R. Castro

If you're looking for a suspenseful romance that also deals with Mexican-American culture, then Upon La Muerte is a book you should read. Beatrice Villareal and her family are in Mexico at her grandmother's hacienda to attend the festival of Dios de las Muertos (the days of the dead). Her cousin Sabrina who is close to Beatrice turns up missing, and the family must deal with the consequences of her disappearance.
Though she hasn't been looking for romance, Beatrice is enticed by a neighbor, show more Fernando Aritza, who is a wealthy businessman and horse breeder. She has her hands full dealing with her grandmother's failing health, the squabbling of her family, and her worries about Sabrina, but Fernando helps her take her mind off all this.
Their romance is a bit old-fashioned, bound by traditional Mexican values, but I found it very interesting to read about their customs. They are a very sweet couple, neither of who was looking for love and are surprised to find it under the circumstances. And of course, there is the mystery of what's happened to Sabrina and how that will impact Beatrice to keep you turning pages.
I think readers will very much enjoy this contemporary suspense romance; I know I did. show less

Nora hasn't gotten along with her siblings or mother for many years despite being highly successful in her professional life. Now that her mother is dying, things are coming to a head, but Nora wants nothing to do with it. She treats herself to a long vacation in Jackson Hole, just relaxing and a little skiing for the holidays. The people at the resort are helpful and friendly, especially Michael who takes Nora under his wing. She also meets Liam, a widower, who she feels some attraction to. show more
This is a dramatic holiday story, not a frothy, light Hallmark Christmas story. Nora has a lot of issues she is dealing with. Liam also has a very sad backstory. Her best friend Tessa has problems. Pretty much everyone has difficulties of some sort they're working through, but that's life though it can be a little depressing. Thank goodness Nora has Michael to talk to.
This is a realistic book that's beautifully written. The setting is lovely and well described. Nora is a strong woman (she's had to be) who's worked hard to get where she is. She certainly deserves a happy ending. This is a great book to read if you want a holidays story with a little more heft to it. show less

When Freya meets Magnus, she doesn't realize at first he's also Prince of Maritierra. Her family throws up obstacles, the paparazzi is chasing them, and Magnus has scandals of his own back home. Still, there's a spark between them that neither can ignore.
If you like following the romance between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, then this is the book for you. Their path to love is fraught with hurdles, and you read the story hoping to find they'll overcome each one, just when another pops up.
A show more fun romance and a good read with a fabulous cover. show less

Regina Blackwell has always wondered about her father. Her mother never told her much and has since passed away. When a forced temporary layoff at work gives her some free time, she decides to try and find the man she never met. Her only clue is that he lives in Holly Springs, Arkansas.
There she meets handsome Charles Vandermark, a businessman who is intrigued by Regina.
This is a lovely short story, perfect for the holidays. The characters are all lovingly drawn. Regina's determination to show more mend the holes in her family make for a sweet and special story. show less