Books

Free and bargain books December 30, 2021

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Two suggestions; a Romance with deadly secrets from BookBub and a Mystery from 1531 Entertainment. I’ve read and enjoyed both of these books.

Almost Forever (Hanover Falls Series Book 1)

Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything
she holds dear… but could it also set her free?

Bryn Hennesey, a volunteer at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter, was there the night the shelter burned to the ground and five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was Bryn’s husband, Adam. Like the rest of the surviving spouses, she must find a way to begin again. But she must do so living with a horrible secret.

Garrett Edmonds’s wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. As her husband, it was Garrett’s job to protect the woman he loved… How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss and guilt?

And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer.

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Truth Stained Lies (Moonlighters Series Book 1) 

Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on high-profile homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she’s about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief . . . until her brother’s wife is murdered and all the “facts” point to him. The killer has staged the crime to make the truth too far-fetched to believe. Working to solve the murder and clear her brother’s name, Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne’er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear to hunt down the real killer.

Stakes rise when their brother’s grieving five-year-old son is kidnapped. As police focus on the wrong set of clues, the three sisters and their battered detective friend are the only hope for solving this bizarre crime, saving the child, and freeing their brother.

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My current read: I’m liking it, but sadly, it falls short of loving-it. The last few reads have been the same. Some less liked than others. Three in a row were hopped, skipped and jumped, quickly to the end. Some were given three stars, mainly because the same thoughts, discussions, and deliberations, kept happening over and over. One book was filled with scenarios that added nothing significant to the storyline.

So back to the current read; So far I’m reading all of it, which is a good sign.

Christmas Mercies: A Christian Holiday Romance Novel (Little River Village Christmas Book 1)

For Janice Michaels, the bane of her career as a music teacher is preparing students for the annual winter holiday program. Christmas has brought nothing but grief and loneliness for the past decade, after she lost her beloved husband to a fatal car accident. Hearing holiday music day after day during the first few months of the school year is like constantly ripping the scab off an unhealed wound.

Determined to keep her husband in her heart, she has kept a fortress around it, allowing only one woman in as a true friend, and avoiding anything more than a passing acquaintance with any man.

Until Timothy Fielding, the maintenance man at the apartment complex where she lives, comes along. He happens to love the Christmas season. When circumstances – and Janice’s best friend, Kayla – draw them together, he struggles to keep his growing feelings for Janice at bay. He has his own secret past that he’s sure would repel any woman, once she found out about it.

But his desire for love and companionship win out, and he does his best to knock down the walls around Janice’s heart. But even when she finally relents and agrees to spend more time with him, she continues to resist opening her heart back up to Christmas.

Because the death of her husband is only the beginning of the tragedy surrounding the day.

In the meantime, Lucille Masterson, the great-grandmother of Janice’s star pupil, makes a shocking discovery that almost causes her to ruin Christmas for her family. Again. But then she realizes that if she would face her fear, she could finally release the burden she’s been carrying for the past ten years. What she doesn’t know is that it would release a horrible burden for the very person she’s afraid to face…

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This book is still free.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and Bargain books December 27, 2021 Part Three

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This will be part two for Author Margaret Daley’s regular email sharing bargain books from a number of her friends. As mentioned, I’ve not read most of these writers and I’m excited to check out the interesting offerings.

I would save this section of the post for tomorrow but there is no grantee on how long the bargain price will last. We are definitely experiencing a feast on reading material today.

Medical Mystery

When her phone rang, Diane Macklin wondered what her sister wanted now. Then, she heard that their mother was in the Emergency Room with a heart problem.

The doctor tending to her mother was Dr. Joe Adams, who was far from Diane’s idea of the family doctor. He had been alone since his first wife had died, and was apparently heaven-sent as a mate for Diane, if she could only get past the trauma of her previous near-miss at the altar.

The heart problem was hard to solve initially, the subsequent difficulty turned out to be murder, and affected the lives of both Diane and Joe.

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Silent Night, Deadly Night

The colored lights on the snow gave it a holiday appearance, but the dead woman’s body in the yard added a grisly touch. How did Ina Bell Patrick die?
Who killed her? And why?

The dead woman had no direct heirs, so two nephews and a niece stood to inherit. Dr. Laura Morris was left to make all the arrangements, attorney Roger Morris could certainly use the money, and Zack Morris had disappeared two years earlier. Then there was neighbor and “best friend” Fay Autrey, who was certain the woman intended to leave her some money—a great deal of money.

The police were still looking for the killer who left the frozen body in the snow when it became apparent someone was trying to pick off the heirs, one by one. Who would win the race—the police or the killer?

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Death by the Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery Book #2)

Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl’s tearful confession point to the victim’s double life, but what does the solicitor’s murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem–except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn’t at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

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Last but not least, we have an interesting Free suggestion.

Christmas Mercies: A Christian Holiday Romance Novel (Little River Village Christmas Book 1)

For Janice Michaels, the bane of her career as a music teacher is preparing students for the annual winter holiday program. Christmas has brought nothing but grief and loneliness for the past decade, after she lost her beloved husband to a fatal car accident. Hearing holiday music day after day during the first few months of the school year is like constantly ripping the scab off an unhealed wound.

Determined to keep her husband in her heart, she has kept a fortress around it, allowing only one woman in as a true friend, and avoiding anything more than a passing acquaintance with any man.

Until Timothy Fielding, the maintenance man at the apartment complex where she lives, comes along. He happens to love the Christmas season. When circumstances – and Janice’s best friend, Kayla – draw them together, he struggles to keep his growing feelings for Janice at bay. He has his own secret past that he’s sure would repel any woman, once she found out about it.

But his desire for love and companionship win out, and he does his best to knock down the walls around Janice’s heart. But even when she finally relents and agrees to spend more time with him, she continues to resist opening her heart back up to Christmas.

Because the death of her husband is only the beginning of the tragedy surrounding the day.

In the meantime, Lucille Masterson, the great-grandmother of Janice’s star pupil, makes a shocking discovery that almost causes her to ruin Christmas for her family. Again. But then she realizes that if she would face her fear, she could finally release the burden she’s been carrying for the past ten years. What she doesn’t know is that it would release a horrible burden for the very person she’s afraid to face…

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I hope you feel as excited as I do over this treasure trove of books. I can hardly wait to get started, I’d best finish my current read first though.

The snow hasn’t stopped yet. There is something about a snow day that makes any day feel like a holiday and I am making the most of it.

I was planning to surprise you but couldn’t wait, there is a fourth version of today’s book run. It will keep for posting until tomorrow though, the deals in it are advertised to be in effect all week.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books part two December 27, 2021

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Author Margaret Daley’s regular email shared bargain books from a number of her friends. I’ve not read most of these writers and I’m excited to check out the interesting offerings.

Grown-Up Christmas List (Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 5)

Book 5 of the Ocean City Boardwalk Series, where life isn’t just fun in the sun—there’s love waiting on those sandy shores!

Dina Griffin flees a dangerous situation and ends up in Ocean City, Maryland where she hopes to spend the holidays in hiding. Trusting no one, she wants only one thing this Christmas—to feel safe. Then Officer Gav Thomas threatens to arrest her for shoplifting. Shoplifting?

Gav is certain there’s something Dina isn’t telling him about her visit to his seaside town, so he devises a means to stick close to the vulnerable beauty. An unexpected attraction sparks, fierce enough to heat up the salt-tinged, wintry nights.

But the trouble Dina had hoped to escape arrives at her doorstep, bringing with it stark-raving fear and the realization that she must place her trust in someone.

Is Gav really just a local cop… or is he Dina’s guardian angel?

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A Doctor’s Christmas: A Sweet and Emotional Medical Romance (Lifeline Air Rescue Book 6) 

When Lifeline Pilot Megan Hoffman finds herself pregnant with her ex-fiancé’s baby, she is determined to remain independent and to raise her child alone. Normally keeping her distance from the rotating residents, isn’t a problem, until she meets the very attractive and very serious Dr. Drake Thorton who discovers her secret.

Drake hasn’t recovered from losing his wife and unborn child shortly before Christmas, but when he realizes Megan is pregnant and the baby’s father out of the picture, he finds himself unable to stay away. Megan is not only beautiful but an amazing pilot especially in a crisis. He opens himself up to friendship, and leans on Megan for support after discovering the identity of his birth mother. Will Drake learn to celebrate Christmas and allow himself to fall in love, again?

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Falling For The Petticoat Physician

She’s a woman in a man’s profession.
Puma Ridge needs a doctor, but they never expected a woman to step off the stagecoach in response to their advertisement, and no one wants to be the first to use her services. Dr. Charlotte “Charley” Adams isn’t afraid of a little skepticism and disapproval, though. She overcame much bigger challenges while becoming a physician, and sooner or later, need will outweigh the townsfolk’s reluctance. So why does the disapproval of one grouchy, gray-eyed stagecoach driver thoroughly rattle her customary composure and resigned heart?

He hates the profession.
Experience is the best teacher, and Cooper Knight has enough of it to know that physicians are bad news. However, his protective instincts won’t let him ignore the pretty tenderfoot when she gets herself into trouble, and before long, he begins to see the woman behind the medical bag. But when an unexpected discovery fractures their developing relationship, will Cooper allow forgiveness to heal them both? Or will the tragic mistakes of the past destroy their future?
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1-800-NEW YEAR: A Sweet Contemporary Holiday Romance (Flipping For You Book 5)

Holiday love and romance are in the air—but Shanice Williams will be spending the second most popular date night of the year alone, agonizing over selling the quirky old farmhouse she inherited from her beloved grandmother.

The money would help save her struggling landscaping business, but emotionally she can’t bear to part with a place so filled with memories—especially of Lincoln Reid, her mad teenage crush.

Then she accidentally overhears his heartbreakingly familiar voice, and she realizes Lincoln still makes her heart race. But from what she heard, he’s only back in Roses, NC to buy Granny’s land—for an apartment complex.

Lincoln Reid remembers the first time he kissed Shay on Granny Williams’s settee. But his high-falutin’ family had expectations for him. He’s grown the toy business into the most popular in the country, and now he’s back for a chance to reclaim the house—and the woman—that holds a special place in his heart.

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There’s more… part three coming right up.

I thought I would get through this day without any new growth on my TBR pile. Guess not!

I’m smiling, I hope you are too.

Free and bargain books December 27, 2021

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us. I can still remember reading and enjoying this story back in 2017.

When I’m Weak: A Contemporary Christian Epic-Novel (The Grace Series Book 2)

Jaycee Lawrence has never had room in her life for anything less than perfection. Now charged with keeping the hottest contractor on television in one piece and on schedule, her life revolves around production times and remodeling nightmares—not to mention the very real issue of guarding her heart from falling for her very eligible boss. Weakness in this industry is not an option, and it’s never been one for Jaycee either. Then life starts throwing kinks and curve balls at her. With her family back home in jeopardy, what will she choose — the job and Derek or the life she left behind when it collapsed around her?

Derek West never pictured himself running his own construction show, but working for the Home & Hearth Channel has become his Number One priority. On the job, he will settle for nothing less than 100% perfection, and that’s why he likes having Jaycee around. His focus and drive is only surpassed by hers, and he has learned to relax and work and let her take care of the rest of his life for him. However, when tragic news strikes for Jaycee back home, Derek soon realizes his reliance on her might run deeper than just schedules and take-out. Can he fight the growing attraction with the woman he always thought was just doing her job? Or is Derek in much deeper than he ever thought possible—too deep to go back and deep enough to drown if he doesn’t figure out how to stay strong and resist the feelings that are quickly becoming impossible to ignore?

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1531 Entertainment has one FREE and several bargain book suggestions for us. I’ve not read either of these first authors and I’m trusting the suggester’s assessment of them. I have read and enjoyed the last one.

Unmasking Lady Caroline: A Regency Christmas Romance

She thought the mask would protect her identity, but she underestimated his determination to discover who she was.
Peter Blythe, Earl of Rockwell fled England when he was thrown over in favor of his father. Now after nearly ten years, he has returned to England to assume his family title. When he asks a young woman to dance at a masquerade ball, he is intrigued by her wit and charm. The only problem is she refuses to give him her name.When Lady Caroline unexpectedly meets the man she has always loved at a masquerade ball and he does not recognize her, she is determined to keep her name a secret. What starts out as a game soon becomes much more when she realizes she still loves him, all the while knowing if he knew her true identity, he would never feel the same for her.
When they both return home to their neighboring estates for the holidays, acquaintances from years past threaten to sever more than just their childhood friendship.

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Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

February 4, 2003, promises to be a typical day for Olivia Ross—a greeting card writer whose passion project is a screenplay of her own. But after she and a handsome actor have a magical meet-cute in a coffee shop, they make a spontaneous pact: in ten years, after they’ve found the success they’re just sure they’re going to achieve, they’ll return to the coffeehouse to partner up and make a film together. The only problem? Olivia neglected to get the stranger’s name. But she doesn’t forget his face—or the date.

For the next ten years, every February 4 is marked with coincidences and ironies for Olivia. As men come and go and return to her life, she continues to write, but still wonders about the guy from the coffee shop—the nameless actor she’s almost certain has turned out to be Hamish MacDougal, now a famous A-lister and Hollywood leading man.

But a lot can happen in ten years, and while waiting for the curtain to rise on her fate, the true story of Olivia’s life is being written—and if she’s not careful, she’ll completely miss the real-life romantic comedy playing out right before her eyes.

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

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.

“I wish I could give 10 stars! Inspirational and thought-provoking! The story grabs your attention from page one. I stayed up during the night captivated by the story line and characters’ personal challenges.” – Reviewer

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We are enjoying a snow storm here today, a perfect reading day – inside where it is nice and warm.

I would feel sorry for the persons having to clear it all away but with our dry climate and fine light snow it’s not that big a deal. Now if it was also -35C that would be lamentable but -9C is winter toasty.

A fresh snowfall makes the world look dressed up and pretty. What’s not to love.

Enjoy your day and…

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books December 20, 2021

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We have an assortment of suggestions this morning, two from 1531 Entertainment and one from BookRunes.

I’ve read and enjoyed this first one.

Silent Night Standoff: Faith in the Face of Crime (First Responders Book 1)

HOSTAGE SITUATION 

When armed robbers strike her bank, hostage negotiator Skyler Brennan’s life is on the line. Rescue comes from the last person she thought she could count on—the ex-boyfriend who chose his job over their relationship. FBI agent Logan Hunter knows how much is resting on this case. The promotion of his dreams…and the safety of the woman he’s never been able to forget. But when an unexpected twist in the case pulls Logan in two separate directions, he’ll have to make an impossible choice. Will he manage to have it all by Christmas—a career and love—or will he lose them both? 

First Responders: Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love.

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This is a first for me with this author.

Finding Lady Enderly

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

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This next author is also new to me.

Ivory Shores: Book One (Ivory Shores Book Series 1)

Amazon quote:

In Book One of this series, an unlikely group of six vastly different women journey together to a secluded, southern beach known as Ivory Shores. Not one of them knows just how much impact she will have on the others through the life experiences she brings with her into their tiny beach house. As friendships grow, bonds strengthen, and individual stories unfold, each woman – no matter how bold, bitter, or broken her heart is – begins to find her own place in the great story of healing and restoration. “I loved this book, and I think you will too. Six women travel to the beach together, getting to know one another and sharing the struggles and triumphs of life. The characters are relatable, and the message is uplifting. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to plan your own girls’ trip to the beach!” Inspired by her own love of reading Christian fiction and her desire to encourage women in their faith and friendships, Tonya Weeks combines her gift of storytelling and her sense of humor to bring authentic characters and uplifting plots to life. With wit and wisdom gained through both fun-filled and humbling experiences, she easily connects with her readers, drawing them into an imaginative world of life, love, and laughter.

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Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books December 19, 2021

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One book so far today, from BookRunes. This is an author we’ve seen fairly often and if you enjoy cowboy romance I think you will like this one.

Maybe more interesting suggestions will show up along the way.

Country Romance: A Christian Cowboy Romance (Millars Crossing Romance Book 1)

Two lonely strangers and a snow storm.

Recipe for romance?

If Adele Marten’s troubled childhood taught her anything it was that family is everything.

So when the time comes to keep a promise she made to her dying friend, she knew she would do whatever it takes to reunite a father and son… who have never met.

Even risk her fragile heart.

Hard-working single dad, Wyatt Sutton had his hands full raising twin girls and running a ranch, after his wife took off and left them. He’s been doing things on his own for a long time.

When a gorgeous stranger shows up on his doorstep with child she claims is his, Wyatt is thrown for a loop. A simple test can tell him what he already knows… the boy is his.

Too bad it’s not as easy to figure out his feelings for Adele. She’s everything he never knew he was missing, but she has plans— and he already had a family.

With goodbye on the horizon, can Adele and Wyatt let go of the past to take a chance on a country romance?

Country Romance the first book in the Millars Crossing Cowboys romance series. If you like heartfelt explorations of hope, picturesque rural settings, and emotional journeys, then you’ll adore Carolyne Aarsen’s latest sweet tale.

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The suggestion strip had a bargain suggestion, also historical. I’ve not read this author and have no way to gauge if it will be a good read. The first few pages look interesting, though, it should be worth a try at least.

Two Souls Bound Together: An Inspirational Historical Romance Book

Erika Caldwell, one of Boston’s best dressmakers, has been struggling ever since her doctor diagnosed her with tuberculosis. She used to be a ray of joy but now she is dripping with misery, having to endure the one thing she hates the most – being pitied. While feeling utterly lost, a surprising opportunity for treatment appears, in a faraway place that she doesn’t hesitate to take. Upon her arrival, she meets the dashing William and regains her zest for life, but will she be able to escape the clutches of her illness and find true joy?

She feels as if a terrible shadow looms over their love….

For five long years, blacksmith William Bates has been mourning the loss of his parents in a horrible fire. He was saved in a last-minute rescue but he has been consumed by mourning ever since. When he meets the beautiful Erika he realizes that even if the path to happiness is sometimes narrow, yet it holds more than one surprise in store. As he discovers the promise of love, can he confess to Erika and break the shackles of remorse?

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It seems that all of Grace Clemens books are lengthy (over 400 pages) and priced as low bargains. This could be a bad sign. Still $1.25 is an easy way to check out her work. I’m going to order this one out of curiosity.

Currently, I’m reading an author new to me, one I wanted to check out. I’m about a third of the way through and undecided in my assessment. I will finish though. It is still free if you are interested.

Maybe part of my problem with enjoyment is that I forgot which author I was reading. One of the hazards of a fast pace between them. I was reading books from a less-enjoyed writer and needed a break. I’ve been reading this book with a biased opinion. Must rectify that.

Real Virtue: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Christian Thriller (Web of Lies Book 1)

In a virtual reality game where she can fly, someone is aiming to take her down.

Mel Mesini is a New York City restaurateur and an avid virtual reality world traveler. She’s risen above her misfit life and now bears a striking resemblance to her glamorous gaming avatar. But her successful life-both online and in reality-takes a swerve the night her father is seriously injured in a hit-and-run. Mel is careened back to her judgmental hometown, where being the daughter of the town’s crazy lady had made her an outcast. To make matters worse, Officer Jeremy Stiles, the man whose harsh, rejecting words had cut her the deepest, is heading the investigation.

Jeremy knows he hurt Mel and attempts to make amends by finding her father’s assailant. When he realizes she’s the actual target, his plan for reconciliation turns to one of protection-whether she wants his help or not. What he wants are answers, especially about this online game she plays. Is it a harmless pastime as she says? Or is she using it to cover something up? As a faceless predator destroys the things that matter to her, Jeremy knows he’s running out of time before she loses the one thing that matters most-her real life.

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I hope you are enjoying your day.

It has been a stormy one here but has calmed down and, at the moment, there is a hint of blue sky out there.

A good day for reading.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books December 16, 2021

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This looks interesting. BookBub has a FREE suggestion from an author I’ve not read. Judging by the first chapter it will be fun and I’m looking forward to it.

Manchester Christmas: A Novel (Paraclete Fiction).

“Sweet, romantic, and suspenseful, Manchester Christmas is an unexpected gift.”
—Richard Paul Evans
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Christmas Box

A young writer is drawn to a small New England town in search of meaning for her life. Soon, she encounters kindness, romance, and is pulled into a mystery centered on an old, abandoned church and the death of a special girl. Are the images that only she can see in the church’s stained-glass windows a warning, or is someone trying to reach her, to help heal this broken community? Manchester Christmas illustrates how God often uses the most unlikely among us to spread grace and healing in a wounded world. Full of love, hope, and forgiveness, this debut novel from an Emmy-winning writer will touch your heart and have you longing for Christmas in Manchester.

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1531 Entertainment has a FREE suggestion I remember from a year ago.

Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1)

An independent single mom who doesn’t believe in love at first sight collides with a man who does.


Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?


Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.


Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

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I’m in between books. There was a author enjoyed for the first time last week and I downloaded more wanting to verify my opinion of her writing. I’m planning to start on one of those next. The short blurb with this book doesn’t give anything away. No question, it will be a surprise, I’m hoping for a good one.

Fragments of a Melody: A Clean and Wholesome Woman’s Fiction New Adult Romance

Olivia St. Claire’s story doesn’t begin with Prelude and Fugue. It begins in Aberdeen, Colorado.
Once upon a time Olivia made a choice.

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I’ll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed December 15, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / 4 Comments

It was magical. That’s the only way I can describe Unscripted by Davis Bunn. This was my current read yesterday and today it was another one of his books.

Unscripted was a combination of brilliant story line, and deep character development for the full cast. It felt like a movie and I was living in it. There was magic in the intense interactions between emotionally involved characters, and that could be said for all of them. There wasn’t a boring person to be had anywhere. Except for one and his outrageous lifestyle overruled his lack luster emotions. The measured unfolding of a complex and unpredictable plot added to the allure. This story went places I couldn’t have imagined.

Everything about this book worked and I loved it. I think it will need multiple readings to take it all in.

I could handle reading it again.

Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn was today’s read. I probably should have waited until the cloud of euphoria dissipated. There was zero similarity in the two books. It was like going straight from the best steak ever to what was probably a delicious seafood platter.

It took a while to shift gears and begin to think on a different plane. Part of the struggle was rooted in the strong but strange opening scenes. I would say more about all of that but don’t want to give away anything important. Actually, I would really love to give a major element away but I’ll behave.

My assessment of both was five stars. They were very different but both brilliant.

I will admit I was sad with the ending of the second book. It was emotionally impacting but with no euphoria.

Burden of Proof is still at a bargain price if you would like to give it a try. It was an intriguing story, that’s for sure.

Happy Reading!

Current read December 14, 2021

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I’m loving it. That’s why I need to share my current read even though it’s early on… page 53 to be precise. I’m sad it is no longer a bargain for you. Davis Bunn books command a good price, as in high. He is worth it

I’ve always enjoyed this author so my response to his book is expected.

The story is complex, surprising, and paced to strategically dole out new details.

I’m hooked and excited to see what will happen next.

Unscripted by Davis Bunn

Young line producer Danny Byrd is well-known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner–and former best friend–makes off with their investors’ money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to her impossible bosses only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it–even though she’s not entirely clear what “it” is.

Danny and Megan are each other’s best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other’s best hope for love.

Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn takes you into the beating heart of Hollywood with two characters determined to thrive in a cutthroat business.

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If you choose to read this book I’m convinced you will love it as much as I do.

Assuming you enjoy Suspense.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books December 13, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have books. That’s awesome on this beautiful sunny day.

BookBub has a FREE suggestion by an author I have read before. It’s been awhile though and it will be nice to become reacquainted.

Leaving Texas (Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga Book 4)

I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, not evil. Cruel is the illusion of love.

Robbed of her true love by his mean-spirited mother, Charity is given no choice but to leave Texas and follow her Prince Charming to the Golden State.

Instantly attracted to her, Morgan agrees to help the young beauty on her journey, but where all other ladies paled after first blush, his initial fascination only deepens with every turn of the wagon’s wheels. Though obvious to all those around the two—how perfect Morgan and Charity were for each other—will the hard-headed, strong-willed daughter of Liberty O’Neal Harrell ever realize it.

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion. A Christy Barritt novel that I do not have. Amazing, since I have most of them.

Silent Night: A Lantern Beach Christmas Novella (Lantern Beach Mysteries)

On the night before Christmas Eve, as she begins her maternity leave, Lantern Beach Police Chief Cassidy Chambers disappears. Suspecting foul play, law enforcement officers combine forces with the Blackout Security team and island residents to find her.

Despite a snowstorm in his path, Cassidy’s husband, Ty, desperately tries to return home in time to save her. With his wife’s and baby’s lives on the line, he needs a Christmas miracle.

Will the tightknit community of Lantern Beach be able to rescue their beloved police chief in time? Or will Cassidy’s cries for help be met only with silence?

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This next suggestion is also with an author I’ve not read, and it sounds like a real nail-biter.

Real Virtue: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Christian Thriller (Web of Lies Book 1)

Mel Mesini is a New York City restaurateur and an avid virtual reality world traveler. She’s risen above her misfit life and now bears a striking resemblance to her glamorous gaming avatar. But her successful life–both online and in reality-takes a swerve the night her father is seriously injured in a hit-and-run. Mel is careened back to her judgmental hometown, where being the daughter of the town’s crazy lady had made her an outcast. To make matters worse, Officer Jeremy Stiles, the man whose harsh, rejecting words had cut her the deepest, is heading the investigation.

Jeremy knows he hurt Mel and attempts to make amends by finding her father’s assailant. When he realizes she’s the actual target, his plan for reconciliation turns to one of protection-whether she wants his help or not. What he wants are answers, especially about this online game she plays. Is it a harmless pastime as she says? Or is she using it to cover something up? As a faceless predator destroys the things that matter to her, Jeremy knows he’s running out of time before she loses the one thing that matters most-her real life.

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There is a wide variety in today’s suggestions which is always the hoped for target.

Enjoy and…

Happy Reading