Year: 2022

Read and enjoyed September 09, 2022

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Three books in a row, great books. Every one of them kept me reading much too late at night but the last one read was the best one. They were well written (less-well is a distraction to me. that’s the trouble with reading so many books, it’s easy to become picky about likes and dislikes,) and there was a satisfying amount of meat on the bones of the story.

There were a few things in each book that were less than thrilling but in the long run they were minor when stacked up against the good. Best one first.

Buried Cold Case Secrets (Deputies of Anderson County Book 1)

Recovering her missing memories

could be the key to solving a murder

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first.

For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

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This next story turned out to be much better than expected. A pleasant surprise, indeed. It may even be a tie for first place on this favorites list, now that I refresh my memory of the story.

Even Forever: A Clean Western Romance (Boulder Creek Romance Book 1)

The last thing Rosalie Tomkin wants is another man trying to control her life.

Rosalie’s abusive jailbird father and her ne’er-do-well brother have cured her of that. Not even the wealthy visitor staying in her beleaguered mother’s boarding house can tempt her. She plans to leave Boulder Creek as soon as she can scrape together the funds to do so, and when she does, she won’t ever look back.

Michael Randolph is in a high-stakes competition for the family business and intends to beat his half-brother, no matter what. So when an innocent encounter with Rosalie threatens to cost him everything he hopes to achieve, he’s willing to pay the price demanded by her no-good father. Even if it means marrying a damsel in distress.

Strangers placed in an impossible position, Michael and Rosalie can agree on one thing. Neither of them wants to stay together any longer than they must. What they don’t know is that fate might have a better future in store for them than either could imagine.

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Last but not least another good book.

Risky Ambition (Vanishing Ranch Book 3)

Former Navy fighter pilot Nate Casper, also known as Ghost, splits his time between flying jet-setting celebrities around the world and volunteering to help with rescues at Vanishing Ranch. When movie star Chesney Blake books a trip with him, Ghost sets aside his attraction to her in order to remain professional.

But when his flight plan gets waylaid by a barrage of bullets, putting Chesney in danger, his intention of keeping his distance takes a nosedive.

Chesney Blake needs a break before filming her next movie. But when her getaway erupts into nothing short of chaos and her pilot transforms into her protector, her vacation plans are forgotten. Does someone really want her dead? Or was she even the intended target?

As more incidents threaten their safety, Chesney and Ghost set out to uncover the truth. But as they get closer to finding answers, Chesney is faced with a fate worse than she ever imagined—even worse than death itself.

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The last two are still on at bargain prices if you are interested.

Happy Reading y’all

The day we said good bye September 08, 2022

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I think I will forever remember the day Queen Elizabeth died. On my daughter’s birthday, today.

I remember Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visiting Canada when I was living in British Columbia many years ago. I’m not sure what year though, they made a number of visits and I can’t tell which one it would have been. I was young and it made quite an impression on me, I do remember that.

There is no doubt about it. This is the end of an era. She is an impossible act to follow, an amazing woman gifted in a way few are. She was a queen, through and through, it wasn’t something assumed when out in public and hung in the closet when arriving home.

It looks like those coming behind will be assuming a role, it is not who they already are. Sad for us and for them.

Life changes and the world moves on, maybe culture is becoming such that a monarchy – king/queen is no longer needed the way it once was. Maybe a role play will be enough to do the job.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II, we will remember you with a lifetime of respect and appreciation.

LIFE Queen Elizabeth: 70th Jubilee

Out an about, she was a classy lady. At home with her dogs she was real, with her rubber boots and earthy toned heavy coat. Comfortable both ways. Remarkable.

Bargain book September 07, 2022

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1531 Entertainment has a suggestion for us from an author who was often in my pile of library a decade ago when that was still my main source of reading material. I’m looking forward to this read. I wondered if I may have read it when it first came out but it’s not ringing any memory bells for me. That means I would need to reread it anyway.

Beyond Tuesday Morning: Sequel to the Bestselling One Tuesday Morning (9/11 series Book 2) 

The hope-filled sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning. In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection. One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles. But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11. Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s. Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

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My current read is turning out to be a good choice. I left off at a good part and I need to hurry back and see what is going to happen next.

Flee the Night (Team Hope Book 1) 

Ex-CIA operative Lacey Montgomery is a liar, a murderer, and a fugitive—or is she? Former Green Beret Jim Micah must either prove her innocence or bring her to justice. Too bad his heart won’t stay out of the way. With a little girl’s life and national secrets hanging in the balance, Jim and Lacey must trust God to help them flee the secrets of the night.

The little blurb with the book sells this story short. There are life threatening things happening at every turn and who to trust is a question with no apparent answer. Not yet anyway.

This story reaches out and grabs the reader and it’s impossible to keep from being drawn in to the action. At the moment we are running for our life.

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Check it out, you may want to read it too.

That’s it for today, sadly, that’s all I have.

Happy Reading y’all

This and that September 06, 2022

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I’m coming up empty on what to talk about tonight. We have no good book suggestions to get excited about. My head is not settled on subjects I could pursue. It’s probably because I’ve spent the evening listening to YouTube podcasts. There were a bunch of short ones related to the news of the day, not something I really want to talk about. They weren’t of the feel good type, more of a downer, life is like that sometimes.

The last one, though, has given me much to ponder. It was a long interview, 2 and 1/4 hours long, and in my mind it could have been longer. The interview was between two highly successful men. It was very interesting, mostly because they both got to the heart of the matter in a very real and candid way. It was relatable and left me feeling richer for the experience. I’ll be chewing on it for awhile.

The other unique aspect was that it turned into a double interview. Both of these guys have successful podcasts with huge audiences and of course the interviewee had to have a chance to interview his host. They both did an awesome job of switching roles. I will probably watch it again another day. There was so much to unpack that once is not enough.

I will include the link in case you are curious to see what it was all about. The original guest was inducted into a Canadian hall of fame for marketing genius. His name is Tony Chapman. The subject was marketing but they got into personal territory when they talked about their early life, their families, their jobs and how they got their start and how they progressed to where they are now. Fascinating.

The awesome thing was they wanted to be helpful. They left their egos at home and shared real down-to-earth things. I love this type of interview, it draws me in and touches my life in profound ways.

Anyway, that is where my head is tonight.

It was a good night.

Maybe we will have books to share tomorrow.

Happy reading and maybe even listening.

Free and bargain books September 05, 2022

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us. An author and book we’ve seen before, in a Christmas collection. I think it was probably a good read but I don’t remember much after reading that many books in a row. I just remember enjoying the collection. I may have to read this book again along with you.

A Beautiful Mess (The Mosaic Collection)

A single mother’s journey from bitterness to forgiveness.

Nearly four years ago, Erin Belden’s happy life became a shattered mess. After her husband admitted to an affair and that a child had been conceived, he left her and their young daughter for his new family. Now, she’s finally ready to put the pieces of her life together. She’s set to launch her own business and even thinks her heart might be open to romance—should the right man come along.

But just when everything seems to be lining up, she receives a devastating call: her ex-husband and his wife have been killed in a car accident, and Erin is listed in their will as their daughter’s legal guardian.

How can she be a mother to the child—let alone love the child—who broke up her marriage? Does she have the courage to start over yet again and turn this mess into a mosaic of beauty?

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion by one of our favorite authors. Two books in one, books we’ve not read. Bonus!

Protecting Her Daughter and Under the Lawman’s Protection

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Quick-witted and caring, local vet Aaron Starke is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives.

FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!

Under the Lawman”s Protection by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott

For SWAT team negotiator Isaac Morrison, safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son is his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend, Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to shield mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He’ll need his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk losing the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart.

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Not to bad for a holiday Monday.

Happy Reading.

Happy Birthday to me. September 04, 2022

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It’s my birthday today. It has been a good day and I don’t even care that we don’t have any book suggestions today.

Four family members were available to spend some time with me and we had fun. Three of us have birthdays within 5 days and we were all here today. Bonus. We get to celebrate at least twice, some of us even more. How could we be sad about that?

We will party officially another day when everyone else is available. We aren’t given to formal occasions, just a chance to be together and express our appreciation and love for one another.

I should have taken pictures but sadly, I didn’t.

I did try to do a sell job on my last read, though. I’m pretty sure they would enjoy it but it doesn’t appear I’m much of a salesman, no one took the bait. The most avid reader in the group has a good excuse – her last visit to the public library netted her 10 new books. I remember those days so I can’t fault her, she has deadlines after all.

My daughter prefers hard copy while I favor e-copy. There are many conveniences about my e-reader that I can’t live without.

I’m just happy for all the readers we have in the family no matter how they read.

So, I was going to move on to book two in the series I was reading and loved. It was not working for me. The main characters are so different it was hard for me to change lanes. I think a bigger break will make for a smoother transition.

During the break I’m reading the third book in another series I follow. These people are running for their life at the moment.

Risky Ambition (Vanishing Ranch Book 3)

Former Navy fighter pilot Nate Casper, also known as Ghost, splits his time between flying jet-setting celebrities around the world and volunteering to help with rescues at Vanishing Ranch. When movie star Chesney Blake books a trip with him, Ghost sets aside his attraction to her in order to remain professional.

But when his flight plan gets waylaid by a barrage of bullets, putting Chesney in danger, his intention of keeping his distance takes a nosedive.

Chesney Blake needs a break before filming her next movie. But when her getaway erupts into nothing short of chaos and her pilot transforms into her protector, her vacation plans are forgotten. Does someone really want her dead? Or was she even the intended target?

As more incidents threaten their safety, Chesney and Ghost set out to uncover the truth. But as they get closer to finding answers, Chesney is faced with a fate worse than she ever imagined—even worse than death itself.

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Happy reading y’all

Current read September 03, 2022

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I love it. It’s a mystery with all sorts of skulduggery and tension. There are great characters with deep secrets and broken relationships. Things change as we mature and sometimes childhood friendships have a difficult time surviving adulthood. The story is awesome with many twists and turns but the element that makes it special for me is the author’s sense of humor. Delightful scenarios and dialogue to bring on smiles and even laughter.

It’s still a bargain price, grab it quick. It’s so entertaining you will be glad you did. One of the characters is probably fashioned after the author. Very funny.

To Steal a Heart (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Book #1)

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.   

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Haven’t seen much today in regard to bargain books and certainly nothing I was tempted to read. Tomorrow is another day though.

Right now, I’m headed back to laundry and reading, we are at a good part and I need to know what is going on. A new character has been introduced and it’s unclear how he fits into all of this with a bunch of crazy ladies.

Happy reading y’all.

Christy Barritt’s new book September 02, 2022

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Prolific Christy Barritt has yet another new book, third one in the Vanishing Ranch series. I’m thrilled to see it.

Risky Ambition (Vanishing Ranch Book 3)

Former Navy fighter pilot Nate Casper, also known as Ghost, splits his time between flying jet-setting celebrities around the world and volunteering to help with rescues at Vanishing Ranch. When movie star Chesney Blake books a trip with him, Ghost sets aside his attraction to her in order to remain professional.

But when his flight plan gets waylaid by a barrage of bullets, putting Chesney in danger, his intention of keeping his distance takes a nosedive.

Chesney Blake needs a break before filming her next movie. But when her getaway erupts into nothing short of chaos and her pilot transforms into her protector, her vacation plans are forgotten. Does someone really want her dead? Or was she even the intended target?

As more incidents threaten their safety, Chesney and Ghost set out to uncover the truth. But as they get closer to finding answers, Chesney is faced with a fate worse than she ever imagined—even worse than death itself.

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I’ve been checking carefully in case I’ve missed anything else we really need. It looks like this is it.

I’d share my current read but I’m not liking it well enough to mention it. Maybe later.

Happy reading folks.

I hope you like Christy Barritt too. I’ve enjoyed this series mainly because it is a departure from others I’ve read of hers lately.

Bargain books September 02, 2022

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1531 Entertainment has a couple of bargain suggestions for us.

This first one is an author we’ve read and enjoyed multiple times.

To Steal a Heart (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Book #1)

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.  

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It looks like book 2 in this series is also on at a bargain price. I can’t resist it.

To Write a Wrong (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Book #2) 

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she’s determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne’s way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.

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The second suggestion from 1531 Entertainment is an author I’ve not read. The intro looks good so I’m taking a chance on this one. This will be a thriller, I’m guessing.

Buried Cold Case Secrets (Deputies of Anderson County Book 1)

Recovering her missing memories

could be the key to solving a murder

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

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A good looking lineup just in time for the long weekend, last one of summer.

Happy Reading!

Short and sweet August 31, 2022

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I lost track of time, so caught up in the story.

I have two books to share. The regency mystery/romance from yesterday and a current romance set in modern day.

My favorite thing about the Regency read, aside from the great story was the setting. I love large old places filled with mysterious histories, hidden stairs, tunnels, and secret rooms. The other nice thing about the era is the opportunity for scenarios that would never work in our day and age. This story was full of all of that.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother’s desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey’s cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past–including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick–magistrate, widower, and former neighbor–who long ago broke her heart.

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My favorite thing about this story was the author’s careful treatment of the heartache, hopes, wishes and loves of each character. The main characters were well developed but so were many of the rest of the large family. I couldn’t put this down. It received 5 stars too.

A baby’s future hangs in the balance, sparking a heart-rending mystery. Why didn’t Cash’s sister leave him guardianship of her daughter?

Instead, she leaves her infant in her friend Jane’s care. Though a lifelong friend, Jane isn’t family. And the baby is the only family Cash has left. He insists on being involved in raising his young niece. In the midst of this, strange things start happening at Jane’s dress shop. Can the two overcome their differences–and perhaps build a new family together? Only if his heart of stone can be softened. From a Carol Award-winning author: a faith-filled, second chance romance with a touch of mystery.

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Must go before I turn into a pumpkin.

Happy Reading y’all