D. E. Malone

I am a sucker for fake relationships, especially when it’s obvious there is something there between the pair before any charade is undertaken. Ry and Maggie have a spark from their first meet cute and this spark gains fuel as they pretend to be in love while both fighting to get their hands on what they want more than anything: a collectible valentine.

I love Ry so much! His laid back character and huge heart, without really showing it to many, is what had me swooning. A man that is a good show more man just by being authentic is always a winner in my book. What really won me over was the work that he does at the local nursing home. I’m actually doing something similar with several elderly members of my family, so it’s nice to see the same passion mirrored in a character.

Maggie took me a little while longer to warm up to, but she eventually won me over. She’s not frigid by any means, but there was a block there between me and her character, and it took some development for me to see her the way that Ry had begun to see her.

The ending is predictable, yet sweet and satisfying, but what really got it for me was reading the author’s note at the end. Finding out the inspiration for this story was based on a true story was a real treat! Two of my favorite genres, history and clean romance, colliding in the best way, and all at the hands of one of my favorite authors?? It doesn’t get much better than that! show less

Port Chance is one of my favorite literary places to be, and it felt so good to be back! I felt the warmth and the charm from the first moments of this novel. Who couldn’t fall in love with someone whose passion is to rescue animals? The initial meet-cute between Sadie and Hayes is adorable, and their relationship got better from there.

One thing I craved the entire time I was reading was depth. Sadie is very closed off from the world with all her focus on her rescues, which is valid, but I show more felt like she was closed off from the audience as well. There are small details about her life and past, but they’re quickly touched upon instead of being explored, and I was left wanting more.

Despite that, I did enjoy the characters as well as the spotlight on animal rescues and the overall holiday vibes. One thing to note was the references to the North Star that are sprinkled throughout the story. When I read these moments, I felt a stirring in my own heart, and it had me thinking about my own life’s trajectory and what my due north is. A powerful spark that I was not expecting, yet it made this story all the more special. An enjoyable holiday story with heart, warmth, and happiness. show less

Love, Lies and Literature is a fond and fitting farewell to the Blueberry Point Romance series and Hendricks, Minnesota that every book lover will appreciate. Heartwarming and charming in its perfect Blueberry Point way, Love, Lies and Literature focuses on book lover and assistant librarian Cora, and the not-so-book-loving Evan, who is filling in for his sister at the family’s local bookstore.

After a disastrous first date full of misunderstandings and closed-mindedness, Evan and Cora get show more a second chance at friendship when they join forces to welcome best-selling romance writer Renn Stone to Hendricks in all the small town charm they can muster.

Renn is a real piece of work, and when Cora sees egotistical Renn next to laidback and charming Evan, her eyes are opened to the amazing man he really is, but is it too late for a second chance at love?

This story feels very authentic, which fits right into this Blueberry Point series aesthetic, and is something I always enjoy seeing. The characters are always so well fleshed out and the flow is as natural as breathing. Coming back to this series is like visiting an old friend, and I am truly sad to see this series concluding, but I know that new adventures await, and I can’t wait to be apart of the journey.

It’s so hard to say goodbye, but there are a few books I haven’t had a chance to read yet in the Blueberry Point series, so now is my chance to go back and enjoy them as I wait for Dawn’s next series to make its appearance! I could gush all day about how much this series has spoken to my heart, but we’d seriously be here all day. It’s always such a sweet escape to Hendricks and all its small town charm, and I revel in every moment I get to spend in this sweet little world. show less

I have enjoyed this series so much, but Love, Lies and Lemon Pie is hands down my favorite! I loved being back in Blueberry Point and this book focuses on Mila Warner, the immensely talented baker from the Blueberry Pointe Lodge. It starts with some personal drama that puts a major wrench in Mila Warner’s plans for her future. This girl is driven, so she doesn’t let this setback bring her down, and with the help of new new friend, Cam Beckett, her dreams are just within reach.

Cam had my show more heart from the beginning. You can tell he’s genuinely a good guy, and being a writer and newspaper man definitely had him capture my heart!

This clean romcom has its fair share of drama, in the most lighthearted way, and is the sweetest escape. After watching quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies I could see this being added to the roster. It’s got such charm, the writing is wonderful, and I enjoyed all the banter between the characters. It was so easy to get lost in this world, and I loved seeing how everything played out.

If you like clean romances with just a hint of spice, then you’ll love Love, Lies and Lemon Pie.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less