Story prompt – Valentine

Today’s story prompt … Valentine

What’s the first thing to pop into your head?

Bah-Humbug!

Just call me Ms Scrooge.

It’s true. I read romance novels, lots of them. I read them, enjoy them, and don’t believe a word they say.

Fairy tales, I tell you.

Ok. So I will admit, there are some people out there who truly do know how to love honestly and well. I will admit there are some but my head says they are few and far between.

I still say – Bah Humbug! And no ghost is going to be changing my mind!

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Story Prompt is hosted by Sunday Scribblings

Read and enjoyed – mid February 2021

My favorite read this time was a Christmas anthology. The stories were great by themselves but a discovery at the end of the second story turned it all into something more.

The author of the second story, Eleanor Bertin, mentioned her blog link along with the usual information always offered at the end. Between her blog post and her bio, when I checked it out, I learned she lives only a few hundred miles from here and belongs to a writer’s group well known to some of our local group. When I shared what I’d found, a bunch of us couldn’t help getting excited about this. How often do you happen upon a book only to find you have such a close connection with he author.

Our regular monthly Zoom call happened today and Eleanor was able to be with us as our special guest. Not only does she write a good story she does an awesome job of reading it to us. We were blessed to have her.

I’m hoping this is a first of many more such events. It was fun and encouraging, for all of us I think.

A Star Will Rise: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology II

Amazon quote:

Christmas should be a time of wonder and expectation, but what if tragedy, illness, family secrets, or betrayal strip away every belief in what the future holds? And in a good and loving God?

When circumstances beyond their control dramatically alter their lives, can broken, betrayed, and disillusioned people rediscover their faith and come to see that God’s plans are far better for them than the ones they had imagined for themselves?

Brenda S. Anderson | A Christmas Homecoming
Eleanor Bertin | Love and Unexpected Stress Responses
Sara Davison | Sixty Feet to Home
Regina Rudd Merrick | The Twelve Days of Mandy Reno
Angela D. Meyer | Returning to Christmas
Marion Ueckermann | One Christmas Wish
Candace West | A Garland of Grace

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Another favorite this time, books 2 and 3 in the Last Chance County series.

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Then there was a set of three. Books 1 – 3 in the He Calls Me by Name series.

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and last but not least … in no particular order…

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As I was clearing out the read books it was a shock to see how far behind I am. Speed reading is a skill I need to master and use if I expect to have half a chance at winning the race with the TBR pile.

Happy Reading!

More bargains, found on BookBub’s weekly Top Ten list

Interesting bargains found on BookBub’s weekly Top Ten list. Even better, we don’t have these yet, at least I don’t.

One is from an author we’ve seen often, the other author has never been seen here. We are happy to meet her.

The Way of the Brave (Global Search and Rescue Book #1)

Amazon quote:

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure–and his injuries–has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones’s elite rescue team, but he also can’t shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun’s yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she’ll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes–the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what’s needed to prevent another tragedy–but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They’ll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

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You Belong with Me (Restoring Heritage Book #1) 

Amazon quote:

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn’t one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map–and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah’s mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts–not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah’s restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is–and who he was.

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I came across a FREE prequel for the above series. How cool is that?

P.S. Goodbye (Prequel Novella) (Restoring Heritage)

Amazon quote:

What if a woman who’s all about the goals and plans falls in love with man who no longer believes his life has a purpose? A novice life coach needs to cement her reputation with one great success story. When a wounded former Special Forces operator walks back into her life looking for a job, she decides to work with him—a win-win for them both.

​If Caroline Williams had her way, she’d help everyone in town find their purpose in life—unfortunately, no one seems to want her help. But she refuses to give up, and her new status as a certified life coach should provide her with some badly needed credibility. All she needs is her first client. When Grant Quinn walks in looking for a job, Caroline knows he needs more than that—he needs a new plan for his life. But when Grant refuses to be honest about his dreams and his struggles, Caroline’s business might come crashing down before it starts.

Wounded former Special Forces operator Grant Quinn understood the cost when he enlisted and served his country with pride. The scars on his face are reminders of what he lost, but he is moving on—now if he could just convince his family that he’s fine. When Caroline steps back into his life and offers to help find him a job in exchange for being her Guinea pig in her new life coaching business, he agrees. After all, what better way to show his family he’s okay than with a new, stable job? But when the anxiety he’s been running from ruins his one interview, his plans come crashing down. Can he trust Caroline enough to be honest about everything?

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It has turned out to be a good day for books.

Bargain books February 12, 2021

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. It fits in well with Valentine’s Day coming up soon.

Vacation Sweethearts Books 1-3: Smile for Me, Reach for Me, Wait for Me (Vacation Sweethearts Bundle Collection Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Book 1: Smile for Me (The Bahamas) – International Biracial Romance

A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye?

Book 2: Reach for Me (Great Smoky Mountains) – International Romance with a Side of Suspense

He leaves his homeland to protect his family.
She flees her hometown to abandon hers. 

At a remote mountaintop retreat, an optimistic triple amputee veteran of the British Special Forces meets a pessimistic American beauty in the valleys of their lives.

Book 3: Wait for Me (Alaska Cruise) – Second Chance Romance with a Side of Suspense

A divorced single dad with full custody of his son made a promise he now has to keep: invite his ex-wife to enjoy their son’s birthday gift: a seven-day cruise in Alaska. Can two people who have given up on each other put aside their emotions to make their five-year-old son happy for a week? What could possibly go wrong in this Christian romance with a sidearm of suspense?

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My current read is one I’m having trouble getting into. So many characters. Friends since high school, gathering in support of their teen years mentor in the death of her husband. Five friends with husbands, kids, and other friends, sliding in and out of the story. Mind boggling, trying to keep everyone straight.

I’m 1/4 of the way through book 1 and still have books 2 and 3. I will have to persevere. It does have some interesting bits going on, though. Lots of secrets to be uncovered.

The Lighthouse (Five Island Cove Book 1) 

After the death of a childhood loved one, 5 best friends reunite in the small coastal town of Five Island Cove.

One doesn’t expect to find love with a high school crush.

Another isn’t prepared to find the strength she needs to take control of her life.

And none of them are ready for the secrets they’ll uncover at the lighthouse...

As the truth comes to light, these five best friends will learn what really matters: friendship, family, and faith.

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Happy Reading …

… on this chilly day. It seems the current extreme cold snap just does not want to leave us.

The good news is, it can’t last forever. This late in the season we are on the downhill slide toward spring.

At least the blue sky and sunshine is to be treasured.

Free and bargain books February 10, 2021

1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us with an author new to us.

The Grace Legacy (The Legacy Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

What do you do when the man you’re falling for is tasked with bringing your family to justice?

The daughter of one of the most notorious outlaws in the country, Karissa Jones has spent the last two years running from her past. With her sister Beth, she’s begun a new life for herself in Pine Creek, Texas.

US Marshal Matthew Carmichael is a man on a mission. For the last five years, he’s chased the Jones gang clear across the country.

As Matthew rides into town, Karissa’s as struck by his green eyes and steady manner as she is his marshal star. She’s spent much of her life hiding from men – and even more hiding from the law – but something about him makes her feel safe for the first time in her life.

When Karissa’s past catches up to her, and she finds herself kidnapped and brought straight into a den of outlaws, trusting herself and Matthew might be her only way out alive.

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. We’ve been seeing this author fairly regularly.

Aloha Hideaway Inn: A Sweet Beach Read (Getaway Bay Resort Romance Book 1)

Amazon quote:

She’s got big plans for her tropical bed and breakfast, but the new high-rise resort in the bay is throwing a wrench into everything. So Stacey Stapleton does what any savvy businesswoman would do—she goes to spy on the resort stealing her business and ruining the beautiful Getaway Bay skyline.

Her undercover operation doesn’t do more than show her how flawless the Sweet Breeze Resort is—and that the owner is as handsome as he is smart.

Though annoyed by the new resort, Stacey focuses on Aloha Hideaway Inn, more determined than ever to give tourists the vacation of their lives. But when a tropical storm hits the bay, she and her guests have to take refuge in the high-rise hotel she hates.

Not only that, but the more time she spends with Fisher DuPont, the owner of Sweet Breeze, the more she has to admit that he’s not a monster.

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And then there is another FREE book from the same author.

The Island House (Brides & Beaches Romance Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Charlotte Madsen’s whole world came crashing down six months ago with the words, “I met someone else.”

Thirty-seven, recently divorced, and childless. That’s Charlotte when she disembarks from the plane in Getaway Bay. She wants to get away, that’s for sure. She thought the best way to do that was to buy a run-down house overlooking the bay, knowing she’ll need all her fixer-upper skills to get it in shape. Which is just fine. She’s hoping as she overhauls the house, she’ll get a life makeover too.

She was not expecting a tall, handsome man to be under the kitchen sink when she arrives at the supposedly abandoned house. She wasn’t expecting to get drenched when the non-plumber twists something the wrong way. And she certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to be well enough to feel anything for anyone.

But former Air Force pilot, Dawson Dane, has a charming devil-may-care personality, and Charlotte could use some carefree laughter in her life. But everything with Dawson isn’t sunshine and unicorns. He’s estranged from his family, though he does speak to one of his brothers. And he’s never committed to anything except his career, even choosing flying over an engagement years ago.

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Currently, I’ve just barely started one with an author new to me. It is still FREE

Beyond I Do: A Contemporary Romance Novel

Amazon quote:

Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more. 

Ainsley Meadows, raised by a hedonistic mother who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed, socialite psychiatrist.

But as Ainsley’s wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream, a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé.

If she wants to embrace God’s best and find lasting love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.

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Today’s downloads are all about romance. We are getting closer to Valentines day.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books February 09, 2021

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. Melissa Storm is one of the enjoyable authors we’ve been following lately.

The Lonesome Librarian: A Heartwarming Journey of Faith, Hope & Love (First Street Church Romances Book 5)

Amazon quote:

Small-town librarian Sally Scott’s life is made up of a series of tremendous heartbreaks.

Her parents died when she was young, the love of her life just married somebody else, and looking after her agoraphobic aunt means she can’t leave town despite having no true friends to confide in.

Only her beloved books provide any true escape, until a town outsider returns and causes her to question everything she once thought she knew about herself.

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BookBub had another suggestion, books 1 – 3 in a series by Jessie Newton. I didn’t recognize the name but the picture looked familiar. I had no idea how prolific this lady is. In checking things out I discovered she writes as three people and I have read two of them.

Jessie Newton writes as herself and is also published under Elana Johnson and Liz Isaacson.

Jessie is all about feel-good, heart warming women’s fiction, Elana specializes in clean romance, and Liz writes Christian romance. So far Elana Johnson is my favorite but then I haven’t experienced Jessie. I plan to remedy this. A number of her books are offered at bargain prices today, this is a perfect time to do a little research.

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The Lighthouse (Five Island Cove Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

After the death of a childhood loved one, 5 best friends reunite in the small coastal town of Five Island Cove. One doesn’t expect to find love with a high school crush. Another isn’t prepared to find the strength she needs to take control of her life. And none of them are ready for the secrets they’ll uncover at the lighthouse…

As the truth comes to light, these five best friends will learn what really matters: friendship, family, and faith.

Now a USA Today bestseller!

When Joel Shields dies, Robin Grover’s only goal is to get her four best friends back to Five Island Cove to celebrate the life of Kristen’s husband. She alone has stayed in the cove while everyone else couldn’t wait to get away. 

Alice Keller comes instantly, because her mansion in the Hamptons and her husband’s infidelity is smothering her. Not only that, but Kristen has always been like a mother to her, and she wants to support her.

Eloise Hall comes quickly too, because she’s not teaching at the university this summer, and she might as well visit her mother—and the house she secretly bought years ago. Her first night on the island, she runs into an old high school crush, and a flame ignites that hasn’t been there before.

But Kelli Thompson and AJ Proctor are more resistant, and as Robin, Alice, and Eloise uncover secret after secret in the books, journals, and files in Joel’s office, Robin becomes more determined to reunite them all. 

When Kelli and AJ finally arrive in the cove, the women are embroiled in secrets the lighthouse has hidden for decades. Robin tries to hold them all together, but she too breaks down and admits that her perfect-on-the-outside life isn’t so perfect.

As these 5 best friends work together to find the truth, they must learn to let go of what doesn’t matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and most of all, friendship.

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The Summer Sand Pact: Women’s Fiction with Heart (Five Island Cove Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Alice Kelton’s marriage is in shambles, and while she’s always thought she’d stay with her husband, after her last visit to the cove, she went back to the Hamptons and filed for divorce. She and her twins are moving to Rocky Ridge in Five Island Cove permanently, but she’s not telling anyone.

Robin’s husband is in Alaska for the summer, and she’s pretending she’s okay. Eloise comes back to the cove every couple of weeks so she can see her new boyfriend, though she’s growing tired of the distance between them. AJ broke up with her non-committal boyfriend, and she’s happier, freer, and open to another relationship, even though she lives in Atlanta.

Kelli brings her son to the cove this time, knowing her relationship with her husband is on the rocks and desperate to fix it. She plans to get some help from her sisterhood during the two weeks in the cove. When she’s followed to the beach house where the other women and their children have gathered, Kelli learns a dangerous secret thirty years in the making that could completely undo all the progress she’s made…

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The Cliffside Inn (Five Island Cove Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

With their different personalities and in their different states of mind, none of these best friends are prepared for the secret contained within the walls of The Cliffside Inn. They’ve survived tough situations before, but this might be the thing that tears them apart for good…

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This should keep us busy for awhile.

Happy Reading …

… on this, another chilly but very beautiful day.

Free books February 08, 2021

BookBub has a light but clean suggestion for us, FREE.

Make-Believe Fiancé: An inspirational romance (Make-Believe Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

A billionaire cowboy, a divorced teacher with nowhere left to turn, and a fake engagement they thought would solve all their problems. They never meant to fall in love.

Gwen Alder is starting over — divorced and broke, she’s come to Billings, Montana for a new beginning. But waitressing in a roadside diner for the summer isn’t paying the bills, and she finds herself in over her head with no hope of catching up.

Heath Montgomery has it all — fame, fortune and a mega-watt smile, but one thing he doesn’t have is a date for his cousin’s wedding.

When they cross paths, Heath has an idea — what if he paid her to be his date? No strings, no complications, just a simple business transaction — a way to finally win his father’s trust, and get his parents off his back about settling down once and for all.

She’s poor and plain. He’s wealthy and arrogant.

They didn’t want anything more than a simple arrangement. They never planned to fall in love. But sometimes cupid has a mind of his own.

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LPC Books has several FREE suggestions too.

Beyond I Do: A Contemporary Romance Novel

Amazon quote:

Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more. 

Ainsley Meadows, raised by a hedonistic mother who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed, socialite psychiatrist.

But as Ainsley’s wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream, a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé.

If she wants to embrace God’s best and find lasting love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.

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Deliver Me from Evil

Amazon quote:

One of the earliest novel series on human trafficking. A compelling read that will challenge and inspire you. 

Deliver Me from Evil introduces readers to Mara, an eighteen-year-old girl who has been enslaved for nearly ten years, having been sold by her parents in Mexico and then smuggled across the border into San Diego where she was forced into sexual slavery.

Readers will also meet 18-year-old, Bible-college-bound Jonathan and his 16-year-old sister, Leah, whose paths cross Mara’s and who become involved in her dramatic rescue.

Interwoven between the stories of Mara, Jonathan, and Leah is the heartbreaking story of another young woman in captivity in the Golden Triangle of Thailand, whose past life mysteriously connects to the young people in San Diego.

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We have the full spectrum here, from light to full-on serious. I was hoping to end on a lighter note but nothing presented itself in time. Maybe it’s better this way anyway. Some ideas need to be camped on for while. They deserve it.

Until tomorrow.

Happy Reading

The Prussian Lieutenant — Robert Stermscheg Author

Montmartre – Paris This caption sets the stage for what is to come: intrigue, suspense, and plots, all shrouded in mystery.I am pleased to announce that the new version of The Prussian Lieutenant is complete and will soon be available on Amazon. This new abridged version has a smoother flow, yet retains all the flavor of the original, speckled […]

The Prussian Lieutenant — Robert Stermscheg Author

One more bargain Feb 06, 2021

This bargain book was recommended by a writer friend, (not that I know her personally or anything, I’ve just read a multitude of her books,) and I value her opinion. Author Terrie Todd is new to me but reading the first chapter gives me confidence it will be a good book so I’m going for it.

Maggie’s War

Amazon quote:

A Word Award winner.

In 1942, telegrams always bring life-altering and tragic news in a war-hardened world—and the one Maggie Marshall receives is no different. But running a restaurant with the help of only pregnant, unwed girls has taught her to be tough. Maggie’s no weeping widow, but Charlotte Penfield thinks she’s the most unfeeling woman on earth. Seventeen, exiled by her wealthy parents, and working in the restaurant, fanciful Charlotte runs away with romantic notions of a reunion with her baby’s father at his military camp.

It has been years since Maggie darkened the church door of her pastor and childhood friend, Reverend Reuben Fennel, and his heart breaks for the hardened woman Maggie’s become. When she seeks his help to find Charlotte, he’s happy to aid her in the chase—though it may cost him his job and reputation.

Over the miles from Winnipeg to Fort William, Reuben and Maggie’s journey rekindles their affection—and their dreams of what they still could be. But Maggie stubbornly clings to her independent ways until she’s dealt another devastating loss, one that forces her to recognize that heroes can be discovered in unlikely places and love may be far sweeter than she ever dared imagine.

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I ordered another book today, it was a translation by one of our local writers. Originally, this book was printed in Europe in the 1800s and was popular then. Robert Stermscheg translated it to English and his introductory blog post for the book is scheduled to be shared here on this site tomorrow morning. Be sure to watch for it. The Prussian Lieutenant

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It looks like we have a military theme going on here.

Happy Reading once again.

Bargain books February 06, 2021

Wanna know what I love most about reading right now?

There are many things I love but my favorite thing today? It’s impossible to read and multitask.

I think it’s possibly the only activity I enjoy where I cannot do two things at once. (although sometimes I really wish I could. Like play solitaire or something to keep my hands busy while I’m just sitting there.) (I will admit I don’t necessarily do a good job while multitasking. Most times, playing games while letting my mind wander doesn’t work out real well for me.)

The best thing about having laser focus on a story, it keeps me from digging a big hole for myself. One I would have trouble getting out of.

Although I’m working on it, I still carry remnants of old baggage around with me. Today, I’m grateful I cannot read and think of my life at the same time. This keeps me sane and smiling.

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Having to read books to write this blog doubles the blessing.

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Finding new-to-me authors is a bonus as well.

BookBub has a bargain suggestion today with just such an author.

The Ingenue: Political Spy Thriller (THE SPY STORIES Book 2)

Amazon quote:

America’s next endearing hero, CIA operative Alex Halee, goes off mission to infiltrate a cybercrime lab in North Korea run by the notorious Pok.

When he runs into trouble, he gets help from the most unlikely person. Bae Hwa is a thirteen-year-old North Korean girl who likes to steal backpacks. When she unknowingly gets her hands on a satchel full of nuclear codes, her entire family is in danger and she ends up in prison.

Alex is arrested and thrown in the same prison cell as Bae. It’s a race against time as he has to save them both and keep the codes out of the hands of those who want to destroy America . . .

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Another bargain book appeared by the same author. These two are both spy stories, one is political and one not. The main characters are different so it’s safe to read book 2 first if you want.

SAVE THE GIRLS: Spy Thriller (THE SPY STORIES Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Why are all the hard-core CIA operatives always men? They aren’t.

Introducing Jamie Austen a CIA operative tasked with infiltrating sex trafficking rings and rescuing girls from some of the most ruthless and violent organizations in the world. When her assignment takes her to Belarus, she uncovers a ring that tricks girls into believing they are signing up to become mail order brides to America only to find they are being sold into sex slavery in Russian and in the Middle East.

Jamie faces grave danger as she attempts to save the next busload of three hundred girls leaving in a matter of days, knowing she is the only one who can save them.

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And, another bargain by this author. It looks intriguing and sounds different from the other two. My curiosity is piqued and I need to check it out.

THE LONGEST DAY: (The Eden Stories 1) WINNER 2020 RELIGIOUS FICTION BEST BOOK AWARD

Amazon quote:

What would happen if an astronaut from Earth, a fallen and sinful man, discovered a planet where Adam and Eve had not eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

Adam Lang, a self-professed atheist, travels to the ends of the universe to discover intelligent life on the only perfect planet left, Adon. There he discovered something he least expected to find . . . God.

Best-selling author, Terry Toler is a well-written, rising star in literary fiction, with his latest and greatest fantasy story, The Longest Day, the first in The Eden Stories series and the one that started the franchise. As much as it is about a strange journey across the stars, it’s also about people, and consequences, both of which are captured expertly.  The Longest Day is one man’s story of romance, loss, science, discovery, mystery, sin, and salvation.

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I’m enjoying my current read and find these wonderful new books will have to wait until it’s finished. Some current reads get left behind in favor of a new face but not this time.

I’m happy about wanting to stick with it. I love it when that happens.

Expired Secrets (Last Chance County Book 2) 

In this town, Police Detective Savannah Wilcox is the one who uncovers the truth. After a grisly murder occurs, it quickly becomes clear the death is connected to an ongoing investigation. And she’s certain this killer will strike again.

Private Investigator Tate Hudson has some secrets of his own. The prime suspect in a murder just might be the one who’s going to solve the whole case—if he can control the chaos swirling around him.


The clock has expired on both of their secrets, but the truth just might set them free.

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Happy Reading …

… on this cold and very crisp day in southern Manitoba.

-27c, feels like -41c with the wind chill.

The cold and bitter wind always feels like a knife cutting right through me. I’m happy to enjoy the sunshine from inside where it’s warm. With my book and a nice cup of coffee. What could be better?