THE VALET'S SECRET by Josi S Kilpack

THE VALET'S SECRET by Josi S Kilpack. What a wonderful story for second chances at love. You don't read a lot of regency books that talk about life after losing a spouse. It was very interesting to see the journey of both Rebecca and "Mr. Henry" and how they came together. There is nothing like a food secret to through a wrench in trusting someone. It's a beautiful read that anyone romantic at heart would love. 

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As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

Even The Dog Knows by Jason F Wright

EVEN THE DOG KNOWS by Jason F Wright

What an interesting journey to take with this family. There were several points in the journey that brought tears to my eyes. How many times have misunderstandings driven wedges between people? How many times have people made assumptions that were incorrect? How many times have we assumed someone wasn't feeling things because they hadn't shown those emotions in ways we related to? And really and truly, how perceptive are dogs? I know mine have been so I tune to the emotional needs of those around them, it's amazing. As much as this journey was Meg's, Gary's, Troy's, Moses's and others along the way, it's a journey we all take at some point in our lives. At least a certain portion of it. It felt like, "How much more can they take?", at times. It's an amazing read that I would recommend for anyone. Beware that there is the possibility of triggers (death, accidents, abandonment, illness) for lots of different situations, but it is a fantastic read.

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Meg Gorton finds herself alone and lonely in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Three years earlier, she had packed what she could fit into her sister's car and asked her estranged husband, Gary, to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. Things between Meg and Gary hadn't been the same after the loss of their only daughter many years ago. Even after raising their grandson, Troy, it was clear that if Meg wanted a new beginning, she would have to do it alone.

Haunted by the tragedy of his daughter's death, Gary is stuck in his life in Woodstock, Virginia. He still owns and drives the bus for their hometown minor league baseball team, and he still thinks about the day his wife drove away.

Everything changes when Meg contacts Gary with a request to bring Moses to visit her one last time before the old dog passes on. Gary is reluctant, but Troy thinks it's an excellent idea. They could even travel together in Gary's bus. Along the way, Gary takes a detour to visit Troy's ex-girlfriend, Grace. Gary might not know how to fix things with his wife, but he knows he doesn't want Troy to make the same mistakes he did.

Although Moses is just a dog, he's very observant. It doesn't take long for him to figure out they are going on to see Meg. He knows he's an old dog and that his time is near, but he also knows his family needs his help.

Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true love and lasting love.

THE LEGEND OF THE DREAM GIANTS by Dustin Hansen. This cute children's book is available now. It was a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship that shows how we need to look past the outer appearance of others. Not everyone is as they seem. The beautiful illustrations just add to the story. In some ways it was harder to read because your heart goes out to Berg. He just wants a friend and is treated so poorly. It's a wonderful reminder to not judge too harshly before getting to know someone. 

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An orphaned giant named Berg is in search of just one person he can call friend.

When he was very young, Berg’s mother hid him in a cave and led an angry mob of villagers away, sacrificing her own life to protect her son. In all the years since, Berg has lived alone, the only reminders of his family are his mother’s satchel and his recurring dreams of a white bear who shares a magical sand from a fallen star. When the white bear touches Berg with the star-blue sand, he feels safe and happy in his dreams. Sometimes, when he feels lonely, he will risk entering a village to trade a smooth river rock or a feather for food. He’s really searching for kindness, companionship, and, maybe one day, someone who will want to get to know him and be his friend. But with every attempt he makes, people only see his massive size and cruelly chase him away, thinking he is Ünhold—a giant and a monster. Whoever this Ünhold is, Berg also fears him and hopes they never meet.

In his travels, Berg comes upon a new town, a city made of iron where blacksmiths construct all kinds of ironworks from gates to sculptures to chains and weapons. Berg meets a little girl, Anya, who doesn’t run and scream in fear like everyone else does. To his amazement and delight, Anya knows about the dream-sand and says she wants to be his friend.

The mayor convinces the villagers of the benefit of having a giant around who can protect their city from the dangers he says Ünhold has in store for them. Anya has learned about the dream-sand from secretly watching Ünhold use it to trade for food and trinkets, and she suspects the mayor is planning something different than what he says. Fearing the city isn’t safe for Berg, she warns her giant friend to flee. When a secret plot is revealed to capture Berg, the young giant has to figure out where he can place his trust.

The story follows Berg on his journey and is told through text and graphic novel-style illustrations of beautiful dream sequences that reveal Berg’s hopes and memories. Berg’s mother appears to him in his dreams as a white bear, patient, nurturing and protective, and he sees himself as a little bear cub. Berg is often unsure what exactly the dreams mean, but sometimes they describe things which are about to happen or give him answers to problems he is facing.

This tender and unique story-within-a-story is a riveting tale of loss, longing, adventure, being yourself, and finding the true meaning of friendship.