Christmas

Read and enjoyed, up to November 20, 2023

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It’s time to clean out and reduce the read pile again. It has been a good time. The most favorite read in this installment was the newest one from Thomas Locke and his co-writer.

Davis Bunn aka Thomas Locke has long been a favorite author for me and many others and I read as much of his work as I can.. Occasionally he writes with other authors and I can’t help but notice it adds a new dimension to the story. The two voices working together create a new sound and I loved it in this book. It was a little jarring at times, though. The new voice says some things in a way that Thomas wouldn’t, or at least hasn’t in the past, and that was a bit of a show stopper, for a moment or so.

Overall though, I loved this book. Not only were the characters great, the quest they were on was filled with unexpected and mind blowing twists and turns.

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.

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Another five star read is from an author relatively new to me. I loved this book. It was not easy to put down. Well written with a story line that was all it’s own.

Flash Point: Hometown Heroes: Book 2

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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One more loved book The Christmas Hummingbird (Miramar Bay)

It’s hard to focus today so we will call this done.

It has been interesting going back through everything looking for read books. The unread books are looking fresh and enticing, more so than they do under other circumstances. Isn’t that the way it is often? If I was looking for something to read nothing would be standing out to me.

There are couple of books under consideration for download today. I’m waffling, to be honest, but will let you know if I decide to go with them.

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.

New books July 25, 2023

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We start the day out with a couple of authors new to us. The reviews look good and I couldn’t say no even if I wanted to. LPC Free Books gets the credit as the main suggester today.

Still Waters (Low Country Series Book 1)

Welcome to Edisto Beach where the days are slow and the past is never far away…

Recent graduate Cora Anne Halloway has a history degree and a plan—avoid her own past. Then her beloved grandmother requests one last summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach.

Despite difficult memories lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, Edisto tempts her with forgiveness—especially since Nan hires Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor dedicated to the Island’s preservation from development, Tennessee offers Cora Anne friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt over his father’s death.

For this young woman on the cusp of a new life, peace with her past means reconciling her family and her Edisto memories. But acceptance of her story may mean loving the man determined to preserve a history she’d rather forget.

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Next in line . . .

Becalmed: A Carolina Coast Novel (Carolina Coast Stories Book 1)

With her days chock full—designing jewelry for the shop she co-owns with her best friend, sailing her sharpie, and hanging out with girlfriends—Tadie Longworth barely notices she’s morphing into the town’s maiden aunt. When Will, a widower with a perky daughter named Jilly, limps into town in a sailboat badly in need of engine repairs, Tadie welcomes the chance to help. Her shop becomes Jilly’s haven while Will hunts boat parts, and Tadie even takes the two of them sailing. It’s the kind of thing she lives for, and it’s a welcome distraction from the fact that her ex-boyfriend Alex, aka The Jerk of Jerks, is back in town. With his northern bride. Oh, and he’s hitting on Tadie, too.

Those entanglements are more than enough, thank you very much, so it’s almost a relief when a hurricane blows into town: at least the weather can match Tadie’s mood. When Will and Jilly take shelter in her home, though, Tadie finds herself battling her attraction to Will. Even worse, the feeling is mutual, tempting them all with what-ifs that petrify Will, who has sworn never to fall in love again. Mired in misunderstanding, he takes advantage of the clear skies and hauls Jilly out of there and back to his broken boat so fast, Tadie’s head spins.

With the man she might have loved gone, and the man she wishes gone showing up on her doorstep, Tadie finds herself like a sailboat with no wind; becalmed, she has to fight her way back against the currents to the shores of the life, and the man, she wants.

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I stumbled over another interesting author we’ve not read before. Happily, this story popped up for me while browsing, keeping us from being done with only two books, which would be disappointing.

Dangerous Obsession (The Security Specialists Book 3)

She has a stalker on her tail—and a devoted security expert at her side: “Will keep readers guessing and turning the pages.” —RT Book Reviews

Security Specialist Wilder Flynn wastes no time putting behavioral expert Cosette LaCroix under his 24/7 protection when her stalker finds her in Atlanta. Ex-Navy SEAL Wilder keeps Cosette close to guard her from the quickly escalating threats and attacks.

But can he accomplish the mission without breaking his strict code against dating employees of his world-renowned company, Covenant Crisis Management? Or putting his heart and life at risk?

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Last but not least, we have a free novella by this new author. We are even experiencing variety in genres with this new suggestion, which is awesome.

Under the Honey Moon: A Honeyhaven Romance (The Honeyhaven Series Book 1)

A honeymoon cottage reunites a pair of childhood friends. Can it offer them a future filled with a happily-ever-after?

When B&B owner Juliet Miller’s childhood crush shows up on her doorstep, she thinks he’s come to honor a pact and pop the question. But he’s already engaged and offers her a bargain she can’t turn down. Bowie Nichols has always seen Juliet as a friend until shifting feelings has him second guessing whether or not he’s marrying the right woman.

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I’m looking forward to this new batch of books while I’m still working my way through the last batch. One of them was irresistible and I couldn’t help but move it to the top of the pile, giving it preferential treatment.

With all the unexpected twists and turns in plot this was definitely worth the read.

False Security

Alex Pierce needs Laney Winters to help him prove neither of them is responsible for the millions of dollars that went missing after Laney arrested him for bank robbery five years ago. Besides Laney not believing he truly repented in prison, there’s the problem of the real thief trying to kill her and the police department treating her like a dirty cop.

With the possibility of another crime being pinned on them, Laney finally teams up with Alex to save her life. If only she could trust him with her heart, as well.

It’s a short read with lots of drama. Check it out.

Clearing out the read pile, July 12, 2023

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One thing I really enjoyed about these first books – they were situations unlike anything I’ve read recently, and I loved them. There were several others standing out for me this way too but I’m not sure I can identify them again. Too many read after them and my memories have become foggy. Everything included in this list was excellent and a great experience, though. There were a few others that didn’t measure up and won’t be shared.

A Christmas to Remember was definitely a different and highly enjoyable read.

My current read is Within These Gilded Halls and I’m still trying to decide if I love it.

One more enjoyable read that I missed including.

That’s it for now.

New book suggestions July 10, 2023

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It’s catch-up time, for the build-up of regular suggestion emails. With my nose in a book most of the weekend, emails were not on my radar and things have gotten a little out of hand. I see some of the mentions are still available and one seems interesting. Maybe there will be more than one. That would be awesome.

We’ve read this first author several times and it’s nice to see her again. BookBub is responsible for this suggestion.

Grave Pursuits (Pennsylvania Parks Book 1) 

When a hiker goes missing and Emily discovers a skull, she finds herself targeted by a dangerous serial killer, putting her faith and love to the test. As the case gains national attention, Emily turns to her high school sweetheart and seasoned detective, Wade Brunner, for help in this Christian mystery thriller. Together, they embark on an exciting adventure, uncovering sinister secrets lurking in the park and solving a small-town mystery.

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This next one is an author we’ve seen several times and it will be a light read for a change of pace after the last one. Sounds like fantasy. A BookRunes suggestion.

A Christmas to Remember

Time for a Little Christmas Magic?

It’s December in small-town Indiana, and the life of nineteen-year-old Ellie Amerson has been turned upside down. Her mother remarried, and Ellie is no longer welcome in her own house. Sent to Grandpa’s cozy home, she finds a comforting refuge but is handed a detailed project. Can she complete the tasks in time? Her job at the diner has demands of its own.

When a mysterious cat named Trance appears, Ellie begins to have unusual dreams, too vivid to be imagined. She is shocked to learn the places where Trance had taken her are real. In the shadowy time between times, she discovers a handsome young man who desperately needs her help. The more she learns about him, the fonder her heart grows. Can she put the pieces together and save him before time runs out, or will she be lost from her world forever? What will this Christmas bring?

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So, browsing produced this next one. I’m interested for more than one reason but one is that we’ve read book 3 in this series, so why not read book 2 and see what it is about?

Love on Ice (Original Six Hockey Romance series Book 2)

She’s focused on winning gold. He wants to lose the player tag. Can a fake relationship become something real?

Aussie short track skater Holly Travers has one goal – make the Vancouver Games, no matter what it takes. She has no time for distractions, even if they come in the handsome form of her Canadian best friend’s twin brother. This hockey player may say he’s not a player, but can she trust him?
Brent Karlsson has one goal – make his sister’s best friend realize he’s a changed man and she should give him a chance. When a set-up in Hawaii helps these two opposites realize they have more in common than they thought, what happens when he wants to turn their fake relationship into something real? And how can a relationship work when these two elite athletes never see each other and live on opposite sides of the world?

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Another complete change of pace from BookBub. We’ve read a number of books from this author but very few quite like this one.

Keeping Bailey (A Forever Home Novel Book 4)

Through no fault of her own and after spending her entire life with an owner she loves, Bailey’s life is turned upside down. She’s dropped off at the Humane Society where Kim Harper works as the Animal Behavior Manager. Alone and confused, Bailey shuts down completely. She won’t eat or even acknowledge anyone who reaches out to her. Kim knows older dogs are hard to re-home. If Bailey can’t come out of this, it will be impossible.

A retired widow named Rhonda Hawthorne volunteers at the shelter. Rhonda’s dog recently passed away after a long and full life. Rhonda can’t even think about getting another one but hopes doing this will give her a chance to be around dogs, make a small difference in their lives, but without making a permanent commitment. Soon she decides to do whatever she can to help Bailey, before it’s too late. What life-changing difference will this decision create in her own life?

Kim Harper is also wondering about something else…will Ned, the boyfriend she loves, ever get serious and pop the question?

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Last but not least, from a final browse. This will be a new experience with an author new to us. The first chapter has sealed the deal for me.

Within These Gilded Halls: A Regency Romance

Hidden treasure and betrayal mingle with unexpected love within the walls of Avonthorpe Hall.

After studying art under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation.

Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish her work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. Determined to fulfill the promise she made to her beloved teacher to find the treasure, Phoebe also works to uncover the truth about Miss Drake’s death—and she must do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.

But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe, and soon enough Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person who knows about the clues. What’s worse, she needs Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she weren’t so attracted to him.

Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.

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Five new books! A very nice way to start off the week.

Before heading into today’s search I was having trouble settling on a new read. This new list is looking entirely too enticing.

As for next post, the read pile is building into the double digits and needs to be cleared out again. Sounds like a good plan to me.

See you again soon.

Bargain books part two January 02, 2023

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As promised. I’m back with more interesting reads. This time they are authors we see often.

This first author has a 4 book series on at a bargain price, we will consider all four and I’m going to choose 2 in an attempt to keep my collection in hand. We’ve had an abundance of books today and my book bin is in danger of overflowing. There are more to come after these ones.

I choose Saving Wren: and Saving Grace: The Women’s Work Exchange

Wren Schmidt is devastated when her husband divorces her unexpectedly, leaving her with a son to raise on her own. Wren ignores the hushed whispers and shame cast upon her by the community to focus on caring for her son. She surprises everyone when she sells her first toy design to Fielding Toy company and secures a contract for more.
Between taking care of her son and working as an inventor, she has a lot on her plate. Wren has neither the time nor the interest to pursue a relationship. When her son asks for a replica of a competitor’s toy ship for Christmas, Wren finds herself working with the handsome inventor, Oscar Parker, to make his wish come true…

She is a woman desperate to save her family legacy…
Grace makes a deal with the local Women’s Work Exchange to sell her blown glass Christmas ornaments in hopes of making enough money to pay off her uncle and keep her legacy. Soon strange incidents lead Grace to fear for her life and her legacy.

He’s the lawyer hired to help her…
Scott Fielding is the lawyer hired to help Grace. Meeting her was a revelation. Grace is a gifted artisan with a heart for family. Something’s wrong with her uncle’s desperate attempts to claim the house and land. What is he after? Is there more to the story?

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Another one from the same author. It looked interesting. . . what can I say. I couldn’t resist. And it is not long either which helped me say yes.

In time for Christmas: A Clean Romantic Suspense 

Kidnapped and ransomed-one little boy is praying for help to get him home in time for Christmas.

It was supposed to be a girl’s night out, but something felt off about the teary-eyed little boy staring at her across the restaurant. Trinity trusts the urging of the Lord and follows her heart only to be caught up in a killer’s dangerous holiday plot.

Billionaire, Marek Reid, and his team are hot on the heels of the men who took his son. Marek knows more than most that if God brings you to it, he will bring you through it, but no one expects what happens next. A young woman steps in to protect the child and finds herself kidnapped before Christmas!

Can Trinity protect the child and escape before the killer exacts his terrible Christmas plan? Will Marek save them both before it’s too late?

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This next one looked too good to pass up. Especially since I’ve read and enjoyed two others in the series. On top of that it’s also short.

Sanctuary Hidden (WITSEC Town)

Previously published as part of the Team Love on the Run box set.

When Cyan Greene finds decades-old evidence hidden among her dead mother’s belongings she’s plunged back into a world of run and hide. NFL quarterback Nate Mason knows more than he should about the secret witness protection town of Sanctuary where Cyan grew up. He’s the perfect person to protect Cyan; except he doesn’t know a thing about being a bodyguard. When the mob catches up with them, and an old nemesis interferes, Nate is the only one who stands between the woman he’s come to care about…and the people trying to silence her forever.

WITSEC Town Series book 2.5

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This last one is also a book I’m having trouble resisting. I’ve read and enjoyed books 1 and 3 in this series and it seems only right to read book 2 while I have the chance.

Rosemary Cottage (The Hope Beach Series Book 2)

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange the respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community, a place that has always been a refuge for her and her family. She also plans to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy, and he agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other . . . and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

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Eight new books today. It has been a good day, I hope you have enjoyed it even half as much as I have.

It’s time to move on to other needs. In the meantime . . .

Happy Reading!

Bargain books December 27, 2022

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The very first book I’m going to download is book 2 in the current series I’m reading. Book 1 was that good. I’m hoping book 2 will deliver just as well, my expectations are high.

The Best-Left Questions: Love Across Londons Book Two

The stakes increase and the intrigue deepens as Charles and Tori journey across Londons.

Finalist in the 2017 Chatelaine International Writing Competition

After returning to London in 2014, Charles Stratford finds himself in need of a job – and answers to questions he’d rather not ask.

Spurred by Tori’s irrepressible spirit, Charles agrees to go in search of another hidden treasure, the Firestorm Amber of Brighton. Guided by clues from his father’s journal, Charles and Victoria are confronted by old foes and new friends when they travel to 1666, the year of the Great Fire of London.

But their most loyal protector may turn out to be the one man Charles cannot forgive.

From present-day London to eighteenth-century Westminster, The Best-Left Questions continues the romantic adventures of Charles Stratford and Victoria Smith. It is the second book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

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Two things I loved most about book 1 – it was well written, and original. I think well-written says it all.

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1531 Entertainment has several suggestions for us as well. This first one, I’m on his mailing list for aspiring writers. I’m not one of them but I like learning things. I have read one or two of his many successful books, a number of decades ago, so this read will be a good catch-up experience for me.

Dead Sea Conspiracy: A Novel

In this thrilling adventure, archaeologist Nicole Berman is about to discover the key to unifying three major religions—if a dangerous enemy doesn’t stop her first.

Archaeologist Nicole Berman is the first woman to be awarded a permit to lead a dig in Saudi Arabia. Nicole believes what she hopes to discover has the power to to rewrite world history. She assembles a team that will ultimately surprise – and in some cases – betray her. 

In a parallel storyline, readers are launched back to ancient Ur where young Abram is sent to learn from his forebears, who tell him firsthand stories of being on the ark during the Great Flood. 

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The second suggestion is another novel from one of our regular authors.

How Her Ex Stole Christmas

The countdown to disaster is on, and time is running out . . .

Event planner Kaylee St. James didn’t expect to see her ex-fiancé again after he broke her heart. Especially not now . . . two days before their canceled wedding. But when Ethan Sloan waltzes into her premier Christmas party—uninvited—with danger close on his heels, she realizes there’s much more to Ethan than she ever knew.

Ethan, a CIA operative, must keep dangerous information out of the wrong hands or people will die. He found the perfect hiding place, but he’ll need Kaylee’s help to retrieve the classified intel. Unfortunately, his jilted bride-to-be isn’t in the mood to talk, much less cooperate.

When Kaylee is swept into the middle of the ensuing chaos, she soon learns that danger is closer than she could ever imagine. Will her Christmas be totally ruined—if she even survives? Or is it possible that Ethan might not only save Christmas . . . but also save Kaylee?

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This last one showed up in one of the many suggestion strips. It turns out I have read book 1 in this series, back in 2018. It’s been a while and I can’t say that I remember much about the experience. I’m looking forward to rediscovering this author.

Romeo’s Way (Mike Romeo Thrillers Book 2)

“I don’t want anybody bleeding to death, okay?” I said. “I think your problem is education. There’s just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart.”
Baton Guy croaked, “I can’t breathe.”
“You just can’t go around doing this sort of thing,” I said. “It isn’t right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won’t be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?”
“Don’t kill us,” Knife Guy said.

Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L.A., doesn’t look for trouble. He doesn’t have to. It comes after him. So when he’s hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn’t have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco.

But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay –– and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good.

Now all bets are off. Because if there’s one thing Romeo wants, it’s justice. And he’s going to get it––his way.

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Four new books is a good day. A very good day, I’d say.

I hope you are enjoying this good-for-reading winter season too.

Happy Reading!

Merry Christmas December 26, 2022

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Christmas is a huge family time for us and it was especially nice this year with more of the family than usual able to be together. I know we will remember this special time for many years to come.

I am excited to be stocked up on new jigsaw puzzles and I’m looking forward to a new coffee flavor to enjoy along with them

The most important part of the season for us, though, was remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, The son of God. For years he has been an important part of our daily lives and we couldn’t handle the ups and downs of life without him. Even more importantly he didn’t come to earth to be there for a few of us, he came to be there for as many as want him to care about them. I’m grateful that he is as close as a whisper and he hears my heart even when I can’t find the words to express it.

After two nights away I need some sleep. An unfamiliar bed doesn’t make for a restful sleep, although a busy mind caused most of the problems, It’s good to be home.

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I think we need a picture to brighten this space up a little so I will share my current read. It is time travel London England 1854 to London 2014, incredibly different times to be living.

He ends up in 2014 unable to comprehend the drastic changes of 160 years. Three days later they both inadvertently end up back in 1854 where cultural norms create havoc for the uninitiated, which describes her perfectly.

There is so much more to be said but I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you.

This well written book is a joy to read and I can hardly wait to see how it all turns out. That’s if they survive the evil people following them around. It’s unclear what the intent is but it’s evident that loss of life is part of the plan.

The Never List: Love Across Londons Book One

Victoria Smith’s life seems dreary until someone knocks on a sealed door inside her London bookshop. When Tori discovers it’s not a ghost but a journalist from 1854, she accidentally strands him in 2014. Intrigued by the dapper and crusading Charles Stratford, Tori offers to help him locate a pendant that will reopen the door to his century. Even when their treasure hunt across London turns dangerous, Tori finds herself wishing that Charles could stay. But after losing her family a decade before, can Tori risk loving someone again, especially a man from 1854?

Lured into the future by a mysterious pendant, Charles Stratford must track down its counterpart to unlock the door between Londons. When the winsome Victoria Smith volunteers to join his search, Charles becomes smitten with the intrepid bookseller. He also uncovers an ancient struggle between two underground societies and becomes entangled in their secret intrigues. If Charles fails to return both pendants to 1854, he places his own London at risk. But how can he succeed when it means saying farewell to Victoria in 2014?

From modern-day Soho to 19th-century Mayfair, The Never List takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Londons new and old, as its time-crossed heroes search for a way to love each other within two centuries. It is the first book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

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This book is still a bargain if it appeals to you.

Happy Reading and Happy Holiday

Night all.

Bargain book December 22, 2022

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One book suggestion. Pretty skinny pickings today.

This author is new to me too so at least it will be an adventure. I love an adventure.

The Never List: Love Across Londons Book One 

“F. E. takes the reader on a fascinating journey between two Londons with danger or intrigue around every corner.” – Margarite Martin Gray, author of the Revolutionary Faith series

2018 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

Victoria Smith’s life seems dreary until someone knocks on a sealed door inside her London bookshop. When Tori discovers it’s not a ghost but a journalist from 1854, she accidentally strands him in 2014. Intrigued by the dapper and crusading Charles Stratford, Tori offers to help him locate a pendant that will reopen the door to his century. Even when their treasure hunt across London turns dangerous, Tori finds herself wishing that Charles could stay. But after losing her family a decade before, can Tori risk loving someone again, especially a man from 1854?

Lured into the future by a mysterious pendant, Charles Stratford must track down its counterpart to unlock the door between Londons. When the winsome Victoria Smith volunteers to join his search, Charles becomes smitten with the intrepid bookseller. He also uncovers an ancient struggle between two underground societies and becomes entangled in their secret intrigues. If Charles fails to return both pendants to 1854, he places his own London at risk. But how can he succeed when it means saying farewell to Victoria in 2014?

From modern-day Soho to 19th-century Mayfair, The Never List takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Londons new and old, as its time-crossed heroes search for a way to love each other within two centuries. It is the first book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

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There is one more, a novella from Christy Barritt. Another book in this series. Wow.

Troubled Tidings: a Christmas novella (Vanishing Ranch Book 8)

A blown tire on a lonely desert road leads to Christmas Eve trouble.

Vanishing Ranch chef Dean Burns just needed to pick up a few things for Christmas dinner. When his tire blows on the way home, he assures coworker Kota Perez that they’ll be back on the road in no time.

Dean soon realizes the flat tire was no accident, and the simple trip transforms into a terrifying fight for survival. Robbers known as the Roadside Bandits have set their sights on the pair, and Dean and Kota have no choice but to leave the truck and run for their lives, striking out on foot into the vast Arizona desert.

Will Christmas tidings turn deadly this year? Or will Dean and Kota manage to pull off the ultimate Christmas takedown?

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It has been a good day. Stolen moments for reading. Christmas gifts finished up. But best of all. . .

The picture for my new drivers licence turned out better than I hoped. At least the quick look I had made me happy. How often does that ever happen hey? A good day indeed.

I’m off to see if I can finish up the current read.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books December 12, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have an interesting line up today. Nothing too serious, I don’t think so anyway. No murders and dead bodies this time. A number of new authors for us too.

First up, BookBub has a Christmas offering for us. We’ve seen Dan Walsh often lately.

Keeping Christmas

For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving alone, without the kids and grandkids. It’s looking like Christmas will be the same.

Judith can hardly bear the thought and struggles even to decorate the house. But soon some wonderful and totally unexpected events turn things completely around, starting with that box of “ugly ornaments” (as Stan calls them). Could they be the key to rescuing their Christmas this year?

A “beautifully written story” for the holiday season, or any time of the year.

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LPC Free Books has a suggestion for us. Tis the season for Christmas stories. This is an author we have not seen so this will be a surprise.

The Ornament Keeper: A Novella

Award-winning author Eva Marie Everson wraps up a Christmas story of hope, love, and forgiveness just in time for the holidays. 

The Ornament Keeper, a contemporary Christmas novella, features Felicia and Jackson Morgan who are spending their first Christmas apart after twenty years of marriage. But a lifetime of gifted ornaments helps Felicia piece together the story of their marriage and the one mistake of unforgiveness she made before they said, “I do.”

Can these memory-filled ornaments reunite this family before Christmas? Only time will tell.

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Browsing, I discovered an offering from an author new to me. It’s always nice to meet someone for the first time.

Promise Kept (Harland Creek Series Book 1)

Lying on her job application wasn’t the best way to kick off her fresh start in a small town, but Heather Smith is out of options. She desperately needs the job, or she will soon be without a place to live. Even so, Heather truly likes Elizabeth Harland, the old woman who hired her as her caregiver, and is eager to work hard and prove she’s right for the task.

Now, if she could just figure out why a local farmer keeps casting suspicious glares her way...

Sure, Grayson McCade has his hands full with his farm. That doesn’t change the fact that he considers the residents of Harland Creek family, and he takes time to look out for them all. The second he learns a newcomer has been hired to care for Elizabeth, he worries the kind-hearted old woman is being scammed.

Acting on what he believes to be the best of intentions, he sets out to uncover the truth about Heather’s past. Will the secrets revealed tarnish Heather’s new start before it even begins? Or will Grayson help make Harland Creek the home her heart longs for?

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Another author new to us. Beautiful cover. I have high hopes for the story too.

Where the Last Rose Blooms (Heirloom Secrets)

“Tender and true, this novel draws you in from the first page.”–SUSAN MEISSNER, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things

Alice runs a New Orleans flower shop alongside her aunt, but thoughts of her mother, who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, are never far from her mind. After getting off on the wrong foot with a handsome yet irritating man who comes to her shop, Alice soon realizes their worlds overlap–and the answers they both seek can be found in the same place.

In 1861 Charleston, Clara is known to be a rule follower–but the war has changed her. Unbeknownst to her father, who is heavily involved with the Confederacy, she is an abolitionist and is prepared to sacrifice everything for the cause. With assistance from a dashing Union spy, she attempts to help an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter. But things go very wrong when Clara agrees to aid the Northern cause by ferrying secret information about her father’s associates.

Faced with the unknown, both women will have to dig deep to let their courage bloom.

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A good day for new an interesting stories.

I’m enjoying the fascinating characters in my current read. It’s historical fiction and I think the main characters will turn out to be spies for the good guys. Haven’t gone far enough yet to discover how that all works though. It’s still a bargain if you hurry.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

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It has been an excellent book day. I’d better get reading if I expect to keep up. Maybe have supper along with it. My favorite way to eat.

Happy Reading!