Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis (#2)

Willa relates to the animals she takes care of on a daily basis. Men, not so much.  While working at her South Bark Mutt Shop in walks Keane Winters with a pink cat carrier.  His aunt has left him her kitty and he needs kitty daycare. Keane doesn't remember that he stood Willa up at a high school dance, and that makes Willa determined to avoid him.  She had a difficult upbringing and learned not to attach to anyone, but she does have good friends that have not let her down.  Keane is intrigued by this red head, but also has the same non-attachment attitude, but can't stop thinking about Willa.  Their path to romance is very bumpy and has a little help from her friends. Book two in the Heartbreaker Bay Series was fun, flirty, emotional with great characters.

A Lowcountry Christmas by Mary Alice Monroe (#5)

Ten year old Miller desperately wants a puppy for Christmas.  His friend's dog has just had a litter and he has already bonded with the one he wants.  His family is experiencing financial difficulties and has told him it just won't happen this year.  Devastated he waits for his brother Taylor to come home from the VA hospital with a heavy heart.  Taylor has been convalescing with PTSD and the time has come for him to go home. He struggles with being home and is surprised when his service dog shows up.  He forgot that he applied for one while in the hospital.  Miller, not understanding why and how this dog has come to the family, is angry and feels it is the worst Christmas ever. . A wonderful, heartwarming and satisfying novel.  Loved it.

The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti  (audio)

Zoe is living a charmed life after her rough past.  She was in college when her mother dies, she has no money to bury her and takes a risky job to raise money.  She is pulled down into a dark and twisty world that she barely escapes. She moves across the country and soon meets her KISA Henry.  Strange things begin to happen and Zoe is sure her past has returned.  She at first tries to keep it from Henry, but when things heat up she needs to figure out what is happening. A fast paced thriller that was narrated by Madeleine Maby,  She does a great job with the pace of the novel and Zoe's confusion translates well. I had it figured out early, but it did not interfere with my enjoyment of this audiobook.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Audio Bookshots:

The Chase by JP and Michael Ledwidge (9.5)

A murdered man's identity is that of a man that was killed 5 years ago.  Michael Bennett needs to figure out what happened. Danny Mastrogiorgio narrates

French Kiss by JP and Richard DiLallo

Detective Luc Moncreif investigates the murder of several women.  Could they be somehow linked to his past in France? Jean Brassard narrates.

Heist by JP and Rees Jones

A diamond heist that goes wrong. Detective Hill takes the case. Narrated by Colin Mace

Little Black Dress by JP and Emily Raymond

A little black dress gives Jane the confidence she needs after her divorce, but does it allow her to go too far?  Narrated by Helen Wick.

I've got the Christmas shopping done, but still have to wrap presents.  Listening to audios helps the job seem not as daunting.  I will be hosting the family on Christmas Day. Are you ready for the Holidays?

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.