Disclosure: I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

So when you’re wondering what to read this weekend, you know you can always find some ideas at Savings in Seconds!  I’ve been reading at least a couple of books per day. Such bliss!  The Proposal at Siesta Key was as sweet as the cover, just as you might expect from author Shelley Shepard Gray.  This story was based in the Pinecraft area of Sarasota, Florida. I didn’t realize that it is a real place, so I especially enjoyed the author’s list of places to visit in the area! The Proposal at Siesta Key surprised me because I tended to side with the parents, not with the young people in the book.  As sweet Penny Troyer fought her parents for independence and a real social life, I could see why her parents were concerned.  She had common sense but absolutely no street smarts.  Her friend Michael struggled for independence of his own, and I didn’t always respect the way he acted in order to get it.  This contradiction made me wonder if I’m turning into an old fogey.  I liked the fact that the book is different than the traditional Amish romance. Since the characters are located in an English tourist town, it made the whole story seem more “normal.”  There were some loose ends that I wanted to see tied up by the final page. Hopefully Shelley will bring those characters back in future stories!

Would you like to read this book? Check out the giveaway hosted by the author!

Last May, I had the chance to review The Pelican Bride. Here we have the sequel to that story, called The Creole Princess.  We’re again faced with the dilemmas of the American Revolution. It’s so easy to see that author Beth White does her history homework!  The book is quite timely, since many television shows have been popularized around the espionage and rebellion of the revolutionary period.  White takes a unique approach to the racial influence of the era, as well as giving a discreet look into the political strife that surrounded every decision of the day.  Freedom of speech, slavery, and treason are all explored in this novel.  It was interesting to see how White transformed her characters throughout the story. While they might have started out as mere women caught in a web of deceit and lies, they became key players in the changes throughout the revolution.  I have to admit that the mention of beignets always earns a smile from me, too.

Now, you might be tempted to make some excuse right about now. “But, Dede, I don’t have time to read.”  You, my friend, need to find a good short story collection.  I’ve preached about that before, but I’m saying it again in case you missed it.  A good collection of novellas is the perfect thing for that hopeless romantic who’s short on time. Case in point – Chance of Loving You is a collection of 3 charming stories that are each less than 150 pages.  You could probably squeeze that in while you drink your morning coffee; it’s definitely going to bring you more smiles than reading the morning newspaper!

Just as a fabulous cast of actors can make a movie shine, so it is with this trio of gifted authors.  You have to understand before reading that each of the romances will start, flourish, and wrap up within those 150 pages. As long as you’re okay with that, have at it!  This collection is particularly special because each of the stories ends with a featured recipe.  I love that!   Each of the three stories was quite different, with characters who were working women and didn’t have time to entertain a man’s whims.  My favorite of the three was Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren. She has a way of getting the characters spot-on with their words and thoughts.  It was the type of book that made me wrap it up with a little smirk on my face, and a sigh in my heart.