Month: August 2024

Exciting new books August 27, 2024

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It’s a good day! An enticing new book with an author I’ve not read. I can hardly wait to read it.

Dangerous Intent: Clean small town romantic suspense (Northern Pines Suspense Book 4)

Ornery livestock, an isolated farmhouse, and a dangerous stranger lurking in the forest–why on earth had she taken this job?

Ethan needs help
While away having surgery in a distant city and then recuperating at home, Ethan desperately needs summer help caring for his son and small farm.

Abby and her new rescue dog need a home
But it has been impossible to find a place for the summer in the busy, northern Wisconsin resort town. Especially one that will accept both her and her dog. Ethan’s offer is a perfect solution, right?

It is…until she must learn to deal with his flock of ornery goats, a herd of cattle escaping, and a litter of new puppies born while he’s away.

And now, an armed and dangerous stranger is lurking in the shadows..
A man who will stop at nothing. Not even murder, to get what he wants.

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And there is another suggestion I’m excited about. The first chapter has me wanting more.

Running to You: Amnesia in Shadow Cove (The Wright Heroes of Maine Book 1) 

Sam never understood why Eliza left him five years ago, ghosting him without explanation. He’s avoided romance ever since, focusing on building his business. Money might not keep him warm at night, but it can sure buy a lot of blankets.

Then Eliza shows up on his doorstep and throws herself into his arms. She can’t explain her bruises or the head injury that’s left her with no memories of the past five years, including their breakup. No matter how good it feels to hold her, though, there’s no way he’s getting sucked into romance again.

He’ll deliver Eliza to her mother, and that will be that. But instead of finding her mom, they’re met by two attackers and barely escape alive. Despite the danger to his life and his heart, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself.

Together, they embark on a journey to reconstruct her past while evading the men chasing her. As Sam and Eliza close in on the truth, their romance reignites, but her secret threatens to destroy them both.

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Two books, equally enticing and now I have to choose. Or maybe not. Maybe I will delay the difficult choice and finish the current read.

Season of Wonder Boxset:

This romance series will be a needed break from the suspenseful recent reads. The next new one on the list adds an even deeper level of stress and was going to be about trafficking. I think it will be a good read when I do get to it but I need a moment first.

Every Star in the Sky

She is willing to testify against her trafficker.
If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”
How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?
Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.
And he is powerful enough to do it.
If Starr wants to help the other women, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk. And her heart.

Happy Reading.

I hope you are feeling inspired to look for a favorite book too.

This one looks good August 21, 2024

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It’s from an author I’ve not read and I’m excited about it. Mainly because the first few pages are looking good and the story has a fresh twist to it, so far at least.

After an innovative plot the next most important feature of the author’s style, for me anyway, is a “show not tell” approach. It is so much more relatable when there is movement taking the reader along for the ride. Strong characters are good too. This book has it so far.

One more absolutely necessary element, in my opinion, is a scaled back version of the whole PDA (public displays of affection) and high powered hormonal reactions to every touch or look.

They say you aren’t supposed to annoy your readers. This practice annoys me enough that I skip huge chunks of the story in rebellion, usually after a few chapters, It gets old real quick, I tell you, and it weakens the story. I think that’s my biggest objection of all… a weak story.

Maybe that’s why this passion element is added in to the plot so often. That route is easier than developing something strong and captivating.

And while we are on the subject … so much of it is unbelievable. How many normal people do you know who could give in to a passionate kiss in the middle of a crowd? Especially in a new relationship where they don’t know each other all that well.

I can tell you not very many, How do I know you ask? I’ve been trying to count up all of the passionate occasions I’ve observed in my lifetime. I’m still at zero. It would probably give the story more drama but real life people look for private nooks and crannies for those intense moments.

Unbelievable, I tell you.

It’s time to move along. I don’t know if this new story will be full of hormonal drama. It could be but I’m sincerely hoping not.

Saving Grace (A Horses and Hearts Inspirational Romance)

When winning is everything, there isn’t much room for grace.

For feisty and driven Hannah Whitney, winning is everything. She and her dressage horse Amazing Grace are headed towards the final qualifying competition for the Olympic games, when her trainer suddenly quits. With the competition just ten weeks away, Hannah’s dad hires Chase Livingston as the new trainer.

Chase is a Gold Medalist in dressage. After an incident in the show ring one day, he loses his nerve and goes into hiding from the media. He’s reluctant to come out just to train the spoiled, rich daughter of a real estate tycoon, but the money is good.

Hannah doesn’t want to be seen with him, but if she’s going to be ready for the competition, he may be her only hope. What she doesn’t count on is how attractive he is…

When faced with the question of what is most important in life, can two people with different answers ever find common ground?

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One more book before we go. Of the 7 book series this is the only one I don’t have. Awesome.

The Truest Home (Alaskan Hearts Book 3)

She just found out that everything she’s ever loved is a lie…

Liz Benjamin has lost her place in the world. Not only are her best friends too busy for her, but her father just married a horrible woman who has now moved into their home with her two horrible daughters.

Worse still, a handsome stranger arrives in town for the wedding and starts asking all the wrong questions. With his help, Liz soon finds that everything she thought she knew about herself is based on a terrible lie.

But just how far back does the deception go, and how will finding the truth about Liz’s past change her future?

Join Liz, Scarlett, Lauren, and their courageous team of sled dogs in this unforgettable tale of tenacity, trust, and finding where you belong from a New York Times bestselling author.

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I have a funny feeling that I have read this story in a collection somewhere along the line. I hope I’m wrong about that.

Happy Reading

Books I want to read Part two Aug 18, 2024

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The first book I wanted to read tonight was book 1 in a series. Now that I’ve browsed a little more, I can’t pass up the opportunity to read books 2 and 3 as well. They are all on at a promotional price and it won’t last.

Speaking of promotional prices, one of my favorite authors offers his latest books (after a reasonable period of time, of course) at an amazing price for a day or two. I haven’t been checking my emails often enough and I MISSED it.

I’m a penny-pincher. Have to be practical, don;t you know. My appetite for books would bankrupt me if I didn’t pay attention to great price opportunities. That’s why I like to pass the chances on to you. So you can read with abandon too.

So here we go. 12 books by the time we are done this one!

Every Flower of the Field (two sparrows for a penny book 2)

Safe is the most dangerous feeling of all.

For as long as she can remember, Rose Galway has been a captive, controlled by one man or another. To her, though, God is the one holding the keys, refusing to set her free despite the desperate pleas she has sent heavenward.

Detective Laken Jones has known hardship too, including the daily trauma of racism. Still, nothing he has gone through compares to what Rose has endured. He wants nothing more than for her to experience hope and healing and maybe even happiness in her life.

But first he has to find her.

Laken is willing to risk everything to set Rose free. And to help her find her way to God. Even if that means letting go of her—and the future he envisions for the two of them—forever.

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Every Bird That Falls (two sparrows for a penny book 3)

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.
Now the truth could destroy them completely.

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions.
How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information.
Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave.
Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?

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Big change coming up now, hold on.

Season of Wonder Boxset: Heartwarming Contemporary Christian Romance Book Collection (Boxset Series: Small Town Sweet Romance Collection 3)

SEASON OF WONDER BOXSET is a 10-book mega bundle that includes:

Finding Home
With her world in turmoil, how can Chrissy find the happiness she always dreamed of – filled with love, laughter, family, and renewed faith?

Crisis of Faith
Torn between pain and love, Jack and Lena must overcome much if they are to have a shot at a future together. Time is running out, but God has a plan.

Christmas Angel Hope
Will Claire take what Travis is offering her? Is Travis beyond his own grief enough to teach her how to give herself permission to love again?

Home for Christmas
Loss, grief, new love, and redemption are on the horizon for Sarah. All she must do is put in the effort and happiness could be hers once again.

Mason
Can Gracie believe and truly let the past go? Or will she hold onto her fears?

Home Is Where Your Heart Is
Will Jessica be able to rise above her past and show faith and trust in Kaedon? Will she finally find a place to call home – a place to build a family?

New Beginnings
Filled with faith, friendship, and the promise of forever, this heartwarming novel is intriguing, sweet, and heartfelt.

Michelle and Tyler
Can a crisis of grief and faith lead to new hope and happiness for Michelle and Tyler?

Forever Bodyguard
Is Emma and Keith’s love for each other enough for their second chance together?

Songs of the Heart
Excited by new opportunities, and the chance at love, Sue dives into an entanglement of danger and suspense. Is Mike the one for her?

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That was easy.

A book I want to read. August 18, 2024

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A BookBub email suggestion caught my eye and I want to check it out. It is a tough subject involving trafficking and I’m hoping it will a rescue story. We are always in need of a hero to come in and save the day. My heart breaks for the victims of these monsters. and I’m hoping rescues can happen in real life. I think they do, just not as often as we would hope.

Every Star in the Sky (two sparrows for a penny book 1)

She is willing to testify against her trafficker.
If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”
How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?
Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.
And he is powerful enough to do it.
If Starr wants to help the other women, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk.
And her heart.

TW: human trafficking, some violence, sexual intimacy inferred (clean and closed door)

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I like strong female characters and by my estimation this looks like a good one. One thing about frontier stories – they all had to be strong characters to survive.

A Heart as Untamed as Thunder: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Maddie MacDougall has spent all of her childhood among horses and she can’t imagine a life without them. The yearning for adventure she has always harbored in her heart will lead her to a match sent from heaven, Carter, a horse breeder in Wyoming. She will soon be intrigued by his tales of wild mustangs and his chivalrous manners but she will also realize that his obsession with Thunder, the legendary stallion of Croy Canyon, can endanger both the animal and their relationship.

When love fuels the heart though, all obstacles can be overcome…

Carter Stone has led a harsh life among the wild horses, full of challenges and adventures. He has always wished to have someone by his side who shares this passion and when the match with Maddie is arranged, he is overjoyed. What he did not expect was to find himself stricken with her unique beauty or her rare wit, with which she challenges him when she differs from his methods.

Will he be able to tame her wild heart?

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There is another book suggestion in this series too. I’ve experienced one of the authors but not this one. I’m excited to see if the story lives up to the great impression of the first few pages.

A Sheriff for the Gracious Widow: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Orphaned at a young age, Emily Carter is left devastated when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, she seeks help from the handsome new sheriff, Jacob. But her new ally might be able to give her more than mere answers…

Can Emily overcome her guilt and allow herself to open up to the growing affection she feels for Jacob?

After the tragic death of his older brother, Jacob Turner harbors a deep sense of responsibility toward his small community of Willow Creek. When Emily seeks his help to solve the mystery of her husband’s death, Jacob realizes he’s in trouble. The young widow embodies everything he’s ever wanted, but he knows he can’t have her while she’s still in mourning…

Can Jacob successfully navigate the delicate situation between duty and his personal involvement?

When Emily discovers she’s being followed, Jacob must put his growing feelings aside and work tirelessly to keep her safe from the schemes of a ruthless killer. As dark secrets are revealed, will they find a way to be together or will Emily’s tragic past and Jacob’s sense of duty prevent them from finding happiness?

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Another enticing suggestion. How can I possibly pass that up?

River Falls Books 1-3 Box Set: Three Small Town Christian Romances 

Pieces of Forever: Eight years ago, Ava and Joseph had the perfect future planned—until a terrible accident changed everything. Unwilling to believe they could still have a future, Ava made Joseph promise to leave and live out their dreams without her. Joseph has never broken a promise to Ava. Until now. Because before he made that stupid promise to leave, they’d made each other another promise—one of forever. And he’s determined to return to River Falls and show her that his promise still stands…

Songs of Home: In the wake of a very public breakup, country music star Lydia St. Peter finds herself in need of a place of refuge. She doesn’t know why she thinks she’ll find it with the family she never knew she had in River Falls, Tennessee, but at least the small town will offer her the privacy she so desperately craves. She never expects it to offer more—in the form of her new landlord, Liam, and his troubled teenage daughter. But when Lydia is presented with an opportunity that could rocket her to household-name status, she has to decide whether she’s willing to give up everything she’s gained in River Falls to chase her dreams—or if her heart has finally found its home.

Memories of the Heart: As a Christian counselor, Simeon knows he should be able to help his wife cope with the losses they’ve suffered. And it’s killing him that he can’t. It seems like the more he tries, the harder Abigail pushes him away. He’s determined to save their marriage… but what if it’s already too late? When an accident leaves Abigail with amnesia, stealing her memories of their life together, will it be the end of their marriage? Or is God giving them a second chance to build a love even stronger than they remember?

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This is long and there are more and I can’t resist.

Another post is the only way to go

I’m having so much fun.

A change of pace August 11, 2024

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I’m in the mood to share tonight. I know, I’m shocked too. Too many other things taking up space in my mind these days. Reading and posting have been relegated to the outer edges of life. Reading has been late at night, mostly, to help me go to sleep. It hasn’t been working very well, I have to say. On top of that, reading half the night doesn’t make for very productive days. And now my sleep rhythm is way out whack and I haven’t figured out how to fix it. Oh well, life still goes on.

The biggest contributor to all of this unrest is the move I made a few months ago. I wanted to make the move but a bigger part of me didn’t want to.

The war still goes on inside me. Not as violently as it did in the beginning so I will count that as progress, but it still raises it’s ugly head more often than I’d like. One of the friendly neighbors in my new place shared a bit of wisdom with me one day. He didn’t know what was gong on in my mind so it was an interesting thing for him to say. I can’t quote it like he did but basically it was this. Moving your stuff from one place to another doesn’t mean you have moved. You haven’t moved until your mind has accepted the new place.

I’m working on it. I’ve gradually stopped fighting it quite as much. Today while grocery shopping I even stocked up on baked goods so I could invite someone over for tea. I will freeze it all just in case my excuses make it take me forever to get to the next step.

Life hasn’t always been this way for me. I’m discovering that without warning life takes different twists and turns now and then. We begin to live through new and deeper challenges wondering what life will look like when we come out the other side. These are big questions for me and I have no answers yet.

In the meantime, I’m trying to live like I want to keep living. It’s working, mostly.

To help this along I’m keeping myself occupied with activities that require my whole attention.

That brings me to the needed change in book genre. I’ve been reading a suspense story that resonates with me and I love what they are doing for victims. The trouble is it stirs up buried memories that make me cry for reasons I don’t understand. I’m ok with that, releasing emotions can be helpful, but I feel the need to lighten up a bit. Today a bunch of sweet romance novels showed up in my feed. Several are authors new to me and after reading a few pages I want to give them a shot.

I’m looking forward to the distraction of these stories.

There are 16 books, this could take awhile!

I know by experience that I am not alone with what I’m going through right now, I’m hoping that what I’ve shared will be encouraging to someone going through their own challenges. I had no plans to go this direction with the post, it just happened. Maybe the someone needing to hear they aren’t alone is you. My thoughts are with you whoever you are.

To the rest, check out these stories. We all could use a little brightness in our life every now and then!

Happy reading!