Christmas

Free and bargain books December 07, 2021

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Last minute Free and bargain book suggestions. A change in pace from the usual.

This FREE suggestion from BookRunes looks interesting.

The Tin Whistle (‘Tis the Season Book 2)

Inspired by a true story…
1854
Jacob Gusky wakes up hoping Santa has arrived. And he has… but not for Jacob, one of two Jewish boys living at the Boys’ Home of Manhattan. When a friend gifts him a tin whistle, Jacob learns the power of giving, the joy in receiving, and hears what he considers to be the sound of happiness.
1881
Recently widowed and completely out of options, Frannie takes her daughter Molly to the Home for the Friendless. “You’ll be back before Christmas?” Molly asks. Frannie gives Molly half a quilt square and keeps the other, choking on her reply.
Now a happily married father of three, Jacob Gusky owns Gusky’s Grand Emporium, Pittsburgh’s first premier department store. After unearthing the tin whistle from the orphanage, he is reminded of what it felt like to have nothing, and decides to make a difference in the lives of others no matter their faith. But with so little time before Christmas morning, can he even begin to give the orphaned children of Pittsburgh what he knows they need?
When giving is more important than receiving…

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The next two showed up in the suggestion strips. It has been a little while since we’ve had any billionaire stories. I’m unfamiliar with the authors so can’t make a judgement call based on past experience. So far they are looking good.

The Billionaire’s Christmas Gift: A Clean and Wholesome Small Town Christmas Billionaire Romance

Everything in his life is planned. How’d she get on his agenda?

Quint Fairchild, head of Fairchild Films, learned long ago that in Hollywood everything’s make believe, including love. So why can’t he resist the small town innocence of struggling scriptwriter Chrystelle Bach? She’s entirely too fascinating, but he can convince himself he doesn’t want her⸻he wants her script.

Chrystelle wishes she could spend Christmas with her beloved grandmother in her Colorado hometown. Then Quint offers her a contract to produce her TV series. She almost believes this is the best Christmas ever⸻until she reads the contract. He doesn’t just want rewrites, he wants her to change everything. The battle begins, but when Chrystelle’s grandmother takes ill, Chrystelle knows where she belongs and hops the next bus home.

What she hadn’t expected was Quint on her front porch, and not to wish her a Merry Christmas. He wants her script⸻on his terms, of course. Their conflict continues, but the more time Chrystelle spends with this stubborn billionaire, the harder it is for her to remember why she can’t change her script. But sprinkle this battle with grandmotherly wisdom and holiday charm, and the season of blessings reveals love in more ways than Chrystelle and Quint ever imagined.

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The Billionaire’s Secret: A Christian Romance (Sweet Boston Billionaires Book 1)

He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart?

When Ryan Lawson’s business partners force him to go on a wilderness retreat to come to terms with a shocking diagnosis, the last thing on Ryan’s mind is romance. But when he’s stranded in the woods with a sweet young event planner, all thoughts of business take a back seat to her girl-next-door appeal.

Fresh off a bad breakup, Zara Georgopoulos comes to Vermont to help her terminally ill mom work through her bucket list—not fall in love with a man who’s the exact opposite of her usual type. But when Ryan starts working his way into her heart with his kindness and generosity, she needs to make a decision: Trust the biotech billionaire not to walk all over her, or go back to guarding her heart.

Stuck in the wilds of Vermont, they forge a tenuous connection. When Ryan finally shares the truth about his illness, will it bring them closer together . . . or shatter Zara’s trust in him for good?

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The last two, for sure, will be a lighter read than we’ve been having lately. At least I think they will be. I could be wrong, it wouldn’t be the first time. Even two out of three would be a win in my estimation. I’m planning on three out of three though.

I’ll just hit publish quick so we can get on with finding these while they are still a bargain.

Happy Reading

This and that, Part two December 05, 2021

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Whew, finally finished reading the current Christmas collection. Now it’s time to decide what’s next on the list.

I’m adding new books to my library on a regular basis but usually wait awhile before downloading them. It’s distracting to see attractive possibilities close to the top of the list, especially when the current read is a little boring. I am prone to jumping ship and moving on, leaving a string of partially read books in my wake.

The dilemma tonight is choosing genre. The last few reads have been Christmas Romance collections. After that many similar books in a row I think a change is in order.

I’ll let you see the newly downloaded books so you can understand what I’m up against. Sixteen books.

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Checking these out, I think maybe I’ve decided. This next one is billed as Romance but the synopsis sounds like it is more than that, at least on first look. I could be wrong in this assessment, time will tell. Anyway, a change of pace is appealing at this moment so I’ll take a chance. I can always jump ship if needed.

Always By My Side: A Christian Romance (New Hope Falls Book 9)

She’s lived her life under the cloud of her sister’s disappearance.

Josie Thompson was ten when her sister went missing and her mother’s battle with mental illness intensified. Though her family is now fractured, Josie has managed to get a degree and a job as a homecare nurse for a wealthy retired businessman. After a year working with the elderly philanthropist, her role has expanded to include caring for his home as well. It is a life that brings her peace and contentment.

After being injured in an attack on his squad while deployed, he’s come back to the one place that he’d always loved.

Kenneth Charles Hawkins III, AKA Hawk, has found himself medically discharged from the military when injuries sustained in an attack leave him unable to continue his job as a sniper with the Army. He heads to his grandfather’s home near New Hope Falls to recover.

Josie finds joy and purpose in caring for others, so she happily takes on the care of her employer’s injured grandson. As she gets to know him, a friendship is forged between them, despite the decade plus difference in their ages. She finds herself falling for him but keeps her feelings close to her heart with no intention of revealing them. Having endured repeated rejection by the one person who should have loved her, Josie trusts only in her father’s unconditional love for her.

Hawk wouldn’t have thought he’d have much in common with a woman so much younger than him, but he finds that he enjoys the time they spend together. Her calm demeanor often soothes his somewhat volatile emotions as he deals with the pain from his injuries.

As he recovers, Hawk realizes he needs to make a decision on whether he wants to return to his past or embrace his future in New Hope Falls, possibly with Josie. But even if he chooses Josie, will she choose him? Will she be willing to trust him when she’s been failed by those who should have loved her?

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I see I’ve downloaded nine other books by this author and I’ve read all of them, including the one just before this one in the series. That is a good sign.

Rarely do I gauge time correctly, I’m usually convinced I can do it in half the time it actually takes to put together a post. Time flies when you’re having fun.

It’s going to be lights-out time before I’m ready so I’d better move it on out of here. Now that I’ve decided on a new book.

I will be happily reading and I hope you are too.

Classical Music December 02, 2021

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Are you a fan of Classical music? I enjoy it selectively, have done so for years.

I’ve heard popular parts of Handel’s Messiah but never the full oratorio. Tonight that’s changing.

A performance by the American Bach Soloists showed up in my YouTube feed and I’m listening as I type this.

I probably should be watching so as not to offend music lovers.

It turns out I really should be watching. I thought a lady was singing this solo. I just peeked and I was wrong.

Watch with me?

It sounds to me like they are doing a good job.

Attending a performance of Handel’s Messiah is a yearly tradition for many music lovers.

Happy Listening.

Bargain books December 01, 2021

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BookBub has an interesting suggestion for us. The first chapter has me hooked.

For the Love of Joy: A Coastal Hearts Novel

Is he married or isn’t he?
 
Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.
 
Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret. When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.

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This one popped up in the middle of my search and I couldn’t resist.

Hometown Christmas Dreams: A Contemporary Christian Christmas Romance Collection 

Deck the Halls
Every day, Luce walks by the vacant house she would love to live in. After a fight with her aunt, and a frustrating conversation with her daughter’s father, she sets up an autumn display at her dream home with beautiful thrift store finds.
Jordon is mourning the loss of his parents. Weird things, like someone decorating his parents’ porch with his mother’s donated decorations, make grieving harder. Still, the oddness is the distraction, and call to faith, he needs.

My True Love Gave to Me
Cassidy loves her life. She has a job in a vintage store, a cute Seattle bungalow, and a dog who adores her. But being single is getting old. She receives a Christmas party invitation, and an excuse to find a plus-one. Someone from her singles group…?
Sean’s favorite thing about his delivery job is the pretty woman at the vintage store. But from what he’s overheard, she has plenty of prospects already. Would she be interested in adding him to her dance card?

The Wonder of Christmas
Cheyenne heads north for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove. But when she bumps—literally—into handsome Grady, and learns about a family in need, she realizes God sent her there for a bigger reason than meeting a handsome man. But with the way her pulse kicks up in Grady’s presence, maybe God has a dual purpose in mind.

Mountain Laurel
When tragedy strikes, Laurel is left alone to raise her son. She wonders if the Lord she’s trusted all her life will help her as she raises her feisty boy.
Jon, who has loved her for as long as she can remember, is good with her son and steadies her through each crisis that comes along. He’s a close friend, but will she ever be able to love again?

Cephalopod Cupid
When Lacey’s boyfriend breaks up with her it opens the opportunity to join a research vessel for six-months.
Then she meets an autistic boy who shares her love of Gabriel the giant Pacific octopus. And Anders, his dad.
Lacey considers staying. It might be crazy to give up her dream for a man she barely knows. It might seem crazier still to stay so she can protect her beloved cephalopod from himself.
But sometimes love means letting go.

To Hear the Angels Sing
Devlin enjoys her role as temporary guardian of her niece while her sister goes through drug rehab, but it isn’t easy. If she works dinner shifts, her job at a Seattle restaurant brings in enough. So, when her niece is invited to evening rehearsals for a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when they learn Devlin knows how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find time?
One of Jonah’s favorite parts of his job as church worship leader is directing the music for the kids’ Christmas musical. Between his job and writing his own music, he barely has time for a social life. But there’s something about the costumer for the show this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?

The Heart of Christmas
When Wynn sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate, just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch the star of her favorite TV show in the face. What is Ryland Sage doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch his face—and maybe his heart—while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.

Prairie Rose
For years, Rose has lived alone with her dog. Mitch, a handsome, unmarried neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium and insists on helping with chores. But who should appear but the scoundrel husband who deserted her years ago. Later, a pre-teen runaway adds his troubles to hers, so Rose decides to recapture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

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Lots to choose from in this lot today. Nine books. This should keep us(me) going for a while.

I’ve moved on to book 3 in my current read collection.

Happy Reading y’all

Read and enjoyed December 01, 2021

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I’m excited to share this enjoyed read with you.

In my world, 5 stars are reserved for truly great books.

In this case the definition of a great book is highly subjective. We are not talking literary excellence here with a book appealing to the masses. Although we do hope many will read and enjoy it.

The writing is taken into account and it is at a high level, editorially speaking, which adds to the enjoyment.

The most important thing, though, is this book has chemistry. That is what makes it awesome.

Like in a movie where they have the right story and the right pairing of actors with skill, but also with that special something that just makes it work.

I read a lot of Chautona Havig, and I have to say her book one in this collection is my number one favorite of all time. It has a solid five stars from me.

I’ve moved on to book two but couldn’t wait to share book one with you.

Home for Christmas: The Christmas Lights Collection

♥ The Stars of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig

Christmas in Rockland—battleground or romantic?

Avalon is ticked—seriously livid.  Who does this Marine recruiter think he is? Her brother is a boy and is not ready to be sacrificed on the altar of “service to your country.”  No. Thank you. When trying to talk sense into Max doesn’t work, she does the only think she can think of. Take it to the top.

Gareth Hudson has an exemplary record as a Marine recruiter and knows a good man when he sees one.  So when Maxton McCollum starts asking questions in a diner one afternoon, it was obvious. This was a match made in military heaven.  One young man anxious to serve his country.  One country ready to train him to be the best version of himself.

So when Avalon walks into Gareth’s recruiting office, all the wrong kinds of fireworks explode. In a peacekeeping move unlike him, Gareth asks for four Saturdays to change her mind. If he can’t, he’ll suggest that Max wait six months before signing up.

Romance wasn’t part of the bargain, and with their age difference, Gareth knows it still shouldn’t be, but how do you resist the pull of love at Christmas?

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I hope you love this as much as I did.

The rest of the collection has authors worth reading too. Just sayin’

Free and bargain books November 30, 2021

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BookBub has an interesting bargain suggestion for us. A four book romance collection.

Together for Christmas: Four sweet and clean heartwarming Christian romances

Four sweet and clean Christian romances to warm your heart this holiday season! Snuggle up with these faith-filled stories of hope and love, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

Visit London for a series of Christmas dates, experience New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh, fall in love all over again in lake-side Idaho, and discover home and healing in small-town Oregon, all within the pages of these complete and standalone romances. If you love Hallmark movies, Love Inspired Books, and stories of overcoming heartache to find happily-ever-afters, chances are the Together for Christmas collection will encourage, uplift, and inspire you!

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This next one is FREE and was mentioned on Facebook.

12 Dates of Christmas

She’s spent the last ten years not forgiving him. Why should she start now?

When Reagan runs into her old high school nemesis, she’s flummoxed why he thinks she’d ever have coffee with him.

Alex is stunned to discover he was a nemesis in the first place.

Challenged into accepting a date for every offense he can name, Reagan is confident she’ll be spending her Christmas vacation away from the big bad Alex.

Maybe she should have gotten to know him a bit better first.

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Currently I’m reading a Christy Barritt mystery. One of my favorite authors.

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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Happy Reading!

This and that November 29, 2021

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At this moment, I have to share the encouragement I’m needing and enjoying tonight.

This last week has been busy with house guests. I’ve loved having them. Now I’m going through withdrawal being alone again, although in spite of it I’m feeling upbeat. At the same time I’m experiencing annoying physical evidence of the stress of it all. It feels weird because I have been happy having people around. To have itching skin rashes and aches and pains that only appear when I’m stressed just seems so wrong when I’m feeling good about life.

To help me get through this season I discovered a new music video in my feed, it has favorite lyrics that settle me. It’s actually a compilation of several videos I’ve owned for some time. This is very cool because I know all of the songs so well. It adds an extra dimension to my emotional settling when I can close my eyes and sing along. The words slide deep down into my heart and bring healing.

The theme of the video is Thanksgiving, what could be more uplifting than that? I’ll share it at the end of this post.

The other cool thing that happened today was the experience of tackling a task I’ve been dreading. In the end it turned out to be a positive part of my day.

The challenge was to write a piece for reading and critique at our writer’s group this coming Saturday. The theme was to be Christmas memories. The trouble is, there are not many good memories coming out of my childhood. I couldn’t imagine how I could find enough material to write something with any sort of a positive vibe.

It turned out so much better than I could have imagined and I felt upbeat and grateful having such a good writing experience. After it has been critiqued I will share it with you all.

Here is the video I’m listening to as I write this. It features a wide variety of favorite and talented award winning artists.

Life is looking up and I’m grateful.

Now I’m going to grab supper while this video finishes.

A good evening to you all. I hope you are experiencing some bright spots as well.

Enjoyed, current, and possible next, November 28, 2021

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Enjoyed and current read are both in the same series.

Not Until Forever: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 1)

As she focuses on her career, Sophie doesn’t let herself think about what she gave up when she declined Spencer’s proposal five years ago. So when she’s called home to say goodbye to her dying grandmother, she goes out of her way to avoid seeing him. Of course, that means he’s the first person she runs into. Much as she fights against it, being near him stirs up old feelings and makes her question old decisions.

Leaving college to help on the family orchard cost Spencer the woman he loved. But he couldn’t turn his back on his family. Now that Sophie’s back in town, Spencer’s determined to protect his heart. Only he senses something new in Sophie—something that makes him think maybe they could have a second chance. But when his family needs him again, he feels like he’s repeating the past. Only this time, he’s not sure what choice he should make.

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Book one was a pleasurable read and I am looking forward to more enjoyment as I finish Book 5. Those in between these two have been previously read and enjoyed.

Not Until Christmas Morning: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 5)

Leah has always been a fixer. That’s why she decided to foster a troubled teen. And it’s why she’s determined to give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to her grinchy, reclusive neighbor Austin. But she’ll have to be careful that reaching out doesn’t turn into something more—she’s been hurt by crossing the line from friendship to romance once, and she’s not willing to let it happen again.

After losing his leg, his friend, and his faith in Afghanistan, Austin figures he’s about as broken as they come. Hope Springs is simply a stopping point—a place to rehabilitate his leg, get over the burden of his PTSD, and get back into shape to redeploy. He has no desire to get to know anyone while he’s here, least of all the meddlesome—if sweet—woman next door. But when she calls on him to help her make Christmas special for her foster son, something compels him to relent. Soon, his heart belongs to both of them.

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Under consideration for next in line, there are two.

Non fiction – Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition.

Fiction – The Bridge

C-PTSD this and that November 12, 2021

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The worst thing about an emotionally high day, is the low day that is sure to follow. After two in a row, it has me seriously considering sticking to emotionally mediocre days. This statement is truer than I like to admit.

Today was one of those low days and most of the day was past me before I tried to derail my negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier positive ones. The hardest thing about accomplishing this is the high level of self discipline required.

Cracking out a Christmas DVD seemed like a good distraction and it was helpful. It even gave me the push needed to prepare supper for myself.

On these down days it’s easy to neglect eating altogether. Not exacting the best way to keep my emotions on a even keel

What we eat, or don’t eat as the case may be, can have a huge impact on our emotional well being, but who feels like thinking about it some days.

Usually after a week or two or three of avoiding the grocery store I stock up on bananas and vegetables and then wonder why I feel so much better all of a sudden.

For a few days I plan to do better but after awhile I lose the will power to stop the vicious cycle.

Hope lives eternal though. I hope that one day things will change and these unhealthy days will be behind me.

I know I’m not alone in this dilemma, I’m hearing similar struggles expressed by others.

When others are having similar issues, I have to wonder what’s behind it (besides PTSD). Seasonal changes? Political struggles? (everyone seems to have them these days) Something else going on? We may never know.

This song is from the DVD I was watching earlier. It’s upbeat and cheerful, just what was needed today.

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I’m gong back to my book for awhile.

My current read is from earlier today and it’s not easy to put down.

Security Detail: Faith in the Face of Crime (Secret Service Agents Book 1)

Happy Reading y’all

Free book November 08, 2021 Part two

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion this morning.

The Boy Who Cried Christmas 

9-year-old Logan Ailshie, the only son of well-to-do parents, was used to getting his way, especially during the holidays. For him, Christmas wasn’t just about making a list but making sure it was long enough. He also had a reputation for embellishing the truth.

That is until a chance meeting with an angel on the streets of Manhattan ends with a journey back in time to the birthplace of Christianity. Eventually, he makes his way home with a story that could change all their lives. He only has one problem . . . no one will believe him.

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My current read is fun; feisty women with dry and satirical humor. I’m loving this book.

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

Miss Julia, a recently bereaved and newly wealthy widow, is only slightly bemused when one Hazel Marie Puckett appears at her door with a youngster in tow and unceremoniously announces that the child is the bastard son of Miss Julia’s late husband. Suddenly, this longtime church member and pillar of her small Southern community finds herself in the center of an unseemly scandal-and the guardian of a wan nine-year-old whose mere presence turns her life upside down.

With razor-sharp wit and perfect “Steel Magnolia” poise, Miss Julia speaks her mind indeed-about a robbery, a kidnapping, and the other disgraceful events precipitated by her husband’s death. Fast-paced and charming, with a sure sense of comic drama, a cast of crazy characters, and a strong Southern cadence, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind will delight readers from first page to last.

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Happy Reading!