Month: June 2022

Current Read June 29, 022

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I’m really liking this current read. It has me sitting on the edge of my seat.

What in the world is going on?

This is the latest new release by Christy Barritt and it is still a bargain.

The House on Dagger Point (The Beach House Mystery Series Book 3) 

Each house has a history. Each person has a secret. Each turn of events leads to danger.

Some legacies are better left unclaimed . . .

Olivia Beaumont’s father left behind a legacy of destruction, and it’s up to her to restore her family’s reputation. She heads to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to unravel the mysteries of her father’s secret life. But when she arrives, she discovers the house he left behind—The House on Dagger Point—holds secrets of its own.

After a tragedy upends firefighter Anderson Scott’s life, he escapes to Kiawah Island to do some soul searching. But he finds something unexpected on his island getaway. Not only is the house he rented already occupied by its new owner, but danger lurks around every corner.

Anderson isn’t the only unwelcome guest Olivia encounters. Threatening text messages, dead bodies, and ruthless criminals threaten to put an end to all she hopes to accomplish. When Olivia and Anderson find themselves in a fight for survival, they must work together to solve the mysteries living inside the walls of The House on Dagger Point—or risk becoming the next victims.

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I had to share and now I have to get back to the book.

Happy reading y’all

Read and enjoyed. June 27, 2022

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This story turned out to be every bit as good as expected.

And, I’ve added this new, and new-to-me author to my favorites list with no waiting around for a second experience before deciding. It was well written and fun, The intricate pattern of interaction between multiple characters (family, friends, and fellow workers) held up to the very end.

There were many cool aspects to the story but the one standing out most for me was the story within the story. Savannah was an acquisitions editor and a wannabe writer. In the end it was hard to tell where the story I was reading and the story she was writing ended. The blend was so subtle. Which one was which or are they both the same? That’s the question I’m left with. It’s a good question, I like it.

Meet Me in the Margins 

Savannah Cade’s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance imprint in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah’s been secretly writing while working as editor herself—except at her publishing house, the philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and commercial fiction, particularly romance, should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante’s inferno. But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company—including William Pennington, new publisher and son of the romance-despising CEO herself—she races to hide her manuscript in the secret turret room of the old Victorian office.

When she returns, she’s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins—quite critical ones. But when Claire’s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him not just becoming pivotal to her work but her life. There’s no doubt about it. She’s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

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I forgot to mention; this book kept me reading far too late and would have kept me longer but common sense won out while there was sill a little night left.

Excellent book. Looking forward to more.

Current read June 25, 2022, finished – 26th

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I’ve figured some things out. Charles Martin is one of my top five favorite authors. There is such depth to his stories. They are real, emotional, and complex. Pretty much like real life. It’s impossible to walk away unchanged after reading one of his books. But…

Despite loving his characters and the life they live there were often uncomfortable moments in the reading that puzzled me. I figured it was something about his style, or the fact that he is a male and I’m not. Everyone knows men are from Mars and women are from Venus. We hear the same words while receiving different messages.

Charles would craft intricately detailed descriptions and explanations that left me confused. Frustrating.

Today an enlightening new thought occurred to me. With further consideration I’ve decided maybe his writing style is not the problem. Maybe it’s my reading style. I’ve gotten used to reading books at 60 miles an hour (figuratively speaking) without missing anything important. Sometimes even skipping whole paragraphs, pages, or even chapters without losing much of the story.

That’s the problem. Speed without much effort. Many of his paragraphs need to have a slow-to-20 sign posted at the entrance.

As I continued through the book I had to admit there was still truth in other contributing issues like male/female thought patterns and lack of subject knowledge on things like places (Florida Everglades) and technical discussions (machines and fishing flies.) Still, the bulk of my confusion would probably be eliminated with slow down.

Sadly, It’s finished.

There is always a sense of loss when such a great story comes to an end.

It has been a few years since I first read this book and it was a shock to discover how little I remembered of the story.

It probably seemed to me like I should remember more because the title has appeared often through the years and since it was marked as read…

The upside of not remembering is the chance for the joy of a first time experience all over again.

I have to say it brightened my weekend.

If you’ve not read Charles Martin, you should. It is always an amazing experience.

I should have posted this on the 25th but I was reading, not paying attention to time, midnight came and went before I noticed. Since it was already the 26th I figured I may as well finish the book first, I was hoping for a good quote to demonstrate my confusion point. There was a perfect one early on but I had read past it, losing sight of it’s location. I was hoping to come across another good one but I guess the new awareness worked against that happening.

Anyway, on to a new story. Haven’t decided what that should be yet. It’ll be a surprise.

Bargain book June 24, 2022

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion that sounds like it will be a lot of fun. This is our first introduction to this author too.

Meet Me in the Margins

Savannah Cade’s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance imprint in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah’s been secretly writing while working as editor herself—except at her publishing house, the philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and commercial fiction, particularly romance, should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante’s inferno. But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company—including William Pennington, new publisher and son of the romance-despising CEO herself—she races to hide her manuscript in the secret turret room of the old Victorian office.

When she returns, she’s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins—quite critical ones. But when Claire’s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him not just becoming pivotal to her work but her life. There’s no doubt about it. She’s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

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That’s all we have for today but it looks interesting enough to make up for being the only one.

My current read is an engaging story and I do like it. My disappointment is in the writing style. I prefer show rather than tell and this author uses tell. I will keep on with it because I want to know what happens, not just how it ends.

Ben in Love: A Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thriller (Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thrillers)

I’m this far along in the story.

Ben’s love life is complicated . . .
Ben claims to be in love with Kamila Hanim, the daughter of an exiled Muslim cleric, who’s been accused of trying to overthrow the Turkish government. Titus doesn’t believe him. He thinks Ben is in love with Jennifer, another CIA operative. Can Ben’s feelings for Jennifer survive his deception?

Ben’s love life is confusing . . .
After Titus decides to put Ben under surveillance, he follows him to a compound in northern Virginia, where he discovers Ben is entangled in a duplicitous joint operation involving the FBI and an operative from Titus’s past. Will Titus be able to share his newfound faith with an old enemy?

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It’s Friday. It’s hot, muggy, and thunder/lightening stormy. A good day for reading.

It was stormy and rainy earlier today with unfulfilled promises of more. Heavy duty noises are starting up in the heavens and looking at the swollen clouds much more is on the way.

At least I don’t have to water.

There is always a silver lining.

Happy reading this weekend y’all.

Free book June 23, 2022

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Good Morning all. It’s a beautiful day again and to make it even better BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us.

After All (Hanover Falls Series Book 3)

Eighteen months after the Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal.

But then Susan discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else’s husband.

Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls’ fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy? As he tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County’s Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

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That’s all we have so far. Maybe there will be more later and I’ll be back. Hopefully.

Happy Reading!

Bargain Book June 22, 2022

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An awesome book from an awesome author is on sale at a bargain price again. Charles Martin brings some of his books back every year or two for a few days. The first time I noticed this book was 2016 and every time after I remember how much I loved it.

Wrapped in Rain: A Novel

An internationally famous photographer, Tucker Mason has traveled the world, capturing things other people don’t see. But what Tucker can’t see is how to let go of his traumatic childhood and forgive his father.

On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their abusive and alcoholic father ever did.

When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his tragic past.

Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tucker can still hear her voice—and her prayers. “Life is a battle, but you can’t fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart.” But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.

Wrapped in Rain follows Tucker’s journey from brokenness to healing through the everlasting power of love.

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As a general rule, we have a tendency to underestimate the power of love.

As I read this synopsis, I can see I need to read this book again too.

The new cover is beautiful.

Current read June 21, 2022

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I have a new current read that is shaping up quite nicely so far. This author is new to me and I’m enjoying the experience.

A Strike to the Heart

She’s fiercely independent. He’s determined to protect her.

Wisconsin, 1933—When a routine mission becomes an ambush that kills his team, Craft Agency sniper Miles Wright determines to find the persons responsible and protect the woman he rescued. But the fierce independence that led Lily Moore to leave her family’s dairy business for the solitary life of a dog trainer and the isolation of her farm don’t make that easy. Neither does his unwanted attraction to her. Meanwhile, escalating incidents confirm that she’s far from safe.

Lily fears letting the surprisingly gentle retired marine into her life almost as much as she fears whoever is threatening her. As Wisconsin farmers edge toward another milk strike, one that will surely turn violent, it becomes clear that the plot against Lily may be part of a much larger conspiracy. When the search for her abductor leads close to home, she must decide whether to trust her family or the man who saved her life.

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This author also has a new book coming out in September and it’s on pre-order at a bargain price.

As Silent as the Night (Strike to the Heart Series) 

He can procure anything, except his heart’s deepest wish. She might hold the key, if she’s not discovered first.

Chicago, 1933―Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity.

Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers.

Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.
As Silent as the Night is the Christmas novella to To Stand in the Breach and A Strike to the Heart.

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This series is definitely set in an interesting era we don’t see too often.

Check it out with me.

This and that June 20, 2022

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Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

It’s hard to think when it’s hot. Which means it’s not easy stringing words together for a coherent blog post. Thank goodness for air conditioning or it would be even worse. This is going to have to be one of those just start talking posts.

I can’t imagine that I have anything to say that anyone wants to hear. I feel like writing but that thought alone is enough to keep me from it. I think I will press ahead anyway. I’m curious to see what will come out of my mouth if I do. I can always delete it if it’s too terrible.

There are a couple of things I’m feeling excited about. We are planning a family camping trip in July, that is exciting. It has been a very long time since the last one. It will be a family reunion of sorts. We are widely scattered these days, some of us more than others, and this time together has been a long time coming, especially due to the events of the last two years.

The campground reservations are made and paid for and serious planning is underway to make sure we have enough equipment and food to keep everyone happy. The best thing about camping is, it is “days off” for the whole time. No work (job), no phone, no internet. It’s like hiding out from the world playing all day every day without feeling guilty.

There will be water and fishing, maybe swimming, although I’m sure the water will still be pretty cold. Definitely a boat. Time to sit and visit, read, soak up a few rays of sunshine. Informal meals around the campfire. wiener roasts, marshmallow roast and s’mores. (a hot melted marshmallow squished with a piece of chocolate bar between two cookies. Hot coffee and pancakes on a cool morning and hot chocolate around the campfire in the cool of the evening. And games, lots of games.

Our family has a long history of camping. We started before the kids were born and that was our holiday of choice every year until summer jobs got in the way. This year will be special because we are beginning to lose the next generation to jobs and summer jobs.

Life flies by at an alarming rate. One more reason to savor every moment we have together as a family.

I said I was excited about a couple of things. I’ll save the next thing for another time. I want to camp on this nostalgic thought spot for awhile.

Photo by Jens Mahnke on Pexels.com

If you have never tried camping you should. Especially if you can handle a simpler life. There is nothing like it to recharge the batteries.

I will admit, it is not a five star experience. But for those who don’t care about those kinds of stars, it is wonderful.

Free book June 19, 2022

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us.

Ben in Love: A Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thriller (Ben Mitchell/Titus Ray Thrillers)

CIA operative Titus Ray isn’t interested in getting involved in Ben Mitchell’s love life.
Not until he discovers Ben is lying about being in love with the daughter of a Turkish cleric.

Ben’s love life is complicated . . .
Ben claims to be in love with Kamila Hanim, the daughter of an exiled Muslim cleric, who’s been accused of trying to overthrow the Turkish government. Titus doesn’t believe him. He thinks Ben is in love with Jennifer, another CIA operative. Can Ben’s feelings for Jennifer survive his deception?

Ben’s love life is confusing . . .
After Titus decides to put Ben under surveillance, he follows him to a compound in northern Virginia, where he discovers Ben is entangled in a duplicitous joint operation involving the FBI and an operative from Titus’s past. Will Titus be able to share his newfound faith with an old enemy?

Ben’s love life is cunning . . .
Once Titus learns the truth about Ben’s deception, he and Jennifer join with Ben to prevent a Turkish terrorist cell from carrying out a kidnapping operation on American soil. Can the two men discover the truth before it’s too late?

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The current collection is about done, and then it’s on to another mystery. The collection hasn’t been my favorite but it was still a worthwhile read.

Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce: the complete series

Next it will be …

Lethal Deception (Refuge from Danger Book 1)

I’m looking forward to this next one.

Happy Reading guys and gals.

This and that kind of day June 18, 2022

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This is one of those days when the only option is to cover whatever. Nothing of significance going on. Loads of insignificant though.

Spring is here

I thought I’d make this post a bit of a learning experience hence the rounded picture. I was hoping to put a Spring is Here caption across the Lilac bush, I saw that feature available somewhere along the line and, sadly, I haven’t been able to find it since. At least we have a new shape so all is no lost.

It has been a crazy stormy, rainy spring here and that means when things start to grow they grow fast. We can practically watch it happen.

I tried to capture video of the wild weather but I wasn’t fast enough for the best of the wild storms. I did catch some of the heavy but less spectacular moments and now I need to learn how to edit. The first part of the 55 second video should be edited out but since I don’t know how yet we will have to leave it in. (I know how long it takes to learn things, way too long for this post but I am motivated to learn.)

In the end the storm video will be abandoned. It wants to lay sideways and I haven’t figured out how to turn it right side up. It seems like everything has to be complicated? Something more to learn another day.

In the end, the Irises are starting to bloom, looking pretty, and the weeds are growing like crazy.

It’s a challenge to keep ahead of it all when it grows so fast. Especially with all the rain we’ve had. Between the muddy flower beds and pesky mosquitoes who wants to pull weeds anyway?

Around here spring quickly turns into summer so I am making the most of appreciating this stage of the growing season.

I hear it is supposed to be 35c here tomorrow. That’s crazy since it is 22c so far today and has been coolish for the last couple of weeks.

We live life on the edge when it comes to weather around here.

How are things at your house?