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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

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 Tempting book day April 28, 2024

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I can’t believe I succumbed to temptation and I’m happy about it. As if I need a pile pf new books added to my list.

Suggestions from BookBub and BookRunes started the whole landslide of opportunities. 6 downloads covering 27 new books between them! I think I’m a little bit crazy. That’s a lot of books.

The enticing book to start this all off is written by an author new to me. The storyline is also new to my bookshelf, if my memory serves me right. Two things I am always excited about.

It isn’t that I haven’t heard many real life stories about the hazards of winning big, I have but I don’t recall seeing much in the way of fiction. Although I’m sure it has been used before somewhere. I’m curious to see if I will love this book. I certainly hope so, it sounds tempting.

The Lottery Winner’s Greatest Ride: A Millionaire, A Young Reporter . . . And A Journey To Find What Matters Most

$250 million dollars . . .
That’s what Phillip Westford received after winning the largest lottery in history.
But little did he know, the sudden wealth would soon cost him everything he held dear, leaving his once perfect life now in shambles.

Then on one crisp fall day in a New York City park, the despondent lottery champion meets an old, kind, mysterious Irishman named Patrick O’Rourke, who freely offers a way to healing, and a new life . . .
That is, if Phillip is willing to undertake a trek around the globe to find three wise mentors that hold the keys to the happiness he is frantically searching for.

Traveling on a train through Ireland, Phillip meets the brash and talented young reporter Juliette McKelvey, and he shares with her the inspirational tale of his empowering spiritual trek to find peace . . . A tale with secrets and wisdom Juliette soon realizes she desperately needs in her own life . . .

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This next book also has authors new to me and I love it. The stories are short but will be long enough to offer a good introduction to each of them. Robin Lee Hatcher has appeared 10 times in my downloads so I’m familiar with her. I’ve had a chance to read Melissa McClone once but Kathryn Springer is totally new.

Kiss the Bride: Three Summer Love Stories (Year of Weddings Novellas)

Meet the people who make it all happen—the photographers, chefs, and the writers who have helped orchestrate and document the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in three sweet novellas.

Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story by Melissa McClone

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart. Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away, but he wrongly blamed Jenna for ruining his political aspirations. Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story by Robin Lee Hatcher

Will a sworn bachelor determined to stay single fall in love with his dance teacher? Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing. Former rodeo queen Skye Foster is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own.

Love on a Deadline: An August Wedding Story by Kathryn Springer

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis returns to her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, and takes a job at the weekly newspaper writing about social events. When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover all the festivities for the newspaper. The last thing Mac wants to do is reconnect with the person who made her life miserable when she was a teenager . . . unless it’s spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride’s older brother—and Mac’s first crush.

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This next collection is with an author not in my downloads at all. Unless she shows up in a collection somewhere that doesn’t come up in a search. I’m anxious to see what she is like. Hopefully I can add her to my favorites list.

A Divine Christmas: Four Christmas Romances + A Bonus Story 

The descriptions for these stories are long so I will keep them short and sweet. Hopefully it’s enough to still be tempting. I’m tempted just adding this to the post.

Book 1: When Wynn Mason sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes in to make sure the trouble isn’t caused by one of the juvenile delinquents that her father is attempting to rehabilitate and is just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch Ryland Sage in the face. 

Book 2: Actress Cheyenne West heads north to join her family for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove on the Oregon coast. 

Book 3: When Havyn Jessup agreed to join her church’s building trip, she had no idea the man who broke her heart was coming as well. 

Book 4: When Chelsea Tan looks up from the mocha she’s making to see Cannon Jones standing across the counter, she nearly drops the cup. 

Book 5: Fresh out of rehab, Rayne McQuaid wants a stress-free Christmas. She’s determined not to fall back into her old coping mechanisms. 

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OK, the next two collections have 6 books each and they are part 1 and part 2 of the same series. This post is getting out of hand so there will have to be a part two of it too. Only because I’m happy about more new books.

Looking it over, I think I will love the books in this post best but you never know, maybe I will be thrilled with the next ones too. That would be awesome.

It’s been a good day March 02, 2024

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4 new books! It’s a good day and I love it.

The first one up, a suggestion from BookBub, is an author we’ve enjoyed more than once.

The Baby Rescue (Witness Protection Book 2)

Paired with a beautiful agent to rescue a child in danger, an FBI agent puts everything on the line in this romantic suspense novel.

To rescue an abducted infant from a baby-smuggling ring, US marshal Colton Phillips has to work with FBI agent Lisette Sutton. But their tactics couldn’t be more different. The too-pretty agent goes by the book, whereas Colton breaks rules to get the job done.

Colton vows to keep his heart out of the job, but as the tension escalates, he lowers his guard. Now Lisette—and an innocent child—are in grave danger, and Colton will stop at nothing to save them.

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This next two are also from a regularly enjoyed author. Stumbled across these in my search.

Low Country Hero: A Clean & Wholesome Romance (The Safe Haven Novels Book 1) 

A single mother starts fresh in smalltown South Carolina, helping a rugged contractor renovate homes in this clean & wholesome romance series launch.

Sunny, carefree days splashing in the ocean—it’s the life Anna George has always wanted for her five-year-old twins. And now that they’ve made it to Safe Haven, South Carolina, she won’t let anyone stand in her way. Not the abusive ex she’s just escaped and not the rugged contractor who caught her setting up house in the shuttered beachfront cabins he’s refurbishing. When he offers Anna and her daughters a place to stay in exchange for her help with renovations, she’s tempted. His gentle way with her girls makes her want to trust him, but she’s been wrong before . . .

A family is the last thing contractor and former military man Sean O’Dwyer wants right now. But when he discovers Anna and her girls, he recognizes kindred spirits. They’re survivors who’ve seen the worst of people, just like he has, and he’ll do anything he can to help them. As he and Anna spend their days bringing the cottages back to life and their nights sharing kisses in the warm bayou breezes, Sean must choose between the life he always wanted and the family he can’t live without.

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Low Country Dreams (The Safe Haven Novels Book 2)

A cop and his ex team up to reunite a separated family in this clean & wholesome romance by the author of Low Country Hero.

Yasmin Tanner has devoted her life to making other people’s dreams come true. But between running Safe Haven’s women’s center and caring for her brother, the long days—and lonely nights—are catching up with her . . . until Officer Liam O’Dwyer knocks on her door. She had good reasons for breaking Liam’s heart all those years ago, but that hasn’t made sharing their small town any easier. She’s missed him—that’s painfully clear to her now. But that’s not the only secret she’s keeping from him . . .

Ever since Yasmin left, Liam has kept his head down and his chin up. But when a woman from Yasmin’s women’s center goes missing, leaving her teenage son alone, it hits home for Liam. He’ll do whatever it takes to reunite this family . . . even work closely with the one woman he can’t forget. Yet as late summer days turn into cozy autumn nights rekindling the past, Liam suspects Yasmin is hiding something. And where her loyalties fall could mean the difference between lost love and a second chance at forever.

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Another regularly enjoyed author I’m excited about.

Hidden Agenda (Love Inspired Suspense) 

To protect her family for a vicious killer, a nurse must learn to trust a man who considers her a suspect in this inspiring romantic suspense novel.

Trusting the wrong person had gotten his father killed. CIA agent Ed Carter isn’t about to repeat the mistake. Pulling a gun on nurse Bailey Williams may not have been the smartest idea, but Ed is investigating a murder—and the beautiful caretaker is his only suspect. Problem is, her vulnerable brown eyes claim innocence and set off his protective instincts.

The spark between them is undeniable, but Bailey could never trust her life—or her heart—to a man who thinks her guilty. Yet now the real killer has returned to threaten not just her but her family. Bailey must place her faith in the only man who can keep them from being silenced forever . . .

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It’s definitely been a good day.

Mostly romance February 14, 2024

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It has been awhile since I’ve been excited about a new book. I’m happy to be excited today. We have not one, or two, but a whole bunch of new choices from authors we have loved in the past.

Well, most of them are from the past but this first one is new to me and I’m looking forward to seeing what she is all about. This cover promises intense emotions and I think that’s what grabbed my attention. This will be the only one with a theme like this. The rest will be a mix with romance of some genre or a mystery/thriller with a little romance thrown in. Mystery is my favorite genre it seems.

Let’s get started, this could take a while.

Tomorrow Isn’t Promised

Who would choose to love a girl with no promise of a “happily ever after”?

Nathan isn’t sure choice has anything to do with it. When God calls, you answer. Even when that means taking a risk that might just leave you with a broken heart.

For Cherish, the future doesn’t look so tangible. Misty dreams of deeper fulfillment swirl in her heart—and of course, the longing for someone all her own.

When a shattering diagnosis tears her world apart forever, an equally unexpected love brings questions she never thought she’d face. Is it fair to accept his offer while death looms ahead? Can faith—and love—find meaning in tragedy? And does God really care about the stories that end in ashes?

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I prefer clean stories and this looks like it might deliver.

The Magnolia Island Series Boxset: A Christian Romance Collection

Amidst the tranquil shores of a secluded island, where faith meets mystery, a decade-old disappearance sets the stage for love, redemption, and the unearthing of secrets that will forever change the lives of those who call this island home. Welcome to Magnolia Island, where the past holds the key to the future.

Oceans of Mercy – A friends-to-lovers romance

Knox has been a strong and steady presence in Allie’s life for as long as she can remember, their friendship spanning the test of time and multiple tragedies for them both. Still, as Allie begins to grow as a person and in her faith, she realizes she’s let those around her fight her battles for her for far too long. It’s time for her to step up and stand up for herself, but old habits die hard for Knox who has been her protector since childhood. Just as Allie and Knox navigate the growing pains of their changing friendship and feelings for one another, a routine dive reopens a long closed missing person case that has deeply personal ties to Allie’s family. At the same time, an unexpected career opportunity for Allie thrusts her into the spotlight and stretches their friendship to the point where they must either bend or break.

Flames of Faith – A second-chance romance

Rob and Lexi’s relationship burned with the feelings they had for one another, but their explosive ending aided by the failure to reckon with their own pasts nearly broke them both. Now, Lexi’s back in Magnolia Island for the foreseeable future and comes face to face with a precocious little girl with her daddy’s eyes. She doesn’t know what to think, but their hearts pull them together the same way they did in college. Can time really heal all wounds, or are there some loves you just never get over?Growing Hope – An enemies-to-lovers romance
When Rockford Properties acquires a private nature preserve on Magnolia Island, their plans to build a resort infuriate environmentalist Sage. But, as she and Bryan lock horns in the fight of their lives, they uncover a piece to the Charlie Edwards cold case puzzle that no one expected.

Fighting for Truth – A fake relationship romance
Never in a million years would these two have thought they’d find themselves pretending to be a couple, but diving deep into the Charlie Edwards cold case necessitates it. Not to mention, Gwyn’s got some complications of her own knocking from her past, and Levi just might be the answer she’s been looking for. As the two form an unlikely alliance to solve the case, they find themselves falling for each other in the plot twist neither saw coming. Still, it all may end in tragedy when the truth is worse than either could’ve imagined.

Melody of the Heart – A second-chance romance
When Charlotte (Charlie) Edwards returns to Magnolia Island to help bring Randall Cromwell to justice, she comes face to face with her past in ways she never expected. Aiden isn’t the man she left behind, and his faith lay in broken pieces at their feet. Refusing to run again, her job at the bakery and life on the island keeps Charlie busy until it all comes to a head in one satisfying series finale.

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I’m excited about this one. We’ve read book one in the series so it’s nice to see book two.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House (The Houses of Yorkshire Series Book 2)

A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

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Change in plans. This has gotten away from me. Look at the length. More added to this will be too much. Part two will be coming out shortly with mysteries.

BookBub suggestion plus 3, December 08, 2023

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This author has a movie with his name on the script. That’s an awesome accomplishment, a book turned into a movie. Interestingly, we have experienced this aforementioned story as well as several other books from this author over the last decade. I’m looking forward to this new one, hoping it will jog my memory about the past reading experience with Jim Stovall.

A Christmas Snow Jim Stovall

For Kathleen, Christmas has always been an unwelcome reminder of her father’s abandonment almost three tumultuous decades ago. Although she has tried to forget her past, it has not forgotten her, and in the days leading up to Christmas, an unforgiving blizzard traps her in her home with two unlikely roommates who bring her face to face with the hurts of her past-and the hope of a happier future.

Will she let go of the past and grad hold of a future full of love and forgiveness? Or will she continue to be haunted by her pain as the snow storm of the century brings with it the hope of lasting joy?

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Browsing the Amazon suggestion strips I was excited to see there was a new read from one of our favorite authors. It’s already added to my cache of books just in case. Don’t want to be distracted and forget. Oh, wait, Book 2 is also available as a good deal, too. I can’t pass this up.

Expired Return: A thrilling fire and rescue romantic suspense (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 1) 

This looks like a quote from the book.

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

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Expired Hope: A gripping fire and rescue romantic suspense (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 2)

She’s running to a fresh start…

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson just wants to help heroes survive their past. But when she’s rescued from a fire…and falls for the one person she’s supposed to help…she could destroy both their futures.

It’s his last chance to get it right…

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job–he just has to prove it to the counselor who is signing off on his team. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for her.

But danger is stalking her and someone is going to get hurt.

So, he’ll have to protect her, without crossing any lines. And she’ll have to make sure that she doesn’t get him killed.

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This has been a very good day! I see Lynette Eason, another favorite author, has a few more books I don’t have but need to while the chance is here.

It is such a good day that there will need to be both part 1 and part 2 to this post. We will add one more to this batch first though or, heaven forbid, we might have to go to part 3. Restraint is clearly needed soon.

I haven’t read anything in this series that is next on today’s list of new books. I have read all 27 of her other downloads though. She has a lot of books to chose from and we will see more than this one before we are done today. I can hardly wait.

Christmas Cover-Up (Family Reunions Book 2)

A detective must find her missing sister with the help of a former agent from her troubled past in this wholesome holiday romantic thriller.

Seven-year-old Lucy Randall was kidnapped in broad daylight fourteen years ago. With little information to go on, the investigation went cold. Now Lucy’s sister, Detective Katie Randall, is determined to find the truth. But solving the case will require facing another demon from her past . . .

Former FBI Agent Jordan Grey knows that Katie isn’t to blame for his brother’s death—but the rest of his family still holds her responsible. When Katie comes to him for help, he agrees to help her find Lucy—even as he promises himself not to fall for the beautiful detective. As the holiday season approaches, Katie and Jordan get close to the truth. And Jordan will do anything to protect her from a deadly kidnapper . . .

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Okay, on to part two. See you soon.

A new-book day November 19, 2023

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It’s a good day when another enticing book shows up. BookBub is responsible for this suggestion and I’m happy to have one work out for a change. Not all suggestions are new to me so I like it when a gem shows up.

Tethered: The Ties That Bind

Perfectionistic librarian Jacqui Penn is ripped up by the roots when she’s dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Rootless and on the run, she is drawn two thousand miles west across Canada to the last place she ever thought could offer stability—the old homestead where her father grew up.Renovating the derelict house soon becomes a personal battle as it stubbornly resists her efforts.

While Jacqui struggles to renew the home, she spends time with the family Pops bitterly resented. Her hunger for roots grows stronger as she fights to discover the long-buried reasons her father fled the house as a beleaguered teen. But will she ever find the belonging she craves?

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I tried but that’s it for today. At least it’s one.

I want to read this one. November 17, 2023

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BookBub has a suggestion today that I want to read soon. Now would be good because the first chapter has me securely hooked. It’s straight romance too which will be a welcomed change from the intense mystery that is my current enjoyable read.

I like the characters and what they are all about. That’s what has me hooked on this new story I think. That’s book one, the other two will be a pleasant surprise.

Rodeo Romance: Three Sweet Western Holiday Romances (Rodeo Romance Boxed Set Book 1)

This boxed set contains three full-length cowboy romances from the Rodeo Romance Series including The Christmas Cowboy, Wrestlin’ Christmas, and Capturing Christmas. Each book is filled to the brim with sweet cowboy romance, faith and family, humor, and hope all wrapped up with love and heartwarming Christmas blessings.

★ The Christmas Cowboy – Tate Morgan is as tough as they come. He can handle the wildest bronc on the rodeo circuit, but he loses the ability to think straight around the beautiful woman he keeps running into at the airport. Completely captivated by the uptight executive who makes it clear she detests cowboys, Tate will have to work a little holiday magic if he wants to win her heart.

★ Wrestlin’ Christmas – Sidelined with a major injury, steer wrestler Cort McGraw struggles to come to terms with the end of his career. Shanghaied by his sister and best friend, he finds himself on a run-down ranch with a worrisome, albeit gorgeous widow, and her silent, solemn son.

★ Capturing Christmas – Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing he needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.

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This next book I found sounds interesting too. I’ve read one book from this author and it turns out it’s part of this collection. It was enjoyable if I remember right, so I’m looking forward to the experience of reading the next two in the collection.

Homeschool and Homicide: Honey Pot Mysteries 1-3

They don’t give a synopsis of the stories in this collection so it will be a surprise to find out what they are all about. Usually I rely on the synopsis in decision making but this time I had to go by the description for the author and what I remember from the first book. I think there were quirky characters and I like quirky so I’m looking forward to enjoying the read.

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That’s it for now.

I’m almost finished this current read (below). It has been very intense but still good. It is quite different from the usual stories I’ve experienced with this author and it’s nice to see different pop up every now and then. It is intense enough to need a break so to cope I remind myself it’s bad form to kill off the main character.

I am choosing to relax and look forward to them living through the never ending attempts to eliminate them from this life.

Dubiosity

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

OK, that’s it for real this time.

Good choices for new books November 16, 2023

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My morning search turned up a new mystery for us. And I was thrilled to find the author appears on my favorites list.

One Wonders: A Silas McKay Suspense (Silas McKay Suspense Series Book 1)

He’s Silas McKay, head of Discreet Corporate Security Services (DCSS) in Dallas, Texas.
She’s Ashley Davenport, the daughter of DCSS’s highest-paying client.

They each have personal issues . . .
Silas is a grieving widower who has difficulty relating to women and wants to be left alone.
Ashley is an independent woman who just got her PI license and wants Silas to mentor her.

They each have family issues . . .
Silas is trying to be both father and mother to his college-age daughter.
Ashley is trying to prove she no longer needs her father.

They each have spiritual issues . . .
Silas is struggling to maintain his faith in God.
Ashley is struggling to believe there is a God.

Now, they’re working together to solve a corporate espionage case . . .
As they investigate whether a research scientist is selling company secrets to an ex-con with a mysterious past, Silas realizes he is as intrigued by Ashley’s vivacious personality as he is by the case itself. Suddenly, when their complicated investigation takes an unexpected turn, his concern for Ashley’s safety threatens to overcome his good judgment.

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This next book has been showing up everywhere for the last week, demanding attention. I guess I had better stop waffling and add it to my library. (side note: Little Women is the famous historical fiction story written by Louisa May Alcott)

Where Grace Appears: Contemporary Inspirational Fiction with a Little Women Twist (The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series Book 1)

Ashamed of being duped by her handsome psychology professor, Josie Martin returns to Maine too proud to admit her foolishness to those closest to her. As the one-year anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she seeks solace in an old friend, Tripp Colton, and a new business venture that will prove to herself and her loved ones that she is still capable of success despite her overwhelming failure.

When Josie announces she will not return to school to finish her graduate degree but wishes to remain in Camden to help her mother achieve a lifelong dream, the entire family gets behind her idea to open and run a bed and breakfast inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Even Tripp gets excited about restoring Josie’s great-aunt’s Victorian home for the purpose, but when Josie’s unexpected news is revealed, their friendship and the new feelings blooming between them are threatened.

As summer gives way to fall, Josie struggles with decisions regarding her family’s future, dealing with past mistakes she cannot run from, and her feelings for Tripp. When the opportunity for grace comes along, will she take it? Or will she continue to allow her failures to define her worth?

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So, a quick search shows up many choices for Little Women, mentioned above, and I picked one that has the whole series and it is free. It doesn’t look like it has enough pages to cover four books, but maybe.

Little Women: Complete Series 

Louisa May Alcott ended Little Women (1868) with the words “So the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called Little Women.” It was an immediate commercial and critical success, and readers demanded to know more about the characters. Alcott quickly completed a second volume, Good Wives (1869), and later Little Men (1871)and Jo’s Boys (1886). The novels follow the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy, each with a very different character. It has been argued that within Little Women one finds the first vision of the “All-American girl” and that her multiple aspects are embodied in the differing March sisters. But whatever the reason, generations of readers have loved these novels since they were first published.

A good start to the day … new books