Around the Bend by Liz Isaacson (Love me Tender box set)

Synopsis:

Cowboy Elliot Hawthorne has just lost his best friend and cabin mate to the worst thing imaginable-marriage. Elliot would be happy for his best friend if he weren't quite so jealous. When his brother calls about an accident with their father, Elliot rushes down to Gold Valley from the ranch only to be met with the most beautiful woman he's ever met.
His father's new physical therapist, Holland Marsh, likes the handsome face and gentle spirit she sees in Elliot too. The spark between them is instant and Elliot's grateful he's finally found someone he can connect to.
But without his brother's stamp of approval and with the way Holland's previous relationship ended, Elliot and Holland seem to be hitting the accelerator and the brake at the same time. Because her sister is now dating her ex-fiancé, Holland struggles to believe that Elliot could actually be interested in her. And when Brenda comes to town, Holland's sure Elliot will gravitate toward the more magnetic sister. Can Elliot and Holland navigate difficult family situations to find happily-ever-after?

Review:

I love Gold Valley and all the cute cowboy's that live in this town. This is a short and sweet novella that is part of the Gold Valley series but also part of the "Love Me Tender" box set. It had good descriptions for the length of the book and was very quick paced. Do you believe in first sight? Well Holland and Elliot didn't until one day... Holland has moved to Gold Valley to make a new life for herself and when he makes eye contact with one of her patience son's her life is forever changed. Elliot feels like the only one without a significant other and when he goes to help his father after he is injured his world is flipped upside down when he meets Holland. Sparks fly and a kiss happens before their first date... oo la la! Cute book about love, trials to overcome and life to continue living.

Stars: 4

Between the Reins by Liz Isaacson

Synopsis:

Twelve years ago, Owen Carr left Gold Valley and his long-time girlfriend, in favor of a country music career in Nashville. With one platinum album and a number one hit single under his belt, he returned after things went wrong with his manager and his record label. When he suddenly becomes a father to his eight-year-old niece, he's in way over his head.

He needs a nanny to care for Marie so he can keep up with the demands of his busy job at Silver Creek-and Natalie Ringold is a godsend. She can cook, she cleans, Marie loves her- and she just so happens to be the long-time girlfriend that Owen hasn't made amends with. Yet.

Married and divorced, Natalie teaches ballet at the dance studio in Gold Valley, but she never auditioned for the professional company the way she dreamed of doing. With Owen back, she realizes all the opportunities she missed out on when he left all those years ago- including a future with him.Can they mend broken bridges in order to have a second chance at love?

Review:

Today is release day for this awesome book! I haven't read too many of Liz's books yet but this is my favorite of hers so far. This is the 4th book in the Gold Valley series and the first one I've read. I did not feel lost or confused with characters so it is definitely a stand alone book too. This is one of those kinds of books that leaves you wanting to be a better person and not take for granted those around you that love you and that you love more. This was a book about friendship, forgiveness, faith, love and possible second chances. Owen and Natalie haven't seen each other in years and both had been through a lot. Their paths cross and they pretty much pick up where they left off 12 years ago but continue to reflect on the past. These two both have very big hearts and learned to put the past behind them and move forward with faith and love for those around them. I loved the chemistry between the two and I also enjoyed the realness of the characters. Liz is a talented author and this was another great read!

Stars: 5