Books

Bargain book November 23, 2021

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This book looks interesting. It’s a suggestion from BookBub this morning.

Hangin’ by a Moment (Deep Haven Collection Book 5) 

He just wants to erase his past.

The day Jack—formerly Winston Stewart—walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. After all, it wasn’t like he’d committed a murder. Just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—his friend and the one guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can Jack refuse?

She can’t seem to escape hers.

Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough. After all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong?

But facing the past might put their future together in jeopardy.

When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows. They’re headed for a happy ending… But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home.

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If anything else shows up I’ll share it later.

I have enjoyed this author, I hope you do too.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books Part two November 22, 2021

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One more quick post. Another email showed up with several good looking suggestions. This one is from 1531 Entertainment.

Cowboys & Protective Ways: Western Romance (Baker Brothers of Copper Creek Book 1)

A waitress hiding from drug-dealers. The cowboy who vows to protect her. What could go wrong?

Ian Baker fell in love with Jessica the first time he saw her waitressing at the town diner. But he’s a true cowboy and won’t make a move since she’s spoken for. Even if it is by a drug-dealing, weasel of a boyfriend.

Life hasn’t been easy for Jessica who grew up poor in the beautiful town of Copper Creek. Her low self-esteem has her feeling lucky that she has a job, and a boyfriend, regardless of how bad he is.

Then one day, Ian’s diner visit becomes much more than apple pie and coffee. While he’s there, Jessica witnesses a serious incident between her boyfriend and his thug friends. Now she’s in danger. That’s when Ian makes a crazy split-second decision to swoop her up and take her to his ranch. 

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Run: Christian mystery and romantic suspense

From corporate America to overseas intrigue, from small towns to Urban sprawl, from farms to raging rivers these romantic suspenses will keep you on the edge of your seat, breathless, far into the night.

Nine gripping stories full of faith, danger, and a dash of romance.

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This collection won’t be a short read, it has 1700 pages. Awesome.

I hope you checked out the videos in my last post. The second one with snow capped rugged mountains was spectacular. It was a helicopter training run for an Australian visitor, practicing landings on snow covered peaks.

Up close and personal with 5 or 6 mountain peaks.

The first video is spectacular too, in a different sort of way, with flooded farmland and overflowing rivers.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books November 22, 2021

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LPC Books has suggestions for us today. I’ve read three of these five books and all of these authors.

The Red Canary

Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart?

In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.

Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.

Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.

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The Caretaker’s Son (Secrets in Savannah Book 1)

Just as Annabelle begins letting Symon into her heart she discovers a secret about his life in New York.

Symon Sinclair grew up in the caretaker’s cottage. Now a successful writer in New York, he’s returned home to Savannah to thank his mentor, Miss B, for all her support. But it’s her niece Annabelle who greets him at the door. Symon remembers the little rich girl who never gave him a moment’s notice. Now she’s a beauty who has more depth than he’d ever imagined. As they spend time together, Symon begins to question his attitude toward life—and Annabelle.

Former beauty queen Annabelle Yarwood had her life all planned out—until she came face-to-face with the caretaker’s son. Suddenly those plans seem stifling. Just as Annabelle begins letting Symon into her heart, she discovers he’s been keeping a secret about his life in New York. Has their love story ended before it’s even begun?

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Bargain books

Coming of Winter, Dead of Winter, Winter’s Fury ( Jeremy Winter Thriller Books 1 – 3)

It’s a good book day after a time of drought.

Currently, I’ve just started reading a new historical novel and I’m not far enough in to know if I will love it. So far so good though, it could go either way.

Redeeming Light (Coastal Lights Legacy Book 3) 

Cora Miller, a recent widow, moves to St. Augustine in 1875 with her young daughter Emily to start life over as a single mother. She opens a fine millinery shop to court the tastes of the wealthy and become part of the town’s social elite.

Daniel Worthington has escorted his mother and sister to St. Augustine. Their trip has coincided with the arrival of Plains Indians being brought to Fort Marion as prisoners. He is sympathetic to the plight of the Indians and seeks to help them learn to communicate through art. 

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This book is still a bargain too if you are interested.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books November 19, 2021

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Two suggestions today, from BookBub and 1531 Entertainment.

The first one is mystery and the second historical romance.

Collision of Lies 

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she’s correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.

With time running out, Amara must convince others–and herself–that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy lives. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

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To Discover Her Heart’s Longing: A Historical Western Romance Book 

Amy Richardson never imagined that staying at the orphanage she called home would put her at such risk. When she realizes that someone from her past isn’t ready to let her go, her future suddenly becomes uncertain. Forced to flee west in hopes of starting over, little does she know that things are about to get even more complicated. Arriving in a new town to meet her husband-to-be, she is shocked to find that he has no idea of her existence…

Will Amy ever find the safety she longs for in this new place?

After his father’s death, Peter McKelvey never intended to get married. So when his mother shows up with Amy as a mail-order bride arranged on his behalf, he is stunned. Seeing Amy’s dismay at his reaction though, he can’t bring himself to turn her away and hires her as a cook on his ranch. Yet as he begins to realize that she could be in very real danger, keeping his distance from Amy may not be possible if he wants to keep her safe…

Will Peter allow himself to care for Amy and even open up his heart to love?

With an unexpected bond between Peter and Amy growing, so do the challenges that face them. As they try to deal with the threats coming their way, Amy is still keeping secrets… Will Peter and Amy manage to trust each other and their budding feelings? Or will they lose everything to ghosts from the past?

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It has been a bit of a mixed up day. In many ways upsetting.

It seems like difficult situations stir things up in a way that we are forced to see elements of our life in a new light.

It’s easy to think I’ve made a lot of progress in my abusive healing journey and it’s a major shock when unexpected triggers happen.

I don’t pretend to be rational when that happens. I know I am a pro at knee jerk reactions.

It’s hard to know for sure what is reflex and what is me standing up for myself.

The trouble is it’s likely some of both.

The beauty of living alone in isolation is the absence of triggers. Social situations are a minefield especially when the interaction is between badly wounded souls. We understand better than most but we also trigger each other.

The desire to walk away is very real.

I’m sure you can guess my choice.

Now I’m thinking through the event trying to see how I can learn from it and do better in the future.

I would say other than that it’s been a good day but I can’t. It hasn’t been the worst day of my life but…

I’m gonna go finish my book. Drown my sorrows.

It’s the weekend, that’s encouraging.

Bargain books November 18, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has a suggestion from an author appearing here frequently.

Mermaid Moon (A Sunset Cove Novel Book 2)

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart and left—without a word—years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

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My current read feels like an episode out of Criminal Minds. The serial murderer is one sick man. By another frequently enjoyed author.

Around chapter twenty-one I skipped to the last chapter for a peak, I was having trouble handling the suspense. The name of the man making a second attempt on Madison’s life was not one I recognized. At least I was settled done enough to go back to where I left off. I could manage to stick with it now.

It’s still a bargain, check it out.

Legacy of Lies (Fog Lake Suspense Book 5)

The justice system failed her family—and so did her hometown.

Madison Colson knows deep down that her father—a convicted serial killer—is innocent. But believing it and proving it are two entirely different things. Unable to help her father, Madison has spent most of her adult life overcompensating by helping others. When her aunt dies unexpectantly, duty calls her back to Fog Lake, Tennessee, a beautiful but painful place she’d rather forget.

Terrifying events begin to unfold once she arrives, unleashing her worst nightmares. The Good Samaritan Killer—or a copycat—is back, and now Madison Colson is his target.

FBI Special Agent Shane Townsend is determined to stop the deadly rampage that has sent the tightknit community into a frenzy. But he needs to earn Madison’s trust first. The task feels impossible, especially considering his father is the one who put her dad in prison.

With the whole town on edge and pointing fingers, tension escalates out of control. Madison and Shane must sort the facts from the lies—and fight for a legacy of truth—before The Good Samaritan Killer has the final say.

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Notes from Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt Nov 16

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There is so much in this book. I’d have to quote the whole thing to share every shred of life giving wisdom. Since that is not possible, I’ll share a few nuggets. You will have to get the book to fill in the blanks.

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Page 16: When we seek to love God, love ourselves and love others, we can learn to love despite what happened in the past. We can mend brokenness that has plagued our families for generations.

Page 17: Many of us fail to realize that what matters most in life is relationships. (not power, fame, riches, social standing, things)

Page 26: To move forward you have to let go of the past. … If you will reach for a new day, God will begin, little by little, to release you from the past. … This means loving so intensely that it overrides all your natural instincts for bitterness and revenge.

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Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart

I feel like the little bit I’ve shared from this book doesn’t begin to fill the need for explanation.

Love heals is something I’m hearing from many directions these days and I’ve found it to be true.

Love and hate can’t exist in the same body, at least not very well, it’s just not possible. As we work on growing the love portion in us the hate part will diminish and disappear. The best part of it is: the peacefulness of love makes life worth living.

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The discussion in this book is relevant to some of the conversations I’ve been in lately and that is very encouraging.

Enough so that I will be back looking for a few more nuggets to share next time.

Seriously, get the book if your life needs to hear these words, you won’t be sorry.

Wishing you the very best on your journey to wellness.

Current fiction read November 16, 2021

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The cover doesn’t do a whole lot for me but I’m really liking the story.

A Distant Heart (Burning Dress Ranch Book 1)

This story is about a successful ranch staffed mainly with women. Women who have been scarred by abuse. It’s a place for them to recover, find a new sense of themselves, and eventually leave with skills to support themselves in a way that will leave them vulnerable never again.

There were many memorable moments so far in this story but the one on page 85 I found most interesting. I’ve never heard it put quite like this and it bears thinking about.

“If you come to understand what Jesus did on the cross — the incredible sacrifice — it makes humbling yourself a little easier. You have to be humble to forgive. But it’s so freeing to live without bitterness”

Forgiving, humble. I guess I can see how humble would fit in with forgiving. It is definitely necessary to lay down and let go of some things. It wouldn’t work well if we were proud and defiant. Food for thought.

So, on to the story.

Two wounded souls. One loving, relentless God.

Welcome to Burning Dress Ranch.

Miss Sally, the mysterious and secretive owner of Burning Dress, established the operation with a very particular mission—to make sure her charges leave with a useful skill, and to share the love of Christ with their hurting, wounded souls.

Cecelia Huggins, broken by a bitter, shameful divorce, has come to Burning Dress to take control of her own destiny. She wants to work and learn. She doesn’t want friends, and she certainly doesn’t ever want to fall in love again.

Jax Taylor is foreman of the Burning Dress and he’s the perfect man for the job. Most of the ranch hands are women who are healing from some pretty tough blows. Just like them, he’s pushing past his own hurts and would rather drink poison than fall in love again.

Miss Sally has had some tough cases before but Cecelia and Jax may be the toughest. How do you convince two stubborn hearts that the only way to find rest for their souls is to give in to love?

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This story is still a bargain if you are interested.

Happy Reading y’all

Current Read “How can I ever really forgive?” November 15, 2021

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Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, now that’s something many of us can relate to. Having been hurt.

This book has been out in the open on a shelf for a number of years. Tonight I decided I need to read one of the many non fiction books I’ve been stock piling the last few years. The name of this one popped into my mind before I could even cross the room.

It’s something, because as I read the first two pages I found a conversation pretty much like the one I’ve been having with a friend recently. Hurt, betrayal, pain, a universal problem.

This book talks about all of that and it includes the author’s personal story of pain. Lending credibility because he has walked this road himself.

Jentezen Franklin is a well known public figure and his story is out there but this time it is his telling.

I learned of him in an interview on a popular podcast. I was impressed and bought his book the first chance I got. In paperback so I could mark it up and take better notes.

I’m looking forward to this read. I think it will answer a lot of questions and probably raise a few more.

Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart

The human heart was created with a great capacity to love. But along with that comes a great capacity to feel pain. There is no denying that those who love us, who are closest to us, can wound us the most profoundly. That kind of pain can be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. And it can feel even more impossible to continue loving in the face of it. Yet that is exactly what we are called to do.

Sharing his own story of personal pain, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Jentezen Franklin shows us how to find the strength, courage, and motivation to set aside the hurt, see others as God sees them, and reach out in love. Through biblical and modern-day stories, he discusses different types of relational disappointment and heartache, and answers questions such as Why should I trust again? and How can I ever really forgive?

The walls we build around our hearts to cut us off from pain are the very walls that block us from seeing hope, receiving healing, and feeling love. Here are the tools and inspiration you need to tear down those walls, work through your wounds, repair damaged relationships, and learn to love like you’ve never been hurt.

Free and bargain books November 15, 2021

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This month is half over already. It happened when I wasn’t looking. Sigh.

At least we have a couple of books today, to brighten our day. I’ve read and enjoyed this first one. I read the first few pages of the sample just to be sure and now I wish I had time to read it again.

Dakota Peace 

After a traumatic call, emergency dispatcher Natalia Brynner flees the city, desperate for some distance from her stressful life. Her peace is short lived when a flat tire strands her on the other side of South Dakota with nothing but her high heels and a speeding ticket. State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to keep her company while she waits for a new tire, but the quick fix turns into an overnight visit which turns into an extended stay.

She soon finds herself in the middle of a foster child’s kidnapping case helping the handsome law man. His presence doesn’t quite settle her anxious heart. With the support of her new friends and her blossoming relationship, Natalia starts to believe she could finally experience a peaceful life … until an armed madman threatens it all.

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I’ve read many of Christy Barritt’s books but not this one.

While You Were Sweeping: A Riley Thomas Novella: A Squeaky Clean Spin Off

Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar in his life—including his crime-scene cleaning ex-fiancée and his career as a social rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.

Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.

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I’ve started to read another book but I will wait and talk about it in it’s own post.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books November 13, 2021 Part two

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion.

Hope (Rescued Hearts Book 2) 

Recently widowed, Luna Salcedo is recovering from years of emotional and physical abuse. On her way home to her temporary housing at Hope House Women’s Shelter, she spots an injured dog lying in the road and realizes it’s still alive. Without a second thought, she carefully rushes the dog to the vet.

Carl Thomas can’t explain his draw to Luna. He’s admired her from the day she came to Hope House, and they’d formed a tentative friendship. When she asks him to take in the dog she named, Hope, he immediately agrees. Only, he didn’t realize the amount of care required.

As Luna and Carl work together to restore Hope’s health, attraction blossoms. Carl knows he’ll have to take it slow, but can he convince Luna that not every man is like her abusive late husband?

Hope is the second book of the Rescued Heart series, where dogs help to bring love to the ladies of Hope House Women’s Shelter.

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An interesting book showed up while browsing

A Distant Heart (Burning Dress Ranch Book 1) 

Two wounded souls. One loving, relentless God.

Welcome to Burning Dress Ranch.

Miss Sally, the mysterious and secretive owner of Burning Dress, established the operation with a very particular mission—to make sure her charges leave with a useful skill, and to share the love of Christ with their hurting, wounded souls.

Cecelia Huggins, broken by a bitter, shameful divorce, has come to Burning Dress to take control of her own destiny. She wants to work and learn. She doesn’t want friends, and she certainly doesn’t ever want to fall in love again.

Jax Taylor is foreman of the Burning Dress and he’s the perfect man for the job. Most of the ranch hands are women who are healing from some pretty tough blows. Just like them, he’s pushing past his own hurts and would rather drink poison than fall in love again.

Miss Sally has had some tough cases before but Cecelia and Jax may be the toughest. How do you convince two stubborn hearts that the only way to find rest for their souls is to give in to love?

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Happy Reading!