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Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

In her latest Windham sister story, Burrowes brings together previous rogue Deene and Lady Eve, who has no plans to marry. When younger, Eve made a mistake with another man. A bad fall from a horse while fleeing that situation resulted in her desire to have a future without marriage or horses. Deene is feeling pressure to get married as he tries to get custody of his deceased sister’s daughter. Eve’s family decides that Deene may be a good match for her despite her resistance. Their chemistry and the family’s machinations helps the couple overcome fears from the past in this fun, spicy Regency romance from a rising author.

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

After a failed career, Grace returns to Lucky Harbor and finds herself hired by accident as a dog walker to busy ER doctor Josh Scott. When his nanny quits one day she ends up caring for his high energy son and becoming a friend to his challenged sister. Josh does not think he has time for love, but soon they realize how important they have become in each other’s lives. Popular and award winning author Shalvis brings trademark warmth and humor. Fans of small towns series like those from Susan Wiggs as well as medical romances will enjoy this.

Better Than Chocolate: Life in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

Samantha is trying to hang on to the failing family chocolate factory and designs a Chocolate Festival for her small town. Blake is a new bank officer who cannot grant her any more time. Samantha and her sisters work with the town to offer events, including the crazy popular Mr. Dreamy contest. A closed road, red tape and family issues all conspire against her efforts but Samantha is most disconcerted by a growing attraction for Blake. This sweet romance complete with recipes will whet readers appetites for more of the series.  Fans of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series or C.H. Admirand’s Apple Grove series will also enjoy this first title from Icicle Falls.

A Good Man by J. J. Murray

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

Former WNBA star Sonya is invited to star on a bachelorette type program and grabs the opportunity to show the world another intelligent, strong black woman.  Widowed former pastor John is ready to find love again and for the challenge of being the lone Caucasian on the show. Neither follows the rules. Sonya lets several contestants go at once and invites others to church with her. John seeks her out for quiet talks, winning points and gaining enemies among the other men. Sonya’s secret daughter becomes her ‘friend’ on the show and adds an edgy chemistry some of the contestants love. Humor, Christianity and a mix of cultures makes this a fresh, fun read.

Big Girls Don't Cry by Cathie Linz

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

This title, listed as one of Booklist’s Top Ten Romances of 2007, is the third in Linz’s humorous small town series.  Plus size model Leena tires of her career and heads back to Rock Creek where her sister is happily in love (SMART GIRLS DO). Struggling to find herself, Leena works in sexy veterinarian Cole’s office. She remembers how he used to treat her when she was younger. He fights his attraction and her memories yet they grow together amid humorous situations and characters.

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Valentine's Day 2013, February 2013

This first title from rising romance star James features two Chicago lawyers competing for one partner promotion. Though they have tried to outdo each other for years, they are now assigned to work together on a multimillion dollar case. The stakes raised, Payton and J.D. are not above light sabotage, from spilled coffee on suits to embarrassing secrets revealed. Tension and chemistry build as the opposites find common ground and attraction. The setup may be an old story, but this has fresh pacing and snappy dialogue. Characters are smart and relatable. Readers will be looking for her other titles.

Berthold Auerbach

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Attribution

Berthold Auerbach

Pearl Buck

Inside myself is a place where I live all alone, and that's where I renew my springs that never dry up.

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Pearl Buck

February 8, 2013

Forget the snowstorm. The world may be ending. Both Greg and Cory, of their own volition, were cleaning their rooms last weekend. Cory redecorated with the help of his friends, Stephen and Josh. I was summoned after he was done to weigh in, and I was really impressed. I am not sure where this motivation came from, but I hope it continues. Maybe this will be something more exciting than shoveling this weekend. Which IS more exciting? Shoveling or excavating your room?

Lisa Gardner, author of Touch & Go

Investigator Tessa Leoni arrives at the crime scene in the home of Justin and Libby Denbe, a couple who seemed to have it all but now appears to have been abducted. Tessa knows better than anyone that even the most perfect façades can hide the darkest secrets. Now she must race against the clock to uncover the Denbes’ innermost dealings, a complex tangle of friendships and betrayal, big business and small sacrifices.