Cheeky boys Nov 06, 2021

November 6, 2021 / For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

Everything I post must be dated; how else will I remember where it belongs in the grand scheme of things whenever it gets a fresh like. Just sayin’

So, back to my cheeky boys.

I was relaxing with my game, watching a music video, and my gaze landed on my treasured Merry Christmas blocks.

There’s not too much I can say because everyone takes a turn at it. Even me sometimes, it’s fun.

I have to admit, these guys have quite the imagination. This is the cheekiest one yet. It is now the proud gold medal holder.

This all happened while I wasn’t looking last time they were here.

Their mom was watching though, and I can’t be sure but I think she enacted her power-of-mother veto on whatever wild and hilarious phrase they came up before they settled on this one.

I’m pretty sure I need to be saying thank-you.

Boys will be boys.

I’m still wanting to know what they had that was so funny before this one.

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Oh well,

It’s 10:25 PM. Do you think it’s too late for pie and ice cream?

Me neither.

Pie and my book, what could be better.

I’ll sit and eat my pie where I can look at my Merry Christmas blocks and dream about something wittier.

I think their gold medal is pretty safe at the moment.

Maybe I’ll just eat and read.

Free and bargain books November 02, 2021

November 2, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has several suggestions for us.

Mysteries, all.

Starving Hearts (Triangular Trade Trilogy Book 1)

“Not only is this a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind.” ~ Amazon review

“The author did a great job, maybe too great a job, describing the slave scenes. Spine tingling and suspenseful. I was biting my nails throughout much of this book.” ~ Amazon review

Plagued by nightmares, Annette yearns to find her anonymous rescuer — the man who saved her life from a near deadly assault. Deep inside she is starving for companionship and a mutually respectful relationship.

When Mr. Peter Adsley, an abolitionist pastor dealing with his own emotional baggage, agrees to a clandestine meeting, the event appears providential. But self-doubt, deception, and the schemes of a mutual enemy threaten to keep the pair apart. A phantom adversary will stop at nothing to win Annette’s dowry for himself, even if it means killing Peter.

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Hush (Amelia Island Suspense Book 1)

Lacey Campbell dreams murders before they happen.

The night she dreams of a man strangling a young woman while crooning the lullaby “Hush, Little Baby,” she tries to convince herself it doesn’t mean anything. The next day she’s horrified to learn her dream was reality. Then she dreams the second murder….

Detective Ford Jamison is called in to help the local police, and he soon has a working theory about the murders. His belief that the killer is using the lullaby as a “blueprint” to target women who resemble Lacey, doesn’t slow the killings. Lacey is now afraid to fall asleep at night because the next face she sees in her dream might be her own.

As a hurricane churns ever closer to the little coastal town, danger and suspicion spins out of control. Time is running out. Can they stop the killer before the last verse of the lullaby?

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I’m betwixt books again and I think I’m going to check out a Christmas story for my next read. Another mystery.

Caitlyn’s Christmas: A Christian Romantic Suspense (Smoky Mountain Secrets Book 7)

When an injured cat runs across the road, Caitlyn doesn’t hesitate to rescue the feline. But she isn’t prepared to witness a brutal murder. She slips away, only to lock eyes with the murderer, recognizing him as someone she’d seen earlier. Now the killer knows who she is, too. Caitlyn calls her cop friend Devon Rainer for advice, humbled when he agrees to protect her.

Devon is concerned about Caitlyn’s safety, especially after they return to the scene of the crime to find the dead woman gone without a trace. The escalating attacks against Caitlyn, prove the killer intends to silence anyone who can identify him. Devon’s priority is to keep Caitlyn safe, while finding the killer. Will they survive long enough to celebrate Christmas and their newfound love?

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Happy Reading!

On my mind today November 01, 2021

November 1, 2021 / For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

It was a good decision!

A year ago when I put up my Christmas tree I had no thoughts of keeping it up long term. After a few months I thought why not?

Who would have ever guessed the year would fly by so fast that here we are again. Time to put up the tree. What, you disagree? My neighbors are all doing it, I’m in good company. And it has taken no effort at all. I love it.

My one concession to ending the season was the lights. I haven’t turned them on since about February.

I’m pleased I don’t have to go to all that trouble this year.

The added bonus was the privacy screen it provided. I can sit at the table and read as long as I wish and the neighbors are none the wiser.

At least I don’t think they can still tell I’m there.

Oh well, at least I can’t still see them

That reminds me of my eldest son when he was about two.

He figured if he put his hand over his eyes as he walked out of his room that we wouldn’t be able to see him. So Cute!

I wish I had a picture of that!

He’s pretty smart, it didn’t take him long to figure it out.

These ornaments could even be mine.

Did I mention there are still Christmas decorations in almost every room?

Yup!

Understated, of course.

Bargain books October 27, 2021

October 27, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has several suggestions for us.

Don’t Leave Me: A sweet, faith-filled second chances romance at Christmas

Can two people with wounded souls and secrets in their past find love during the most wonderful time of the year?

A DNA match leads Lara Margulis to a small coastal town in search of her father weeks before Christmas. She surprises herself by buying a beach house in need of repairs that reminds her of her childhood home. As an elite fitness trainer, she travels to her clients’ locations and never stays in one place for long. Can her handsome neighbor finally bring home to her heart?

After a tragic loss, Jason Carrington became a hermit. But when his lovely new neighbor needs his help with repairs, he finds himself spending a lot of time with her and gradually falling for her. However, she doesn’t intend to stay—or open herself for love. Will the truth behind her secret bring them closer—or tear them apart?

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A Christmas by the Sea: A Christmas Novella

When Wendy Harper inherits her family’s beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in–temporarily, she reminds him–in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming.

The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

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I haven’t done much reading today. I’ve been busy responding to a rather deep conversation that has spanned most of the day, off and on.

It has been rather nice, the novelty of someone to talk to.

Maybe reading will happen tomorrow.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading!

Current read October 26, 2021

October 26, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Not much to share in the way of new books today. Well, it’s closer to nothing to share, to be honest.

There were a few suggestions but they were all recent acquisitions so no need to share them here again.

There was one completed read but I flipped through it to the end and only gave it three stars. It was not worth mentioning, in my mind anyway.

Finally, there is a book worth mentioning. It is a three book collection, I’m on book 1 and quite enjoying it.

A Taking Chances Christmas

Dreaming of More

One girl, one problem, and two possible solutions.

An orphan herself, all Norah Monroe wants to do is adopt three kids from the Stanthorpe Children’s Home, giving them the home she never had.

Head of the adoption board, Octavia Stanthorpe, driven by her own self-importance and prejudice, is determined to rid the town of riffraff like those Monroes. Her solution? To dust off an outdated and long forgotten rule stating all adopters must be married…and Norah is not married.

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It looks like I’m going to have to read all three books to find out who got the girl.

It’s only the end of October and already we have been having heavy frost. Winter seems to be arriving early this year. It will soon be time to break out the long-johns.

I don’t mind, I like being warm.

Happy reading, and stay warm.

Unless you are in Florida or south of the equator, in which case we would have to say, stay cool.

Free and bargain books October 25, 2021

October 25, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us, This is an author new to me and when I checked out her other books I found a second one free. I figured why not so we’ll go for both of them.

Way of the Raven

Two Converging Paths…NYC editor David Wappelhorst has everything going for him except what he’s wanted in life. Concerned he’s waited too long to pursue his dream of writing a bestseller, he ditches his prestigious career and relocates to his hometown.

After witnessing a murder and given a new identity, Megan Summers finds herself in a Podunk Pennsylvanian town far away from family. Stunned with grief, she wonders if it’s possible to rebuild her life. A nearby abandoned brick house with a grim history lends more unease to her situation. Has she escaped one deadly past to live in the shadow of another?

David is intrigued by crossing Megan’s path. Why does she seem familiar? And by meeting her has his desire turned tragically unattainable?

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Rafe’s Cafe

Rafé always thinks of fall in a strange, sweet way. That’s when he met Patty.

With a flair for retro style and a feisty pet ferret, Rafé Sinclair is not the ordinary pizza chef of the 1990s. Although he enjoys hard work, nothing in his life has ever gone right. The dream of having his own café has vanished, and love has passed him by. When a friend sets up a blind date, he’s not sure what to expect. Is his life finally taking a turn for the best?

Running from a painful past, cute Goth Patty Blackford is matched to an unlikely suitor. Possibly he will be entertainment for several months or more. She will win his love with the intent of breaking his heart. Then she can fully receive the compensation the male gender owes her and rebuild her life.

Everything is looking up for Rafé and Patty. What could possibly go wrong?

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1531 Entertainment has several collections we might like.

A Taking Chances Christmas

Synopsis for the first book.

One girl, one problem, and two possible solutions.

An orphan herself, all Norah Monroe wants to do is adopt three kids from the Stanthorpe Children’s Home, giving them the home she never had.

Therefore… “Application denied.”

Enter Thad Davis, the town doctor, and Clay Barrett, a local rancher. One offers a marriage of convenience and a guaranteed solution to the adoption issue. The other offers the chance to fall in love with no guarantees at all. Supported by her brother, Norah needs to figure out what she’s going to do now.

If that wasn’t tricky enough, it’s early December and she has until the new year to do it. Will she run out and do something stupid or will she trust in the LORD forever?

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Faith & Family Christmas Collection (20 Book Box Set)

Take courage this Christmas and join these brave women as they leave behind all they know for a new life out west.

In these delightful stories, the magic and hope of Christmas are never far away. Love will always find a way to melt even the coldest of hearts.

This collection of clean festive stories reminds us that there is nothing more important than family and faith at Christmas.

The box set contains these stories:

Finding Christmas
The Christmas Journey
Christmas Memories
Finding Faith at Christmas
Christmas Secrets
Her Christmas Joy
Christmas Miracles
The Christmas Bride
The Christmas Delivery
A Christmas Hope
The Christmas Gift
The Bride’s Christmas Blessing
The Two Christmas Gifts
The Christmas Choice
The Christmas Grieving
Finding A Family at Christmas
A Christmas Story of Two Sisters
Kitty’s First Christmas
A Cowboy’s Christmas Carol
The Christmas Heart

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Hopefully there will be something here you like.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books October 14, 2021 Part two

October 14, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have several bargain books, on the lighter side this time.

Healing the Hero (The Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 3)

A dream job. A dreamier boss.

Ashley Castle jumps at a chance to show off her skills as head chef when she lands the job at Liberty Grille in the Freedom Ridge Resort. Before long, she develops a full-blown crush on her boss but ignores her growing feelings. Nothing can happen as long as his nightmare ex-girlfriend remains in the picture, so she keeps her focus on work.

Restaurant Manager, Daniel Winchester hires Ashley and can’t help but be drawn to the new hire. If it weren’t for her faith in a God he stopped trusting while serving in Iraq, he could fall for her. He can’t let that happen, though.

When Ashley overhears a sinister plot, she’s torn between revealing it, which will mean risking her job if Daniel doesn’t believe her, and keeping it to herself. Daniel has a chance to overcome his demons, but will he take the risk and discover love in the process or bury the betrayal beneath his wit and charm once again?

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

Healing the Hero is the third book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, but each of the books can be read as standalones.

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Callum’s Compass: Journey to Love (Love, Hope, and Faith Book 1)

Kat Williams’s brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

Ryan Jenkins’s fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past, then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her … without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels … and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

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The Right Resolution: A Sweet New Year’s Eve Story of Faith, Love, and Small-Town Holidays (Holiday Hearts Romance Book 1)

SHE NEEDS THIS YEAR TO BE DIFFERENT…BUT THERE’S ONE RESOLUTION SHE DIDN’T PLAN ON MAKING

When the clock strikes midnight at her beachside cottage on New Year’s Eve, Eve Larson plans a fresh start following a year of heartbreaking disappointments. But when an enemy from her past tracks her down, will he stand in the way of rebuilding her dreams?

Add in a treasured royal heirloom, New Year’s resolutions, and sweet kisses on moonlit beaches, and you have the start of one unforgettable year.

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Heartland Joy (A Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance Book 1)

Shawn Barclay didn’t plan to stay in Iowa long. He’d only left his family and the close-knit community of Mistletoe, Arkansas as a favor to his parents. They’d asked him to help the daughter of a friend who was in an accident.

After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.

Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.

Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.

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Well, it looks like 2 turned into 4 when I couldn’t find the will to say no. It’s a good day when books are that easy to find. I am hoping they will all be wonderful.

This should keep us busy for a few days.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books October 13,2021 Part Two

October 13, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This author is one we’ve seen a number of times. It’s been enjoyable.

Caitlyn’s Christmas: A Christian Romantic Suspense (Smoky Mountain Secrets Book 7)

Will she survive to celebrate Christmas?

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This author is new to me. I did read a few pages but not enough to have much of an idea about what it’s like. It will be an adventure to discover this author and see who she is.

Tea for Three: A heartwarming story about life, love, and true friendship (A Mulberry Lane Novel Book 1)

Three women. Three cups of tea. Three new beginnings.
Sarah Gardner’s husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.

Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.

Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren–may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.

Three exceptional women–each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces–come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship.

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Currently I’m reading a Christmas collection. I was fortunate enough to read last years edition and enjoyed it so much I’m doing it again this year. The stories are short and I’m about to start # 3. It’s been a wonderful experience so far. Life is real and relatable with the characters in these stories

The Heart of Christmas: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology III

“At Christmas, we always…” And thus a tradition is born. The rituals stay the same, but if betrayal, illness, unfaithfulness, or tragedy strike, can cherished traditions survive?

When unexpected twists throw life out of kilter for the people in these stories, will beloved, time-honored customs lead them back to the heart of Christmas?

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Happy Reading!

Free and Bargain Books September 27, 2021

September 27, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Author Chautona Havig shared several interesting collections on her Facebook page.

The first one is a FREE.

This omnibus edition includes the first THREE books of the beloved Urban Farm Fresh Romance series and is over 500 pages of tears, laughter, and happily-ever-afters!

SECRETS OF SUNBEAMS (Book 1)
Eden Andrusek knows she should have fixed her fence last week. It’s too bad her runaway goat makes a less-than-ideal first impression on her new neighbor, who turns out to be cute, brilliant… and a little uptight.

Solar architect Jacob Riehl is furious when he returns outside to find a goat eating his presentation. As someone who likes everything in its place, he has little sympathy for a farm animal in the city or its tattooed owner, but there’s something about the lovely Eden that captures his attention.

BUTTERFLIES ON BREEZES (Book 2)
Working for her dad’s landscaping business stifles Linnea Ranta. When she’s invited to design and build a community garden with an intriguing master carpenter, she seizes the chance to unfurl her wings, but at what expense to her heart?

Logan Dermott eases back his flirting when he senses Linnea’s fragility, but she has more backbone than he suspected. As they work together, Logan finds he’s falling for her, but it may be too late to win her love.

MEMORIES OF MIST (Book 3)
Single mom Adriana Diaz isn’t about to let the new teacher derail the PTA’s hard work in securing a greenhouse and garden area for Bridgeview Elementary School, but taking matters into her own hands turns awkward when she realizes her attraction to the teacher.

Pro-level conflict-avoider Myles Sheridan finds himself against an entire community with his reluctance to incorporate gardening into his classes. The only thing that could make his situation worse is falling in love with the ringleader, whose child is his most difficult student and whose husband had died a hero.

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The next collection is a bargain pre-order, it will be released the middle of October.

Home for Christmas: The Christmas Lights

★ The Christmas Lights Collection is back, and this year’s collection is better than ever! ★

Full of love, joy, and hope, this year’s collection offers the celebration of freedom, sacrifice, and the greatest Gift ever given.

These novellas feature two veterans and two active servicemen and their stories.

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Happy Reading

Read and enjoyed September 27,2021

September 27, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Five awesome reads, held back from instant removal so I could share them with you.

A Wish for Christmas had some cool twists to it. A beautiful old family Inn, in danger of being sold for a defaulted mortgage. A unproven legend of hidden treasure and a deranged crook trying to force the owner to marry him for access to imagined wealth. A mix up, unexpectedly has a wealthy family with handsome single sons spending Christmas with Mila and her grandmother. Will they be an answer to Mila and Nora’s desperate prayers?

Written in Ink is full of angst as Renee ends a very long courtship, leaving Cash reeling with shock. He would give his life for her, he loves her that much. With no idea why she’s walked away from him, it’s impossible to fight for their relationship. When he gathers himself together enough to confront her, she blurts out the reason and his heart is completely broken. Determined to stick to her decision they both know it means the absolute end of them, ever. How can he live with that?

The next three were greatly enjoyed and may have been mentioned earlier. At any rate, they are definitely worth seeing again. I would read any of them a second time, gladly.

Some of these are still available as bargains, I think.

Happy Reading…

…on this warm sunshiny day.