Books

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

A favorite – read and enjoyed November 12, 2023

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This was an author new to me and I was impressed. So much so that I read all three books in record time. I’ll share a few others recently read and enjoyed too but of all of them this collection was my favorite read.

The main character has a reputation (one she is reluctant to claim) as having a special talent for bringing closure to stone cold murder cases. The secret of her success is an insatiable curiosity and well honed people skills. A strong problem solving ability doesn’t hurt either.

Everyone loves her and she has a committed group of friends and family. Many of them are her partners in crime, tagging along with her as she uses unconventional means to gather information.

There was a downside to the stories for me, as I moved from one book to another. It seemed unrealistic for there to be so many murders in such a small town. I thought it seemed contrived and repetitive. Until the end of the third book when it all made perfect sense. I didn’t see that name being the final answer and in the end, the unexpected was the upside to the whole experience.

I would definitely like to read more from this author.

The Georgia Rae Winston Mysteries Books 1-3 (Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Collections Book 1)

Deadly Harvest

All Georgia Rae Winston wants is to fall in love. Life, of course, has other plans.

Georgia’s biggest challenge in the farming town of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, is figuring out how to win Evan Beckworth’s heart. Until the day she discovers the body of a former student in the woods.

She assumes it was an accident. When she starts to suspect it wasn’t, it stirs memories of her father’s murder nine years earlier. A murder never solved. Georgia refuses to let that happen this time.

Not necessarily the wisest decision.

As Georgia works with the sheriff’s department’s newest detective, Cal Perkins, she finds her heart slipping into his hands. But her head is pummeled with conflicting evidence and anonymous threats of severe consequences if she digs any deeper.

In the end, Georgia faces a paralyzing choice. Ignore the dark secrets inside the family and friends who surround her or be willing to risk her own life to uncover the truth.

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These were worth the time too.

A few more read and enjoyed

It’s ironic. A few posts ago I decided it was time for a change of pace and a switch to Romance. It didn’t last long that’s for sure. I did read and enjoyed a couple of stories like that but mystery still won out as favorite in the end.

Although the rest were romantic mystery so maybe it still counts as a change anyway. It worked for me.

Going for the whole series November 10, 2023

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Coming to the end of my current read and trying to figure out confusing information that has me doubting the place this book holds in the series, I find myself downloading the last two to finish the set.

Book 4 was an enjoyable read although at times I found myself bogged down in details. Lots of scientific explanations. I can’t really fault the author for that as I know there are readers who would appreciate and even enjoy having extra information included.

The other thing I noticed on this search was his fairly recent publishing history. Maybe five years or so. Also, his books are all at a low bargain price, to gain more exposure I’m assuming.

I enjoyed book 4 enough to want to promote him too if I could. It’s always great to see new authors reach a broader audience.

The characters in this series add well to plot possibilities. Kevin is a brilliant scientist and Amari is an acclaimed private investigator with strong self protection training and a determined attitude that sometimes has her in trouble.

Book 1 – More than 99 percent of the evidence proves the Shroud of Turin is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Only one test says otherwise—the carbon date performed in 1988.

A serial killer with a fetish for fire targets the faithful of Tucson, Arizona. Homicide detective, Pete Johnston, works to catch the killer before more clergy are killed, before more churches are burned.

His daughter, Amari, is a criminal justice major at the University of Arizona. When the Shroud is carbon dated at her university, the results reveal that the relic is a medieval forgery. Amari investigates this ancient cold case file for a class project and makes a shocking discovery that could alter the fate of Christianity.

Book 2 – A cult leader’s suicidal vision. A delusional scheme to gain eternal life.

Amari Johnston is a feisty private investigator fresh out of college. In 1988, she made international news after debunking the carbon dating performed on the Shroud of Turin. Her boyfriend, Dr. Kevin Brenner, is a brilliant young physicist with his own theories as to why the carbon dating is wrong. One year later, they find themselves in a dangerous situation, one that could land them in the headlines again—and the obituary section as well.

Book 3 – Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease with no cure. And for one dying little girl with this illness, there is only one hope—an ancient Christian relic with an astonishing power to heal.

Amari Johnston is a feisty private investigator fresh out of college. Her father is a retired homicide detective. Together, they work as a team for a wealthy philanthropist named Ernesto Galliano. While staying at Ernesto’s estate, Amari befriends an endearing four-year-old foster child named Kathleen. But Kathleen isn’t like the other foster children staying at the estate. She has a severe case of cystic fibrosis, and Amari is desperate to find a cure. She researches the latest medical advances, but after learning that effective treatment is decades away, she nearly gives up hope.

Book 4 – In 1990, while carefully reviewing data received from NASA’s newly launched Hubble Telescope, Dr. Benjamin Zeller, Science Advisor to President Bush, makes a shocking discovery that will bridge the gap between science and religion.

Just as Dr. Zeller is about to reveal his findings to the world, he goes missing, narrowly avoiding an assassin’s bullet. Evidence leads authorities to believe he has drowned in the Potomac River. In reality, he is in hiding, fearing a government conspiracy to keep his discovery a secret. Rather than contact the FBI, he reaches out to a trusted friend in Tucson, Arizona.

Book 5 – Inspired by a true story.

In recent years, new scientific discoveries have cast doubt on the theory of evolution. One of these discoveries proves that unguided evolution is impossible.

After tenured professor Dr. Paul Eisen challenges the status quo by teaching his class on evolution in a way that encourages the notion of Intelligent Design, a lawsuit from the Freedom From Religion Foundation forces him to resign. But when Dr. Eisen makes an astonishing discovery that proves unguided evolution is impossible, he nearly loses his life to someone seemingly determined to keep his discovery secret.

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A Change of Pace November 10, 2023

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A nice change with two new-to-me authors and a detour to the romance side of things after a long stint with mysteries. Both of them, historical fiction set in the American wild west. Add to that a couple of spunky women and it should be a good read times two.

When Love Comes in Disguise: A Historical Western Romance Book

After meeting in an orphanage many years ago, Ellen and Alice promised to stay close and protect each other, no matter what. When Alice attracts the attention of a kind man who wants to marry her, Ellen follows her to Fort Worth without a second thought… not even about where she will stay in this new town. Fearless and determined, she quickly comes up with an outrageous plan; she disguises herself as a man and gets a job at Alice’s husband’s ranch. Yet she never counted on meeting a handsome man there who complicates her thoughts and feelings. Should she risk telling him who she really is? Or should she keep her secret and never even have the chance to be with him?

Ben is happy helping at his best friend’s ranch, learning a lot and guiding the new ranch hands. When his best friend finds a wife from a newspaper ad, Ben thinks he’s quite careless to marry someone he has never met. His thoughts are completely forgotten though the minute he meets a mysterious woman in town and becomes determined to learn more about her. Much to his frustration, she disappears and reappears at the ranch out of nowhere, visiting a friend and always seeming to keep her distance from him. Where did she come from and why doesn’t she allow him to spend more time with her? Can Ben solve this riddle and earn her trust?

Both Ellen and Ben feel a strong pull to each other from the very first moment their eyes meet. Ellen’s heart flutters during their fleeting moments together but sinks as soon as she has to disguise herself again. When everything inevitably comes to light, will it shatter their growing connection forever? Or could their feelings be enough to keep them together?

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The Wagon Master’s Wife (First Families of Sterling Book 1)

A woman set on escaping her circumstances. A man determined to start a new life, and a past that haunts them both.

Amanda Crumb is determined to have a fresh start. After hearing her brother’s plans to offer her as a prize in a high-stakes poker game, she knows she must leave the only home she’s ever known immediately. When she is rejected by the local wagon master to join his traveling party, she takes matters into her own hands. What she didn’t expect was a man with hard rules and a secret that is closer than she could ever imagine.

Charlie Holstead has rules he lives by. No unmarried women on his wagon train. Never get married…again. He is ready to lead his final wagon train and settle down in the town of Sterling, Co. and he doesn’t want any complications. But when he finds a stowaway in one of his wagons, things just became more complicated.

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I’m ready for a change after the intense mysteries I’ve been reading the last while. I do like mysteries though.

To break things up a little I’ve been re-watching my plentiful music video collection while redoing a ten puzzle box of jigsaw puzzles, puzzles I don’t remember doing in the first place. There’s plenty of evidence to convince me I have though. Lots of fun on a snowy Friday.

A little ADHD kicking in here.

2 authors new to us November 08, 2023

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It’s always a good day when we have a chance to experience an author for the first time. BookBub is bringing this first one to our attention.

The Georgia Rae Winston Mysteries Books 1-3 (Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Collections Book 1)

The introduction to these books is very long so I’m gong to share a shortened version.

Deadly Harvest

All Georgia Rae Winston wants is to fall in love. Life, of course, has other plans.

Georgia’s biggest challenge in the farming town of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, is figuring out how to win Evan Beckworth’s heart. Until the day she discovers the body of a former student in the woods.

She assumes it was an accident. When she starts to suspect it wasn’t, it stirs memories of her father’s murder nine years earlier. A murder never solved. Georgia refuses to let that happen this time.

Deadly Holiday

A new boyfriend. (Maybe.) A Christmas program to run. And a man dying at her feet.
Georgia Winston is now dating Detective Cal Perkins, planning a Christmas program, and navigating her relationship with her twin stepbrothers. Just another day. But then her church’s youth pastor dies of poisoning, and she’s the only one who hears his final word, “Anchor.”

After the youth pastor’s girlfriend disappears, Georgia starts asking questions. Too many. When she’s almost run off the road, she goes on the offensive—with her stepbrothers’ help—and starts putting the pieces of the murder together. But Cal isn’t happy. Because any one of those pieces could get her killed.

Deadly Heritage

Georgia’s life has finally settled down. Or so she thought. She couldn’t be more wrong.

Georgia Rae Winston’s life in the farming community of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, has found a nice, quiet rhythm. She’s dating Detective Cal Perkins, and everyone predicts wedding bells—if only Cal weren’t so consumed with work.

But then Clara Alspaugh, the town prodigal, comes home after thirty-eight years. She just so happens to be the woman who broke Georgia’s dad’s heart back in high school.

The night she returns, Clara’s mother is killed during a break-in gone wrong. The scenario is eerily similar to Georgia’s father’s murder nine and a half years earlier, and Georgia suspects there are lies from the past someone doesn’t want unearthed.

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This next author we have experienced once before. It’s nice to have a second chance.

Flash Point: Hometown Heroes: Book 2

She was the last contact with a missing man…
…He will stop at nothing to protect her.
But will the cost be too high?

Directionally-challenged architect Sarah Brockman never thought getting lost on the way to a job site would put her in danger. But she finds it when the man who assists her goes missing. Attempts to help the police thrust her into a series of events that could cost her everything.

Fire Captain Joe Romero has let too many things get in the way of his pursuit of Sarah. And now she is in danger, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. No matter the price.

With Sarah’s firm and Joe’s career at risk, they must learn to trust each other completely to uncover the guilty. But can they discover his identity in time?

Or will they lose everything, including each other?

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Coming soon will be another clearing of the growing read and enjoyed pile.

New books in the series, November 01, 2023

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Winter is full on here, folks. It’s all my fault. I said I wanted to move before the snow flies, visualizing weeks down the road. This is not working out well for me.

Not that I’ve decided on a new place to live yet either. Procrastination is the name of the game. If I could pick up this house and move it to the new city, maybe that would help. Or not.

I can’t visualize what life will look like for me in the new location. It’s not easy to be excited when the road ahead is non existent. Or maybe it’s just the idea of the road ahead looking like the same-old, same-old in a new location that’s the problem.

It’s a good thing I’m on here now because there are new books. I need a steady supply to keep me sane in these uncertain days.

On the flip side, I’m always up for a move. My kids tell me it’s the Attention deficit disorder kicking in. Eleven years is a long time to stay in one place (in my mind, anyway.) It’s time for a new adventure. I’ll let you know how that goes.

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So, it was exciting this morning to see two of the series I/we have been reading lately have come out with new installments. It’s a good day after all. The first one is from one of my top five favorite authors.

Roulette: A Thriller

Don’t trip. It could cost your life…

They call it Roulette because there’s no way of knowing what kind of ecstasy awaits. A rollercoaster ride through any one of seven heavens—or straight to hell.

A new and dangerous substance has suddenly appeared at the rave scene of Gainesville, Florida. When former special agent Eric Bannon comes to investigate, the local sheriff doesn’t know whether to be relieved someone is finally taking the rave issue seriously, or disturbed about who has answered the call. The inquiry must be kept quiet. But why are senior government officials turning a blind eye to such a dangerous drug?

As the county hospital’s senior ER nurse, Carol Steen has seen her share of small-town trouble. Her greatest concern is the snobbish new doctor. Stacie Swann is everything Carol detests: fresh out of med school, too many years her junior, drop-dead gorgeous—and with a bad attitude. Why did Stacie, an upcoming surgical star, leave her prestigious residency at the University of Florida medical center and take up station in their remote clinic?

To Stacie, the nosey nurse is only a bitter reminder of what the medical establishment took from her, landing her in Middle of Nowhere, Florida. But when the night’s emergencies are rushed in, the two ladies begin to bond over a common challenge.

What appears to be a simple case of overdose turns into an ER nightmare. Patients seem to be suffering symptoms from multiple drugs. None are detectable.

Eric arrives at the clinic in time to witness the victims’ transformation from near-coma to bestial strength and ferocity. Eric and the ladies track the drug’s origin to clandestine operations based within the university student body. These young people both finance the production and facilitate the human trials of the world’s most exciting new high.

Roulette makes you feel like your best self, times ten. Because it’s no longer the old you.

Carol and Stacie’s patients belong to the 1% of consumers exposed to Roulette’s true purpose, a purpose so heinous it will rewrite not just history, but the human genome.

As opposition mounts from within his own government, Eric must face off with experimental science and the question: In the battle to control the future of humanity, do they really want to fight fire with fire?

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While browsing Thomas Locke I came across a book in my collection that I haven’t read in years. It is Fantasy. There is a full book in the collection and then The Captive, a shorter book of excerpts from said book. I won’t do more than show the covers due to space but check them out if you love fantasy.

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On to the next new book. We’ve read the prequel in this series now we have the second book which is referred to as book 1.

Bait (Denver FBI Book 1)

FBI Special Agent Caisey Lyons is going undercover. To get abducted. But when the killer evades capture, an injured Caisey takes some much needed time off. In the small town of Buckshot, CO, she runs straight into a homicidal sheriff…and an old flame. Gabe Carlen has been hiding from his uncle for seventeen years. Caisey might be the one woman he’s never forgotten, but she’s also brought his uncle right to his doorstep—and revenge is sure to follow.

While the Chloroform Killer’s obsession for Caisey grows, she must repair the rift in her family and figure out if a future with Gabe is possible. Only by trusting God with their safety can she let go long enough to save herself.

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Between new books and old books, we have lots of reading material to keep our minds off those negative thoughts that keep bringing us down. Besides it’s too nice a day to be down, the sunshine is pretty on the white snow.

A Christmas Collection 2023 version October 26

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Every year I look forward to the day this collection is published. It isn’t even a pre-order this time so there will be no waiting in anticipation, we can get right down to the joy of reading.

Marry Christmas: Christmas Lights Collection 2023 (The Christmas Lights Collection)

‘Tis the season to be married!

Join the Christmas Lights Collection authors as the merriment of Christmas and romance of weddings come together in four unforgettable love stories.

Can’t Fight the Mistletoe by Jaycee Weaver

Alessia has no patience for handsome charmers, plus she’s busy enough directing activities for a retirement community. But when an octogenarian couple announces their day-after-Christmas wedding, she can’t refuse the help of Mr. Charming himself, Danger Stevens, no matter how badly she’d like to.

Thanks to family, meddling retirees, and a little forced proximity, the pair’s perceptions are challenged as their chemistry builds. With all the holiday hijinks, Alessia’s finding it hard to fight the urge to meet Dan under the mistletoe.

The Last Mountain Christmas by Teresa Tysinger

Chelsea Macintosh loves spending the holiday season at the cozy mountain cabin that her family has co-owned with the Reynolds family for two decades. When Owen Reynolds, her childhood friend and first heartbreak, unexpectedly returns for the festivities, she guards herself from being hurt again.

Back in Spruce Ridge after four years away, Owen must confront the memories of his own shattered heart he endured at the cabin. When their parents announce plans to sell the cabin, Owen and Chelsea are thrust into planning the wedding of Chelsea’s sister and her fiancé who wish to be married at the beloved family retreat while they still can.

A second chance at love blooms amidst the rekindling of old friendships and a flurry of Christmas merriment!

Hashtag Hitched at Christmas by Cathe Swanson

Aspiring social media influencer Lindy Sutton didn’t know what she was getting into when her great-aunt convinced her to promote Golden Valley’s new conference center as a wedding venue. The rural Montana town is dying, and if splashing an absurd rodeo princess dream wedding all over the internet will help save it, Lindy will give it a shot. It might be ridiculous, or it might go viral!

Sheriff Wyatt West knows they need to bring in money and jobs, but when a vivacious city girl comes blazing into town with her overpriced coffee and camera in hand, can you blame him for resisting her crazy ideas?

But when someone tries to sabotage their project, they must team up to identify the culprits. Who knew that the meeting of their minds would spark a meeting of the lips?

The Lights of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig

She lost her job, she’s been installed as an ad-hock wedding planner, and then there’s that guy who doesn’t like her. Christmas is gonna be great this year.

Crystal Steele comes to New Cheltenham to help with a friend’s wedding. It was supposed to be simple stuff. Address a few invitations, find some décor pieces. Easy peasy. But one disaster after another strikes and leaves her redoing everything and at the last minute.

Owner of 221-B and purveyor of all things Sherlock, Lewis Chambers has his own stresses with a niece he didn’t know existed needing a home and now can’t figure out what Crystal is up to, and he can’t figure out why he’s drawn to someone who may be trying to bust up a friend’s wedding!

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This is it for today but there are four books in the collection so there is that.

A treasure: October 24, 2023

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I’m beyond excited to find this treasure tonight from a beloved long time favorite author. This suggestion from BookBub was totally unexpected and it is a bright ending to the day. We’ve read and enjoyed the rest of this series. This book starts with a bang and I can hardly wait to get started on it.

The Christmas Hummingbird (Miramar Bay)

Ryan Eames is a policewoman and single mother dedicated most of all to her lonely, uniquely gifted son. Stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, Christmas cheer feels as far away as a distant carol on a winter night. Until duty draws her into the life of a stranger.
 
Ethan Lange is alive because Ryan reached his canyon home before the blaze. Christmas is weeks away, and Ethan has lost everything. A man reckoning with a painful past, it’s not the first time he’s been forced to start over. At least now it’s in the redeeming embrace of Miramar Bay.
 
Forging an animal rescue operation, Ryan and Ethan first unite by their cause and the rally of a close-knit community. But it’s Ryan’s extraordinary child who draws them into something deeper and more surprising. Something to be thankful for. Now with every beat of their hearts, Christmas in Miramar Bay looks to be a season of love, healing, and sweet mercies that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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An interesting book from another familiar author has captured my attention. Can’t wait to read this one too.

Soldier’s Christmas Secrets (Justice Seekers Book 1)

A special ops soldier presumed dead must blow his cover to save his family in this intriguing story from USA TODAY bestselling author Laura Scott, part of the Justice Seekers series.

When a plane crash left special ops soldier Hawk Jacobson with amnesia, all he knows is that the plane was sabotaged and he has a target on his back. His survival depends on letting everyone—including his wife Jillian Wade—believe he’s dead. Until gunmen come after Jillian and the daughter he never knew existed. Can Jillian help him regain his memory in time to expose a killer?

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This has been a nice surprise. New books always make for a good day.

New books October 22, 2023

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What a treat! New books; a nice start to the week.

BookBub suggested this one. A three book collection that promises to give us a few lighter moments, maybe even some laughs. That would be a welcome start to the week.

Bachelors of Clear Creek trilogy boxset: Sweet Romantic Comedies 

Jake, Ethan, & Tommy live in the small town of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek – Population 1,800. They all love the outdoors lifestyle and close friendships but one thing is lacking – the female population.

Enjoy this laugh-out-loud series with a fake identity, second-chance, and best friends to more romance to warm your heart and soul.

Meet the swoony men of Clear Creek & their sassy love interests. You’ll sigh at the sizzling kisses and laugh at the awkward moments in this clean and wholesome, small-town romance series.

What others say about Lisa Renee’s series:

“The author brings the story to life with her words and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.”

“A classic Lisa Renee rom com full of the kinds of unexpected moments and witty dialogue that keeps you laughing and wondering what in the world is going to happen next. Great fun from start to finish!”

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This next one will not be encouraging any laughs in us, quite the opposite in fact, but it should be a good read based on our experience with other books from this author.

PREVAIL: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series Book 5)

Garrett’s job with the Coastguard is high-paced and harrowing, but his social life resembles an ocean freighter stuck in the doldrums. With Christmas on the horizon, he’s trying to hold to his new faith, but a tragedy in his childhood makes it the one holiday he dreads.

Paramedic Whitney Springfield loves Christmas, and Garrett Lovett might be the best Christmas gift ever—if she could get him to notice her. But it’s evident that silky blond locks trump her red curls where the handsome IronWorks grad is concerned.

When another Christmas tragedy strikes, Garrett and Whitney join forces to catch a killer. In the midst, they may find each other—if the guilt from past mistakes doesn’t keep them apart. Novella length.

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One more with a serious note to it. We did read and enjoy Book 1 in this series so it would a shame not to read Book 2 as well.

The Darkness Beyond (Against the Darkness Book 2)

Will she surrender her life to the darkness beyond to save her friends?
As Dr. Meiling Chen-Adams, prepares for her Maui honeymoon, a call from President Warrington changes her and Ryan’s lives forever. Meiling’s story has weaved through the media during the previous three months and attracted the president’s attention. He wants Meiling to apply her RNA virus theories to counter the CCP’s bioweapons. But staying ahead of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) requires obtaining the genomes they are using.
Establishing the espionage network she needs places Meiling and her American team in danger deep inside of China. Added to that danger is the Novel Marburg Virus the CCP unleashes on the world.
If Meiling and her team survive, can they hold the furious biological onslaught of the CCP and the PLA at bay?
Set in Colorado, D.C., Hong Kong, and Wuhan, China, The Darkness Beyond is a clean medical thriller with espionage, intrigue, and military conflict—an epic battle between good and evil.

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Well, this was unexpected. Finding new books so effortlessly. I love it when it all comes together so easily.

Hopefully the rest of the week will go as well for us and we have some happy reading.

A new Mystery October 12, 2023

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This is new, only because it hasn’t been added yet to my digital library. It’s old because it was published in 2007, back when I was still into reading paper library books. Now, I’m curious to know if I could have read it back then. Too bad I no longer have access to the list I once kept. Or maybe it could have been prior to the days where I thought keeping a list would be a good idea.

I’ve read digital copies of books 2 and 3 and they didn’t seem familiar so I guess there is a good chance I’ve not read book 4 either. Here’s hoping it true.

Midnight Sea (Aloha Reef Series Book 4)

“Lani opened her eyes fully, straining to see something, anything. It was as though she swam in a black sea that blacked out all light, all visual sensation. ‘I can’t see,’ she whispered. ‘I can’t see!’ Her shriek rose and echoed off the blackness.”

A seemingly random shooting at her aunt’s coffee farm has left Lani Tagama blind. Now she must learn to navigate in a world of darkness. With the help of an embittered ex-cop, Ben, and a half-trained guide dog, Fisher, Lani discovers she can regain a shadow of her former independence.

But strange and dangerous secrets lurk behind the beauty of this seaside paradise. Suspicion grows that this was not a random shooting, but an attempted murder, one with its roots in a hippie commune burned over thirty year ago. Lani realizes she is a target, and that she must find the shooter before he strikes again.

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Another great discovery showed up while browsing. It’s Book 4 in another series we’ve been following.

Hostile Intent (Danger Never Sleeps Book #4): (Action-Packed Military Fiction with Romance and Suspense)

Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother’s illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there’s no way she’s going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can’t discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

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Well, that’s it for today. Another good day.