Author: For the Love of Books

One more bargain Feb 06, 2021

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This bargain book was recommended by a writer friend, (not that I know her personally or anything, I’ve just read a multitude of her books,) and I value her opinion. Author Terrie Todd is new to me but reading the first chapter gives me confidence it will be a good book so I’m going for it.

Maggie’s War

Amazon quote:

A Word Award winner.

In 1942, telegrams always bring life-altering and tragic news in a war-hardened world—and the one Maggie Marshall receives is no different. But running a restaurant with the help of only pregnant, unwed girls has taught her to be tough. Maggie’s no weeping widow, but Charlotte Penfield thinks she’s the most unfeeling woman on earth. Seventeen, exiled by her wealthy parents, and working in the restaurant, fanciful Charlotte runs away with romantic notions of a reunion with her baby’s father at his military camp.

It has been years since Maggie darkened the church door of her pastor and childhood friend, Reverend Reuben Fennel, and his heart breaks for the hardened woman Maggie’s become. When she seeks his help to find Charlotte, he’s happy to aid her in the chase—though it may cost him his job and reputation.

Over the miles from Winnipeg to Fort William, Reuben and Maggie’s journey rekindles their affection—and their dreams of what they still could be. But Maggie stubbornly clings to her independent ways until she’s dealt another devastating loss, one that forces her to recognize that heroes can be discovered in unlikely places and love may be far sweeter than she ever dared imagine.

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I ordered another book today, it was a translation by one of our local writers. Originally, this book was printed in Europe in the 1800s and was popular then. Robert Stermscheg translated it to English and his introductory blog post for the book is scheduled to be shared here on this site tomorrow morning. Be sure to watch for it. The Prussian Lieutenant

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It looks like we have a military theme going on here.

Happy Reading once again.

Bargain books February 06, 2021

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Wanna know what I love most about reading right now?

There are many things I love but my favorite thing today? It’s impossible to read and multitask.

I think it’s possibly the only activity I enjoy where I cannot do two things at once. (although sometimes I really wish I could. Like play solitaire or something to keep my hands busy while I’m just sitting there.) (I will admit I don’t necessarily do a good job while multitasking. Most times, playing games while letting my mind wander doesn’t work out real well for me.)

The best thing about having laser focus on a story, it keeps me from digging a big hole for myself. One I would have trouble getting out of.

Although I’m working on it, I still carry remnants of old baggage around with me. Today, I’m grateful I cannot read and think of my life at the same time. This keeps me sane and smiling.

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Having to read books to write this blog doubles the blessing.

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Finding new-to-me authors is a bonus as well.

BookBub has a bargain suggestion today with just such an author.

The Ingenue: Political Spy Thriller (THE SPY STORIES Book 2)

Amazon quote:

America’s next endearing hero, CIA operative Alex Halee, goes off mission to infiltrate a cybercrime lab in North Korea run by the notorious Pok.

When he runs into trouble, he gets help from the most unlikely person. Bae Hwa is a thirteen-year-old North Korean girl who likes to steal backpacks. When she unknowingly gets her hands on a satchel full of nuclear codes, her entire family is in danger and she ends up in prison.

Alex is arrested and thrown in the same prison cell as Bae. It’s a race against time as he has to save them both and keep the codes out of the hands of those who want to destroy America . . .

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Another bargain book appeared by the same author. These two are both spy stories, one is political and one not. The main characters are different so it’s safe to read book 2 first if you want.

SAVE THE GIRLS: Spy Thriller (THE SPY STORIES Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Why are all the hard-core CIA operatives always men? They aren’t.

Introducing Jamie Austen a CIA operative tasked with infiltrating sex trafficking rings and rescuing girls from some of the most ruthless and violent organizations in the world. When her assignment takes her to Belarus, she uncovers a ring that tricks girls into believing they are signing up to become mail order brides to America only to find they are being sold into sex slavery in Russian and in the Middle East.

Jamie faces grave danger as she attempts to save the next busload of three hundred girls leaving in a matter of days, knowing she is the only one who can save them.

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And, another bargain by this author. It looks intriguing and sounds different from the other two. My curiosity is piqued and I need to check it out.

THE LONGEST DAY: (The Eden Stories 1) WINNER 2020 RELIGIOUS FICTION BEST BOOK AWARD

Amazon quote:

What would happen if an astronaut from Earth, a fallen and sinful man, discovered a planet where Adam and Eve had not eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

Adam Lang, a self-professed atheist, travels to the ends of the universe to discover intelligent life on the only perfect planet left, Adon. There he discovered something he least expected to find . . . God.

Best-selling author, Terry Toler is a well-written, rising star in literary fiction, with his latest and greatest fantasy story, The Longest Day, the first in The Eden Stories series and the one that started the franchise. As much as it is about a strange journey across the stars, it’s also about people, and consequences, both of which are captured expertly.  The Longest Day is one man’s story of romance, loss, science, discovery, mystery, sin, and salvation.

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I’m enjoying my current read and find these wonderful new books will have to wait until it’s finished. Some current reads get left behind in favor of a new face but not this time.

I’m happy about wanting to stick with it. I love it when that happens.

Expired Secrets (Last Chance County Book 2) 

In this town, Police Detective Savannah Wilcox is the one who uncovers the truth. After a grisly murder occurs, it quickly becomes clear the death is connected to an ongoing investigation. And she’s certain this killer will strike again.

Private Investigator Tate Hudson has some secrets of his own. The prime suspect in a murder just might be the one who’s going to solve the whole case—if he can control the chaos swirling around him.


The clock has expired on both of their secrets, but the truth just might set them free.

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Happy Reading …

… on this cold and very crisp day in southern Manitoba.

-27c, feels like -41c with the wind chill.

The cold and bitter wind always feels like a knife cutting right through me. I’m happy to enjoy the sunshine from inside where it’s warm. With my book and a nice cup of coffee. What could be better?

One more. Free book. Feb 05, 2021

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I missed one. Another FREE offering from author Chautona Havig. Can you believe I’ve downloaded 53 of her books since September 2012. Her Freebie Friday is solely responsible.

And that number doesn’t even include all the downloaded collections she’s been a part of. Chautona is one busy lady.

Hashtag Rogue (The Agency Files Book 5) 

Amazon quote:

Flynne Dortmann: computer specialist extraordinaire. The right arm of every agent in The Agency. And totally untrained for agent duty.

When no one takes a threat seriously, Flynne does the only thing she can think of.

With money she has no authorization to use, a gun she’s never fired in her hip pocket, and more zip-ties than any agent should be allowed to carry, Flynne takes on protective detail for an unwilling client. #HashtagRogue.

Mark Cho hasn’t had a chance to get used to being Marco Mendina—head of the Eastern US Agency. Not only that, every sign points to someone knowing he isn’t who he appears to be. His agency is in trouble.  His agents may be in danger, and with an office girl gone rogue, deciding what problem to tackle first is a problem in itself.

Not to mention, he misses his office assistant with her emoji-speak, killer tech skills, and sharp instincts.

Hashtag Rogue: Something is terribly wrong in The Agency. Again.

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A Happy Weekend to you!

Free and bargain books February 05, 2021

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us today. Another Lacy Williams historical novel

Her Convenient Cowboy: Wyoming Legacy (Wind River Hearts Book 10)

Amazon quote:

She’s pregnant, widowed, and snowed in… with the a quiet cowboy who never seems to give up.

Middle son Davy White planned to winter in his pa’s secluded cabin alone. Instead, he arrives in the midst of a blizzard to find the cabin occupied by a young widow. One who is expecting a baby any day.

Widowed, pregnant, and alone, Rose Evans found the cabin an isolated prison. With winter snows on the way and no animal to ride, the city girl was too frightened to leave. Now she’s trapped with a cowboy, one who threatens her self-made promise never to trust a man again.

As Davy teaches her to take care of herself and her new baby, Rose discovers the quiet cowboy is nothing like the men she’s known before. But she’s been hurt in the past…does she dare open her heart?

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Browsing, a pre-order bargain showed up. We’ve seen this author once before but I’ve not read the download yet. This one is book ten in the same series so I’m going for it.

Shea: Cowboy Chance : A Christian Historical Western Romance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10

Amazon quote:

Shea Kavanagh is in Abilene, Kansas learning new ranching innovations. One day he walks past the hotel numerous times and he notices the same woman sitting in the lobby. He finds it rather strange and stops to talk to her.
Phoebe Kagan waits, not believing she could have been left behind. She estimates she has one more hour before she is thrown out of the hotel. A handsome stranger sits beside her and listens to her problems. He pays for the unpaid room and then he finds out she can’t walk.
Shea is stunned someone would leave a disabled person behind. He does what he can but what will happen when he must return home? Who will take care of her?
Join the Kavanagh Brothers for another romance. Shea is the youngest and he’s determined not to get married. God’s love and guidance often can be a surprised blessing.

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There are more bargains in this series. Book 9 looks interesting too.

Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9)

Amazon quote:

It’s chaos at the Kavanagh Ranch between cattle rustlers and his brother’s wives having babies Rafferty becomes the Trail Boss. He’s taking on the Chisholm Trail from Fort Worth, Texas to Abilene, Kansas. The trail is fraught with hardship and danger.
Just when Rafferty thinks he has everything under control he finds Mae along the trail and nothing in life has prepared him for her stubborn, feistiness. There are plenty of towns along the way where she’d be better off but he’s reluctant to leave her behind.
Rafferty might have saved Mae, but she isn’t about to put up with his tyrant ways of doing things and she’s not about to allow him to leave her in a strange town.

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us, an author I’ve not read. It looks interesting and book two and three are also available FREE, I’m going for all of them. The price is right for taking chances.

Serenity Hope (He Calls Me by Name Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Serenity Hope MacAlister loves three things: God, her family, and her horses. Riding across the grassy, windswept hills of north Texas, she finds happiness and contentment. But when an old flame comes back to town, memories of heartbreak and sorrow are stirred up again.

Serenity finds herself torn between the desires of her heart, the path to her future, and the challenges that her burden her family. Can she find healing for her broken heart, the courage to hope again, and most importantly, the peace and serenity that only God can provide?

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Chastity Grace (He Calls Me by Name Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Chastity Grace Adair has her summer all planned out: dominate the local barrel racing circuit to pave the way for a premium spot on the rodeo team at her chosen university in the fall.

As she practices with her beloved horse Mack the Knife in the shadows of the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains, she has no time for distractions. But she doesn’t count on a devastating accident, family troubles, financial strain, or the handsome rodeo champ who suddenly appears in her life.

Will Chastity find the faith and courage to place her dreams, her heart, and her future in God’s hands?

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Charity Joy (He Calls Me by Name Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Charity Joy Li lives a quiet life in a small lakeside town deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She knows that practicing dressage with her beloved horse Mariner should be a delight, but her heart can’t find joy. Maybe it’s because of family pressure, or jealousy, or impatience, or the rising tide of troubles that threatens to overwhelm her.

And when a handsome young man shows up at the summer camp where she works, her conflicted feelings about him don’t make things any easier…

As Charity grapples with challenges in her life and in her heart, will she be able to realize that true joy comes from only one Source?

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It has been an awesome day for books. How can I not be happy.

Hopefully you are feeling happy with all this too.

It’s Friday, it’s sunny, we have books, and the weekend is coming up.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books February 04, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. Once again, it’s an author new to me. I love it.

Hidden Danger (Small-Town Guardians Book 1)

Amazon quote:

All Maggie Jones wants to do is sell her late father’s property and get out of Whitehaven, Texas as fast as possible—before she runs into the one man she’s spent the past six years avoiding. Someone has other plans for her, though. Sinister plans. And when a seemingly harmless act of vandalism turns into a series of menacing threats, she has no choice but to turn to last person on earth she wants to see for help.

Sheriff Cody Smith never expected to see Maggie again, especially after he’d broken her heart all those years ago. Maybe this is the second chance he’s always wanted. But when he realizes Maggie’s in grave danger, he intends to keep her safe at all costs. With lines from an old nursery rhyme as their only clue, he needs to find out who’s behind this deadly game before the rhyme ends and Maggie’s time runs out. Can he protect her, catch the bad guy, and make amends for past wrongs? Or will old wounds get in the way?

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Then there is a series, book one is FREE. I’ve read and enjoyed it and that makes me want to read the next two. They are currently bargain priced.

Expired Refuge (Last Chance County Book 1)

She’ll never accept his help.

He’ll never stop trying to protect his town.

Mia Tathers is an ATF Special Agent. It’s not like she needs Conroy to protect her. However, when it becomes clear someone is recreating her biggest mistake, Mia has to face her own inability to forgive Conroy for what he took from her. It’s the only way she’ll stay alive.

In this town, Police Lieutenant Conroy Barnes is the one who fixes problems. When a blast from the past shows up, bringing danger with her, he vows to keep her safe. But the clock has expired on her refuge. Death is knocking, and Conroy is determined not to let it in.

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Expired Secrets (Last Chance County Book 2) 

Amazon quote:

She won’t tell him the truth.

He’ll never stop trying to find it.

In this town, Police Detective Savannah Wilcox is the one who uncovers the truth. After a grisly murder occurs, it quickly becomes clear the death is connected to an ongoing investigation. And she’s certain this killer will strike again.

Private Investigator Tate Hudson has some secrets of his own. The prime suspect in a murder just might be the one who’s going to solve the whole case—if he can control the chaos swirling around him.
The clock has expired on both of their secrets, but the truth just might set them free.

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Expired Cache (Last Chance County Book 3)

Amazon quote:

She’ll never agree to stay.

He’ll never stop trying to protect her.

History Professor Ellie Ridgeman is back in her hometown for the reading of her grandfather’s will. She only has to face her fears this one last time, and then she’s off on sabbatical. But the former police chief’s last words come with a cryptic instruction Ellie can’t ignore. Even when it puts her life in danger.

Dean Cartwright is the town’s unofficial medic, but that’s not the lasting good he wants to do in Last Chance. When it’s clear Ellie is being targeted, Dean puts aside his goal and steps in to protect her. Even when the truth threatens everything they thought they knew.

Someone doesn’t want Ellie to uncover the truth. And they’ll stop at nothing to keep her from finding what was buried.

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Currently I’m reading and enjoying a collection and in the midst of it discovered a connection with the author of the second novella. Eleanor Bertin is originally from the province where I currently reside and is known to some of my fellow writer’s group members. I loved her story but the connection makes it even better. It’s nice to encounter successful authors from our part of the country.

Now on book three, I find I’ve enjoyed them all so far.

A Star Will Rise: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology II 

Christmas should be a time of wonder and expectation, but what if tragedy, illness, family secrets, or betrayal strip away every belief in what the future holds? And in a good and loving God?

When circumstances beyond their control dramatically alter their lives, can broken, betrayed, and disillusioned people rediscover their faith and come to see that God’s plans are far better for them than the ones they had imagined for themselves?

Brenda S. Anderson | A Christmas Homecoming
Eleanor Bertin | Love and Unexpected Stress Responses
Sara Davison | Sixty Feet to Home
Regina Rudd Merrick | The Twelve Days of Mandy Reno
Angela D. Meyer | Returning to Christmas
Marion Ueckermann | One Christmas Wish
Candace West | A Garland of Grace

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Happy Reading ….

It’s been a good day.

Read and enjoyed February 03, 2021

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It’s time to mention my favorites reads again. There were varying degrees of like to be sure but they were all enjoyed.

Trial by Fire (Second Chances Book 3) (most recently read)

Faith is often tested by fire…

After his criminal trial is set to convene, Ace Anderson manages a daring escape from Federal custody. Keeping one step ahead of FBI Agent Samson Sinclair, he plots vengeance on the two women who put him behind bars.

Two very different women connected by the plans of one very evil man…

Ivy Sinclair, finally comfortable in her new marriage and confident her children are healing from the psychological wounds of the past, finds herself once again running and hiding from a man who wants her dead. She longs to be as strong and fearless as her friend. Will this new trial serve to toughen her up, or bring her to her knees where God can show her His strength alone is sufficient?

Brenna Blackman, recently engaged and juggling a ready-made family while running an open-door art studio for homeless teenagers, is suddenly bombarded by circumstances out of her control. A private investigator is caught snooping around her life and an enemy from her past is suddenly threatening to destroy everything and everyone she now loves. Will the old Raven rear her head in retribution, or will God use this trial to strengthen her trust in Him?

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Unexpected by Janice Cole Hopkins

(this was a good book)

Oliver Hartsell had no idea when he went to repair Mr. Austin’s windows that he’d end up proposing to the man’s daughter, but that’s exactly what happened.

He didn’t regret it because he’d been secretly in love with Marie for a long time. However, he doubts she feels the same way about him, but he’s determined that she will.

Yet, life has a way of throwing unexpected surprises.

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All in Good Time 

This was a good read. Centered around a heavy but carefully crafted topic.

With three rambunctious, young children, Melanie Lombardi can’t see beyond the day-to-day struggle to maintain her home and her sanity since her husband’s sudden death. A second chance at romance isn’t on her radar.

Brian Perella is done with dating, resigned to being the fun uncle and never the dad. Until he meets Melanie and her brood of lively kids on the sidelines of a Little League game.

But when Brian uncovers a co-worker’s secret, it re-ignites a temptation that Melanie can’t know about. It’s his secret to keep until an unexpected diagnosis brings everything to the surface, jeopardizing his future with Melanie and her children, who, when threatened by an unknown stalker, may need him now more than ever.

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A few more

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I’m currently reading …

Cherish Me: A clean, sweet, faith-filled reunion romance, plain heroine, scarred hero, in a small town where life begins at 40! (Chapel Cove Romances Book 3) 

All she ever wanted for herself was to be loved.

When her beloved aunt’s sudden illness sends Nai back to Chapel Cove to manage the town’s bookstore, her successful, independent, organized life in Texas seems a million miles away. Between a book-hoarding aunt, a leaky roof, unruly pets, wobbly faith, and flaky bookstore staff, the last thing she wants is to have to rely on local cop Mateo Rodriguez for help. Not when he’s the guy who broke her heart, convincing her to focus on her career, not romance.

Mateo, returned to the Cove to help his aging grandfather, never forgot his first love Nai or the one sweet kiss at sixteen that sent her running. Normally confident and capable, being around each other shoots them both back into their teenage shyness and insecurity.

They’ll need to overcome soul-deep hurts, lies they believe about themselves, learn to trust in God, and risk being vulnerable enough to accept their second chance at love at forty. Will a crisis bring them together — or tear them apart?

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Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books February 02, 2021

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Browsing, an interesting book showed up.

Forget Paris: Sweet and clean Valentine’s Day Christian romance in Paris and London with an anti-romance heroine! (Love In Store Book 5)

Amazon quote:

American graduate student Zoe Gallagher is in Paris. On Valentine’s Day. And she doesn’t believe in romance… yet!

Zoe’s determined to prove that romance is an illusion and love based on it doesn’t last. Though when she meets Gabe Ross, there to fulfil his mother’s dying wish by placing a lovelock on a bridge for her and his father, even she finds it hard to resist the most romantic city in the world on the most romantic day of the year.

An impulsive challenge to try a psychological experiment isn’t part of her research plan. Especially when it feels like more, much more, for both of them.

Zoe tells herself their one wonderful day together proves nothing, only gives more evidence her theory is right. But on her return to London, she discovers she needs Gabe’s help to learn the biggest lesson of all, that love does last.

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I’m currently reading and enjoying a book that is still a bargain.

Trial by Fire (Second Chances Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

After his criminal trial is set to convene, Ace Anderson manages a daring escape from Federal custody. Keeping one step ahead of FBI Agent Samson Sinclair, he plots vengeance on the two women who put him behind bars.

Two very different women connected by the plans of one very evil man…

Ivy Sinclair, finally comfortable in her new marriage and confident her children are healing from the psychological wounds of the past, finds herself once again running and hiding from a man who wants her dead. She longs to be as strong and fearless as her friend. Will this new trial serve to toughen her up, or bring her to her knees where God can show her His strength alone is sufficient?

Brenna Blackman, recently engaged and juggling a ready-made family while running an open-door art studio for homeless teenagers, is suddenly bombarded by circumstances out of her control. A private investigator is caught snooping around her life and an enemy from her past is suddenly threatening to destroy everything and everyone she now loves. Will the old Raven rear her head in retribution, or will God use this trial to strengthen her trust in Him?

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I’m sad I didn’t find more new books but one is definitely better than none.

Maybe tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books January 29, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has suggestions for us. One I’ve read and one not. One bargain, one FREE

Unexpected Janice Cole Hopkins

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Amazon quote:

Oliver Hartsell had no idea when he went to repair Mr. Austin’s windows that he’d end up proposing to the man’s daughter, but that’s exactly what happened.

He didn’t regret it because he’d been secretly in love with Marie for a long time. However, he doubts she feels the same way about him, but he’s determined that she will.

Yet, life has a way of throwing unexpected surprises.

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Warrior: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Kati Walsh battles in her kickboxing class, but she’ll have to learn spiritual warfare when a new pastor & a gang leader take an interest in her.

Kickboxer Kati Walsh’s one outreach is to her kickboxing friends at the gym, but she’s praying God will stir her heart again. She’s not sure, though, that the new assistant pastor and his friend Reece Jernigan are what she prayed for—because Assistant Pastor Josh Corbin intends to win the hearts of the gangs in the northside neighborhood.

When Josh plans a prayer walk in the area, both the congregation and the police are wary, but Josh insists that prayer works. He believes in spiritual warfare—prayer, praise, and the Word of God. Reece, on the other hand, has been on the streets before, and his weapon of choice is a 9mm Glock. Two close friends with differing perspectives and both with an eye on Kati.

And they’re not the only ones. The gang leader has taken an unexpected interest in Kati, too.

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion, one I think I’ve read & enjoyed somewhere before. Probably in one of many collections. The price is right so I’ll take it anyway.

Love of a Lifetime: An Abundance Series Prequel (The Abundance Series)

Amazon quote:

Cara Smith can’t wait to put the first half of 1980 behind her and build a new life in the little town of Abundance, Missouri. If she can just avoid questions from that cute guy at the newspaper, no one ever needs to find out about her past.

Will Hamlin, editor of the local paper, has some serious questions about the mayor’s new secretary. She’s clearly hiding something—something that could be the big story the newspaper desperately needs to stay afloat. But after Will’s initial queries find nothing, he grows less interested in Cara’s past and more interested in winning her heart with slices of pie and stolen kisses.

When a crime is uncovered at city hall just as Will unearths Cara’s secret, the repercussions shatter their romance. Can Cara ever escape her past? Can Will finally find a way to save the paper? And can they learn to place their trust in God and open their hearts to the love of a lifetime?

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One more found browsing. Christy Barritt shows up on our reading list regularly but I’ve not read this one yet.

Key Witness (The Security Experts)

Amazon quote:

After witnessing an armed robbery, a woman in danger needs a bodyguard’s protection in this suspenseful romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Christy Barritt, part of The Security Experts series.

When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former Navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle’s father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton’s desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal feelings cloud his judgment—judgment he’ll have to rely on when the robbers’ true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.

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Currently, I looking for a book I like better than one I’m reading. Maybe it will be one of today’s new reads.

Happy Reading folks!

Thoughts running through my mind.

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

There is one thought running through my mind at this moment. It’s not new, I’ve been visiting variations of this thought off and on for awhile now. This morning it took a different turn and I feel like I need to explore it.

I’ve been judiciously watching many news type podcasts lately. Judiciously, because my mental and emotional health is in trouble if I don’t.

With limited exposure I can’t be quoted on who thinks what or what they plan to do about it if they think it. I am no expert on any of it.

I hear snippets. That’s kind of what started my thinking this morning. Putting two and two together, forming an idea. My idea.

The world is a complicated place, always has been. We think a certain action will gain a certain result but it never holds true with humans. For every expected reaction it is possible there will be an unexpected reaction. Maybe not in equal number as, hopefully, good reactions will outweigh the not-so-good ones. Besides, in the course of your lifetime have you ever seen unanimous agreement happen more than once or twice? Never is more likely.

I’m saying all this to acknowledge the exceptions. What makes one person strong destroys another and it hurts when things go badly.

So, getting back to my original train of thought.

The last few days I’ve heard news people using the term Reset. A Global Reset. I didn’t stick around long enough to hear much but I can imagine what they were thinking and planning. My whole life, I have been hearing about one world government and it is a scary thought. It always sounded like the forces wanting to form this government did not have our best interests at heart. It was all about need for power.

At the beginning of the covid pandemic, watching the way life was changing for all of us, I was thinking reset too. I wasn’t alone with this observation, I’ve heard many others express the same idea.

As a society, life has been easy for us in so many ways and we have become used to taking it for granted, that’s one part.

The other part is disconnectedness. Electronic devices, and all facets of them, have consumed us and our time. We have become isolated from one another in real time. We share physical spaces, yet we are like ships passing in the night. Each living a life in solitary.

Covid has changed all of this. Isolation of a different sort has forced us together for prolonged periods of time. We are discovering in-person relationships, some for the first time. Most, but not all, are thriving and life is enriched with good experiences, making new memories and connections to last a lifetime.

Then there is the hardship of restrictions and the downturn on the economic side. We’ve lost many of the things we took for granted. It’s been a year and life does not look like it will be going back to normal anytime soon. In fact whatever it goes back to is guaranteed to look quite different after all this time. Necessity with all it’s changes will have made going back impossible.

Considering all of this, I view reset as involving our priorities, values, and connections. And it would be a good thing. I think we will be a stronger people for having survived this storm. We will develop a protective awareness we didn’t have before. We were caught by surprise with covid but we won’t be as unaware as we would have been, if it happened again.

If it turns out the World Reset attempt is a reality we will be better equipped to survive, having lived through the personal reset. And if the World Reset never comes, we will still be in a better position to thrive and survive life in general.

In the end, I think the most important reset will be personal. There is no denying … we are already a much stronger people because of it. It’s not over yet, just think of where we will be, strength-wise, a year from now.

This is what I’m thinking today.

As I reach this point in the discussion I find this thought pattern gives me hope.

I’m also pretty sure this won’t be the last time I think about all this.

Free and bargain books January 27, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. I’ve not met this author and it will be a new experience for me. After that, browsing has revealed a nice selection of new books. A variety of romance and mystery.

Dangerous Ground 

Amazon quote:

Can the trauma of her past save someone’s future?

Sierra Jane Hart is a nature guide in Southwest Florida. When she witnesses a random murder in the woods, she flees the scene and evades the perpetrators. She tries to put the incident behind her, but within a couple of days, a man attacks her, and two young girls go missing. Is there a connection? Detective Dan Bentley seems to think so.

Dan Bentley doesn’t trust women. Not after his wife deserted him, leaving him to care for their four-year-old daughter alone. But Sierra’s sincerity and solid faith in the midst of escalating circumstances challenges him to reconsider his thoughts about God and his vow to remain a single father.

In their search to uncover the truth, Dan and Sierra are forced to deal with their pasts. When they discover the secret of Sierra’s childhood, the hunt for the elusive criminals and their captives becomes personal.

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Browsing has unearthed a few nice bargains with more new-to-me authors.

Restoring Christmas: A Novella

Amazon quote:

Two broken hearts. One amazing God.

Holly Christmas left Geneseo Valley and her family’s holiday tourist attraction, The Christmas Mansion, as soon as she graduated. Now both her parents have passed, and Holly returns when her uncle needs her help running the mansion. On Holly’s first day back, a blunt middle-schooler proclaims Holly hates Christmas. His comment forces her to reconcile the past while planning for the mansion’s future.

Kevin Holt is invested in offering hope to students with challenges. His best friend’s son is in Kevin’s class, and Nathan needs guidance. Their community project placement at The Christmas Mansion is an opportunity to make a positive difference. When Nathan blurts out his thoughts to the beautiful co-owner, Kevin wonders if he has what it takes to help restore the mansion to its former glory, mentor Noah, and convince Holly Christmas she’s exactly where she needs to be.

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A Star Will Rise: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology II 

Amazon quote:

Christmas should be a time of wonder and expectation, but what if tragedy, illness, family secrets, or betrayal strip away every belief in what the future holds? And in a good and loving God?

When circumstances beyond their control dramatically alter their lives, can broken, betrayed, and disillusioned people rediscover their faith and come to see that God’s plans are far better for them than the ones they had imagined for themselves?

Brenda S. Anderson | A Christmas Homecoming
Eleanor Bertin | Love and Unexpected Stress Responses
Sara Davison | Sixty Feet to Home
Regina Rudd Merrick | The Twelve Days of Mandy Reno
Angela D. Meyer | Returning to Christmas
Marion Ueckermann | One Christmas Wish
Candace West | A Garland of Grace

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Amber Alert: Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Sharee Jones is not looking to get involved with anyone, let alone the man who found her crying her eyes out over her last disastrous relationship. But she’ll need John Jergenson’s help for her Christmas program.

Although John can’t deny his attraction to Sharee, with tragedy in his own life, he’s put any relationship on hold—especially with someone so committed to God.

But then a baby is kidnapped. Sharee blames herself and begins her own investigation. When she disappears, John will do to any length to find her—even go down on his knees.

“Captivating and thought-provoking.”
“The pace is fast and descriptions short and sweet, makes a perfect suspenseful romance.”

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The Glass Bottom Boat

Amazon quote:

Her worst nightmare lies in the depths below.

Surrounded by the romantic paradise of her sister’s destination wedding in Jamaica, Madison Grey realizes she must overcome her paralyzing fear of the ocean—and her broken heart—to start living again. Luke Alexander, the groom’s brother, is a missionary who has come to terms with a life of singleness—until he meets Madison.

During the wedding, their personal connection intensifies when a stalker stirs up haunting memories of her gold-digging ex-fiancé. After Madison mysteriously disappears and the newlyweds receive a ransom note, Luke dives into action to find her. Will he save Madison in time or will she be forced to suffer her worst nightmare… in the depths of a glass bottom boat?

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Finding books always seems to be hit-or-miss, feast-or-famine. Today is a feast day.

Counting the seven-book collection, we have eleven new books. Awesome! This is a good day, making up for all the discouraging famine days of the week. Not that I personally need this many with my ever growing TBR pile, I just like having something to offer you, my readers, everyday.

OK, so I don’t need this many but I want this many, it’s not just for you.

Now I’m trying to decide if honesty makes me feel better.

Happy Reading y’all

Lots of mystery and intrigue this time.