Month: November 2020

Read and enjoyed – end of November 2020

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It’s time to share a few more Read & Enjoyed.

The first one is a recent download and may still be a bargain. It wasn’t a long read and I managed it all today (in between podcasts and jig-saw puzzles) and started book 3, the next one I have in this series. Book 1 was an enjoyable read.

Falling for Zeke: A Sweet Romantic Suspense (Stryker Security Force Book 1)

An ex-Army Special Operations member burned once by love. A single-mom stalked by a powerful enemy. Can he risk his heart for her safety?

Zeke has everything he could want.

A multi-billion dollar inheritance allows him to protect others...

… and with the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms.

He spends his time growing his security firm and keeping his head down. Love is the last thing on his mind, until Samantha and her daughter are in need of his help.

Book three is about another member of the team and I expect it will be good as well.

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Next is another enjoyable but not a quick read this time. Ann Tatlock writes a meat & potatoes kind of story. No fluff here.

Things We Once Held Dear

New Yorker Neil Sadler returns to his hometown of Mason, Ohio, where the small-town was rocked by the suspicious death of Helen Syfert, the mother of Neil’s friend, Mary. As the pair reconnects, Neil learns their once-close relationship hasn’t survived the tragedy of Mary’s loss. In time, though, the couple finds that what pushed them apart years ago now seems to be pulling them together. Still, Neil finds himself struggling to recover from a more recent loss, one he keeps tucked in his heart. While the mystery of Helen’s death remains unsolved, finding closure will require opening old wounds, mending broken relationships, and facing new fears.

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Set in South Africa this was a good read too. Well, it wasn’t just because of the setting. It was intense, filled with life altering situations. Gripping.

Rachel’s Blessing – (Love in South Africa Book 1)

A South African adventure leads to a life-changing love… 

Thirty-one year old Rachel Wright is thrilled to be getting married. Unfortunately, her fiancé does not share her enthusiasm. When he suddenly breaks off their engagement for a life of adventure, British-born Rachel heads to South Africa for an adventure of her own.

Volunteering at a rural orphanage allows Rachel the breathing space she needs to refocus and have time alone with God. This rugged landscape brings fresh perspective and healing. The last thing on Rachel’s mind now, is romance.

And then she meets Eric, a local game ranger and the area’s most eligible bachelor.

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And, last but not least, three more…

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I’ve been snatching a few pages of the new read (I have no self restraint it seems) before finishing this post and I’m can hardly wait to get back to it. Sorry to bail on you but I gotta go.

Hopefully you are having a good time hanging out with a good book too.

Happy Reading.

Later y’all.

Bargain books November 28, 2020

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This is a one-thing-led-to-another kind of day for finding interesting books. The nice thing about it today, there is a distinct variety to be had. I love it when that happens. Often the days are same-old-same-old. Today is refreshing.

This first bargain caught my eye because of my current read, I have been enjoying one of the authors of this new collection. I’m curious now to read more of Miralee Ferrell.

Overall, I think this will be a lightest read of today’s bunch. Following that we have a Regency Romance and then a Modern Suspense.

A Christmas Romance Collection: Six heart-warming holiday romances

Amazon quote:

Island Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Sous Chef Rachel Narrelli returns to Wildflower Island looking for a fresh start for herself and her young son. She is grateful when new friend Chris Campbell offers support as she faces her new job and new life. She cares for the Chris, but is she is willing to risk her heart to a man with an uncertain future? A self-proclaimed workaholic, Chris Campbell comes to Wildflower Island hoping to take life at a slower pace. He’s drawn to Rachel, but how will a woman and her young son fit into his future—a future that’s uncertain at best?

A Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?

A Caffeine Conundrum–Angela Ruth Strong

Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to a small town to start a coffee shop, never imagining she’ll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects. The unlikely pair teams up to find the real killer, and hopefully, with help from Marissa’s ex and a charming lawyer, they’ll be able to keep from going to jail…or worse.

Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana-Angela Ruth Strong

The last thing Paisley wants for Christmas is to spend time with Josh Lake—the guy who broke her heart in high school—but until her bank loan goes through, she has to take all the free help she can get on the ranch she inherited. Unfortunately, Josh seems to want back in her life again, and the town’s quirky coffee shop owners don’t help by hanging mistletoe at every opportunity. Will Paisley succeed in driving him away, or will she find the healing needed to have hope for a future together?

The Fruitcake Scandal by Vickie McDonough

Pastor Clayton Parsons waited a year to bring his fiancée, Karen, to his new church post. They plan a Christmas wedding, but in the meantime Karen helps the church ladies with various projects, including a bake sale. But revealing her fruitcake recipe could spell disaster for her future with Clay.

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell

Deborah Summers has waited five years for Curt Warren to return home, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. But when tragedy finally brings him home a rift with his father threatens to drive him away. Can Deborah help him reconcile and possibly save their future.

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A Love Unbroken: A Regency Romance (Landon House Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Lady Selina has always lived in the shadow of her twin sister, Lady Anna. Being rather quiet and shy, she is hopeful of making a quick match to a gentleman of similar character to her own. Quite by chance one night, Selina overhears a terrible plan. Uncertain as to what she should do or say, Lady Selina retreats all the more – until circumstances force her to act.

Having expected to enjoy all that society had to offer, Charles, the Earl of Barrington, is horrified to discover his sister in the most improper circumstance. When the gentleman in question demands funds in order to remain silent about what has occurred, Charles feels as though he has no choice. Refusing to accept that his sister was entirely innocent as she claims, he is astonished when a young lady approaches him to tell him of what she overheard.

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Celebrating Tina: An Inspirational Holiday Romantic Suspense (Stryker Security Force Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Tina never imagined when she took a job as a nanny she’d end up training for search and rescue. Yet, when her boss shows up with a retired military dog and the opportunity to train with him, Tina snatches up the chance to help those who are lost. If she saves enough people, maybe she could find meaning in a life that left her with nothing but a bruised heart and a tarnished picture of family. As holiday festivities loom before her, she wonders if she’ll ever shuck the regrets that haunt her dreams and keep her from connecting with others.

Since his father’s murder, Milo has worked hard to make sure his mom and brother were provided for. He joined the police force straight out of high school, took night classes so he could move up to investigator, and put his life on hold until his brother graduated from college. But when he is rescued on Thanksgiving Day by Tina West, his well-laid plans take a sharp detour.

The other day I found book one in this series at a bargain price. I haven’t read it yet but do plan to read it first. It’s still a bargain although book 2 isn’t or I would read it too, maybe.

My TBR list is getting longer, not shorter, for goodness sakes. Free and bargain are criteria to help keep some sort of rein on my bookshelf.

It’s sort of working. (I’m definitely in denial.)

In case you are interested in book 1

Happy Saturday

and

Happy Reading

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(I need to say no to collections. That would seriously reduce my reading list.)

(Nope, not going to happen.)

(It was not a nice thought. It was a terrible thought.)

(I love my books.)

Bargain books November 27, 2020

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We will start off with my current read and see what else shows up on this slow suggestion day.

This read is one of my favorites. The writing draws the reader into a compelling story. There are six stories in this box set and I’m about finished the third in a row and boredom has yet to set in. This collection is sill a bargain and has more than enough pages to make it attractive to the avid reader. 1,641,… awesome.

Second Chances: Inspirational Box Set 

Amazon qute:

Teresa H. Morgan—No Greater Gift— History professor Grace Ryan returns home expecting to turn her Grandmother’s journals and recollections of WWII into memoirs. Hospitalized, Gramma Annie hints at a decades-old crime, whispers the word treason, then slips away forever. Though God’s voice seems silent, He sends someone to stand in the gap for her.

 Erik Petersson, unjustly accused of infidelity, suffered through an unwanted divorce and the loss of his children’s love. A physicist, he helps Grace dig through her late grandfather’s scientific papers. Erik and Grace are catapulted into a quagmire of truth and lies that could tear her family apart.

Miralee Ferrell—The Other Daughter— The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer. “My mama’s dead. He’s my daddy.” Susanne Carson knows she can trust her husband, David—until she discovers an unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David’s daughter. Their marriage isn’t perfect—David’s decision to embrace Christianity strained their relationship. Susanne may not agree with his beliefs, but she trusts him. As David confronts his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.

Melanie Campbell—One Woman Falling—*Selah Award Finalist*

After an unexpected police visit, Cassie Peterson realizes her daughter’s survival depends on Cassie’s courage to leave her abusive marriage. What she doesn’t plan on is the vengeful custody fight with her husband, Derrick.

While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie’s new friend, Missy, encourages her to pursue her love of waterfalls. Meanwhile, Brian, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works, provides unexpected legal help.

As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. Can she keep her daughter safe? Who can she trust? Who will be standing with her when everything comes crashing down?

Miralee Ferrell—Outlaw Angel— Angel Ramirez is on the run from an outlaw disguised as a boy—can she learn to live like a lady?

After taking a job on a Wyoming ranch owned by a bachelor and his widowed sister, Angel reveals her true identity and must fight to prove her worth as a ranch hand while discovering her role as woman.

Hiring a woman doesn’t sit well with Travis Morgan, and the dark-haired beauty is causing a ruckus among his cowboys. When Angel decides she’ll never please her boss, an unexpected surprise arrives from across the ocean. Will Angel leave with the person who’s come so far to claim her?

Janalyn Voigt—Cheyenne Sunrise—Bry Brennan, a young Irish widow, travels West to start a new life. She doesn’t want another husband to break her spirit.

Nick Laramie, the wagon train’s half-Cheyenne trail guide, has no intention of dragging a woman into his troubles. 

The perilous journey throws the two together, leaving Bry no choice but to trust Nick with her life. Can she also trust him with her heart?

Patricia Lee—Love Calls Her Home— Lissa Frye returns home from the Navy eager to start over.But the man she loves, Marine Kurt McKintrick is a broken man, grieving the loss of his best friend to an enemy trap in Afghanistan. Fears of another loss,  Kurt distances himself from Lissa.

Eleven-year-old Jayden Clarke’s life is turned upside down when the rancher he trusts and respects is found dead. As outside authorities, Lissa and Kurt find themselves embroiled in the investigation. Can helping a hurting boy draw them back together?

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A Christmas bargain collection

Small-Town Christmas: Sweet, Faith-Filled, Clean Romances

Amazon quote:

Five sweet romances to bring you Small-Town Christmas and warm your heart! For the first time, all romances set in Rios Azules, including a complete series, are published in one large collection.

SEASON OF LOVE. Opposites-attract romance! Feuding co-chefs have to put their differences aside before Christmas to give their siblings a great reception. A ruined wedding and failed business are not on the menu. But romance just might be…
SEASON OF AFFECTION. A woman in jeopardy, bodyguard, and second chance romance! A celebrity in peril and the small-town boy who crushed her heart years ago. Can a Christmas reunion bring them a second chance at love?
SEASON OF MIRACLES. Opposites-attract sports romance! New beginning or new heartbreak? A shy nurse starts over in a small town after breaking up with a demanding celebrity. The last thing she wants is to fall for her patient’s grandson, a pro football player set on reaching sports glory.
SEASON OF JOY. A single dad, second chance romance with a plus-size heroine! A successful travel reporter returns home for the holidays, and sparks fly between her and her first crush, now a single father. When his youngest son writes a letter to God asking for a Mom for Christmas, she agrees to help him find the right woman. But can this reunion be a second chance for these best friends?
SEASON OF HOPE. Redemption romance! A single mother’s quiet life with her little daughter is disrupted when a notorious former football player moves next door. Angry and lost after forced retirement, he surprises himself by getting involved in a small community and falling for his redhead neighbor. Can they help each other heal, or will their hearts be broken again?

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Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense Box Set (Books 1-3)

Amazon quote:

Deep in the heart of Alaska, there’s more to fear than just the cold …

Real faith meets real suspense in these 3 thrilling novels you can’t put down!

Find out why Christian fiction readers are racing headfirst into the depths of rural Alaska, where unforgettable characters face unimaginable dangers. These believers will risk everything to save the ones they love:

A woman hiding from the fatal mistakes of her past. A sister rescuing her autistic little brother from the clutches of danger. A mother confronting the demons in her past to rescue her kidnapped daughter.

If you like determined characters, faith-based suspense, and heart-stopping action, then you’ll love these riveting novels from bestselling Christian novelist Alana Terry.

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A dozen books… not a bad day afterall.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our USA friends.

Happy reading!

Bargain books November 25, 2020

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Casual browsing is today’s method for discovery of interesting bargain reads.

Distorted 

Amazon quote:

Mallory Baldwin is a survivor. A former victim of human trafficking, she’s been given a second chance, yet not a night goes by that she doesn’t remember being a slave to weapons dealer Dante Torres. Despite being afraid of the dark and wary of strangers, Mallory is trying to rebuild her life by turning her tragedy into redemption.

To former Navy SEAL Tennyson Walker, Mallory seems nothing like the shattered woman he rescued two years ago, and he can’t help but be inspired by her strength and resilience. So when a stalker suddenly makes Mallory vulnerable once again, Tennyson steps up as her bodyguard to keep her safe.

Mallory and Tennyson’s mutual attraction can’t be ignored, but neither can Mallory’s suspicion that Tennyson is keeping a terrible secret about her past. As the nightmare closes in, it’s not only Mallory and Tennyson’s love that comes under fire but their very lives as well. Will their faith sustain them? Or will the darkness win once and for all?

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Falling For Zeke

Amazon quote:

An ex-Army Special Operations member burned once by love. A single-mom stalked by a powerful enemy. Can he risk his heart for her safety?

Zeke has everything he could want. A multi-billion dollar inheritance allows him to protect others…

… and with the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms.

He spends his time growing his security firm and keeping his head down. Love is the last thing on his mind, until Samantha and her daughter are in need of his help.

Samantha used to have a comfortable life. Now she waits tables to put food on her own.

Forced from the life she had built, Samantha works to restore what was lost. With her daughter in tow, she begins a new life in the Colorado mountains. It’s not perfect, but it’s all theirs. But when the tempting Zeke offers to help her, she begins to wonder if love could heal her shattered life.

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Light the Dark: A Carolina Moon Christmas Novella 

Amazon quote:

Nine months pregnant, Hope Solomon is on the run and fearing for her life. Desperate for warmth, food, and shelter, she finds what looks like an abandoned house. Inside, she discovers a Christmas that’s been left behind—complete with faded decorations on a brittle Christmas tree and dusty stockings filled with loss.

Someone spies smoke coming from the chimney of the empty house and alerts Dr. Luke Griffin, the owner. He rarely visits the home that harbors so many bittersweet memories for him. But no one is going to violate the space so near and dear to his heart.

Then Luke meets Hope, and he knows this mother-to-be desperately needs help. With no room at any local inn, Luke invites Hope to stay, unaware of the danger following her. While running from the darkness, the embers of Christmas present are stirred with an unexpected birth and a holiday romance. But will Hope and Luke live to see a Christmas future?

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My current enjoyable read, just started.

The Practice of Prying (The Sidekick’s Survival Guide Mysteries Book 4)

Apprentice P.I. Elliot Ransom has almost lost her life, her family is being targeted by bad guys, and her love life is a confusing mess. Can anything else go wrong?

Her newest case has her posing as an assistant coach for a local charity softball game in order to figure out if the previous coach was murdered. The problem is that Elliot, who grew up in the jungle, knows nada about softball.

More than one mystery haunts her, and it’s hard to know which clue leads to potential answers. But one thing she does know: danger is close—too close. Whoever thought a little prying could lead to so much distress?

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Happy Reading everyone.

Free and bargain books November 23, 2020

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion. I have read this collection, a year ago.

The Cowboys: Uhlarik, Yezak, Hart, Huff

Amazon quote:

Healing Heart

Lonnie Holt’s external scars remind him of his failures, his internal scars torment him. Genny Collins seeks safety at the ranch once owned by Lonnie’s uncle. When Lonnie and his brother arrive, sparks fly and distrust abounds. While Lonnie and Genny fight the love growing between them, his past haunts him, and her past pays them a visit.

Becoming Brave

When Coy Whittaker stumbles upon a grisly scene littered with bodies, he wants nothing more than to get his boss’s cattle out of Indian Territory. But when a bloodstained Aimee Kaplan draws down on him, his plans—and his heart—screech to a halt.

Trail’s End

Wade Chadwick has no money until his boss’s cattle sell, so he takes a kitchen job at Abby’s Home Cooking. The beautiful and prickly owner adds spice to his workday. Abby Cox hires the down-and-out cowboy even though the word cowboy leaves a bad taste in her mouth. Just as she’s ready to trust Wade with her heart, money starts to disappear … and so does her brother.

Loving a Harvey Girl

Eva Knowles can’t imagine why the local preacher doesn’t like Harvey Girls—women who work serving tables instead of finding a husband and falling in love. But if Eva can get the handsome and wayward cowboy Cal Stephens to join her in church, maybe the reverend will accept the girls. Or maybe she’ll forfeit her job for a husband, hearth, and home!

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I found a bargain on book 4 in a series I’ve been enjoying.

Seagrass Secrets (Saltwater Cowboys Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

He’s her best friend. She’s the woman of his dreams.

Firefighter Colby Morris needs answers. After discovering a dead body, he then learns his best friend’s address was in the man’s pocket. He’ll do anything to keep Emmy safe—yet he wants to keep his heart safe also. That’s why he’s never told Emmy he’s in love with her.

Emmy Sutherland is trying to make amends after she hits a man with her truck while driving in a torrential downpour. When the island’s clinic floods, she has no choice but to let the stranger stay at her inn. But recent events on Cape Corral have her feeling apprehensive. 

Events continue to escalate, leaving Colby and Emmy scrambling to find answers. But as more secrets are uncovered, more danger arises. Can Colby and Emmy discover the truth? Or will their feelings get in the way—endangering not only their lives but their lifelong friendship?

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I’m currently reading and enjoying:

Rachel’s Blessing – A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel set in South Africa (Love in South Africa Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

A South African adventure leads to a life-changing love… 

Thirty-one year old Rachel Wright is thrilled to be getting married. Unfortunately, her fiancé does not share her enthusiasm. When he suddenly breaks off their engagement for a life of adventure, British-born Rachel heads to South Africa for an adventure of her own.

Volunteering at a rural orphanage allows Rachel the breathing space she needs to refocus and have time alone with God. This rugged landscape brings fresh perspective and healing. The last thing on Rachel’s mind now, is romance.

And then she meets Eric, a local game ranger and the area’s most eligible bachelor.

Adventurous, intriguing and with a heart for God, Eric embodies the qualities Rachel admires most in a man. Their friendship takes a turn toward love, but too soon, Rachel must return home. Emotions run high at her departure, and Rachel and Eric break a promise they’d each made, leaving them ashamed and broken.

Can God take their shame and weave a tapestry of redemption? And will Eric find a way to allow Rachel back into his heart, despite the secret she kept from him?

Book One in the ‘Love in South Africa’ series, Rachel’s Blessing highlights real-life decisions in love, and God’s never-ending faithfulness towards His people. If you enjoy sweet, clean and wholesome romance with a happily-ever-after ending, an interesting mix of well-rounded characters, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking South African savanna, then Rachel’s Blessing is for you.

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Happy reading…

… on this gorgeous bright and sunny day.

I’m not sure the sunshine is meant to last today but I will love it while it’s here, on this cool crisp day. Minus 11c is not all that bad.

I won’t be going out in it anyway. I need to get busy now that the morning sun is off my work computer.

(OK, honestly, I’d be curled up with a book if it wasn’t work keeping me in! I like watching the crisp weather from inside where it’s warm)

I hope you are enjoying a good day too.

Story Prompt – Crisis

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Story Prompt is hosted by Confusing Middle’s – Sunday Scribblings

Crisis

Tony jerked awake. It took a minute to orient himself, coming out of such a deep sleep. Something woke him but what was it?

There, he heard it again.

His wife was screaming. What is going on? Is there an intruder in the house? Is she being attacked?

Scrambling out of bed he grabbed the baseball bat from behind the door and ran for the stairs.

He scanned the rooms quickly trying to identify the enemy and the threat. So far nothing.

Moving from room to room and finding no one he moved on to the kitchen.

Still no intruders but his wife was standing on a chair.

Screaming.

What? What’s going on?

There’s a MOUSE!

Read and enjoyed mid November 2020 edition

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

It’s that time again. After another slow book day it’s time to share some favorite reads. Well, every read actually but we’ll start with favorites. Hope I can remember which ones they were. Time always seems to make the memories hazy despite my good intentions to remember them all.

This first one I do remember and was happy to see it come up because of the way I enjoyed earlier book in this series of series.

They are about three sisters who, for reasons we haven’t yet learned, were raised in remote high and craggy mountains. Their grandparents taught them the lowlands were evil and dangerous and they believed it all, enough to never venture off the mountain. Left on their own they managed life with well honed survival skills, always looking out for each other.

It was shocking when someone from the lowlands suddenly appeared on their mountain.

I enjoyed all of the previously read books in this series but I think this one was my favorite.

A string of unfortunate events leads to an unexpected marriage and an unplanned extended visit to a number of progressively larger cites.

It was fun to view life as we know it through her uninitiated eyes.

Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain Book #2)

After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

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This next one is another favorite. The tale of creating new life out of brokenness and accepting second chances. I’ll let the synopsis speak for the story this time. I did give up five stars to it though, something which happens sparingly at my house.

A Long Way to Run

Sometimes the path to love is a long way to run…

Olympic-caliber running hopeful Riley Dalton lost his left leg from the knee down in the noblest of ways: saving a trapped woman whose car was engulfed by fire. Years removed from that life-changing moment, he returns home to Dunberry, Michigan, searching for the pathway to a new life.

Riley’s high school sweetheart, Jennifer Bailey, understands the process of reinvention. Heartbreak and corporate theft sent her scampering from New York straight back to her small-town roots. In Dunberry, she’s established a clothing boutique that allows creativity to flow while she regroups.

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Here are the covers for the rest. I did enjoy some more than others but they were all well worth the read.

These last two were favorites as well.

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I’m currently reading and loving another excellent Christy Barritt book. It’s still a bargain if you are interested.

Lifeline (The Security Experts)

Only a former navy SEAL can help a woman who is convinced her deceased former fiancé is alive—and out for revenge in this exciting suspense, part of The Security Experts series from USA TODAY bestselling author Christy Barritt.

“I did it for you.” The chilling words in the text message have Julianne Grace fearing for her life. She’s sure that her abusive ex-fiancé has killed two people—and that she’s the next target. But will anyone believe that her presumed dead ex is really alive? The only man who can help Julianne is cool, aloof security specialist Bradley Stone. Not only does she need his protection, but he’s also the link to finding answers about her ex-fiancé’s death. And the closer Bradley and Julianne get to the truth—and to each other, the angrier the madman after Julianne becomes. One wrong move and they could both fall prey to the killer’s deadly scheme.

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Well, it’s Saturday, a good day for house work. I think the floor is dry and I can get back to work.

I’m planning to put up my Christmas tree. Two of my three kids have their family trees up already and I’m feeling inspired. The first time in three years. Something must be working right this year.

Hopefully I can tear myself away from my book long enough to get it done.

I’ll let you know how that goes.

In the meantime, I hope this selection of books is working to inspire you too.

Happy Reading y’all.

Free and bargain books November 20, 2020

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Another good day for books. I was expecting a slow book day so this was a nice surprise.

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion. This book is all new to me, one more nice surprise.

Rachel’s Blessing – (Love in South Africa Book 1)

Amazon quote:

A South African adventure leads to a life-changing love… 

Thirty-one year old Rachel Wright is thrilled to be getting married. Unfortunately, her fiancé does not share her enthusiasm. When he suddenly breaks off their engagement for a life of adventure, British-born Rachel heads to South Africa for an adventure of her own.

Volunteering at a rural orphanage allows Rachel the breathing space she needs to refocus and have time alone with God. This rugged landscape brings fresh perspective and healing. The last thing on Rachel’s mind now, is romance.

And then she meets Eric, a local game ranger and the area’s most eligible bachelor.

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A BookBub bargain suggestion by a favorite prolific author.

Lifeline (The Security Experts)

Amazon quote:

Only a former navy SEAL can help a woman who is convinced her deceased former fiancé is alive—and out for revenge in this exciting suspense, part of The Security Experts series from USA TODAY bestselling author Christy Barritt.

“I did it for you.” The chilling words in the text message have Julianne Grace fearing for her life. She’s sure that her abusive ex-fiancé has killed two people—and that she’s the next target. But will anyone believe that her presumed dead ex is really alive? The only man who can help Julianne is cool, aloof security specialist Bradley Stone. Not only does she need his protection, but he’s also the link to finding answers about her ex-fiancé’s death. And the closer Bradley and Julianne get to the truth—and to each other, the angrier the madman after Julianne becomes. One wrong move and they could both fall prey to the killer’s deadly scheme.

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain collection suggestion for us. There are five books and I think I have read most of them along the way somewhere, in other collections I think. The good news for me, there is one completely new one.

Small-Town Christmas: Sweet, Faith-Filled, Clean Romances

Amazon quote:

SEASON OF LOVE. Opposites-attract romance! Feuding co-chefs have to put their differences aside before Christmas to give their siblings a great reception. A ruined wedding and failed business are not on the menu. But romance just might be…
SEASON OF AFFECTION. A woman in jeopardy, bodyguard, and second chance romance! A celebrity in peril and the small-town boy who crushed her heart years ago. Can a Christmas reunion bring them a second chance at love?

etc. etc. etc.

I’d show more but it’s rather long. Hopefully this is enough to catch your interest.

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Currently I’m reading and enjoying a book with an author new to me.

COMPLEX: A Sweet Small town Standalone Romance (Eron Outsiders Book 1)

After ten years away, Sofia Wise returns home to mourn the loss of her grandmother, and she’s desperate to reconnect with her family.
When a dark, devastatingly handsome stranger shows up on her family’s doorstep, Sofia takes one look and is tempted to make her visit permanent. The problem is, the town’s detective is suspicious of her entire family, and it might take some convincing to prove that she’s more interested in the man himself than in the complex case at hand.

Trevor Freeman is a hardworking detective for the town of Eron. When his mom disappears, he blames the Wise family and will stop at nothing until they are brought to justice —that is, until Sofia Wise blows into town. The mysterious, beautiful member of the notorious Wise clan complicates everything, distracting him from his investigation and threatening to steal his heart.

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Can you believe it. We had about 3 inches of snow last night and they’ve plowed our streets already. That’s what’s great about a small city, they can do these nice things for us. My friends and relatives in the big city are jealous.

I’m sure many of you are glad you live in warmer climates. Some of my kids are but I’m happy to see winter. I missed the snowy season with it’s crisp cold air when I lived in a moderate climate with mostly rain.

Besides, a cold winter day is the perfect time to curl up with a good book.

I’m gonna go do just that. It’s time to finish my current.

Happy Reading

Stay safe and warm.

Free and bargain books November 18, 2020

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There are a few interesting book suggestions again today.

BookRunes has a FREE selection. I can recall reading this a year ago.

Heart of Gold 

Amazon quote:

After the death of her troubled mother, Sienna Hart returns to her small, coastal hometown of Ruby Bay to help her estranged sisters with the estate. She is hopeful that they can mend their broken relationship, and it’s a chance to get away from her selfish, unreliable ex-boyfriend who is pushing to get back together.

Carter Palamo is a kind, handsome, yet bitter man. Burned by his last girlfriend’s cruel rejection of his proposal, he is hesitant to get involved with another woman. He runs his family’s hardware store in Ruby Bay and helps his grandmother with her Christmas tree farm, but makes no effort to bring his dreams of marriage and children to fruition.

When a new artist does a terrible job of decorating the hardware store’s windows for the holidays, Carter hires Sienna to do the work. Neither is open to love, but their fiery attraction to one another keeps bringing them back together. Yet their defenses are just as strong – both coming from tragic pasts and relationships with partners who refused to commit. Will they be able to take a risk on each other and stop the past from defining their future?

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain Historical Western suggestion. I see there are a number of others available in this series as well.

Willow Falls (Matt Bannister Western Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Welcome to Willow Falls. The town young Matthew Bannister ran away from fifteen years before. Now famed U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is coming home to reconcile with his family. He prayed he wouldn’t see his ex-best friend Tom Smith nor the only girl he ever loved, Tom’s wife, Elizabeth. However, old feuds unsettled never die and spark a powder keg of action when the desperate Moskin Gang kidnap Elizabeth and leave a murderous trail behind them. In anguish, Tom, the Willow Falls sheriff, turns to his despised old-friend to help get the woman they both love back alive, if they can.

Sometimes God’s greatest blessing is unanswered prayer.

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This current enjoyable read is definitely my favorite this week. I love the strong willed, determined, main characters. Neither one wants to be taking orders but he has to take the lead or it could mean death. She is totally out of her element but no way will she let that stand in her way.

Into the Darkness (Daring Escapes Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Adventure. Betrayal. Murder.
Dead? Kate Collier refuses to believe her brother and last remaining family member died in the Brazilian rainforest. Determined to find the missing biochemist, she launches an expedition to find him.

A.C. Slader’s past is as dark and turbulent as the Amazon. Consumed with his own problems, when Kate tries hiring him to find her no-doubt deceased brother, he turns her down cold. The last thing he needs is to fight his way through an impassable jungle for a woman who wouldn’t know a stick from a snake. Only when he narrowly rescues her from an attack before she’s even left the relative safety of the town does he realize that without his help, she’ll get herself killed.

Together, they begin a perilous journey that will test the limits of their faith and each other…

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Maybe if it’s a slow book day tomorrow it will be a good time to clear out my Read & Enjoyed list once again.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading, once again.

Free books November 17, 2020

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Free books from LPC Books. As promised yesterday here they are.

This first book is one of my Read & Enjoyed and I still remember the experience. In fact I remember all three of the books suggested for us.

A Season to Dance 

Amazon quote:

Everyone has a dream. A passion. You work hard, you get there. Right? But what if you don’t get there? Despair? It happens… Then what? Give up? Try harder? What if all this time, you’ve been going after the wrong dreams? What if the best part of life hasn’t even started?

Ana Brassfield tries everything to be happy. An important career. A dream of dancing. A famous boyfriend. A move overseas. But all she experiences is a series of almost successes with a side of heartbreak. Then when she hits rock bottom, a stranger opens an unexpected door. Could she change her whole life? Should she? Or would this be another mistake in a life defined by rushed decisions and wrong turns?

A Season to Dance is a journey. From hard to better. From striving to being

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Another of my favorite reads.

The Children of Main Street

The children come—scores of them. Broken. Suffering. Learning to survive. These are not the clients Katie Collier expected to help when she went to work at the mental-health clinic.

But Katie and her husband can’t have children of their own, so her natural compassion flows. Still, Katie wonders why God gives babies to some women who seem unwilling to care, feed, love, shelter—even hold, and leaves other women barren.

Then one day it happens. A little girl named Bailey walks into Main Street Clinic … walks straight into Katie’s broken heart.

Forced to choose between her husband and her career, Katie fights to hold onto both in order to save Bailey. When her husband gives her the ultimate ultimatum, Katie finds the children of Main Street are not the only ones feeling cast out and lost.

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This was a favorite too.

The Forgotten Life of Evelyn Lewis

Facing bankruptcy, a high-end interior designer returns to her childhood Tennessee to salvage her company and finds herself tangled in relationships, property disputes, and a past that refuses to be silenced.

In a desperate attempt to save her company from bankruptcy, designer Evelyn Lewis decides to sell the only memento from her past worth anything—the family farmland. Determined to get in and get out of the abandoned property, she finds the valuable land tangled in a trust, and wonders who she can really depend on. Certainly not the property manager and affable Southern gentleman, Taylor Simpson.

Caught up in the mechanics of a farm, a legal document she can’t break, and pressure from her company for money, Evelyn turns to her own wiles and willpower…but can she resist the South’s wooing?

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I’m currently reading and enjoying A Long Way to Run 

Amazon quote:

Sometimes the path to love is a long way to run…

Olympic-caliber running hopeful Riley Dalton lost his left leg from the knee down in the noblest of ways: saving a trapped woman whose car was engulfed by fire. Years removed from that life-changing moment, he returns home to Dunberry, Michigan, searching for the pathway to a new life.

Riley’s high school sweetheart, Jennifer Bailey, understands the process of reinvention. Heartbreak and corporate theft sent her scampering from New York straight back to her small-town roots. In Dunberry, she’s established a clothing boutique that allows creativity to flow while she regroups.

Reunited, Riley and Jennifer spearhead the creation of a community sponsored running team while they chase demons both physical and emotional. As Riley trains for the Mobility Impaired division of the Boston Marathon, the past rises to haunt him, and a professional opportunity is presented to Jennifer that plays to her goals but endangers everything she’s reestablished with the only man she’s ever loved.

Will love be enough to cover the distance between them?

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I’m loving today’s sunny skies.

Wishing sunny skies to all of you too.

Happy Reading