The Wishing Season

November 3, 2014
Hunter (The Trouble with Cowboys) adds another Chapel Springs Romance with this formulaic but still sparkling contemporary tale of competing ambitions, wounded personalities, and powerful attraction. PJ McKinley is an aspiring restaurateur, and Cole Evans is a contractor and former foster kid who wants to operate a group home for teen-age foster kids. Trouble is they're both competing for the same space, a Chapel Springs, Ind., home that a philanthropic resident will give to whoever will come up with the best use for it. PJ and Cole are both given a year to prove themselves, and sharing the space produces both competitive tension and unbidden attraction. PJ and Cole both have family issues that threaten to torpedo their growing relationship. The psychology that makes the two tick is a little simplistic, but it makes the plot move forward. Less forced is the powerful effervescence of their chemistry, and the pacing of their romantic pas-de-deux is also persuasive. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates.

November 15, 2014

As the baby of the family, PJ McKinley has a lot to prove. Working her way through culinary school, she made it her goal to open a restaurant. Meanwhile, Cole Evans, who grew up in the foster system, hopes to make a difference in the world by establishing a transition home for foster kids. From the moment PJ and Cole meet, sparks fly. However, they are both competing in a contest for the same beautiful mansion that would house their dreams. To determine the winner, the home's owner decides that the two should live under the same roof for one year and put their proposals into action. VERDICT In this fun tale that is the third installment of the series (after Dancing with Fireflies), RITA finalist Hunter skillfully combines elements of romance, family stories, and kitchen disasters. Fans of Colleen Coble and Robin Lee Hatcher will enjoy this winter-themed novel.--Shondra Brown, Wakarusa P.L., IN

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2014
PJ McKinley has the opportunity to make her dreams come true. The only problem is that Cole Evans has been given the same opportunity. The two find themselves sharing a mansionPJ running a gourmet restaurant, and Cole providing a home for teens out of the foster system. The competition between them is heated, but it doesn't even compare to the chemistry. As the story unwinds, PJ and Cole follow their dreams while also learning to open up their hearts. Hunter (Dancing with Fireflies, 2014) brings readers back to Chapel Springs, Indiana, for a warm, inspirational tale of ambition, confidence, family, and love. Any reader can relate to PJ's struggle to try to measure up to her talented siblings and Cole's doubt that he deserves good in his life. And readers will enjoy watching these two realize that their faith far outweighs their fear. As PJ and Cole come closer to the deadline that will determine who gets to keep the mansion, they grow closer to each other and closer to realizing their true wishes, which reach far beyond their original dreams.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)