Fiction

This and that October 16, 2021

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Zoom calls are the best. Any video call actually.

This is another one of those days where I need to just hang out awhile to make this post happen. New book suggestions have been non-existent today and there’s definitely been a shortage of enjoyed books read. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Despite that there have been bright spots though.

The sun was shining all day, that was appreciated after all the rain we’ve had lately. We are happy for the moisture as it is a good ending to a dry growing season. It will be helpful next year, to start the new season off with moisture sitting in the ground all winter.

A Colorado Low storm was predicted to come through last week, it often brings snow with it. Several winters ago, it dumped a huge pile, leaving us with no power for over a week in some places. Trees were brought down in very large numbers.

We were spared an early snow fall this year.

Another bright spot today was time spent, late morning/early afternoon, chatting with a fellow blogger. It’s a gift when such conversations line up just right for them to even happen.

From there I went outside to wash some windows, the ones I notice the most often, on sunny days. The water in our area leaves a white film on everything and it’s wonderful to have it gone. The day was perfect too, the direct sunshine made working outside on a cool day comfortable. Much longer and I would have had to take off my jacket.

I love the feeling of a job well done. Another chore no longer on the to-do list.

After a quick supper we were treated to the highlight of the day. Our monthly family Zoom call. I love seeing my kids and catching up on their lives.

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Now it’s time to relax with a book. I’ve just started a collection mentioned yesterday. I haven’t read far enough to know if it can carry the momentum of a strong start but hopefully. So far, I’m loving the first book.

Save the Date: A Limited-Time Christian Romance Collection

As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love. Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!

January Hope by Kari Trumbo – Clothing historian Cleo goes on the hunt for an 1880s fashion magazine wedding dress. Discovering it’s part of a museum collection, her biggest obstacle is handsome curator Lowel. Unfortunately, his no-touch policy just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.

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Until tomorrow,

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books October 15, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us, and they are not the only one promoting this limited time collection. Many others are as well and the reviews coming back are very positive.

Save the Date: A Limited-Time Christian Romance Collection

Here is a partial quote:

Weddings for every season and occasion. Adventures, mishaps, and dream destinations—this collection has it all!

As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love. Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!

January Hope by Kari Trumbo – Clothing historian Cleo goes on the hunt for an 1880s fashion magazine wedding dress. Discovering it’s part of a museum collection, her biggest obstacle is handsome curator Lowel. Unfortunately, his no-touch policy just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.

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A FREE suggestion from BookRunes.

Best Friends in the Show Me State (Cowboy Crossing Western Sweet Romance Book 1)

They’ve been best friends forever. When violent weather sparks an unexpected attraction, will they risk their friendship for a chance at a lifetime love?

Marlowe Glass happily accepts the responsibility of bringing up her orphaned niece. But the struggling stepmom reaches the end of her rope when a terrifying storm destroys her house. So she doesn’t hesitate to accept her best friend’s offer of temporary lodging.

Handsome farmer Clark Hudson longs to be free from his ex-wife’s manipulations. Although preparing to fight for custody of his son, he jumps at the chance to help out his best gal pal from way back in high school. But when their “forever-friends” bond turns complicated as they face their unexpected attraction, the upstanding man fears giving in to his heart might ruin a beautiful connection.

As Marlowe grapples with rebuilding or cutting her losses, she worries she’ll mess up the relationship she holds most dear.

And when Clark’s former spouse makes money-grubbing demands, the single father must risk it all to guarantee them both a loving future.

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I’m looking forward to Save the Date, there has been a heavy marketing campaign with the Best Sellers List as goal. I think they made it, but I’m not certain about that. It is going to be a substantial read. Twelve books in 1050 pages. Worth every penny of the $0.99. 🙂

I’m currently reading a book from yesterday. I’ve only just started so it’s too soon to tell but I think it should be good.

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

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books October 14, 2021 Part two

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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

One FREE book October 14, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. This book is unlike anything I’ve read in awhile, that’s for sure. Tension is high but it’s the era and setting making the difference.

SALVATION (THE SWORD AND THE CROSS CHRONICLES Book 1)

Expanded Edition!

She Only Wanted To Be Left Alone.With the death of her husband, independent Lady Breanna Durville is finally free of male control and happily waits the birth of her child…alone. But her late husband’s cousin, Lord de Beaufou has come to claim his rights to Durville Keep and to her hand in marriage.

If that is not enough to deal with, her brother has sent a peasant to watch over her. She has but one plan. Get rid of them both!

But He Swore To Never Leave Her Side. Tormented by his past, Royce Canwell leaves the unrest in the Holy Land and returns to England to fulfill an oath to a friend–go to Durville Keep and ensure all is well with man’s sister. But upon arrival Royce discovers Lady Breanna’s situation is more precarious than he expected.

Though he longs for a simple life in which to heal his wounded soul, he finds himself sacrificing his hopes, his dreams, and even his heart to give Lady Breanna the future she wants and deserves.

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Several interesting Romance showed up, they would be good in another post. Stay tuned if you enjoy something on a lighter side.

Happy Reading.

Free and bargain books October 13,2021 Part Two

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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?

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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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 books October 13, 2021

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Browsing found a few new books for us.

The Heartwood Sea: A Heartwood Sisters Novel (Carter’s Cove Beach Romance Book 1) 

She’s in her mid-30s and captains a fishing boat to provide the seafood her family-owned and operated inn needs. She’s also the pastry chef for the on-site restaurant, lonely, and not happy when her ex-boyfriend comes into town looking to buy the land where the inn sits.

Alissa Heartwood captains a fishing boat and is the pastry chef for her family owned and operated empire on an island off the coast of South Carolina. With summer looming, she feels destined to be on the fishing boat before dawn and chained to the kitchen in order to get the pastries out for all the customers coming to the island.

Shawn Newman is only going to be on his hometown island for a few weeks–just long enough to get the Heartwoods to sell their land. That’s what he tells himself anyway. He should’ve known that the sight of Lissa would bring up memories from two decades ago when they used to date.

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Hidden in Plain Sight: A Sweet Romantic Suspense (Forbidden Lake Romance Book 1) 

He’s a member of a prominent family in Forbidden Lake looking to finish his degree. She’s trying to make ends meet and stay out of the spotlight, which is pretty much impossible when someone starts a relationship with one of the Addlers…

Jonathan Addler doesn’t know why he wants to impress his father, but he does. And that means finally finishing his degree. He signs up for the introductory cooking class, thinking it will be a huge waste of time. Then he meets Cassandra Caldwell, and everything changes.

Cassie wants one thing: to keep her twin brothers safe. After her mother’s death, she took them in and relocated to Forbidden Lake, where she’s done whatever she could to keep them off the radar of their convict father.

She doesn’t want to risk her family and career, but the more time she spends with Jon, the more she wonders if he’s worth the risk. They agree to keep their budding romance under wraps, especially once Cassie gets notified that she’s up for a promotion at the college that would allow her to give up her second job.

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There are a couple more and they need a separate post.

See you soon in part two.

Happy Reading!

This and that October 11, 2021

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This turned out better than I thought it would.

I’m writing to satisfy the need for a blog post, not because I feel like it or have anything appropriate to say at this moment. There are many things on my mind, all of them too heavy to be talked about today. If they are still there in a few days, we’ll see if they are still worth exploring further.

Today is a pretty day, filled with blue skies and sunshine streaming in the windows. It’s cooler outside than it has been so I won’t go out but the sunshine still cheers me even without touching my skin.

It is also a recovery day for this introvert. Recharging my emotional batteries after a wonderful day spent with family yesterday. The pretty day is a huge part of that recovery. The silence is healing too.

I usually check and listen to a fair number of followed podcasts each day but not today. I’ve looked through the notifications and watched a few but for the most part nothing really all that new is being talked about so it a perfect time to take a media break.

I did check the usual book suggestion emails as well but abandoned that when finding nothing interesting enough to mention. I thought about browsing for book ideas but…

Maybe tomorrow.

It is Thanksgiving weekend and I’m still grateful for the many blessings in my life. The biggest blessing today is the chance to get to know two of my grandsons in a way I’ve never had before, not with them living continents away from us. They seem to be glad for the chance to get to know me/us as well and that makes it even better.

Already my thoughts are turning to Christmas. It’s never too early to get started on shopping. With five teenage boys to think about this year I’ve enlisted the help of my daughter. I have to take advantage of every available resource to find likeable gifts. Lucky for me, she is into early shopping, and she knows what teenage boys are happy to wear these days.

While I’m recharging my emotional batteries I’m entertaining myself with reading, in between bouts of computer games.

My current read is a Regency Romance. To say the main character is prickly would be an understatement, but she is out of sorts with good reason. I’m 1/4 of the way through and enjoying the experience so far.

Dalton’s Challenge: A Regency Romance (The Harcourts Book 2) 

Having spent half her life in her younger brother’s shadow, Miss Winifred Thirley has tried so hard to be perfect in order to win back her parents’ love. Unfortunately for Winnie, her attempts at perfection have practically turned her to stone. Is it so wrong for Winnie to value responsibility, decorum, and a serious approach to life? According to the foolish and carefree Mr. Harcourt, it is.

In a cruel twist of fate, Winnie’s family is invited to spend the summer at Attwood Manor—Mr. Harcourt’s home. How will Winnie survive an entire summer living under the same roof as the gentleman she’s sworn to hate forever?

Mr. Dalton Harcourt will become a baron one day. Until then, he plans on having fun and living life to the fullest. That’s easier said than done when Miss Thirley glares daggers at him every time they cross paths. She’s hated him for the past two years after a very brief and disastrous courtship. 

At least Dalton doesn’t have to deal with her outside of London…until his mother invites the Thirley family to spend the summer with them in the country.

Will Winnie be able to forgive and see a brighter side to life in the process?

Can Dalton overcome his fears in order to face life’s challenges head on?

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Happy Reading on this beautiful day!

One bargain book October 09, 2021

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion I’m excited to read. I’m not always a big fan of historical fiction but this one caught my interest as I read the first chapter. I predict this will not be a boring read.

The Queen’s Handmaid

A jealous Egyptian queen.
A lascivious Galilean governor.
How can one servant girl possibly make a difference?

An orphan since birth, Lydia lives in the palace at the demand of Cleopatra and her royal child, the son of Julius Caesar.

But Lydia’s beauty is becoming a liability to the aging queen, and the visiting Herod’s undisguised interest in Lydia only makes matters worse.

When Lydia’s mentor is murdered, the handmaid inherits a daunting task. An ancient set of sealed scrolls, the secret writings of the prophet Daniel, must be returned to Jerusalem–before those who killed her mentor destroy the scrolls as well.

Lydia joins Herod the Great’s retinue and soon becomes absorbed in the machinations of his Jerusalem palace.

But dark forces, older than Jerusalem itself, are at work.

And Lydia has no idea of the true nature of her destiny.

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Check this out, you may like it as much as I do. At least as much as I expect to like it. I’ve only read one book with this author back in 2015, or so Amazon tells me, and this will be an adventure. So far so good though.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books October 07, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has several interesting suggestions for us.

By All Appearances by Dawn Kinzer

An attractive special events planner is determined to keep her distance.

A disfigured musician struggles to guard his heart.

By all appearances, both are destined to fail.

Liana Tate, a special events planner grew up in a high-profile family. No matter what she does, Liana feels she never measures up.

Bryan Langley, a talented musician, was close to signing a recording contract when a barn fire left part of his face severely burned. He survived, but his career did not.

When Liana’s father hires Bryan as a caretaker on the family estate outside of Seattle, Liana’s and Bryan’s lives become entangled. He risks public humiliation for Liana’s success, and she encourages him to use his musical gifts, despite his reluctance. Thrown together, will they achieve their elusive dreams? And will the two find the love and acceptance they yearn for, or will their actions only drive each other away?

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Dalton’s Challenge: A Regency Romance (The Harcourts Book 2)

Having spent half her life in her younger brother’s shadow, Miss Winifred Thirley has tried so hard to be perfect in order to win back her parents’ love. Unfortunately for Winnie, her attempts at perfection have practically turned her to stone. Is it so wrong for Winnie to value responsibility, decorum, and a serious approach to life?

According to the foolish and carefree Mr. Harcourt, it is.
In a cruel twist of fate, Winnie’s family is invited to spend the summer at Attwood Manor—Mr. Harcourt’s home. How will Winnie survive an entire summer living under the same roof as the gentleman she’s sworn to hate forever?

We could use a good laugh. October 07, 2021

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BookBub wants to help us out with that. They have a FREE suggestion that promises laughter and there is a good chance this book could deliver on that promise.

Ready to Fumble: a laugh-out-loud romantic mystery (The Worst Detective Ever Book 1)

**Now in development for a TV series!***

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All Star, Christy Barritt, brings readers a fun new series that will have fans trying to solve a mystery and laughing out loud.

I’m not really a private detective. I just play one on TV.

Joey Darling, better known to the world as Raven Remington, detective extraordinaire, is trying to separate herself from her invincible alter ego. She played the spunky character for five years on the hit TV show Relentless, which catapulted her to fame and into the role of Hollywood’s sweetheart.

When her marriage falls apart, her finances dwindle to nothing, and her father disappears, Joey finds herself on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, trying to piece her life back together away from the limelight. A woman finds Raven—er, Joey—and insists on hiring her fictional counterpart to find a missing boyfriend. When someone begins staging crime scenes to match an episode of Relentless, Joey has no choice but to get involved.

Joey’s bumbling sleuthing abilities have her butting heads with Detective Jackson Sullivan and kindling sparks with thrill-seeking neighbor Zane Oakley. Can Joey channel her inner Raven and unearth whodunit before she ends up totally done in? And where is her father anyway? Can she handle fame, or is disappearing into obscurity the wiser option?

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Happy Reading!