Sarah Hogle

Sarah Hogle 's magic is bright and full in this new novel. I was so happy reading it. She's able to create these genuinely over the top feelings and moments that still strike you as sincere and real.

This is second chance but so much more than that. I loved the town, I loved the shop, her friends and sisters. Romina's backstory and desires are not often featured in contemporary romance, but it worked so so well.

Alex was lovely and kind. Very swoony and delightful moments from this couple, although if there's any weakness it is indeed that Romina's more known; her life is more central.

I may come back to review with more coherence but for now I can best sum up my review by saying this filled me with bubbles of light and joy and made me believe in them.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy of this book, which has not affected my review.… (more)

Title: Old Flames and New Fortunes
Author: Sarah Hogle
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Old Flames and New Fortunes" by Sarah Hogle

My Thoughts:
If you are into 'fake dating, second chance romance, scavenger hunts, small town, florists and weddings', family dynamics, and sister's relationships, then you have come to the proper novel to get a little bit of it all from this story. Also, if you are into the magic and fantasy this author brings to the story, you will also be in for a delightful read. The part I enjoyed best was the various descriptions of the flower arrangements presented since I love flowers. This novel may be riveting if you want an easy romantic second chance read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Putnam for gifting me a copy of OLD FLAMES AND NEW FORTUNES in exchange for my honest review.… (more)

Fair warning: my experience of this book may have been colored by an annoying audio narrator. Without her interpretation of Maybell as a character, I might have liked it more.

This is a very typical grumpy-sunshine/enemies to lovers/opposites attract contemporary romance that suffered from not enough character development and a lack of chemistry. Two people jointly inherit an old estate in the Smokey Mountains and have very different ideas about what to do with it. Conflict ensues. And then all of a sudden, they're in love. And it ends in Scotland....?

2.5 stars… (more)