Exciting new books August 27, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s a good day! An enticing new book with an author I’ve not read. I can hardly wait to read it.

Dangerous Intent: Clean small town romantic suspense (Northern Pines Suspense Book 4)

Ornery livestock, an isolated farmhouse, and a dangerous stranger lurking in the forest–why on earth had she taken this job?

Ethan needs help
While away having surgery in a distant city and then recuperating at home, Ethan desperately needs summer help caring for his son and small farm.

Abby and her new rescue dog need a home
But it has been impossible to find a place for the summer in the busy, northern Wisconsin resort town. Especially one that will accept both her and her dog. Ethan’s offer is a perfect solution, right?

It is…until she must learn to deal with his flock of ornery goats, a herd of cattle escaping, and a litter of new puppies born while he’s away.

And now, an armed and dangerous stranger is lurking in the shadows..
A man who will stop at nothing. Not even murder, to get what he wants.

***************

And there is another suggestion I’m excited about. The first chapter has me wanting more.

Running to You: Amnesia in Shadow Cove (The Wright Heroes of Maine Book 1) 

Sam never understood why Eliza left him five years ago, ghosting him without explanation. He’s avoided romance ever since, focusing on building his business. Money might not keep him warm at night, but it can sure buy a lot of blankets.

Then Eliza shows up on his doorstep and throws herself into his arms. She can’t explain her bruises or the head injury that’s left her with no memories of the past five years, including their breakup. No matter how good it feels to hold her, though, there’s no way he’s getting sucked into romance again.

He’ll deliver Eliza to her mother, and that will be that. But instead of finding her mom, they’re met by two attackers and barely escape alive. Despite the danger to his life and his heart, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself.

Together, they embark on a journey to reconstruct her past while evading the men chasing her. As Sam and Eliza close in on the truth, their romance reignites, but her secret threatens to destroy them both.

***************

Two books, equally enticing and now I have to choose. Or maybe not. Maybe I will delay the difficult choice and finish the current read.

Season of Wonder Boxset:

This romance series will be a needed break from the suspenseful recent reads. The next new one on the list adds an even deeper level of stress and was going to be about trafficking. I think it will be a good read when I do get to it but I need a moment first.

Every Star in the Sky

She is willing to testify against her trafficker.
If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”
How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?
Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.
And he is powerful enough to do it.
If Starr wants to help the other women, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk. And her heart.

Happy Reading.

I hope you are feeling inspired to look for a favorite book too.

This one looks good August 21, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s from an author I’ve not read and I’m excited about it. Mainly because the first few pages are looking good and the story has a fresh twist to it, so far at least.

After an innovative plot the next most important feature of the author’s style, for me anyway, is a “show not tell” approach. It is so much more relatable when there is movement taking the reader along for the ride. Strong characters are good too. This book has it so far.

One more absolutely necessary element, in my opinion, is a scaled back version of the whole PDA (public displays of affection) and high powered hormonal reactions to every touch or look.

They say you aren’t supposed to annoy your readers. This practice annoys me enough that I skip huge chunks of the story in rebellion, usually after a few chapters, It gets old real quick, I tell you, and it weakens the story. I think that’s my biggest objection of all… a weak story.

Maybe that’s why this passion element is added in to the plot so often. That route is easier than developing something strong and captivating.

And while we are on the subject … so much of it is unbelievable. How many normal people do you know who could give in to a passionate kiss in the middle of a crowd? Especially in a new relationship where they don’t know each other all that well.

I can tell you not very many, How do I know you ask? I’ve been trying to count up all of the passionate occasions I’ve observed in my lifetime. I’m still at zero. It would probably give the story more drama but real life people look for private nooks and crannies for those intense moments.

Unbelievable, I tell you.

It’s time to move along. I don’t know if this new story will be full of hormonal drama. It could be but I’m sincerely hoping not.

Saving Grace (A Horses and Hearts Inspirational Romance)

When winning is everything, there isn’t much room for grace.

For feisty and driven Hannah Whitney, winning is everything. She and her dressage horse Amazing Grace are headed towards the final qualifying competition for the Olympic games, when her trainer suddenly quits. With the competition just ten weeks away, Hannah’s dad hires Chase Livingston as the new trainer.

Chase is a Gold Medalist in dressage. After an incident in the show ring one day, he loses his nerve and goes into hiding from the media. He’s reluctant to come out just to train the spoiled, rich daughter of a real estate tycoon, but the money is good.

Hannah doesn’t want to be seen with him, but if she’s going to be ready for the competition, he may be her only hope. What she doesn’t count on is how attractive he is…

When faced with the question of what is most important in life, can two people with different answers ever find common ground?

**********************

One more book before we go. Of the 7 book series this is the only one I don’t have. Awesome.

The Truest Home (Alaskan Hearts Book 3)

She just found out that everything she’s ever loved is a lie…

Liz Benjamin has lost her place in the world. Not only are her best friends too busy for her, but her father just married a horrible woman who has now moved into their home with her two horrible daughters.

Worse still, a handsome stranger arrives in town for the wedding and starts asking all the wrong questions. With his help, Liz soon finds that everything she thought she knew about herself is based on a terrible lie.

But just how far back does the deception go, and how will finding the truth about Liz’s past change her future?

Join Liz, Scarlett, Lauren, and their courageous team of sled dogs in this unforgettable tale of tenacity, trust, and finding where you belong from a New York Times bestselling author.

****************

I have a funny feeling that I have read this story in a collection somewhere along the line. I hope I’m wrong about that.

Happy Reading

Books I want to read Part two Aug 18, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The first book I wanted to read tonight was book 1 in a series. Now that I’ve browsed a little more, I can’t pass up the opportunity to read books 2 and 3 as well. They are all on at a promotional price and it won’t last.

Speaking of promotional prices, one of my favorite authors offers his latest books (after a reasonable period of time, of course) at an amazing price for a day or two. I haven’t been checking my emails often enough and I MISSED it.

I’m a penny-pincher. Have to be practical, don;t you know. My appetite for books would bankrupt me if I didn’t pay attention to great price opportunities. That’s why I like to pass the chances on to you. So you can read with abandon too.

So here we go. 12 books by the time we are done this one!

Every Flower of the Field (two sparrows for a penny book 2)

Safe is the most dangerous feeling of all.

For as long as she can remember, Rose Galway has been a captive, controlled by one man or another. To her, though, God is the one holding the keys, refusing to set her free despite the desperate pleas she has sent heavenward.

Detective Laken Jones has known hardship too, including the daily trauma of racism. Still, nothing he has gone through compares to what Rose has endured. He wants nothing more than for her to experience hope and healing and maybe even happiness in her life.

But first he has to find her.

Laken is willing to risk everything to set Rose free. And to help her find her way to God. Even if that means letting go of her—and the future he envisions for the two of them—forever.

*******************

Every Bird That Falls (two sparrows for a penny book 3)

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.
Now the truth could destroy them completely.

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions.
How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information.
Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave.
Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?

******************

Big change coming up now, hold on.

Season of Wonder Boxset: Heartwarming Contemporary Christian Romance Book Collection (Boxset Series: Small Town Sweet Romance Collection 3)

SEASON OF WONDER BOXSET is a 10-book mega bundle that includes:

Finding Home
With her world in turmoil, how can Chrissy find the happiness she always dreamed of – filled with love, laughter, family, and renewed faith?

Crisis of Faith
Torn between pain and love, Jack and Lena must overcome much if they are to have a shot at a future together. Time is running out, but God has a plan.

Christmas Angel Hope
Will Claire take what Travis is offering her? Is Travis beyond his own grief enough to teach her how to give herself permission to love again?

Home for Christmas
Loss, grief, new love, and redemption are on the horizon for Sarah. All she must do is put in the effort and happiness could be hers once again.

Mason
Can Gracie believe and truly let the past go? Or will she hold onto her fears?

Home Is Where Your Heart Is
Will Jessica be able to rise above her past and show faith and trust in Kaedon? Will she finally find a place to call home – a place to build a family?

New Beginnings
Filled with faith, friendship, and the promise of forever, this heartwarming novel is intriguing, sweet, and heartfelt.

Michelle and Tyler
Can a crisis of grief and faith lead to new hope and happiness for Michelle and Tyler?

Forever Bodyguard
Is Emma and Keith’s love for each other enough for their second chance together?

Songs of the Heart
Excited by new opportunities, and the chance at love, Sue dives into an entanglement of danger and suspense. Is Mike the one for her?

*****************

That was easy.

A book I want to read. August 18, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A BookBub email suggestion caught my eye and I want to check it out. It is a tough subject involving trafficking and I’m hoping it will a rescue story. We are always in need of a hero to come in and save the day. My heart breaks for the victims of these monsters. and I’m hoping rescues can happen in real life. I think they do, just not as often as we would hope.

Every Star in the Sky (two sparrows for a penny book 1)

She is willing to testify against her trafficker.
If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”
How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?
Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.
And he is powerful enough to do it.
If Starr wants to help the other women, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk.
And her heart.

TW: human trafficking, some violence, sexual intimacy inferred (clean and closed door)

********************

I like strong female characters and by my estimation this looks like a good one. One thing about frontier stories – they all had to be strong characters to survive.

A Heart as Untamed as Thunder: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Maddie MacDougall has spent all of her childhood among horses and she can’t imagine a life without them. The yearning for adventure she has always harbored in her heart will lead her to a match sent from heaven, Carter, a horse breeder in Wyoming. She will soon be intrigued by his tales of wild mustangs and his chivalrous manners but she will also realize that his obsession with Thunder, the legendary stallion of Croy Canyon, can endanger both the animal and their relationship.

When love fuels the heart though, all obstacles can be overcome…

Carter Stone has led a harsh life among the wild horses, full of challenges and adventures. He has always wished to have someone by his side who shares this passion and when the match with Maddie is arranged, he is overjoyed. What he did not expect was to find himself stricken with her unique beauty or her rare wit, with which she challenges him when she differs from his methods.

Will he be able to tame her wild heart?

****************

There is another book suggestion in this series too. I’ve experienced one of the authors but not this one. I’m excited to see if the story lives up to the great impression of the first few pages.

A Sheriff for the Gracious Widow: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Orphaned at a young age, Emily Carter is left devastated when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, she seeks help from the handsome new sheriff, Jacob. But her new ally might be able to give her more than mere answers…

Can Emily overcome her guilt and allow herself to open up to the growing affection she feels for Jacob?

After the tragic death of his older brother, Jacob Turner harbors a deep sense of responsibility toward his small community of Willow Creek. When Emily seeks his help to solve the mystery of her husband’s death, Jacob realizes he’s in trouble. The young widow embodies everything he’s ever wanted, but he knows he can’t have her while she’s still in mourning…

Can Jacob successfully navigate the delicate situation between duty and his personal involvement?

When Emily discovers she’s being followed, Jacob must put his growing feelings aside and work tirelessly to keep her safe from the schemes of a ruthless killer. As dark secrets are revealed, will they find a way to be together or will Emily’s tragic past and Jacob’s sense of duty prevent them from finding happiness?

***************

Another enticing suggestion. How can I possibly pass that up?

River Falls Books 1-3 Box Set: Three Small Town Christian Romances 

Pieces of Forever: Eight years ago, Ava and Joseph had the perfect future planned—until a terrible accident changed everything. Unwilling to believe they could still have a future, Ava made Joseph promise to leave and live out their dreams without her. Joseph has never broken a promise to Ava. Until now. Because before he made that stupid promise to leave, they’d made each other another promise—one of forever. And he’s determined to return to River Falls and show her that his promise still stands…

Songs of Home: In the wake of a very public breakup, country music star Lydia St. Peter finds herself in need of a place of refuge. She doesn’t know why she thinks she’ll find it with the family she never knew she had in River Falls, Tennessee, but at least the small town will offer her the privacy she so desperately craves. She never expects it to offer more—in the form of her new landlord, Liam, and his troubled teenage daughter. But when Lydia is presented with an opportunity that could rocket her to household-name status, she has to decide whether she’s willing to give up everything she’s gained in River Falls to chase her dreams—or if her heart has finally found its home.

Memories of the Heart: As a Christian counselor, Simeon knows he should be able to help his wife cope with the losses they’ve suffered. And it’s killing him that he can’t. It seems like the more he tries, the harder Abigail pushes him away. He’s determined to save their marriage… but what if it’s already too late? When an accident leaves Abigail with amnesia, stealing her memories of their life together, will it be the end of their marriage? Or is God giving them a second chance to build a love even stronger than they remember?

*****************

This is long and there are more and I can’t resist.

Another post is the only way to go

I’m having so much fun.

A change of pace August 11, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

I’m in the mood to share tonight. I know, I’m shocked too. Too many other things taking up space in my mind these days. Reading and posting have been relegated to the outer edges of life. Reading has been late at night, mostly, to help me go to sleep. It hasn’t been working very well, I have to say. On top of that, reading half the night doesn’t make for very productive days. And now my sleep rhythm is way out whack and I haven’t figured out how to fix it. Oh well, life still goes on.

The biggest contributor to all of this unrest is the move I made a few months ago. I wanted to make the move but a bigger part of me didn’t want to.

The war still goes on inside me. Not as violently as it did in the beginning so I will count that as progress, but it still raises it’s ugly head more often than I’d like. One of the friendly neighbors in my new place shared a bit of wisdom with me one day. He didn’t know what was gong on in my mind so it was an interesting thing for him to say. I can’t quote it like he did but basically it was this. Moving your stuff from one place to another doesn’t mean you have moved. You haven’t moved until your mind has accepted the new place.

I’m working on it. I’ve gradually stopped fighting it quite as much. Today while grocery shopping I even stocked up on baked goods so I could invite someone over for tea. I will freeze it all just in case my excuses make it take me forever to get to the next step.

Life hasn’t always been this way for me. I’m discovering that without warning life takes different twists and turns now and then. We begin to live through new and deeper challenges wondering what life will look like when we come out the other side. These are big questions for me and I have no answers yet.

In the meantime, I’m trying to live like I want to keep living. It’s working, mostly.

To help this along I’m keeping myself occupied with activities that require my whole attention.

That brings me to the needed change in book genre. I’ve been reading a suspense story that resonates with me and I love what they are doing for victims. The trouble is it stirs up buried memories that make me cry for reasons I don’t understand. I’m ok with that, releasing emotions can be helpful, but I feel the need to lighten up a bit. Today a bunch of sweet romance novels showed up in my feed. Several are authors new to me and after reading a few pages I want to give them a shot.

I’m looking forward to the distraction of these stories.

There are 16 books, this could take awhile!

I know by experience that I am not alone with what I’m going through right now, I’m hoping that what I’ve shared will be encouraging to someone going through their own challenges. I had no plans to go this direction with the post, it just happened. Maybe the someone needing to hear they aren’t alone is you. My thoughts are with you whoever you are.

To the rest, check out these stories. We all could use a little brightness in our life every now and then!

Happy reading!

New books July 21, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It has been awhile, a long while, since the last post. It’s been awhile since I’ve been looking for books too. Somehow or other I am feeling inspired to look today. It’s the beginning of my search and who knows how it will go, but at least one has caught my interest though so it’s a promising start.

Before I get to sharing my first find, I should share an author I’ve discovered in the last month or so.

His genre is mystery/thriller and I like his style. I love his characters, his plots, and the way the story flows along. I’ve read three in the first few weeks of discovery. They were hard cover books and it was a surprise to find I could still enjoy such a thing since I’m hooked on the beauty of e books.

His name is David Baldacci and he is a prolific author.

**************

The book I’m adding to my collection today is also from a prolific author. I don’t love him as much as Baldacci but he does show up in my downloads quite regularly and is a worthwhile read. I read book one in this series in 2020 so book two should be a welcome addition.

The Homecoming (A Homefront Novel Book 2)

Sean Collins is barely home from fighting Nazis in Europe when he’s ordered to serve on a USO bond tour with a bunch of Hollywood stars…a reluctant hero. All Sean wants is to stay home with his son and to grieve his wife’s loss in private. When Sean asks Katherine Townsend–-Patrick’s former social worker–-to be his nanny while Sean’s on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life.

Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start?

***************

This next one looks interesting enough for me to give it a chance, I’ve not read this author though so it will be a new experience. The first few paragraphs suggest it could be promising, here’s hoping.

A Bride to Mend His Soul: A Historical Western Romance Book (Love and Valor on the Frontier)

For as long as she can remember, Suzannah Murphy’s family has been moving around the country, never settling down. All that changes when she finds out that her parents plan to make the Reed ranch their permanent home, and promise her hand to the owner’s son. Although Suzannah dreams of starting a family, she won’t abide by an arranged marriage, especially when her betrothed is the most reserved and distant person she has ever met. Yet, as she breaks down the walls surrounding his heart, and his kindness unfolds, she will soon find out the true reason he has been acting so strangely. Utterly unprepared for the challenges that are about to follow, will she manage to stand by his side without risking her own fate?

For almost ten years, Jasper Reed has been blaming himself for the terrible accident that changed his father’s life forever. Immersed in remorse, he devotes himself completely to saving the family ranch from insolvency. When all his efforts fail though, a trust-fund stashed away by a wealthy relative seems to be the only way out. However, there’s a catch… he must get married before his impending twenty-seventh birthday in order to receive the money. Feeling the burden of his duty and needing to act quickly, he is surprised to find himself struck by the unique beauty of the new ranch worker’s daughter. Could she be the answer to his prayers or will life remind him once again that he is cursed to lose everything he cares about?

****************

Lastly, another author I’ve read once, a few years ago by the looks of it. The first few paragraphs appear promising on this one too so I’m gong to give it a chance to impress me.

The Sparkle in Her Eyes: A Historical Western Romance Book (Love and Valor on the Frontier)

Laura Cabot is facing a dilemma. While trying to decide if she really wants to marry Zachary Bell, she begins to notice disturbing changes that don’t bode well for a future union. As if that wasn’t enough, she ends up entangled in his sudden disappearance… Still, Laura is used to challenges. She quickly begins to help out Detective Blackwell, a fascinating man who impresses her with his determination to solve the case. Until she becomes the main suspect…

Detective Jensen Blackwell finds the little town of Cottage Grove and its residents intriguing, none more so than Laura Cabot. As soon as the captivating journalist offers to assist him, he feels an immediate connection he simply can’t resist. Yet he knows he must focus on solving this troubling case, no matter where it may lead… Caught in a web of scandal and confusion, a familiar face reappears and suddenly everything Jensen thought he knew is thrown into question…

Well, this isn’t a stellar collection of books I don’t think but they should be worth the effort to read them. They could surprise us too, we just never know.

****************

Oops, I just noticed book 6, next in line in a series I’ve been reading. Can’t remember much about the series but it’s on sale so I can’t pass it up.

All Things Together (Acts of Valor, Book 6): Romantic Suspense

In this last installment of the Acts of Valor Series, Emma Stuart’s world is turned upside down when her three beloved sons are abducted right before her eyes. With the police more focused on framing Emma than on finding her boys, she turns to the one man she’s been trying to resist—her landlord.

Navy SEAL sniper, Ben Harmony considers himself “Mr. Fix-it” for a reason. Loath to let his favorite tenant and single mother suffer any more than she already has, Ben decides they should track down Emma’s boys themselves. While they’re at it, Ben will prove to Emma that her heart is safe with him, despite his reputation as a lady’s man.

In their quest to track down Emma’s ex, the couple encounters a secret society so powerful, not even a Navy SEAL can bring it down. Indeed, it’s the society that seeks to bring Ben down. With Mr. Fix-it possibly dead and her boys still missing, Emma has to wonder: How, exactly, is God working all things together for her good?

****************

It has been a pleasure to hang out with you and search for new books. Life has finally settled down a bit so maybe I can get back to posting again. A little more often, anyway.

Like me, I hope you are enjoying happy reading too.

It’s been awhile June 11, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I’m feeling inspired today. That’s a big change. I’ve been doing lots of reading but, you know how it is sometimes, everything looks pretty much the same. What’s to talk about anyway.

I did discover an author new-to-me a few days ago- that was exciting. David Baldacci. He writes thrillers with many unexpected twists and turns, I love that. His books are also well written and easy to read.

I didn’t purchase this as it came from a well stocked library in my new apartment building. How great is that? A Library! In the building!

Not only was I reading a new (to me) author but I was back to holding an actual book. Never thought I’d see the day that I’d go back to reading small print and liking it.

This is the first of two books I read in the series. For sure I will be going back for more.

Who would think that you could like a professional killer? Really? I liked this guy.

The Innocent (Will Robie Book 1)

America’s best hitman was hired to kill–but when a D.C. government operation goes horribly wrong, he must rescue a teenage runaway and investigate her parents’ murders in this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller.

It begins with a hit gone wrong. Robie is dispatched to eliminate a target unusually close to home in Washington, D.C. But something about this mission doesn’t seem right to Robie, and he does the unthinkable. He refuses to pull the trigger. Now, Robie becomes a target himself and is on the run.

Fleeing the scene, Robie crosses paths with a wayward teenage girl, a fourteen-year-old runaway from a foster home. But she isn’t an ordinary runaway–her parents were murdered, and her own life is in danger. Against all of his professional habits, Robie rescues her and finds he can’t walk away. He needs to help her. Even worse, the more Robie learns about the girl, the more he’s convinced she is at the center of a vast cover-up, one that may explain her parents’ deaths and stretch to unimaginable levels of power.

Now, Robie may have to step out of the shadows in order to save this girl’s life…and perhaps his own.

****************

So before I go, I guess I should talk about the book that started this whole exercise today. It was a suggestion from BookBub and when I read the blurb I couldn’t resist. It sounds new and exciting and I have to check it out.

A Day Ago: Prequel to the Mylas Grey Mystery Series (Mylas Grey Mysteries)

He isn’t prepared for the situation . . .
Mylas always thought the owner of the McKinney Law Firm, where he’s employed, would outlive him, so when the owner suffers a fatal heart attack, Mylas suddenly faces an uncertain future, his hope of a partnership shattered.

He isn’t prepared for the consequences . . .
When Mylas learns he’s mentioned in the will, he expects to receive a small token of appreciation for his years of service to the firm, but then, when everyone assembles to hear the reading of the will, things take a bizarre turn with unexpected consequences.

He isn’t prepared for the danger . . .
Before his world started spinning out of control, Mylas was searching for a killer, the person who strangled the wife of his client. As he gets closer to identifying the murderer, he suddenly realizes his investigation has put his own life in danger.

And then, there’s the distraction . . .
While Mylas is searching for the killer, an old friend shows up, someone Mylas hopes will be the special lady who completes his life and breaks his cycle of bad relationships.

With an introduction like that I’m hoping it will deliver.

*****************

One more suggestion from BookBub before I go.

Cottage by the Sea: A Novel (Hideaway Book 3)

Erin Bryce and her best friend, Sharlene, count the day they start their wedding planning business as a very happy day. So much so that they name their company The Happiest Day to reflect the fulfillment of their long-held dream as well as their clients’ longing for a wedding celebration to match the exhilaration of being in love. As a bonus, the two women utilize their business to help Erin’s son Jordan and his fiancée, Sierra, plan a grand wedding.

But the two friends aren’t prepared for the cloud moving in to cover the sunny, successful start of their business. Erin’s father, who lives in a small coastal Oregon community with his brusque, downright odd second wife, Delores, develops a medical problem that puts him in the hospital. Erin responds by rushing from Southern California to her father’s—and oh, yeah, Delores’s—cottage by the sea.

What greets Erin when she arrives sends her tumbling down a bewildering path to a different kind of happiest day. Her journey tosses her through highs and lows of hurt and healing, betrayal and renewal, wrong assumptions righted, and the brightest future one could ever hope for. All just around the corner, at the cottage by the sea.

This has been a good day

It’s All About Cowboys April 29, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s time for the second lot of books from yesterday, as promised. I’m wondering how many of you could be interested in a western theme? Romance on the ranch with cowboys and horses. Probably cattle too.

Maybe even a few bull riders and rodeo champions. Girls flock to the super stars they say. Good looking, fit ranch hands would be popular around town too.

I’m hoping you like cowboys because we have 12 books between these two collections. What could be better than that?

I’m pretty sure several of these stories have showed up in other collections. It’s like a sneak to know this will be a good read.

It’s All About Cowboys: Six sweet cowboy romances (Cowboy Crossing Romances sets Book 1)

  • Book 1: Show Me a Marriage of Convenience
    An ex-player cowboy with a little son, the boy’s shy plus-size aunt, and a reluctant modern marriage of convenience only the boy is excited about…
  • Book 2: Show Me a Second Chance
    A single-dad cowboy, a woman with a secret who left him, and a second chance at love neither of them expects…
  • Book 3: Show Me the Boss
    When a weeklong cowboy with a son becomes the three-day boss of an outspoken plus-size veterinarian, these opposites might attract-or combust.
  • Book 4: Show Me Best Friends
    A “steel cowboy” with a wounded spirit, an ex-cop who’s never forgotten him, and a baby in need of love… Can these childhood best friends become more?
  • Book 5: Show Me My Brother’s Best Friend
    A woman in jeopardy and her brother’s best friend she’d once crushed on meet again before Christmas… When the past comes knocking on her door, will she choose love or closure?
  • Book 6: Show Me a Family for Christmas
    A brokenhearted widower with a sad daughter. A secret bodyguard working as a nanny. Can they become an unlikely family this Christmas?

****************

It’s All About Cowboys Too: Six more sweet cowboy romances (Cowboy Crossing Romances sets Book 2

  • Book 1: Show Me a Mistaken Identity
    Can a fun-loving cowboy with a precocious daughter and a guarded woman with a mistaken identity find a path to happiness together?
  • Book 2: Show Me a Fake Fiancé
    Can a fake engagement become real for a single-father cowboy and a brokenhearted single mom?
  • Book 3: Show Me a Stand-in Husband
    Can an accidental marriage between a rebellious cowgirl and a straitlaced single-dad doctor grow into true love?
  • Book 4: Show Me a Reunion
    When a reunion of childhood best friends leads to a marriage of convenience, can it lead to love, too?
  • Book 5: Show Me a Family Saga
    A busy matriarch and a risk-loving younger man with a secret… Can his granddaughter in need bring these opposites together?
  • Book 6: Show Me a Fake Engagement
    A rock star, a social worker, and a teen in need of a family. Can their pretend relationship become real?

******************

I’m loving my current read and must share it with you. It’s not about cowboys but it is about complex macho men. This book lives up to the hype and I may even finish it tonight.

Safe Haven: A Sweet Small Town Romance (The Protectors Book 1)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This series is hard to put down! Lots of drama, love, and laughter.”

Fans of Netflix’s Virgin River series and Sweet Magnolias will love this small-town, feel-good romance!

Hayley Elliott’s sister has found a cure for Alzheimer’s and their mom is living proof that the supplement works. To keep everyone safe, Hayley has to return to Montana. But she can only do that with help from Tank—a man who’s living with a secret more heartbreaking than her own.

Tank has spent his life protecting people. He works for one of the most successful security companies in the world, makes more money than most people see in a lifetime, and has a past no one can ever know about.

With more at stake than their own lives, Tank and Hayley have to decide what is more important—protecting the past or risking everything for love.

*******************

A Tempting book day April 28, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

I can’t believe I succumbed to temptation and I’m happy about it. As if I need a pile pf new books added to my list.

Suggestions from BookBub and BookRunes started the whole landslide of opportunities. 6 downloads covering 27 new books between them! I think I’m a little bit crazy. That’s a lot of books.

The enticing book to start this all off is written by an author new to me. The storyline is also new to my bookshelf, if my memory serves me right. Two things I am always excited about.

It isn’t that I haven’t heard many real life stories about the hazards of winning big, I have but I don’t recall seeing much in the way of fiction. Although I’m sure it has been used before somewhere. I’m curious to see if I will love this book. I certainly hope so, it sounds tempting.

The Lottery Winner’s Greatest Ride: A Millionaire, A Young Reporter . . . And A Journey To Find What Matters Most

$250 million dollars . . .
That’s what Phillip Westford received after winning the largest lottery in history.
But little did he know, the sudden wealth would soon cost him everything he held dear, leaving his once perfect life now in shambles.

Then on one crisp fall day in a New York City park, the despondent lottery champion meets an old, kind, mysterious Irishman named Patrick O’Rourke, who freely offers a way to healing, and a new life . . .
That is, if Phillip is willing to undertake a trek around the globe to find three wise mentors that hold the keys to the happiness he is frantically searching for.

Traveling on a train through Ireland, Phillip meets the brash and talented young reporter Juliette McKelvey, and he shares with her the inspirational tale of his empowering spiritual trek to find peace . . . A tale with secrets and wisdom Juliette soon realizes she desperately needs in her own life . . .

*****************

This next book also has authors new to me and I love it. The stories are short but will be long enough to offer a good introduction to each of them. Robin Lee Hatcher has appeared 10 times in my downloads so I’m familiar with her. I’ve had a chance to read Melissa McClone once but Kathryn Springer is totally new.

Kiss the Bride: Three Summer Love Stories (Year of Weddings Novellas)

Meet the people who make it all happen—the photographers, chefs, and the writers who have helped orchestrate and document the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in three sweet novellas.

Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story by Melissa McClone

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart. Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away, but he wrongly blamed Jenna for ruining his political aspirations. Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story by Robin Lee Hatcher

Will a sworn bachelor determined to stay single fall in love with his dance teacher? Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing. Former rodeo queen Skye Foster is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own.

Love on a Deadline: An August Wedding Story by Kathryn Springer

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis returns to her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, and takes a job at the weekly newspaper writing about social events. When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover all the festivities for the newspaper. The last thing Mac wants to do is reconnect with the person who made her life miserable when she was a teenager . . . unless it’s spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride’s older brother—and Mac’s first crush.

******************

This next collection is with an author not in my downloads at all. Unless she shows up in a collection somewhere that doesn’t come up in a search. I’m anxious to see what she is like. Hopefully I can add her to my favorites list.

A Divine Christmas: Four Christmas Romances + A Bonus Story 

The descriptions for these stories are long so I will keep them short and sweet. Hopefully it’s enough to still be tempting. I’m tempted just adding this to the post.

Book 1: When Wynn Mason sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes in to make sure the trouble isn’t caused by one of the juvenile delinquents that her father is attempting to rehabilitate and is just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch Ryland Sage in the face. 

Book 2: Actress Cheyenne West heads north to join her family for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove on the Oregon coast. 

Book 3: When Havyn Jessup agreed to join her church’s building trip, she had no idea the man who broke her heart was coming as well. 

Book 4: When Chelsea Tan looks up from the mocha she’s making to see Cannon Jones standing across the counter, she nearly drops the cup. 

Book 5: Fresh out of rehab, Rayne McQuaid wants a stress-free Christmas. She’s determined not to fall back into her old coping mechanisms. 

****************

OK, the next two collections have 6 books each and they are part 1 and part 2 of the same series. This post is getting out of hand so there will have to be a part two of it too. Only because I’m happy about more new books.

Looking it over, I think I will love the books in this post best but you never know, maybe I will be thrilled with the next ones too. That would be awesome.

Recent downloads March 29, 2024

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A conversation with a friend has jump started my attention to blog posts. I shared with her that I was downloading books without the courtesy of sharing them with you all. That old discouragement thing that lies to us has been plaguing me saying Nobody cares. Why bother.

I’m feeling like bothering so here we go. So far in March there have been 17 + downloads, one of them today. I’m currently reading yesterday’s new one. There was one early in the month that I haven’t been able to get into. It’s on hold but I will speed through it soon. The rest I’ve read.

Some of them feel like I’ve read them before but I can’t find the evidence to back up that thought. It’s possible that someone took the bones of another and added new clothes. Entirely possible. I did enjoy most of them though.

There are so many that I will share covers only this time.

Had to add one from February just to even them out.

It has been a good month with unexpectedly great books showing up. I’ve even been introduced to new-to-me authors that I would love to have visit me again.