Dandelion Serenade by Lori Soard - Enchanting tale of second chances

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Lori Soard’s Dandelion Serenade, the second novella in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, is a quietly enchanting story that blooms with emotional depth and nostalgic charm.

About the Book: Dandelion Serenade 

Perfect pacing guides the reader through a tale of second chances and rekindled romance, as childhood friends Lauren Juniper and Nathan Brickner are reunited by the fate of a beloved landmark: an old stone bridge. Nathan, now a bridge engineer, returns with plans to replace the structure; to Lauren, that bridge is woven into her family’s history and the fabric of the town itself.

 

But the bridge isn’t the only thing in need of repair. Years earlier, Nathan broke Lauren’s heart when he left Dogwood Creek after high school, chasing a future that didn’t include her. Lauren carries a quiet unforgiveness, her heart still bruised from his departure. Nathan, on the other hand, has spent years believing he must achieve and prove himself worthy, to his family, his community, and perhaps most of all, to Lauren. These personal battles make their reunion bittersweet and layered, turning a simple homecoming into a journey of grace and healing.

 

BookHookup Book Review: Dandelion Serenade 

What makes this novella truly memorable are its likable, flawed, and relatable characters. In just a short span, Soard gives readers people who feel real, woven with longing, regrets, and a yearning for belonging. Lauren’s tension between preserving memory and embracing the future, and Nathan’s pull toward progress and self-worth, echo conflicted hearts we all understand.

Underlying it all is a delicate, symbolic thread of the dandelion, woven through the plot and imagery like a whispered wish. From childhood “dandelion wishes” to a statue in the garden at the end, of a figure holding a dandelion gone to seed—this motif resonates. Is the statue holding on to the past, or reaching for the future? That ambiguity lingers beautifully, as if every seed could land somewhere hopeful.

 

 Dandelion Serenade is part of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, a multi-author collection set in the charming small town of Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. Lori Soard launched the series with Chasing Snowflakes, and new novellas are planned for release every other month over the next two years — promising plenty more heartwarming tales for fans of small-town romance.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet romance and Christian fiction.

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About the Author: Lori Soard

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing, but she's hardly the stuffy professor type. She loves nothing better than a good romantic comedy and thinks the good guy should always win and the ending should always be happy.

From an early age, Lori started honing her story telling skills. As a kid she was rarely seen without a book in her hand, even walking and reading at the same time. Her first stories were about the world around her. At twenty she wrote her first novel, which she admits was horrible. At twenty-one, she sold her first article to a local newspaper. Once she got that taste of having others read her work and realizing that she could reach others and touch their hearts, there was no turning back for this natural born writer.

"If I can make someone's day just a tiny bit better," Lori says, "if I can make them smile even though they are sad, make them think things could be better, make them understand how much God loves them, then I have accomplished something. I write my stories, articles and books with that one person in mind who really needs the message. If I can change one person's perspective, then I've succeeded."

Lori is a life-long Hoosier and lives in southern Indiana with her high school sweetheart turned husband. They have two grown daughters and two granddaughters. She always has a her critters surrounding her, including a couple of miniature dachshunds and several rescue cats. "During the extreme low points in life, it has been my animals that have seen me through. There is nothing like the deep devotion of a dog or the unconditional love of a cat." Lori adores animals and while some of her dear friends have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge she will always stand by her belief that animals make the world a better place.

She loves to hear from her readers and blogs regularly.

 

A Kestrel Circles - Smith's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant

An unpredictable, thrilling ride into the mind of a gifted detective, A Kestrel Circles is a brilliant blend of suspense, mystery, and fascinating character exploration.

G. Michael Smith's A Kestrel Circles is nothing short of captivating. From the very first page, the novel pulls readers into an intricate world where the boundaries of reality, perception, and intellect blur in the most engaging ways. The protagonist, Mathew Brown (also known as Augustus Cervantes), is a unique and eccentric character whose unusual abilities—specifically, his skill to "find anything" through his mind's eye, which he calls "the canvas"—form the heart of this deeply compelling story.

About the Book: A Kestrel Circles

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Initially, I found myself a little disoriented, much like stepping into a foreign language that has a few recognizable words but no clear context. It was a deliberate and purposeful confusion, however, as the narrative unfolds in the voice of Mathew, whose perspective seems disjointed yet strangely profound. At times, I wondered if I was witnessing the world through the eyes of someone with autism, struggling with communication but gifted in ways that elude the average person. Soon, however, I was fully invested in Mathew's world, eager to decode his thoughts and understand the significance of the "canvas" that guides him through his life.

What truly elevates this novel is how Smith introduces Mathew’s detective work. As an adult, Mathew has been largely written off by those around him—particularly his overbearing mother—who thinks him incapable of independent survival. Yet, Mathew is far from ordinary. His ability to navigate the chaos of the world through his strange mental lens becomes his superpower. The transition from a seemingly fragile individual to an extraordinary detective is flawlessly executed. As Mathew embarks on his latest case, the search for a missing pocket watch, the suspense escalates to dizzying heights.

BookHookup Review: A Kestrel Circles

Smith's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant. The multi-layered plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The idea of the "canvas," a metaphorical space that Mathew uses to process information, provides a unique and almost surreal quality to the narrative. It’s as if we are peering into a Wonderland of his mind, where logic meets mystery and every puzzle is a challenge to unravel. It’s in these moments that the book truly shines, taking on an almost dreamlike quality as Mathew races to uncover the truth.

As the plot unfolds, Mathew finds himself entangled in a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, pursued not only by criminals but also by his own sense of foreboding about the case. The stakes rise as he uncovers deeper secrets about the missing watch, and the tension builds toward a gripping conclusion. What’s remarkable is that, despite his incredible abilities, Mathew is not infallible—his humanity is woven into every page, making him a character you can't help but care about.

Minor details, like a brief confusion over a character’s name and the unresolved fate of a pizza delivery man, didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. These are mere blips in an otherwise stellar narrative. And while the book does contain some profanity and mild violence, it never feels gratuitous—just an authentic reflection of the stakes Mathew faces.

In a literary landscape full of formulaic thrillers, A Kestrel Circles stands out as something unique and thought-provoking. It’s a novel that demands to be experienced, one that will leave readers eager for more. With its unpredictable plot, compelling lead, and the tantalizing mystery that lingers long after the final page, this book is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers.

I would rate it a solid 5 out of 5, and I’m certainly hoping for a sequel that continues Mathew’s journey.

Warning: Profanity, mild violence.

 

Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.

Victorian Intrigue and Romance: A Review of The Lorimer Line

The Lorimer Line by Anne Melville is a captivating saga set in the intricacies of Victorian England. From the very first page, the narrator’s voice transports you to 1877, immersing you in the gilded yet confining world of Margaret Lorimer. The third-person omniscient perspective enriches the narrative, allowing glimpses of Margaret's aspirations and the societal pressures that loom over her, highlighting the complex interplay of personal desire and rigid conventions. Her journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal expectations is both inspiring and relatable.

About the Book: The Lormier Line

Margaret’s intelligent and ambitious nature shines through as she seeks independence in a world that wants to dictate her choices. The narrator’s insightful observations echo the moral undertones of the era, providing a deeper understanding of her struggles. Her love story with a humble Scot adds a touch of warmth and hope, making her challenges all the more poignant. The tension created by her father’s hidden secrets and the family’s precarious situation keeps the plot compelling, and I found myself turning pages eagerly to see how it would unfold.

BookHookup review: The Lorimer Line

Anne Melville masterfully balances the pain and joy of the characters’ lives, crafting a narrative that is as rich in emotional depth as it is in historical detail. The book beautifully captures the era's essence while exploring timeless themes of ambition, love, and resilience. The omniscient narrator skillfully navigates the characters' inner thoughts, reminiscent of the March sisters in Little Women—embodying strong themes of female ambition, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Just as the March sisters navigate their desires and challenges within the confines of their time, Margaret Lorimer seeks independence and fulfillment against Victorian norms.

The Lorimer Line is a must-read if you’re looking for a story filled with family intrigue, romance, and a strong female lead. I can’t wait for the next installment in this enthralling series! I’m happy to give it 5 stars.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free copy of this book from Book Bub and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.