4.4 Stars Out Of 5
4.4 out of 5
(17)
(13)
(4)
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Quality:
4.6 out Of 5
(4.6 out of 5)
Value:
4.4 out Of 5
(4.4 out of 5)
Meets Expectations:
4.4 out Of 5
(4.4 out of 5)
97%
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Displaying items 31-34 of 34
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  1. LoveToLearn
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    3 Stars Out Of 5
    March 16, 2013
    LoveToLearn
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 2
    Meets Expectations: 3
    This review was written for Secretly Smitten, Smitten Series #2.
    Secretly Smitten: Love Changes Everything by Kristen Billerbeck, Colleen Coble, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. This is really 4 novelettes all rolled into one book. I really enjoyed the writing and love the story line. I just wish that each of the 4 separate stories had been developed further and the characters story line taken to a further place. I felt that each of the individual stories kind of left you hanging - looking for more info. There is a main story line that involves a mystery of how dog tags were left in Grandma's attic from a man that supposedly died 50 years ago. That storyline is continued and talked about in varying degrees throughout all 4 of the novelettes. The other 4 stories are love stories involving the mother, Anna and her 3 grown daughters, Zoe, Clara, and Tess. The book does refer to characters that we should know about from the first book in the series - I had not read the first book and there were times when I felt like a character just plopped into the book with no introduction. Still, it was a delightful book and I found that once I got into the story I couldn't put it down.
  2. Rambling Reader
    3 Stars Out Of 5
    Light-hearted Read
    February 13, 2013
    Rambling Reader
    Quality: 3
    Value: 3
    Meets Expectations: 3
    This review was written for Secretly Smitten, Smitten Series #2.
    Secretly Smitten is the light-hearted follow-up compilation of short stories to Smitten, and it re-invites readers into the quaint small town life of Smitten, Vermont. The discovery of new or lost love is the focus of each of the stories; and in these four feel-good novellas, the conflict is resolved rather quickly and easily. These are stories to be read when you want a happily ever-after escape.

    I have to admit that I found the plots and characterization of the first three stories to be less developed than I expected. The mystery of grandma Rose's long-lost love adds depth to the overall story; but as a reader, I felt a detachment to the characters and their emotions at times. Secretly Smitten does conclude on a strong note with Denise Hunter's final novella about Clare. Denise Hunter proves that novellas can be written so that the characters are developed and well-rounded. As a reader, I felt sympathetic to Clare's feelings and struggles. Denise Hunter was not only able to pull me into Clare's world, but she also provided a satisfying resolution to grandma Rose's past as well.

    Overall, Secretly Smitten is a light and fluffy read; so if you are ever looking for a brief escape from reality, it just might be the right fit for you.

    I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from BookSneeze, courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  3. court
    dallas, tx
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: female
    3 Stars Out Of 5
    January 19, 2013
    court
    dallas, tx
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 3
    This review was written for Secretly Smitten, Smitten Series #2.
    this book is a wonderful mix of four author who work wonderful together in the small town with a new revival in "the town of love" Ann's daughters begin the find the love that they never though they would get each starting a new adventure while guarding their heart some how these men seam to break down the barrier to their hearts and make their way into their life, changing their life forever. this book was provied free of charge via Booksneeze.com and i have power to saw whatever i like about it.
  4. A Simply Enchanted Life
    North Carolina
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    3 Stars Out Of 5
    Not bad but not great either.
    January 18, 2013
    A Simply Enchanted Life
    North Carolina
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 3
    This review was written for Secretly Smitten, Smitten Series #2.
    This book was a bit outside of my normal genre that I usually pick up but the cover is so interesting that I chose to give it a chance. Secretly Smitten is a collection of four novellas written by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. I was not familiar with any of these authors and honestly, I had no idea that this was considered book two. That doesn't seem to matter. I was able to read and follow the story without any trouble. I thought this book was okay. It didn't really jump off the page at me and pull me in but it wasn't awful. I think it was just outside of a genre I really enjoy. It was romance--JUST romance. No other theme. With it being Christian fiction I was actually a little let down that there wasn't more of a Christian theme. I never really saw the characters praying or the life lessons that I enjoy from Christian fiction. Overall though--not bad. I'm not sure I would read another part but it wasn't terrible. It simply wasn't my style, I think.

    About the Story:

    Love Between the Lines was the first story in this collection. It was written by Colleen Coble and follows the story of Tess Thomas as she tries to solve a mystery involving her Grandmother's first love who was supposed to have died during war time sixty years ago. Her questions lead her to the attic of a young widower named Ryan. As time is spent with Ryan and his young daughter, Tess begins to open herself up to the possibility of love.

    Then we move on to Make Me a Match by Kristin Billerbeck. The second story in this novella collection follows Zoe Thomas as she opens a matchmaking service for the Smitten community. She is determined to find love for everyone else while she is happy being single. That is--until William Singer makes his appearance in town. Zoe may find out that she is in need of love as well!

    Story number three is called Knit One. Love Two by Diann Hunt. In this story we meet Anna, the mother of the Thomas girls. Anna's husband up and left her for another woman and has nothing at all to do with his daughters. Of course, Anna's heart is still mending and she is not looking for love when she meets Michael Conners. With her faith and trust shaken--Anna must learn to open her heart if she wishes to find love again.

    Concluding this book is Love Blooms by Denise Hunter. I thought Clare Thomas' story was the most interesting. Her prospective love interest was by far the most interesting and appealing sounding. He had a back story and a bit of angst that appeals to me in a character. I also felt that the spiritual overtone was most prevalent in this last story and I actually enjoy that. Said prospect, Ethan is rugged and interesting. I actually looked forward to the conclusion of their story. We also have the added bonus of an additional side romance. Although, I will say that I find it rather a stretch to believe that six women from the same family would all find love so close together.

    Again, I don't think this was a bad book or that someone else wouldn't enjoy it. I think it just didn't click with me the way that I had hoped. I think if you're into romance and you would like a light happy-go-lucky story with very little drama or anguish then this is the type of book for you!

    I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own.
Displaying items 31-34 of 34
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