Month: January 2022

Current read January 23, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I’m reading a book I can barely put down. It is well written and an awesome story.

It is also still Free, you should grab it quick before it disappears.

When You Look at Me (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 2)

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

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

With these two, there will be three five star books in a row.

In the Unveiled Series the author has a gift for playing our heart strings with a wide variety of emotions. I think if I had anything to say about this book it would be just that, it was deeply emotional across all three books.

The Domino Effect was also an intense experience. It was very well written and engaging.

I loved them both and when the current read is finished I will be able to say I loved it too. I don’t get to say that nearly as often as I would like to.

Happy Reading y’all

A Podcast that reads like a book Jan 23, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

As promised, I am sharing a fascinating and informative podcast mentioned in this post on the 22nd. The responses to questions in this interview sound more like excerpts from a textbook than they did in any of the other videos I’ve posted. This is a good thing considering the subject matter.

The conversation was centered around emerging technology and speculation about what the future holds, especially in regard to virtual reality. I’m not going to attempt to give you a glimpse into their discussion. It’s beyond my understanding and I would only make a mess of it.

One aspect, amazing to me, was the current activity of D.J. Soto. He has immersed himself in all things virtual, for practical reasons. He is the pastor of a church and the last two years with pandemic restrictions have been impetus for a search for practical solutions. They have now gotten to the point where they are able to meet together successfully in a virtual setting.

In the process they discovered a whole new audience. Some are housebound and this allows them to participate in community for the first time in a long while. Others are not church goers but attend because they want to experience new technology. Many of them them live in other parts of the world and it meets a need for them.

This interview was an eyeopening experience for me, one I thought worth sharing.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Who knew we were this close to seeing such major changes coming our way.

Free and bargain books January 22, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The day is almost over and I’m finally getting to books.

BookBub has a couple of suggestions. One is an author I’ve never read but would like to take a chance on. The other is a book read and enjoyed five or six ears ago. New first.

Best Friend Hero: Hometown Heroes A-Z (Born In Texas Book 2) 

From best friends, to high school sweethearts, to barely talking… He knows he was a fool to let her go. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a miracle to convince her to give him a second chance.

Brody Anderson and Star Corrigan made all the superlatives in their high school yearbook, right down to being voted the Most Romantic Couple. But life happened, tragedy struck, and they drifted apart. No, it’s actually worse than that. He allowed his pride to push her away.

Now that he’s back on his feet after a near-crippling accident and his ranch is finally turning a profit, Brody can’t get Star out of his mind. More than anything, he wants her back. It won’t be easy convincing her to date him again, though — especially while running the new bed-and-breakfast on his ranch. Not to mention how much of his time his newfound cousin, Crew, is demanding these days after a few brushes with the law. Nor is he overly thrilled about Crew’s former prison buddy who’s been hanging around and the trouble he brings.

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

It seems I’ve shared this book a few times. I had forgotten that little piece of information, but I can still remember reading the book. If I had the chance I would read it again.

Shelter (Shelter Trilogy Book 1)

She begged God to rescue her. 

He said, “Go.” 

So she headed out into the blizzard. In a car that wasn’t exactly hers, with a dog who wasn’t exactly a rat terrier, she drove. Until she ran out of gas in the small Maine town of Mattawooptock. Mattawoopwhat? What on earth is God thinking? 

But it is there, in a weird little bathroom in a weird little church in a weird little town that Maggie Hansen finds herself. And as God would have it, she finds a lot more than that.

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

This next one from BookRunes is an author I’ve read and enjoyed a number of times. I’m looking forward to this book too. It is FREE.

When You Look at Me (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 2)

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

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

Happy Reading y’all

My apologies! January 22, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / 3 Comments

I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I love country and southern gospel music. I’m used to the mockery, even from my own family, so it’s all good. LOL

So the next part comes with no apology. lol

I was reading the third book in my current read collection. There was a tense moment when the struggling guy in response to an observation from his concerned intended said “One day at a time.”

My mind usually goes to music with a phrase like that and this is the song that popped into my head.

This was the sweetest version of One Day At a Time in my search. This lady can sing.

I think we need one more song from this sweet lady and her backup.

Make the World Go Away is an old, old song from 1963. It’s old but good.

I love other genres too but this is one I gravitate to these days. It’s the lyrics. They usually have much to say and I like that.

Enjoy.

Why do I like Carey Nieuwhof so much? Jan 22, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / 1 Comment

If you haven’t explored any of his podcasts shared on this site, Carey Nieuwhof is a popular internationally known podcaster with millions of downloads. That isn’t why I like him but it helps.

He started out in radio as a teen, went on to become a lawyer, practiced law for a short time and decided he didn’t love it. Next he went to seminary, decided to try out pastoring, starting with a small congregation that over time became a very large one. After twenty-five years or so, developed a succession plan for the church to survive beyond his time there and gradually worked himself out of a job.

Retirement was unappealing. Looking around for a hobby or two he settled on blogging and then podcasting. He didn’t plan for it to go anywhere, one thing led to another, though, and it just did.

It was a lot of hard work but he had dreams and was brimming with good ideas. Mentoring his successor as pastor provided an added a dimension to his plan. Eventually he found himself mentoring leaders in the church world as well as in the corporate world.

Carey has a gift for asking the kind of questions that will turn interviews into something special. He can draw the best out of people and leave us feeling like the conversation only scratched the surface of what was still there to be discovered.

Here’s what I like best.

Every interview is like reading a book, only better. For one thing it is a multi-dimensional experience. Particularly if you watch the video version. Hearing the voice, watching the expressions, adds to impact and understanding.

The main attraction though is content. Every guest is there because of a gold mine to be explored.

Last but not least, I love these interviews because they get right down to the meat of the issue. It’s like reading Cliffs Notes, we get to skip the lengthy explanations.

And, if we want more we can order the books that were the impetus for the interview in the first place. Carey is good about populating the show notes with an abundance of useful information, most of our questions should be answered there.

So, now that I’ve shared a brief glimpse of why I have faithfully followed Carey Nieuwhof, I want to share a video that reads like a book. It’s one I can barely understand and it will be life changing in the world of internet.

It needs it’s own post, though, so that is what I am going to give it.

In the meantime I’ll leave you with a picture of Carey and one of his many books.

Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences.

Bargain books January 21, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has several bargain suggestions for us. This first one is an author I’ve never met. It appears she lives in my area but I’m not recognizing her name, I must ask around. I’m sure others in our monthly group will have met her somewhere along the line. I’m looking forward to experiencing her book.

Northern Deception (Heroes of the Tundra Book 1)

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race—a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.

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

I’ve read two books from this next author. I think she belongs on my favorites list but reading another one would help decide for sure.

Four Little Blessings: Contemporary Christian Romance (The Dalton Brothers Book 1)

Introducing the Dalton Brothers series.

When Wade Dalton moves to a small Florida beach community for peace and quiet and a new job, he encounters the four little kids next door who are anything but quiet.

Because of difficult circumstances, the little noisemakers live with their young aunt, Cassie Rankin, who is their guardian. Wade is drawn to her determination, giving nature, and beauty, but she’s at least a dozen years younger than he is—way too young for him. At least that’s what he keeps telling himself.

Besides, he has issues that would only make life more challenging for Cassie and her charges. He plans to stay out of their lives, but four little blessings refuse to let that happen.

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

Oops, this is taking longer than I thought.

I was checking out the current read to see if I should share it and kind of got sucked back into the story. When I pulled out to take a breath it took a few seconds before I remembered I was supposed to be writing not reading. I guess that’s a good enough sign that I should share the book. I’ve read and loved the first book of the three. I wasn’t sure I would like the second installment as I suspected it would be predictable. It has turned out to be anything but.

Unveiled Series Boxed Set

Read all three books of the Unveiled Series in one boxed set and follow one girl’s unforgettable journey of self-discovery, faith, and love.

Eyes Unveiled: A broken past. A jeopardized future. And a song of hope holding the answers to both. Not now. Anytime but now. With her junior year of college hanging in the balance, the last thing Emma Matthews needs is a blue-eyed distraction capable of undoing her plans with a single guitar strum. But when the reflection she sees in musician Riley Preston’s eyes borders dangerously close to the one she’s spent the last five years searching for, Emma discovers her walls can’t guard her heart from the hope he awakens.

Light Unshaken: A promise threatened. A love shaken. And a song of grace whispering courage to both. Between an unexpected relocation and mounting danger at her internship, there’s too much at stake to come undone now. Emma’s determined to be strong for those depending on her. But the more she strives to protect them, the more risks escalate until her worst fear collides with all she’s fought to trust.

Hope Unbroken: A dream worth fighting for. A fear worth surrendering. And a song of love leading them through it all. With an ultimatum jeopardizing Riley’s career and a ruthless vendetta sabotaging Emma’s efforts to save the Portland center, the fires they’d spent the last four months facing are far from over. As danger strikes and rifts emerge, the unrelenting war between the past and future tests Emma’s convictions until she has no choice but to put her faith in the one thing she’s always doubted.

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

Whew, OK, so now I can go back to my book.

I had several posts in mind earlier but I guess I waited too long and now I can’t remember what they were. I’ll do some thinking before tomorrow, maybe they will come back to me. Or not. I guess if they don’t it means they weren’t all that great anyway. Something will show up I’m sure.

Until tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

It’s snowing again. bigger flakes this time. Not huge but not miniscule like the other day either.

Read and enjoyed January 20, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

To start off with, I have to share this gem. A Davis Bunn quote from The Domino Effect Page 91. It’s an interesting idea that resonates with me. I’ve been mulling a similar thought over in depth recently and I like the way he puts it.

Willfully blind?

“Most people live broken and fractured lives” Sir Trevor said. “And remain willfully blind to any chance they might have of healing and moving on.”

It’s a great thought and fits in with where I am in my head these days but it’s not at all what the book is about. The quote is in fact referring to a scene with the main character’s brother. He has been severely injured in a car accident and there are many theories around his lack of progress in healing. This was one of them.

Instead, the main part of the plot is full of intrigue, the dangerous kind.

For me, this was a story where magic happened. You know, like watching a movie that you are totally caught up in and feel like you are there living it with them. I had a hard time putting it down, read it in record time and then was sad when it was over.

A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats

Esther Larsen, a leading risk analyst at one of the country’s largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to overshadow 2008’s market crash. And as her own employer pursues “investment” strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. Yet what can one person really do?

The markets are edging closer to a tipping point–like the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther does sound the alarm, she wonders if anyone will take her seriously. But as public support grows for her ideas, so does the desperation of those whose conspiracy of greed she seeks to expose. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race with the clock to avert a worldwide financial meltdown.

This fast-paced suspense novel will make you wonder where the fiction ends and reality begins. . . .

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

Definitely a five star read.

I just realized, I forgot to check for book suggestions today. See, I couldn’t tear myself away from this book and look what happened.

I’m not one bit sorry. I was having a good time.

Bargain books January 19, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has several interesting suggestions for us.

The first author is a favorite and this book is already part of my collection.

Justice Mission (True Blue K-9 Unit Book 2)

Police officers fight for justice with the help of their brave K-9 partners in the True Blue K-9 Unit series.

After K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters spots a suspicious stranger lurking at the K-9 graduation, the man kidnaps her—and she barely escapes.

With Sophie’s boss missing and someone determined to silence her, NYPD officer Luke Hathaway vows he and his K-9 partner will guard her. But he must keep an emotional distance to ensure this mission ends in justice…not cold-blooded murder.

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

This next one is an author I’ve not read. It does look interesting though.

The Brontë Plot 

When a bookseller’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life and the love that have been waiting for her all along.

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

My current read is an author I’ve not experienced and it’s too early on to have an opinion. So far so good, though.

The Tin Whistle (‘Tis the Season Book 2)

Inspired by a true story…
1854
Jacob Gusky wakes up hoping Santa has arrived. And he has… but not for Jacob, one of two Jewish boys living at the Boys’ Home of Manhattan. When a friend gifts him a tin whistle, Jacob learns the power of giving, the joy in receiving, and hears what he considers to be the sound of happiness.
1881
Recently widowed and completely out of options, Frannie takes her daughter Molly to the Home for the Friendless. “You’ll be back before Christmas?” Molly asks. Frannie gives Molly half a quilt square and keeps the other, choking on her reply.
Now a happily married father of three, Jacob Gusky owns Gusky’s Grand Emporium, Pittsburgh’s first premier department store. After unearthing the tin whistle from the orphanage, he is reminded of what it felt like to have nothing, and decides to make a difference in the lives of others no matter their faith. But with so little time before Christmas morning, can he even begin to give the orphaned children of Pittsburgh what he knows they need?
When giving is more important than receiving…

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

Happy Reading!

This and that, January 19, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It is such a pretty day out there. Blue skies, bright sunshine, the world covered in marshmallow mounds of fresh snow. All the wind blowing stuff around does it.

The evergreen trees in our yards are frosted with fresh snow. I’m pretty sure my neighbors would not be happy with me posting pictures that included their houses so we will have to make do with word pictures. The world is beautiful this morning.

The cheerful vision makes me want to venture out but only until I check the temperature. -25C feels like -37C with the wind chill. I will be staying inside, enjoying the sun streaming in the windows.

The warmth of that bright light is appreciated but it’s also a challenge. Bananas on the counter and plants on the table are fair game. I keep moving things into the shade but it’s a losing battle. The sun is relentless in moving across the sky, coming in the windows at new angles.

I’m not complaining, though, I just have to remember to do a better job of hiding things.

The positive side of all that light far outweighs the negative. It’s hard not to feel cheerful at times like this.

I admit it is still possible to feel down if I allow my thoughts to turn inward and stay there for any length of time. I’m not planning to go to that place willingly.

On a brighter note: as mentioned a day or so ago I went grocery shopping before the promised winter storm hit, to replenish my dwindling food supply. I am ready.

Bring on the snow.

I behaved and stocked up on fruit, vegetables, and other healthy things too, but you have to admit, ice cream does make things go better.

I haven’t seen this particular flavor of ice cream in a while and it sounded like a good idea at the time. It’s turned out to not be my favorite. Too sweet I think. But still, it’s ice cream, how can that be bad. Next time it will be back to tried-and-true black cherry. Or pistachio or maybe chunky caramel.

The other treasure found while strolling through the aisles was my new favorite coffee. It’s seasonal, Winter Blend, and will disappear soon. Since it was on at clearance prices, I picked up four, and I’m still smiling at my good fortune. I considered taking more but I didn’t want to be greedy, and besides, they were on the back of the top shelf. That was a major deciding factor. There were no tall people around and I would have had to climb the shelves to get more. I could visualize how well that was going to work out for me.

All this talk of coffee, I need some.

I’ll be back soon to talk about books, y’all.