Fiction

Free books September 21, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This FREE suggestion is from BookRunes

The Wedding Bond : Sacred Bond South: Book One

Amazon quote:

When café owner Kaylee Kinney vows to marry within a year, she’s picturing a nice, peaceful life with a nice, peaceful husband. Enter Phelan O’Donnell: army ranger, bad boy, and Kaylee’s high school ex. What Kaylee doesn’t know, when she enters into a “practice” relationship with Phelan, is that he’s harboring a secret that could rip her family apart. Their chemistry is explosive and their values are finally in sync. Their trial run just might turn into an actual marriage. But can they withstand a shocking revelation about their own history without breaking each others’ hearts?

*****************

LPC Books has a few FREE suggestions too.

I’ve read this first one. I enjoy Gansky.

Who Is Harrison Sawyer? 

Amazon quote:

His son … a stranger … now dead.

Desperate to rediscover his estranged son, Marshall Sawyer agrees to finish the autobiography Harrison began before his untimely death. But the passages described in the book do not match the life Marshall remembers with his son. Together with his daughter-in-law and a professional football player friend, Marshall embarks on a journey to find out the truth. What happened to the boy in the missing years after Harrison ran away at age fifteen and his marriage years later? As he begins to investigate, he soon discovers a dangerous plot—one that puts his life in danger, and the future of America at risk.

*****************

This next one is a short read.

Everlasting Light 

Amazon quote:

The American Civil War has ended, but Alaina McKenna still awaits news about her husband, Braeden. Did he die in a Yankee prison? Was he buried in a shallow grave on a Virginia battlefield? Or has he turned his back on the specter of death and loss around him and sought solitude west of the Mississippi River, never to return home, again?

As Christmas nears, Alaina deflects the advances of a suitor in the neighboring county, choosing to cling instead to hope and her belief that Braeden will return. As winter’s chill settles upon her farm, Alaina cries out to God in one final Christmas Prayer.

****************

Romance Box Set: Secrets in Savannah: Hearts in Georgia Romance Collection

I’ve read all of these too.

Amazon quote:

The Caretaker’s Son

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

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

Lessons in Love

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

Seeking Mr. Perfect

Lizzie Marshall is giving up on dating. Then Mr. Perfect walks into her life. Her mystery man is the one she’s been waiting for—except that he’s dressed as a clergyman! Outspoken Lizzie wouldn’t make a good pastor’s wife, so it’s for the best that she’s no longer looking for a husband.

When Lizzie mistakes him for a clergyman, Zach Grant plays along, if only to get close to the sweet beauty who has sworn off men. Though Zach has business reasons for wanting to know her better, soon his feelings for Lizzie become all too personal. But will his deception keep her from giving love one last chance?

******************

My current read is The Wedding Bond : Sacred Bond South: Book One, top of the page. I downloaded it last night and needed a change of pace for a moment.

Happy Reading!

Free books September 19, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Our reading selections have been on the heavy side lately. Nothing wrong with that. I prefer deep truth be told. Comic relief is needed every now and then, though. Chautona Havig is an author able to provide fun and quirky. Her latest freebie looks to be just that, comic relief.

This suggestion showed up on BookRunes

Blessing Bentley (Marriages of Conviction Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Bentley Girard’s about to propose… to a guy she doesn’t even love.

Not THAT way anyway.

After studying everything the Bible has to say about marriage, she’s decided she wants in. Now. So who’s going to take her up on that offer?

And just why did no one remind her that those vows include that little word, “love?”

Oops!

With her Bible in her hip pocket and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley navigates this new world of marriage with grace and… oh, who is she kidding? She flounders until she gets a sure footing and hangs on tight.

******************

I have to tell you. The trouble with my current read is I can’t hop, skip, and jump through the chapters just to get done. It’s a long book, and I have to read every page not to miss important details.

OK, so I don’t really wish every book could be quickly skipped through. I love must-read-every-page-not-to-miss-anything books. They are always worth the time it takes.

From Across the Ancient Waters: Wales (The Green Hills of Snowdonia Book 1)

Amazon quote:

After being sent to his uncle’s estate, young Percy Drummond has no intention of letting the country atmosphere soften his rebellious ways. Then he meets a village girl, Gwyneth Barrie, and her friendship changes his life.

When Percy later returns, his intriguing friend has grown into a young woman. But by this time, Percy has caught the eye of his beautiful cousin Florilyn…who has also become Gwyneth’s friend. What will result of their threefold friendship? And what repercussions will his uncle’s surprising request have for them all?

********************

This book is still at bargain prices if you’d like it.

********************

That’s it for the moment. I’ll post again if more shows up later.

Happy Reading!

Free and Bargain books September 17, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This post has turned into an introduction to Michael Phillips, well known, eclectic, prolific author. I will admit – I’ve read and enjoyed Michael Phillips for years, decades. His stories do not qualify as light reading. But they are interesting and captivating to those who enjoy deeper subjects.

It all started with this morning’s FREE BookBub daily suggestion. I’ve read the author’s note and the first few pages and I’m hooked on this one. I don’t recall reading anything of his similar to this one so this will be a new experience for me.

Destiny Junction: Behind Every Door is a Life, and Behind Every Life is a Destiny 

Amazon quote:

Destiny Junction is a small town, not unlike any other small town in America. As its name implies, however, it becomes the place where many people’s lives meet destiny.


Through one young lady’s obedient Christian life and the work of the Holy Spirit subsequent to her murder, the lives of many people in the town of Destiny Junction are transformed.

This is their story…a story about life…and what it means…or what it ought to mean.

******************

Then the – Customers who bought this item also bought – string was the beginning of the abundance coming next. Most everything from this point on is at the bargain price of $0.99 each.

First is the three book historical series American Dreams. All three of these books follow the same family as they live through the American Civil War with the freeing of slaves in the southern states. This story is not for the faint of heart. The series needs to be read in sequence to get the full story but you could pick and choose and it would still be OK.

Dream of Freedom, Dream of Life, Dream of Love

Amazon quote:

Best-selling author Michael Phillips transports readers to the South, as the seeds of Civil War are sown—and those against slavery take a stand.

In the antebellum South, Richmond and Carolyn Davidson live lives of ease as wealthy plantation owners. But even though their prosperity and livelihood depend on slave ownership, their Christian consciences speak against the practice.

When the Davidsons decide to follow their own moral conviction and God’s will by freeing their slaves, they face consequences they never could have anticipated. Risking their lives as an important link in the Underground Railroad, helping runaway slaves escape to the northern states, the Davidsons must rely on their wits—and God’s protection—to stay alive.

*******************

Next is the Secret of the Rose series set in Russia. Over the course of four books it follows the life of a single family from the 1930s pre-war Prussia to escaping divided, Berlin Wall, Germany, to America post cold war with Russia, Another story not for the faint of heart.

The Eleventh Hour, A Rose Remembered,  Escape to Freedom, Dawn of Liberty

Amazon quote:

In 1930s pre-war Prussia, Baron von Dortmann lives an idyllic life with his daughter Sabina. A devoted gardener and father, the Baron teaches his daughter powerful lessons about life, creation, and Gods love during treasured walks in the estate’s beautiful gardens.

But Sabina is growing up, and the Baron’s beloved Prussia is changing. Now a beautiful young woman, Sabina has caught the eye of a handsome young American, Matthew.

Meanwhile, a cloud is gathering on the horizon as the Nazis seize power in neighboring Germany. As he strives to protect his family and follow his own moral compass, Baron von Dortmann will face heart-wrenching decisions, with only Gods guidance to light the way.

******************

Next is the two book series The Green Hills of Snowdonia  set in Wales. This one also needs to be read in order. Judging by the reviews it will be an emotional experience

From Across the Ancient Waters, The Treasure of the Celtic Triangle

Amazon quote:

After being sent to his uncle’s estate, young Percy Drummond has no intention of letting the country atmosphere soften his rebellious ways. Then he meets a village girl, Gwyneth Barrie, and her friendship changes his life.

When Percy later returns, his intriguing friend has grown into a young woman. But by this time, Percy has caught the eye of his beautiful cousin Florilyn…who has also become Gwyneth’s friend. What will result of their threefold friendship? And what repercussions will his uncle’s surprising request have for them all?

******************

I’ve read many American Civil War stories over the years and since I don’t have a hope of reading all ten of today’s more than full length novels I’m gong to pass on the American Dreams series.

I have also read series by other authors, and maybe even this one too, set in Russia during the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, but not nearly as many as I have of American Civil War stories. There probably isn’t much hope of me making it through all four of these 600 – 700 page books either but …. I hate to break up the set when I have a good chance to get it all. I’m sitting here thinking I may have read this Secret of the Rose series before. If that’s true I’ll be finished sooner than expected. Good deal.

I’ve not read The Green Hills of Snowdonia series and it does look interesting.

I’m going home with seven new lengthy not-light-reading books. (smile)

*******************

Happy Reading!

… on this brain foggy Thursday that feels like Friday. I’m hoping today’s rambling made sense.

Bargain books September 16, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This afternoon while checking to see if I’d purchased a recently published Charles Martin book (one of my favorite authors) I stumbled across another book and decided I must read it. I’m drawn to fresh story ideas that promise interest and intrigue. This is not one of the many run-of-the-mill stories we often see.

It will also an introduction to a new-to-me author. I’m excited to read this next.

It’s at a bargain price too.

Promised Land (A Chosen People Novel Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Bestselling author Robert Whitlow explores the meaning of family and home—and how faith forms the identity of both—in this breathtaking sequel to Chosen People.

Despite their Israeli citizenship, Hana and Daud cannot safely return to their homeland because a dangerous terrorist ring is threatening Daud. Hana is perfectly fine remaining in the United States, working for a law firm in Atlanta, especially when she learns she’s pregnant. But Daud can’t shake the draw to return home to Israel, even if it makes him a walking target.

Hana is helping her boss plan a huge summit in Atlanta when Jakob Brodsky, her old friend and former co-litigator, asks for her help with a case. His client is attempting to recover ancient artifacts stolen from his Jewish great-grandfather at the end of World War II. Because the case crosses several national borders, he needs Hana’s knowledge and skill to get to the bottom of what happened to these precious artifacts.

Meanwhile, Daud is called in to help a US intelligence agency extract a Ukrainian doctor from a dangerous situation in Egypt. While overseas, he can’t resist the call of Jerusalem and thus sets off a series of events that puts thousands of people in danger, including his wife and unborn child.

*****************

My current read is not as deep and thrilling as this new book will be but it does have a fresh slant on an old story, so far anyway. I’m a third of the way through and enjoying the experience. It’s still a bargain price.

Mail Order Bride: Montana Brides and Babies

An unexpected baby can build a strong relationship. Or tear one down. Three women will soon find out if they are destined for true love or heartbreak.

A sweet western romance from #1 Bestselling author Emily Woods

Three courageous women risk everything to find love on the Western Frontier. They get more than they bargained for when babies are unexpectedly thrown into the mix. Will they have enough love for a new baby and a new husband?

*********************

Happy Reading!

Read & Enjoyed Middle of September edition

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A few books will always rise to the top and become a special favorite. This is one of them for me. The experience will not be soon forgotten.

Once Upon a Christmas: Inspirational Romance (The Christmas Card Series Book 3)

Amazon quote:

If I only see you once…

When her flight home is canceled a few days before Christmas, Moe Scott spontaneously agrees to spend a few hours sight-seeing with a fellow passenger. At the time, she doesn’t know the moments with James will change her life, nor does she know that before her plane takes off the next morning, she will turn around to find James gone.

With no way to contact him, Moe returns home only to lose everything before the new year dawns. Completely alone, jobless, and faced with the news that she is going blind, Moe remembers her time with James and clings to the idea of embracing the moments of vision she has left.

When opportunities for love and friendship come in the most unexpected places, Moe faces the choice of whether to continue to wait for the man who changed her life.

Will Moe and James ever find each other again? Can she learn to appreciate the beauty in each moment God provides and inspire those beyond her own darkness, even if she never sees again?

A once upon a Christmas inspires her story. Her ever after changes the world.

*****************

This next one was memorable as a fun read.

The Silent Governess

Amazon quote:

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.

Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley’s secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

*****************

*****************

My current read is still FREE

Seaside Surprises (The Hunters Book 1)

When Tiffany Saunders winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her past and keep moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.

Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business on his own. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.

Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rearview mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever.

Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. She needs to rely on Jake, but sharing the truth could put him in danger too.

*****************

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books September 14, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have a few interesting choices this time.

1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall 

Amazon quote:

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt–and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an “invisible” servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

*****************

LPC Books has a few FREE suggestions for us

*********

Deception: Missing … Presumed Dead (When Darkness Falls Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Their parents paid the ransom — the kidnappers released one child.

Haunted by her sister’s desperate cries, Tess Howard spent twenty-four years searching for Rhona. Now, reunited at last, the sisters unearth a mystery that could cost them their lives . . . and the life of the one man who knows their dark secret.

*****************

Out of all of today’s treasures, Deception is the only one I’ve read. A good day indeed.

*****************

The Ticket

Amazon quote:

Tray Dunaway, an ordinary teenager from a poor Southern family, longs to become part of the popular clique at school. Her mother, Evelyn, lies in bed most days with her bipolar tendency toward extreme highs or desperate lows. Meanwhile, Tray’s grandmother Ginny, still grieving over the loss of her husband, would love to move out and find a place of her own. Maybe even a bit of romance to replace the loss she feels. But given the sorry state of the family’s finances that’s not possible.

Then the Dunaways’ luck changes. Or so it seems.

Tray’s father drives a down-and-out friend of the family, Pee Wee Johnson, to Hazard, Illinois, so Johnson can buy lottery tickets. As a gesture of thanks, Johnson gives a ticket to Tray’s father. And what do you know? The Dunaways’ are suddenly rich.

When Johnson demands his cut of the winnings, Tray’s dad refuses. As Evelyn’s illness spirals toward madness, Johnson threatens the family. Now, what seems like a stroke of good fortune becomes a dangerous game of life and death for Tray Dunaway and her family.

***************

The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Widowed during the war, Natalie Ellis finds herself solely responsible for Rose Hill plantation. When Union troops arrive with a proclamation freeing the slaves, all seems lost. How can she run the plantation without slaves? In order to save her son’s inheritance she strikes a deal with the arrogant, albeit handsome, Colonel Maish. In exchange for use of her family’s property, the army will provide workers to bring in her cotton crop. But as her admiration for the colonel grows, a shocking secret is uncovered. Can she trust him with her heart and her young, fatherless son?

Natalie Ellis is everything Colonel Levi Maish loathes: a Southern slave owner. When he and his men arrived in Texas with the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves still in bondage despite the war having ended, he feels little concern for the trail of plantation owners left in its wake without workers. But the plight of the beautiful Widow Ellis stirs to life his compassion and the heart he’d thought cold as stone after witnessing the carnage of war. While the army camps on her land, Levi finds himself contemplating a future with Natalie and Samuel. But when he learns where her husband perished during the war, he knows a life with Natalie is impossible. How could she ever forgive him for what he’d done in battle on the banks of the Bull Run?

******************

And, one more I happened upon. Free

Summer Storms (Seasons of Faith Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Her job as concierge at Hotel Lago, a boutique hotel in downtown Orlando is challenging and fills her need to be successful but one thing is missing. She loves the historic homes in the downtown area but fears she will never be able to afford one.

When a once in a lifetime opportunity to renovate a broken down home comes along she snaps it up. Sparks and clashes with her handsome, but deeply troubled contractor, Jeffrey Robbins threaten to slow the renovation but they fade as Orlando becomes the target of three summer storms, hurricanes Charlie, Frances and Jeanne.

*****************

Happy reading!

Story prompt – Hunger?

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

Today I was supposed to come up with a contribution to the confusing middle’s story prompt day. I have nothing.

I was going to just let it go, say nothing, and hit the pillow – again.

That’s all I’ve felt like doing today, sleep. And I did.

I’m not entirely sure why I’m having so much trouble staying awake today. Part of it could be seasonal allergies, I’ve been out working in the yard. Part of it could be the energy expended trying to dig out a well established rhubarb root yesterday.

I say trying because I doubt I managed to get it all. One root looked like it was headed under the privacy fence and into the neighbors yard. Surprise. They enjoy rhubarb so it’s all good.

(Did you know rhubarb roots look like sweet potatoes when you slice through them? I found that fascinating.)

Part of tired could be from dehydration and meal skipping. I’ve been eating just enough here and there that I didn’t feel hunger to eat a proper meal.

I wasn’t doing it on purpose. It’s just become a recent bad habit.

It wasn’t healthy food either, those bad habit snacks. I bought a 30 piece box of fudgesicles, and a 20 piece box of ice cream sandwiches, in case the grandsons were here again. Another new bad habit. Ice Cream.

About 7:30 tonight I decided I was properly hungry and needed some real food. So I made a stir fry. The noodles don’t qualify as healthy but the carrots, celery, raisins, and peanuts do.

So now I’m feeling a little more awake, having fueled up, and … telling you why I have no story has turned into a story, of sorts.

For any who might zoom in on the page I’m reading and wonder what book would have a guy mentioning how none of his recent dates seemed interested in settling down …

I’m reading book 2 Blessed Arrangements in …

Miss Main Street The Complete Series: Books 1-3: Small Town Stories of Friendship and Romance

Sorry Aaron. Maybe next week will be better.

Free books September 13, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The usual sources for Free and bargain books are rather dry today. I did stumble over several other FREE books on my own while checking things out. They are from authors I’ve not read. I’m not sure what they are about (the authors) or whether the read will be enjoyable but we will go for it anyway because on first glance they looked like they could be good.

There was one suggestion this morning from a usual source that looked rather interesting, but it turned out to be over 500 pages long, which was disappointing. Not many authors can pull off that number of pages. Most of the time the story could be cut back to 200 or so pages and still hold up. And be even better. I do like long books, when it takes that much to properly tell the story. I would have taken a chance on it but the synopsis didn’t look like it would hold up to being stretched that far.

******************

Moving right along:

******************

Seaside Surprises (The Hunters Book 1) 

When Tiffany Saunders winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her past and keep moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.

Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business on his own. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.

Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rearview mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever.

Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. She needs to rely on Jake, but sharing the truth could put him in danger too.

*****************

Choices of the Heart: (Bradley Sisters Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Lauren Bradley wants to find true love and goes about experimenting with online dating and attending church singles groups to find the perfect Godly man. But her efforts are met with disaster and her frustration grows as she becomes impatient waiting for God to bring the right man into her life. She decides to become an entrepreneur and purchase Emilia’s, an Italian restaurant. But her goals of buying the restaurant are thwarted by Andrew, a handsome man who also wants the restaurant for himself. Lauren is attracted to Andrew, but becomes involved with her boss, knowing he may not be the man God intended for her.

Andrew has had a passion for cooking since childhood, spending lots of time in the kitchen with his mother. Now he wants to switch from being a teacher, to fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a restaurant. But there’s one problem, he’s attracted to Lauren and has to fight her for Emilia’s. Will he fulfill his lifelong dream at the expense of driving Lauren away? Or will he sacrifice his dream and compete with her boss for the chance at true love?

*****************

Happy Reading!

Free books September 07, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookRunes has an interesting FREE suggestion for us.

The Red Siren (Charles Towne Belles Book 1)

Amazon quote:

A Woman Pirate desperate to save her family. . .
An ambitious Naval Officer longing for a promotion . . .
Is their love strong enough to defy the noose?

Can ladies be pirates? In 1718 Charleston, there are few other choices left to women in need of large sums of money. And Faith Westcott needs such a fortune to protect her two sisters from forced marriages or their aloof and often-absent admiral father will do just that upon his return from overseas. The only problem is, he has assigned a naval officer to keep guard over Faith and her sisters while he is away—a very handsome naval officer, and one whom Faith recognizes as a victim of her piracy from long ago.

Dajon Waite longs to make a success for himself in the British Royal Navy, not only to cover a host of past sins but to prove to his father and brother that he isn’t the wastrel they accuse him of being. When he is stationed in Charleston, Carolina to rid the nearby seas of pirates, he is thrilled to meet up with his long-time mentor, Admiral Westcott. But Dajon must pass a test before receiving the promotion he desires: protect the admiral’s unruly and headstrong daughters! Not an easy task when Dajon’s past dealings with women ended in disaster and shame—including a run in with a lady pirate.

**********************

BookBub has a FREE suggestion we’ve seen before but we can handle seeing it again.

A Doctor’s Promise: A Sweet and Emotional Medical Romance (Lifeline Air Rescue Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Dr. Jared O’Connor has given his parents a promise–to find his dead brother’s fiancee and child. But his mission is derailed when he meets beautiful flight nurse Shelly Bennett. The sadness in her eyes, mirrors his own, and he is drawn to her and to her young son in a way he’s never experienced before.


Shelly can’t afford to be distracted by Jared’s attention. Her son’s upcoming testing may confirm he has kidney failure–there’s no room for anything else in her life. But when Jared uncovers the truth, she realizes her days of running from the past are over. But can she forgive Jared long enough to accept his love?

*******************

LPC Books has a few FREE offerings for us today.

Chapel Springs Survival (Chapel Springs Series Book 2)

Amazon quote:

A mail-order bride, a town overrun with tourists, and illegal art ~ How on earth will Claire and Chapel Springs survive?

With the success of her Operation Marriage Revival, life is good for Claire Bennett. That is until the mayor’s brother blabs a secret: Claire’s nineteen-year-old son, Wes, has married a Brazilian mail order bride — one who is eight years older than him. When Claire tries to welcome her new daughter-in-law, she’s ridiculed, rebuffed, and rejected. Loving this girl is like hugging a prickly cactus. Will Claire and her family survive her son’s marriage?

Lydia Smith is happily living alone and running her spa then the widow on the hill becomes a blushing bride. Along with her new marriage, she has a dream to expand her business by adding guest rooms. Things are going according to plan. That is, until her groom’s adult son moves in on everything. Will her dream survive her stepson?

From the first sighting of a country music star in Claire’s gallery, The Painted Loon, to the visit of a Hollywood diva, Chapel Springs is inundated with stargazers, causing lifelong residents to flee the area. When her best friends, Patsy and Nathan, put their house on the market, Claire is forced to do something or lose the closest thing to a sister she’s got. With her son’s future at stake and the town looking to her to solve their problems, it’s Claire who needs a guardian angel.

*******************

We’ve seen this second LPC Books FREE offering before but it’s worth another chance.

Broken Things – Faded Photographs Series 

Amazon quote:

Returning to her hometown, Chicago, Allie Littenberg learns her actions had worse repercussions than she realized – especially for Jack Callahan, the handsome Chicago cop she loved, but left. She finds Jack is now a bitter shell of a man, his tenderness erased by years of anguish.

Can God use Allie to not only mend the hurts in her own family, but also bring peace to Jack, his son, and estranged wife? Allie is compelled to find out.

*******************************

Another repeat FREE

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Amazon quote:

How far would you go to avenge the murder of your daughter? Is beyond redemption too far?

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter at the hands of a radical religious cult—The Children of Righteous Cain. So when her husband, a founding member of the cult, suffers a massive heart attack, Caralynne does little to help.

Caralynne’s secret seems safe until Dayne MacFarland returns. Determined to learn the truth about the cult, his investigation, and his rekindled feelings for Caralynne, lead the pair toward a confrontation with the group’s elders. But can Dayne’s comfort help Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divide the community? Or will Caralynne’s deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

***********************

A good day for book selections. Two new ones have been added to my TBR list and I’m happy. I’m hoping you are finding some to be added to your list as well.

Happy Reading …

… on this cool and cloudy day. A furnace kind of day to be comfortable. Such a drastic change after the hot weather of a few days ago.

It’s the perfect day to bake. A nice bread pudding with lots of fruit will make a perfect lunch, and a few breakfasts.

I couldn’t wait for it to cool down enough to make a good looking slice. Raisins, cranberries, bananas, zucchini, and best of all, lots of chocolate chips. Yum. Along with bread, milk and eggs … you could say it’s a sandwich. Don’t you think?

This is a blog about books but …

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This blog is about books, fiction books mostly, regular stories, nothing too heavy. Except for every now and then. Today’s featured book is a heavy topic and is to be read with caution. The authors stress this in the interview.

I’ve read many heavy topic books but don’t always share them, or if I do I do it quietly. This one I think should be shared a little more openly. I’m sure there is someone out there who needs to read it.

I’m including the link to an hour long interview podcast introducing you to this book and it’s authors. I found it very helpful to have background information before I read the book.

Mark Lowry has a way of asking insightful questions, keeping the interview moving along. The hour doesn’t drag or feel like it’s too long.

Brad Jersak pastored a small community church, meeting in the gym of my teenagers school a few decades ago when we lived in Abbotsford BC. I’ve never met him in person but knew of him. Over the years I’ve seen other interviews with him as he’s written a number of books.

Paul Young is author of one of my favorite books The Shack. I’ve followed him through the years as well.

Brad and Paul are friends and collaborated to produce The Pastor: A Crisis

This story is purely fiction and it’s been written to bring hope and healing to a desperate place where there’s little hope. With this type of subject it would be wrong to tell true stories.

The Pastor: A Crisis 

A weary fundamentalist pastor is stuck in a psychiatric ward, staring into the abyss of his own secret shame. Before he can be free, he must confront his demons and find Grace. But will he let go? Will he allow himself to be healed?

The Pastor explores the perilous human journey from self-will and striving through defeat and despair to hope and the redemption found only through surrender.

**************************

This book resonates with me, the adult child of an alcoholic sex addict.

I have my own personal journey with denial and triggers. Recognizing and acknowledging the event behind my trigger and facing it head on has taken the steam out. It’s been a healing experience though not an easy one.

I can relate to this book in a limited way because it was written for men. To me it feels like reading a foreign language where I only know a few words. It doesn’t matter if I get it as long as men do.

If you feel drawn to this book I hope you will read it and begin a journey to find healing.

************

I’ve forgiven my father and I’m working on forgiving you too. I can’t honestly ask you to read this book and heal if I’m unwilling to forgive.

More importantly: There’s nothing God can’t forgive if you truly want it.

It seems we have to soundly hit bottom before we are ready for surrender.

I’m praying that if you need to read this book you will.

God’s forgiveness and healing is amazing.