Month: May 2022

Free books May 24, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookRunes has an interesting FREE book suggestion.

Enchanting Everton (Everton Diaries Book 1)

Elinor Grant has spent most of her life on a quiet farm with just her family and the forest to keep her company. When her orphaned cousins come to live with them, she moves to the city to earn some money to send home. However, adjusting to city life isn’t always easy.

Jack Price was abandoned by his parents at a young age, and lived on the streets of Everton with barely enough to survive. Adopted by the Price family at the age of eleven, Jack is still searching to understand who he is, and overcome the memories of the past that threaten to hold on to him forever.

Can Jack find it in himself to forgive the boy from his past who tells him he’ll never be good enough?

And can Elinor believe in herself enough to do something she never thought she could do?

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

Another interesting FREE book

Lessons in Love (Secrets in Savannah Book 2)

Can the handsome man who holds the secret to the disappearance of Megan’s boyfriend hope to hold the key to her heart?

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

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

I have read and enjoyed the second story but the first is all new to me. It will be a surprise.

Happy Reading!!

This and that May 13, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels.com

Not quite this far yet, but soon.

This is a just-start-talking kind of day. I have nothing earth shattering in mind to talk about so this will be a whole lot of not much.

It has been crazy windy here all day. It sounds like a wind tunnel running between the houses and it’s loud. I was wishing I had the data capacity on my phone to record a couple of hours of it, sound and all. The sky looked like it should be stormy but hadn’t rained. Yet. I’d put off running errands until the last minute, glad it was still dry out there.

A good tail wind helps a person get to the store faster. That was the first observation. But the funniest thing about it all, the rain waited all day to pour down just as I reached the car with my purchases. A shopping trip cut short. It waited all day to soak me at the last possible moment. Even funnier was that in the five minute drive home it stopped raining altogether. Oh well, I had my new furnace filters.

I change them regularly and usually they are lightly dirty. I forgot that this time of year between heavy wind and the blowing sand left from winter streets, things change. This time it was colored like charcoal. No wonder I’m having coughing fits.

This has been a week for family birthdays, can’t forget that, and the post office has been delivering heavy boxes belonging to some family members moving back home from a foreign country. It has taken months for them to arrive by ground and it’s awesome to see most of them finally here and in good shape.

Several days earlier in the week the weather was beautiful and it was good to get out in the yard for post winter cleanup. One never knows how out of shape they are until they try vigorously raking leaves for a couple of hours. It took several days for the muscle stiffness to disappear but after that first time it was much easier.

I always dread the brownness of the world once the snow disappears but then with good weather green starts popping up everywhere and the yard looks fresh and beautiful.

There are lots of things on my mind these days but the owners of the recently arrived boxes will be here soon, for a number of weeks, and I need to be ready for a full house. I can hardly wait.

Read and enjoyed May 12, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

These first two books were a fun read. The first impression at the thought of Obituaries would not be fun but when you consider people want the chance to tell the real truth, anything can happen. It has to be said that these people led quite the lives. It’s amazing they were never found out.

These next two were not as light-hearted and fun as the first books but they were definitely good reads.

One last one showed up at the discovery time for the Sisters by Design. It was a nice extension of my time with author Sharon Srock.

My current read is a complete change of pace but it deserves a place here anyway. This author is always enjoyable.

The weekend is coming soon, more reading time.Yes!

Happy Reading y’all

Free books May 09, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have books this morning! FREE ones. What could be better than that? Heroes, that’s what.

Do you ever look at a word and and feel all distressed and unsettled because it just looks wrong? I checked and it’s right but for some weird reason the spelling of heroes just looks wrong this morning. If I stare at it for awhile maybe it will look right again.

LPC Free Books has several free suggestions for us. With heroes.

The Bonfires of Beltane

It’s what the clan has always done. Since before anyone can remember, Taran’s celtic island people have sacrificed children to Crom Cruach, the dread sun god. Yet in his heart he knows it’s wrong. An escaped slave told him that in distant Britain they worship the One True God, a God who loves. A God so unlike the capricious, evil spirits that darken the souls of his people.

Now Taran’s about to be inducted into his clan’s inner circle of leaders. He promised Laurna, his betrothed, that he’d keep quiet about his doubts. But on the night of his ceremony, beside Crom Cruach, the bent idol of gold, he cannot give allegiance to a lie. Before everyone he questions the druids’ rule. Then he blames the clan’s miserable fortunes, not on the lack of sacrifices, but on the idol itself. What’s worse, he calls it a demon.

The druids are aghast. They meet in council, strip him of all honor, and order his banishment. Instead of a wedding with Laurna, there will be a tearful parting.

As the clan gathers on shore and a storm darkens the horizon, Taran paddles through the waves. But his wee craft was made for the shoreline, not the vast, raging sea. He looks back on his beloved, his people, everything he’s ever known. What has he done?

Thus begins Taran’s adventure in A.D. 432.

Beyond the sea lies ancient Celtic Ireland. There wait the Roman evangelist, Patrick, and two kingdoms ruled by powerful kings and their pagan, druid advisors. It’s a proud land where tradition is everything, where safe passage through the forests and over the bog roads is reserved for nobility, druids, warriors, or bards. Slavery or death await the rest. And the druids will do anything to remain in power and prevent Patrick and his followers from changing their ancient ways.

Will Taran find the spiritual truth he so desperately seeks? Will he escape wrathful kings and druid plots? Will he ever be able to return home, rescue his people, and rejoin his beloved Laurna?

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

This next one I’ve read and enjoyed.

The Gathering Storm: The truth can set you free. It can also kill you. (When Darkness Falls Book 1)

Stephanie Walker lives a peaceful life until her undependable and dishonest father, Marty Walker, suddenly arrives at her home pleading with Stephanie to come with him to his Harrington Lodge in the beautiful Ozarks. Stephanie, suspicious of her father’s motives, declines her father’s invitation.

After his departure, Stephanie discovers the diamond necklace she borrowed from her aunt is missing. Racing through a raging thunderstorm, Stephanie drives to the lodge to reclaim the stolen item.

But when she arrives, Stephanie finds her father dead, her aunt’s diamond necklace gone, and a pair of handcuffs fitted just for her. Stephanie’s claims of innocence fail to sway the local sheriff, who produces several pieces of evidence linking her to the murder. With a shaky alibi and a vindictive stepmother, Stephanie turns to a lodge employee for help. But will Brad Wilson’s assistance lead Stephanie to the real killer or prove to be her undoing? Like a gathering storm on a warm summer evening, Stephanie’s world darkens until she’s forced to turn to the one true source of knowledge. But what she learns about her father, family, and her own inner demons are more horrifying than the lies she’s come to believe.

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

I have read this author before, and I’ve read Revolutionary War stories over the years too. This one, with today’s writing styles may put a new spin on an old tale. The first chapter has me willing to take a chance.

A Heart for Freedom Janet Grunst

While in Scotland Heather Stewart witnessed the devastation and consequences of opposing the Crown.

Matthew Stewart wants only manage his rural Virginia inn and protect his family from the tyranny of the Crown.

She’s seen the cost of fighting England and wants no part of it. He has a heart for freedom and is ready to die for liberty and those he loves.

Both will find that the consequences of fighting for freedom and religious liberty will cost them more than their love for each other.

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

BookBub also has a FREE book you may enjoy.

Fear Has a Name: A Pulse-Pounding Contemporary Christian Thriller (The Crittendon Files Book 1) 

Granger Meade was mentally scarred as a boy by his religious zealot parents. He was bullied at school for his quiet, oafish appearance, which naturally made him a loner and outcast.

But one girl treated him differently—Pamela Wagner. Pam talked to Granger, took an interest, listened, made him feel like a human being. She cared when no one else did, and Granger loved her for it; and still does 20 years later.

So Granger goes back to their Ohio town. Back to Pamela. But she is happily married to reporter Jack Crittendon, who’s embroiled in a time-sensitive story about a pastor who’s disappeared and left a suicide note; a case swirling with suspicion and talk of scandal.

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

Happy reading y’all

It’s Mother’s Day May 08, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment
Photo by George Dolgikh @ Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

I’m thinking gratefully about all the women in my life who have been mothers to me over the years. Some by blood, some by marriage, and some evolving out of friendships. All of them hold a special place in my heart and I’m grateful for having had them in my life.

I’m also thinking about the girls/women in my life who are mothers to my grandchildren. I couldn’t be prouder of all three of them, they have done such an awesome job of being moms. We all know, one way or another, that raising kids is a daunting task at times. Kudos to them for allowing their kids to survive. lol I raised a strong willed child and he survived, now it’s his turn. Pay back is so much fun.

God created mothers with a strong love and protective instinct for their children. Think mama bear. Thank goodness he did.

Thank you to women everywhere who have loved their children well.

If your children are young and you are exhausted you are probably having serious doubts about the well part right about now. One day before you know it they will be grown and you will see things in a different light.

Some of you may be brokenhearted over your adult children. We can do everything right and things still turn out wrong. Our grown children can make terrible choices even when we have loved them well.

Think of the moms you love and along with me, take a moment to be grateful for each and every one them.

Read and enjoyed. May 07, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The wind is crazy out there tonight. It sounds like the kind of wind they had down south today. It was so strong semi trucks were flipping over on their sides all along the highways. Scary stuff.

At least the wind wasn’t quite as bad earlier this afternoon while I was out doing spring cleanup in my flower beds. Even so, it was still challenging to corral dried leaves to dispose of them.

It something how quickly everything starts to sprout once the weather warms up a bit. It’s wonderful to find sprouts hiding under dead leaves and plant material.

So, books to share. There are a few. Not as many as I thought but still not a bad showing. There could be more but it’s not as easy to find them on the latest model of Kindle. I liked the last version better, it was easy to see what’s what.

Happy Reading y’all

More this and that May 06, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment
Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

It’s hard to know which is worse.

Watching the news, any and every news, sounds like a good idea so as not to be caught unaware. After awhile, though, this activity seems toxic and downright depressing.

Unbelievable too. Did he really just say that? Is he aware how his attitude is not helping his public image? Maybe he’s not worried about future re-elections.

It’s often said don’t believe what they say, watch what they do. When I first heard this piece of wisdom it was in relation to abusive men who would say all manner of things to get what they wanted, all the while not meaning any of it. Paying attention to what they do, to steer clear of manipulators, is sound advice.

It takes a lot of practice to go by actions rather than words, though. These people are highly gifted at sounding believable, especially if they put a lot of emotion in it. It’s very easy to believe they are for real. That’s why video footage, especially the unedited kind, exposes the truth. There are lots of undeniable eye opening caught on tape moments that leave us with our jaws dropping on the floor. Some of them are scenes that we can never unsee.

On one hand the state of our countries, Canada and the US, is highly depressing but on the other hand, some bleak looking situations are beginning to change. For awhile it appeared that the corporate and political world was jumping on the new ideas band wagon which did not bode well for many of us.

I think most of us have forgotten how loudly the bottom line speaks into their world. Many of their recent changes and positions were not in the best interest of average shoppers and when we began to change our spending habits they sat up and took notice.

Making changes in who we work for, where we shop, and a multitude of other areas, will surprise us with unexpected positive side effects. We may even find we are happier than we’ve ever been.

It’s hard to believe any of this will change bullies’ behavior but hey, you just never know. Maybe one day they will wake up and discover people’s opinion of them matters a great deal. Especially if they are running for office or working to become richer.

Oh, right, the question which is worse?

The political situation in Canada or the US.

So far, from what I can see listening to facts and opinions, Canada is winning. Not something to feel the least bit happy about.

This and that May 05, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment
Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

It has been a record breaking year. Before I get into that I have to say it has been another no book day. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

And I have to say it was a busy day. I work as an administrative contractor and everything is based on work load and billable hours. All of a sudden things are picking up. People are needing things done. And I couldn’t be happier. I’m probably more excited about the jobs coming in than I am about the record breaking.

This week is the 15th anniversary of my job. That’s longer than any other employment I’ve ever had. The last longest was 10 years and I thought that was amazing. It isn’t that I was a job hopper, it was just life getting in the way. Mind you I can’t say I minded moving on, mainly because there were life changes behind all of them and I am always up for an adventure. That was then and this is now though. I am more settled and I am in this job for the long haul.

And for the second record broken; this will be the 10th anniversary in this house. They say we are molded by the circumstances of our childhoods. By the time I was six we had lived in five difference houses. One of them was twice but to a young kid it was still a move and felt different, a strange place. Although my memories of those years are pretty sketchy and maybe my assumptions about all this are off base. However it was, a nomad existence seemes to be in my blood, which made all the adult moves feel like no big deal.

My oldest son does not share my love of adventure (aided by my lack of roots anywhere) and he has his feet firmly planted with no plans to leave, maybe ever. It’s funny how differently we react to things. Mind you, the other circumstances of our childhoods were as different as night and day. That was probably a bigger influence. Of the three he is most like me, which is why I can’t understand his dislike of travel.

I should have started this earlier, now I’ve run out of time.

Until next time, have a good night, or day

Christy Barritt has another new book May 04, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s a bargain. This has been a good series, book four is about to come out and I’m excited.

Titus (Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising Book 4)

She shattered his heart once. Can he set aside his betrayal for the sake of his country?

The last person Titus Armstrong wants to join forces with is the woman who dumped him for his brother. But Murphy Lennox is Blackout’s best chance at infiltrating a dangerous organization known as The System. Intel indicates the group is planning something deadly.

Murphy Lennox has been trapped in an abusive relationship for two years, and she wants out. When Titus reappears in her life, he’s like an answer to prayer—until she hears his request. She’s been trying to flee The System for months. Now she needs to go deeper.

Danger is brewing—brewing a plan that will destroy thousands of lives. Titus and Murphy have the best stance of stopping the scheme. But, if they fail, everything will be turned upside down—not only for them but for their country.

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

If nothing else shows up today we are still in good shape for new books, after yesterdays exciting finds.

Although, with people visiting from all parts of the globe today is relative, the day’s beginnings and endings are pretty fluid.

Whatever day it is for you, hopefully good books are always a welcome sight.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books May 03, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has a suggestion we were introduced to last year. I’m thinking it was a good read but can’t be 100% sure. Maybe if I thought on it longer the memory fog would clear. We will consider it again anyway. Seems to me there were a satisfying number of humorous moments.

The Perfect Spy: A Clean Romantic Suspense (An Untapped Source Book 1)

She’s got the best undercover crew. But will a sinister secret undo them?

Kate Ross has lost way too much in the last six months. With her mother’s death from breast cancer, an agent she handled killed on the job, and her career in jeopardy, the beleaguered CIA officer’s faith in God seems like another casualty. So she’s relieved to be offered a shot at redemption by managing an innovative team of “mom spies”… until they saddle her with a more experienced man as a babysitter.

Battling self-doubt and a loss of confidence in her espionage skills, Kate directs a smoothly successful first mission for the unit. But just as she opens up to her kind and encouraging supervisor, she suspects he’s withholding key information when the subject of their next assignment is his ex-wife. And the only solution to her predicament may be prayers she has no expectation will be answered.

Can Kate find the guiding light to solve the case before her personal crisis threatens national security?

The Perfect Spy is the thrilling first book in the An Untapped Source romantic suspense series. If you like undeniable chemistry, page-turning tension, and Christian values in action, then you’ll love Amy Martinsen’s fast-paced novel.

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

This author has two more interesting bargains that I have not read. After the first chapter in one of them I’m hooked. I need to know what happens next!

The Secret Obituary Writer: A Clean Small Town Romantic Comedy 

She’s the biggest secret in town.

Lizzy’s secret job is to write obituaries that tell the truth. 
She loves it. The town loves it. No one wants this messed up.

But the details of a mysterious death may expose her identity and ruin everything. 

Jackson’s a handsome detective who can help. 
He also has dimples . . . and a few secrets of his own.

Can their budding attraction survive?
Will Lizzy’s job remain hush-hush? 

The Secret Obituary Writer is a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming romance that feels good to the very last page!

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

The Secret Obituary Writer: Book Two – A Clean Small Town Romantic Comedy

Secrets are hard to keep in a small town.

Lizzy’s the biggest secret in town and everyone loves it.

But when a threatening note demands Lizzy’s identity, she and her detective boyfriend, Jackson, must take drastic steps to keep Lizzy safe.

And when the threats escalate, they must ask the hard question: is this the end of the secret obituaries?

The Secret Obituary: Book Two is a fun read full of plot-twists, with a HEA you don’t want to miss!

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

Lately I’ve been happy with the relative scarcity of new books, it’s a good thing to slow things down a bit for my growing pile. Sometimes the excitement of new books will override every speck of whatever good intentions there are available.

Books that cause excitement are the best.