each character was uniquely quirky, flawed, and endearing. The festive competition was a fresh take on a beloved trope, and the heart behind the different aspects of the competition made it all the more engaging.

I enjoyed the spiritual themes explored in Mackenzie and Jeremy's story! From not strangling your life with your own plans all the way to dismantling the religious stigma around mental health, these struggles are oh-so-relatable and so very needed in fiction. Even the thoughtful balance of weight and humor aided the impact of their healing truths.

Five Stars ~ All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a fun story to enjoy all year long! All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Friday, December 15, 2023

Review of Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet

About the Book ~

Samuel was back. It seemed unfair to be blindsided. And in church no less. Shouldn't there be a commandment about that? Thou shalt not step foot inside thy ex's place of worship.

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and has high hopes for a fresh start after the last decade of her life abruptly left her a young widow and a single mom. With both her boys off to college, she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business. Julia is ready for new beginnings--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who shattered her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to avoid him if she wants any chance of preventing history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend keeps throwing them together. And now it seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist.

For more information about Rebekah Millet and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I love me some romcoms with fun twists, and Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet did not disappoint in the delivery of this!

Julia Monroe Begins Again was such a fun, unique story! I loved that the author wrote to a need in Christian fiction, specifically older heroes and heroines! I loved Julia's relatability from the snarky internal monologue to the stretch marks -- I'm looking at you, my dear children. I also really enjoyed the New Orleans setting. The author's familiarity with New Orleans danced across the page, never once hinting at info dumping or superiority. As a result, the author's love for the area made me feel at home in this little corner of the world.

Most of all, I loved that the author separated out Julia's forgiveness from whether or not Julia could trust Samuel again. I find that these are often conflated as the same thing, so it was refreshing to see these topics actually handled as the separate entities that they are and were. Truthfully, this approach made Julia's conclusion not to make decisions from a place of fear all the more organic and resonating!

Five Stars ~ Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet is a fun and fresh debut! It's the first book in the author's series, Beignets for Two. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Book Three Cover Reveal!!!

That's right! It's time for the COVER REVEAL of Kaylee's story!!!

If you participated in the cover survey in my last newsletter, thank you again! I am so incredibly thankful for each vote and comment! You guys rock!

You'll remember from that newsletter that I was on the cusp of a Vizzini breakdown over this particular detail, so the awesome team at WhiteFire Publishing proposed the idea of a survey. You know, to put me out of my misery. LOL!

Based on the votes and comments, you guys were just as split as we were! However, a majority vote eventually took shape, and almost twice as many votes to this dramatic, gorgeous redirection.

To all my fellow OCD people, I know. Really. I know. But trust me when I say that this cover is perfect on every. single. level. for Kaylee's long-awaited story.

Are you ready?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
How about now?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Am I annoying you yet?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TA-DAH!!!

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material.

Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he’s in need of new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

Available November 2020!

As you can see, the cover to Kaylee's story is STUNNINNG!!! While I love every single detail, I think my favorite part is the microphone.

Because that microphone is a piece of my heart.

I sing. I sang for a long time, and I've started singing again. While I'm definitely an amateur, those of you who've been with me since the beginning may recall that I started writing songs before I dove into stories. I plotted Kaylee and Gabe's story at a time in my life when I had closed the door on singing. For good, I thought.

God knew differently.

You guys...the journey MY life took while writing Kaylee and Gabe's story is incredible, and the journey Kaylee and Gabe's story took is incredible! I can't wait to share it with you this coming November! For now, I hope you enjoy the fun snippet below!

Sneak Peak ~

“I need a singer. For my band.”

I blink. I would have expected some vague encouragement or referring me to a friend of a friend. But asking me to sing in his band? I at least expected something legit.

“I’m not in high school anymore, Gabe. I’ve got nine years of wrinkles around my eyes to prove it. I need a real, grown-up job that can pay the bills and ensure that I don’t have to sell vital organs to keep a leaky roof over my head.”

“This would pay the bills.”

“A band?” I raise my eyebrows. “Do you have a record deal or something?”

“We’re a wedding band called All Yours. Trust me, it pays the bills and then some.”

“A wedding band?” I scoff. “Do you not see the irony in that?”

“I didn’t until you pointed it out right then, no.” Gabe at least has the decency to look sheepish.

I hate that his sheepish expression is still cute. It’s infuriating!

I stand up, scooping my shoes by the straps and dumping them into my purse. “I wish you a lifetime of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler moments with your wedding band and some other gullible sap, someone who still believes in the power of love or recently had a head injury. But that person won’t be me. So goodbye, Gabe. I’m sure we’ll meet again at the next most inopportune moment of my life.”

Thank you for celebrating another cover reveal with me! What is YOUR favorite detail? I would love to know!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Review of Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

About the Book ~

Get ready for a heaping helping of humor, romance, and second chances.

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show, To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum and is sent packing, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley. As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness...and maybe even love.

In the meantime, hide the knives.

For more information about Bethany Turner and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

There are not enough foodie words to describe how delectable Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner is!

Whether you're a brilliant culinary genius or someone who's simply proud that you've never melted a ceramic mug while microwaving a mug cake (ahem, that would be me...), we've all seen those cooking shows that draw you in with an unimaginable pairing like dragon fruit and octopus tentacles -- gag! -- but by the time the contestants' journeys conclude, you are emotionally invested in their happiness.

That is Hadley Beckett's Next Dish!

Max and Hadley's humorous, hate-to-love, second-chance story is a "signature dish" in fiction! The celebrity chef angle of the story allows you to step into the world of culinary royalty while also giving you a healthy serving of Nashville and a pinch of New York. As fun as the setting and supporting characters were, Max and Hadley's character growth are my favorite parts of the story! I loved how Max and Hadley each had to confront their public personas! This message will resonate on a heart level with readers, challenging them to look at what persona they're putting forth and when. Additionally, Max and Hadley had to confront misconceptions and fears individually. Max took a journey from believing in nothing to believing in something. A journey filled with mistakes and redemption and many second chances. A realistic journey. And Hadley had to decide if taking a chance on love was worth going through the worse, poorer, and sickness to get to all the good, wonderful, and blessed parts of love. And based on that epilogue, I'm pretty satisfied with her decision!

Five Stars ~ Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner is filled with delicious fun and savory truths! Hadley Beckett's Next Dish is a standalone, but the author has other wonderful stories in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Love and Other Mistakes Blog Tour and Review!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Love and Other Mistakes

Author: Jessica Kate

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Genre: Romantic Comedy

There’s a fine line between love and hate . . . And for the last seven years, Natalie Groves has hated Jeremy Walters.

Natalie Groves was meant for great things. But soon after her fiancé left, Natalie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly her grand plans evaporated . . . and God felt very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and an internship presents Natalie a chance at her destiny—but she needs a job to work around it. And the only offer available is worse than a life sentence. Her ex Jeremy, now back in town, is desperate for help with his infant son and troubled teenage niece, Lili. And Natalie may be just the one to help Jeremy . . . provided they don’t kill each other in the process.

When Jeremy and Natalie join forces, sparks fly. But will either of them get burned along the way?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Australian Jessica Kate is a sassy romance author and addict.

Her novels feature wit, snark and grit, and her StoryNerds podcast gives her a chance to nerd out with others about these ingredients in books, movies and TV.

She has a passion for garlic bread, theme parks and Batman.

Sign up to her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com to hear first about her books, including her upcoming novels Love and Other Mistakes and A Girl’s Guide to the Outback.

The StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

REVIEW

My Thoughts ~

Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is one of those wonderful stories where you get so much more than you were expecting!

Based on the book blurb, I expected a sizzling romance with lots of tension. I got that, but I also found engaging subplots that could be their own story, family drama, exposed secrets, and profound messages of forgiveness, our worth in God, and the faithful love of God! And all of this was layered with an ongoing M&M addiction and some deliciously sassy remarks!

Right?!! You're hooked now, LOL!

The story is told through Jem, Lili (Jem's teenage niece), and Natalie's perspectives. I loved the authentic way the author portrayed the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth and complication Lili's storyline added to the mix! And there was never a dull moment as that tangled web of secrets, drama, and betrayal started to unravel!

I want to note that if cancer or marital affairs are painful to you, these subplots could be triggering. However, I also want to note that the author handled these heartbreaking subjects in a way that realistically shows the the range of emotions that someone personally affected by these things would feel. Through Natalie, Jem, and Lili, the author shows how forgiveness is needed so that you and I can move on from the trauma. The characters also confronted the misconceptions they've developed about God from their own relationships with their fathers, from betrayal to doubting their own worth and ability to achieve anything to feeling like they needed to be perfect.

Five Stars ~ Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate has a lot of surprises and messages of profound truth packed between the pages! Love and Other Mistakes is the author's debut and a standalone. However, the characters for the author's next book -- A Girl's Guide to the Outback -- are introduced in Love and Other Mistakes!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Review of Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

About the Book ~

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things.

Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing.

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possible go wrong?

For more information about Bethany Turner and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I don't know if I'm crying because I loved Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner sooo much, or if I am mourning the fact that this wonderful story is over! I adored each and every word, but I hated that each word I read brought me closer to the end! And that ending! AMAZING! Yeah, I'm gushing, but "you had me at hello" Wooing Cadie McCaffrey! That is, if books can say hello...

In addition to the attempted recreation of rom-com moments that make the heart happy, a deep spiritual plot, and an abundance of laugh-out-loud lines, Will and Cadie are one of my favorite literary couples! They are dorky, funny, a little clueless, and so very relatable! Their struggles with desire, miscommunication, regret, guilt, and forgiveness are so real to the average reader. (And I'm with Cadie when it comes to sports stuff, LOL!)

But what makes this novel especially realistic is how the author wasn't afraid to approach some topics that Christians tend to want to avoid. Will and Cadie make a mistake in the story...yes, that mistake. The mistake isn't glorified, but it DOES happen. Yes, even to Christians. And I love that there's a grace-filled book in Christian Fiction that shows the struggle of regret, guilt, and forgiveness with this particular topic! As Cadie's bestie Darby says to her, we all mess up in different ways and do things we swore we'd never do, but we need to figure out how to move forward after the mistake. At it's heart, Wooing Cadie McCaffrey looks at the commitment to love someone after mistakes have been made and how to move forward knowing you are securely wrapped in God's unfailing love.

Five Stars ~ Simply put, Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner is one hundred percent amazing! This is a story filled with truth, grace, forgiveness, and perfectly-timed comedy interspersed with some of the most memorable rom-com moments in history! Wooing Cadie McCaffrey is a standalone, but I also highly recommend the author's debut novel, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased an additional copy, but I was not required to do this.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Release Day and GIVEAWAY!

Guys!!!!

IT'S RELEASE DAY!!!!!

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available NOW!!!

Yes, that's right! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is available now! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is an inspirational romantic comedy and written from a Christian worldview. It is the second novel in my contemporary romance series from WhiteFire Publishing and the sequel to Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations. However, it functions as a standalone, so you do NOT need to read my first book to enjoy this one. However, there are some jokes and things that will make you grin if you have! ;-)

Guys, I have been thinking about what to say for days... Something that conveys the epicness I'm feeling. Something new, something that I haven't already said. Something with WOW! factor. Something from my heart to yours.

For the last couple weeks, I have been so focused on my huge To-Do List and my nervousness - oh, the nervousness! - instead of resting in how happy and blessed I am that you want to read my stories!

Because I am so happy and so blessed!

And I'm going to rest in that joy now.

It's here! It's really here! This beautiful story of my heart is ready to travel through the world and find a home in readers' hearts. I poured so much heartache, hope, and love from my journey into Apryl and Chance's story. Through their story, Abba opened my heart to rediscovering my worth in Him, to Him. And while this story won't resonate with everyone, I know it will touch some. It's in God's hands now, and there's something beautifully freeing about that.

I hope you guys swoon at all my favorite parts. I hope you laugh and grin from ear to ear. I hope my pop culture references will make you think I'm the new (and shorter) Lorelai Gilmore. But most importantly, I hope you close the story with no doubt in your heart about your worth to our loving Father. <3

And now it's time for a giveaway!

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

There will be a US Giveaway and an International Giveaway with separate Rafflecopter sign-ups!

US Giveaway - A signed print copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, a custom Roaring Twenties Art Deco theme book sleeve from The Cozy Life on Etsy, and a hand-carved Reading Willow Tree Figurine!

International Giveaway - A digital copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations!

Both giveaways will close on March 1st, 2019, at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

The winners will be drawn within four days after the closing of the giveaway. If the winner(s) does not respond to my e-mail(s) within one week of notification, then a new winner(s) will be drawn in their place.

And may the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter the US Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter the International Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you guys so much! I am so honored that you follow me and read my stories. I am blessed!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.