Fiction

Bargain books for August 01, 2020

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Author Amanda Tru is popular and prolific. She is part of an awesome group of collaborating friends, producing a number of successful collections. These collections make it easy for us to get to know these ladies and their work.

I’ve downloaded and read all of the suggestions I’m about to share with you.

Baggage Claim (Tru Exceptions – Romantic Suspense, Book 1)

Baggae Claim

Montana native, Rachel Saunders, is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent named Dawson Tate, events take a dangerous turn. Now, she and Dawson must elude their enemies and prevent a terrorist attack before the bomb in their possession is detonated in the center of Manhattan–all while keeping their obvious attraction to one another in check.

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When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection)

When Snowflakes Never Cease

Blizzard in the Bluegrass by Hallee Bridgeman
A once in a century winter storm hits Charula, Kentucky taking the small town completely by surprise. Gloria has just started to make room in her life for Doctor Jeff, but feels very protective of her eight year old autistic son, Noah. When the blizzard shuts everything down, they cannot imagine how events will unfold will change their lives forever.

Buried Secrets by Alana Terry
Cosette travels to a remote Alaskan wilderness to finally meet the love of her life, only to discover the man she fell in love with may be a murderer. Is she his next target?

Wrong About Mr. Wright by Chautona Havig
Ronni is convinced that her early retirement plan just got buried under the snowdrifts of Juniper Springs. Stranded, she teams up with local resident, Hank, and helps “make Christmas” for the rest of her fellow passengers. Now, if he’d just stop messing with her idea of the perfect man.

More Than Enough by Jaycee Weaver
For single mom Ada, there’s never enough: time, money, patience, joy. She’s not enough, though compassionate Kent disagrees. When a freak snowstorm traps the couple and her three kids in a theater on Christmas, she’ll either discover her worth in Christ or crumble under the pressure.

When Snowflakes Never Cease by Amanda Tru
When her young patient needs the best care to save her life, Dr. Geneva Hutchins turns to top cancer specialist and the man who broke her heart, Dr. Carter Solomon. Together, they embark on a journey to save Allie and grant her wish to see her daddy by Christmas.

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The Wedding Dress Yes (Crossroads Collection) 

The Wedding Dress Yes

Season of Surprises by Alexa Verde
The maid-of-honor and best-man embark on a journey to recover an heirloom wedding dress that was mistakenly sold. Along the way, the former high school sweethearts unexpectedly encounter danger, surprises, and a second chance at love.

Something Borrowed, Someone Blue by Chautona Havig
A borrowed dress, half-completed marriage counseling, and a last-minute theft lead up to the big day. Face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so everyone thinks.

Black Belt, White Dress by Hallee Bridgeman
Deputy Sheriff and full time tomboy Traci Winston agrees to marry Taekwondo Master Travis Seaver, provided they exchange vows at 2000 feet while skydiving over the Grand Canyon. However, Traci’s mother has more conventional plans, and she finds herself trying on dresses and planning an elaborate ceremony in their hometown church complete with butterflies and cummerbunds. Can Traci manage to smile while walking down the aisle? Or will she collapse under the weight of girly ribbons and bows?

Sewn Together by Alana Terry
A family torn apart. A pregnancy that’s expected to end in heartache instead of joy. Despite hardship and trial, hope abounds in this heartwarming and inspirational novella full of love, faith, and miracles.

The Wedding Dress Yes by Amanda Tru
For top fashion designer London Hutchins, life so far sums up in her closet full of wedding dresses—one for each guy she’s ever dated. Moving back home to Crossroads seems so right, especially when she finds her high school sweetheart waiting there. London soon discovers that local bridal shop owner, Rhonda Snow, isn’t as nice as everyone says. A little harmless meddling to help a few of Rhonda’s clients couldn’t possibly hurt anything, right?

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Yesterday’s Mail (Crossroads Collection)

Yesterday's Mail

Sleepless in Seoul by Alana Terry
When Derek leads his church on a short-term mission trip to South Korea, he’s definitely not expecting to find out the woman working with him is the same woman who broke his heart over twenty years ago.

Like Ships Passing by Cynthia Hickey
One transposed number threatens to sink love before it gets started.

Chasing Pearl by Hallee Bridgeman
A package lost in the mail since 1940 brings a modern couple together in a miraculous way.

Operation Posthaste by Chautona Havig
A nine-year-old boy finds a bag of mail from WWII in the attic of their new house and makes it his personal mission to deliver every piece before his mom finds out.

Yesterday’s Mail by Amanda Tru
A Christian post office clerk uses her police officer background to investigate lost mail and solve a mystery that has plagued her small town for years.

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Betwixt Two Hearts (Crossroads Collection)

Betwixt two hearts

Betwixt Two Hearts by Amanda Tru
With control of their dating website the prize, Bailey and Camden embark on a matchmaking competition that snags on unexpected results. All is fair in a contest of love. May the best matchmaker win.

The Swedehearts Glory Quilt by Cathe Swanson
Eleanor ran away to find herself. David knew exactly where he wanted to go. Could a matchmaking agency put them on the same map?

Whole Latte Love by Kari Trumbo
Misguided Drew thinks all quiet women hide harmful secrets. While pretty, new best friend Addi’s soft-spoken nature reminds him too much of past hurts to move their relationship forward. Can a matchmaking agency change his heart?

Seoul Refuge by Alana Terry
Caroline is a new believer, excited and passionate about her faith. Calvin is a Boston police detective, an atheist who can hardly believe Christians have brainwashed his wife. Caroline just wants to follow God. Calvin just wants his wife back.

Guardian of Her Heart by Carol Moncado
Signed up for a dating service by friends and brought together by a stowaway cat, Mark and Casey must decide if they want to overcome their apparent incompatibilities or go their separate ways.

Random Acts of Shyness by Chautona Havig
Heath’s sister, Selby, has laid down the law. It’s time to let her take over his love life. After a series of first and only dates, Heath embarks on her new scheme to help him overcome the debilitating nervous habit that has plagued him all his life. However, between dates, each worse than the last, he tries one more time to do things his way… sort of.

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A change of pace with another popular author.

Meant for Me (The Carlyle Women Book 1) 

Meant for Me

Meant for Me, Book 1, 1920’s
Born at Carlyle Place, the plantation her family has held for over two hundred years, Chloe Kimball was raised to be the perfect Southern lady. Still, she resists being the prize that her parents—an ambitious society maven and an equally ambitious politician—war to control. Surprising even herself, she breaks free. America has just entered the First World War and Chloe learns how to make her own way in 1917 New York City–a place nothing like home.

Soon Chloe is swept up in the heady tides of change in the young 20th century. The NAACP moves forward in the midst of race riots, women’s fight to gain the vote is at its peak. Chloe becomes the independent woman she never thought possible. But then the unexpected forces her to return home. Yet even in the South, the 1920’s are roaring with flappers, speak-easies and the Charleston, and for a time Chloe loses her way–a reluctant member of the “Lost Generation” in postwar America.

She loved one man and lost him and now is pursued by another but will she ever be able to connect with the one she hopes could help her make sense of her life? As she recalls the woman she once was, she strives to become the woman she wants to be. Will she succeed?

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Happy Reading!

I’m off to the back yard on this partially cloudy, warm but not hot Saturday. A great day to get more work done. I can’t help but be excited to see some things come together at last.

Read and enjoyed July 30, 2020

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A slow, slow day for book suggestions. Not that that’s a bad thing. We did have quite a few new suggestions already this week.

Here are a couple of Read & Enjoyed to talk about, they were better than most for holding my attention this week, my favorite thing.

In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story (2)  still a bargain at $0.99

In Spite of Ourselves

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

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Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1)  also still a bargain at $1.34

Hope for Christmas

Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?
Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.
Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

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One more read. I liked the first two books best but this story was good too.

When the Heart Calls Kristen M Fraser  also still a bargain $0.99

When the Heart Calls

How much can one heart endure?

Claire Sallaway has lived with an unpredictable heart condition for most of her life. With a plan in place to manage her symptoms, she has been able to avoid any major health problems and live a relatively normal life. With work, church and friends, her life is indeed full. Or so she thought. Settled in her job as a forensic scientist, Claire is content with her comfortable suburban life – until the day her heart betrays her and a man with the most intriguing ocean-blue eyes steps in, turning her world upside down.

Aaron Thurnham is the answer to Claire’s prayers. With the handsome, fun and God-fearing man by her side, life is blissfully perfect and full of adventure.

Until it isn’t.

When tragedy strikes and dreams are shattered, Claire clings desperately to the fragmented remains of her life. Heartbroken, and with every good thing stripped away, she is faced with a choice. Will she become paralyzed by fear? Or will she listen to the still small whisper of God and place her heart in His hands?

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Also finished this week was a great book collection. I’ll admit there were two I liked very well, one was mostly good, and the last one was my least favorite. Overall it was a good read though.

The Way to the Heart: The Vintner, The Baker, The Barista, The Chef  still a bargain at $1.34

The Way to the Heart

FROM THE VINEYARDS OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE AUSTRALIAN COFFEE SCENE (A LITTLE IRISH BAKING AND SOME ENGLISH FINE-DINING IN-BETWEEN)

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I’m currently reading this collection. It’s been an on-again-off-again read that’s taking awhile but we’re in the homeward stretch. Nearly finished book four with one more to go after that and I’ll be done.

The Newpointe 911 Collection

The Newpointe 911 collection

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Until tomorrow…

Happy Reading!

Bargain books July 28, 2020

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BookBub has a new bargain suggestion for us.

Deep Focus (The Dumont Chronicles Book 2)   $0.99

Deep Focus

Amazon quote:

A scheming woman.
A man she can’t fathom.
A mystery that endangers her career.
Is this how God answers Lindsey’s prayers?

Lindsey Dumont, photographer, travels to the rugged coast of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to finish her photo essay on a rare breed of Makah dogs.But disaster looms for her project, and she decides to fight back. Now she must confront the man who deceived her and unravel a threatening mystery.

THE DUMONT CHRONICLES
The Dumont family, French Huguenots, settled in New Jersey during Colonial days. Since then, certain Dumont women have led lives marked by adventure. Although they differed in personality and circumstances, these women held in common the gifts of artistry, courage, and a growing faith in God.

In this book, Lindsey Dumont faces a test of courage far from her home in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and the Dumont family history, yet undiscovered, awaits her return.

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Browsing turned up a new Christy Barritt book due out soon. Pre-order price is $1.34.

Salt Water Cowboy

Amazon quote:

When a mysterious woman washes up in Cape Corral, a wild horse sanctuary off North Carolina’s coast, law enforcement officer Levi Sutherland is determined to figure out if she’s connected with the crimes recently plaguing the island. The problem is, she can’t remember anything . . .

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Another Pre-order bargain $1.34

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Mistletoe and murder

Amazon quote:

Silent Night, Deadly Night. Welcome to a Killer Christmas!

Danger and suspense await you this Christmas season in Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection featuring 10 individual tales of suspense from some of today’s most talented Christian Suspense authors.

Come with us on a heart-racing journey through the holidays as USA Today, Christian Booksellers Association, and ECPA Bestselling authors Mary Alford, Adam Blumer, Liz Bradford, Vicki Hinze, Shaen Layle, Loree Lough, Nancy Mehl, Cara Putman, Lynn Shannon, and Virginia Vaughan, weave tales of suspense that will have you flipping pages well into the new year.

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This is the season for new books, another Pre-order. $1.34 I’m looking forward to this one.

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

Once Upon a Christmas

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.

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and last but not least, one more  Pre-order  bargain $1.34

Certain Threat (Protection Inc. Book 3)

Certain Threat

Amazon quote:

Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.

Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.

The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.

When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.

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Finished earlier … read & enjoyed.                 about to be read, a new book, a new author

In Spite of OurselvesDevyn's Dilemma

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Happy reading 

Story Prompt – Fallout

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This is week ten (I think. I missed a few) in the Sunday Scribblings  prompt hosted by Peckapalooza: The Confusing Middle.

I’ve decided to hook these challenges together to make a chapter story. Might as well make something out of it if I can. Besides it helps with inspiration, having a starting place.

The earlier chapters can be found here to bring you up to speed on the whole story.

Carly was in witness protection but her cover was blown and her life threatened.

With her protection team, they were on the run for weeks unsure of the seriousness of the threat, not wanting to take a chance with her life.

Now, Bella (new place new name) is working to settle into a new life.

Here is this week’s installment and challenge.

 

Chapter Eight

Fallout

Bella was frustrated. Two weeks. Two weeks had gone by and she was not one step closer to a cover story she could live with.

The fallout would be catastrophic is she couldn’t get it right. Why was this so hard?

Her house was settled and fully furnished. The office was set up and the appropriate business legalities were all in place. She was stalling. Advertising for clients could happen this minute if she wanted it to. A plausible cover story was the only thing holding her back.

She was experiencing major writer’s block with life threatening implications if she couldn’t figure it out. Maybe that’s why it was such a big issue to begin with. First hand knowledge of what could happen with a slip up was impeding her progress. Not that she had been at fault in her last situation. She hadn’t but she could see how it would take only one innocent comment in the right place to ruin everything.

Truthfully? She was terrified.

How do you live a lie when you never have? This was her biggest fear, as she honestly thought about it, fear that she would forget, tell the truth and her cover would be blown all over again.

This whole thing could have been left in the hands of the authorities hiding her but there was danger of an unidentified leak like last time. No one could live with the possibility of it happening a second time.

Somehow, she had to come up with a story that felt true. True enough that even her new friends would accept it without question. True enough that she wouldn’t stumble in the telling.

Maybe she needed to approach this like a fiction writer creating a story. The emotionally detached perspective may work better for her, it was worth a try. Up to this point nothing else had worked.

Thinking about the many books she’d read it seemed common for parents, young or old, to die in horrific car crashes. Readers readily accepted that scenario. She could handle having her story sounding like that.

Only child seemed to be another common detail. It left the plot with enormous flexibility. Army brat with moves every two years would be useful in solving issues arising out of the “where are you from” question with all it’s pitfalls.

All alone in the world, from no particular place, could serve her well in avoiding dangerous fallout.

Bella could hardly wait for Monday morning to arrive. It was time to launch her new life.

Read and enjoyed, and a bargain, July 25, 2020

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Special interest would be the best way to describe the two latest books read and enjoyed.

I appreciate the sensitive and thoughtful subject treatment in both books. The special interest aspect out weighed the story itself in some places but they were both good reads despite that.

Above All Things

Above all Things

They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.

Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage, and the very notion of the woman she’s believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.

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Spring Splash

Spring Splash

The heart of a champion may surprise you.

When an injury sidelines college swimmer Anna Callaway, her dreams are crushed. She pours herself into her sports marketing practicum, helping a local special needs organization promote their athletic event. What she doesn’t expect is a swim team ripe for the Special Olympics—and their handsome but stubborn coach.

Craig Holt has dealt with eager and ignorant volunteers before. No matter how determined or persuasive uptight Anna might be about coaching his team to the Special Olympics, he has no intention of allowing her to raise the hopes of his swimmers, his sister, or his guarded heart.

Then Anna herself gets a second chance at becoming a champion. Will she pursue her lifelong goals or make room for a new dream?

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Then there are two box sets to add to the list of recently finished reads.

Grant Us Grace Box Set: Books 1 – 5 (Elizabeth Maddrey Box Sets)

Grant us Grace

WISDOM TO KNOW (Book 1)

COURAGE TO CHANGE (Book 2)

SERENITY TO ACCEPT (Book 3)

JOINT VENTURE (Book 4)

PATHWAY TO PEACE (Book 5)

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The Spark Brothers Romance Collection

The Spark Brothers

A Single Spark (Book One):

A Sudden Spark (Book Two):

The Sweetest Spark (Book Three):

At First Spark (Book Four):

An Extra Spark (Book Five):

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I haven’t gone too far yet in my current read but I’ve always enjoyed Terri Blackstock. I think I’m close to half way in the first book and I expect to finish most of the collection. I say most because it is 1673 pages long.

The Newpointe 911 Collection: Private Justice, Shadow of Doubt, Word of Honor, Trial by Fire, Line of Duty

The Newpointe 911 collection

Private Justice

The firemen of Newpointe, LA, face a personal and terrifying trial: someone is murdering their wives, one by one.

Shadow of Doubt

A poisoned past. A bitter present. Is Celia a murderer … or a victim?

Word of Honor

What will it cost to keep a promise? Jill Clark learns the meaning of covenant when she is taken hostage by a suspect in a deadly bombing . . . but isn’t convinced he’s guilty.

Trial by Fire

A church building burns to the ground, and a young man is found dead of a gunshot wound. The mystery is just being ignited as God uses disaster to bring about his will.

Line of Duty

When a building collapses on several firemen, one is unaccounted for—was he really buried, or did he take the opportunity to flee from the problems in his life?

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I found another bargain collection by a long time favorite author. Five books for $4.99.

The Rock Harbor Mystery Collection: Without a Trace, Beyond a Doubt, Into the Deep, Cry in the Night, and Silent Night (Rock Harbor Series)

Rock Harbor collection

 

Without a Trace

Bree thinks a plane crash took the lives of her husband and young son, but her son Davy survived the accident. Can she find him before it’s too late?

Beyond a Doubt

Evidence of a violent crime in Bree’s basement causes police to re-open a cold case. Can she and her K-9 search dog, Samson, stop the killer before he strikes again?

Into the Deep

When Bree’s dog Samson goes missing, it’s just the beginning of her life turning upside down.

Cry in the Night

Bree and Samson discover a crying infant in the snowy Rock Harbor forest. But where are the baby’s parents? And how did she get there?

Silent Night

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.

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Happy Reading y’all

 

It’s not you it’s me. The tale of unfinished books.

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I’m pretty sure it’s me not you (the authors). That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

It’s funny how interest, or lack of it, seems to go in waves. Sadly, the tidal wave of engagement is still out these days. I’m having trouble finding a book with a story that grips me. A highly disappointing state of affairs.

I’m pretty sure, though, the fault lies with me and whatever place I’m at emotionally. At least that’s what I’m guessing. I’m not necessarily finding anything disappointing with the writing style or the story premise.

Bottom line though… my reading list needs to be shorter. Let’s make that happen.

I'll Watch the MoonOnce Beyond a Time

The Birhday PortraitFaith House

The RunawayThe Christmas Bliss collection

The Secret of Pembrook ParkWhen You Come Home

 

Fatal AttractionComing Home

The Queen's DaughtersGrace & Lavender

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There were a few more slated for removal but they seemed to demand another chance. They have been moved to the top of the list again and we’ll see how it goes.

Twelve makes a good difference even though there are many more in the started but not read category.

Refreshing my memory before removal (in case I could be drawn in after all) I noticed a common response on my part to many of the unfinished books.

Triggers.

My childhood was difficult, to put it mildly, Acknowledging there is such a thing as triggers is a recent consideration for me. They explain so much and learning to recognize how specific childhood trauma could be behind the trigger (reaction) has been a freeing experience. I haven’t gotten very far in this learning exercise and it’s still a mystery to me what aspect of these books is causing the shut down reaction.  Maybe some things just hit a little too close to home.

Anyway, it’s nice to know the books deserve to be read.  It is just me.

I’m currently reading… a whole bunch. Hopefully I can settle on at least one of the four at the top!

It could be this one.

Above all Things

Happy Reading …

…on this warmish day. The promised heat has arrived, 31 C  – feels like 43 C (109.4 F) with the humidity.

I’m grateful for air conditioning.

Read and enjoyed, mid July Edition

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There were a lot of box sets downloaded lately and I managed to make my through to the end on one of them. It makes me happy when that happens. It means they were a good read.

There are some singles to mention before we get to the set. This first one was one of my favorites. It is a serious story with a quirky sense of humor and a main character with the habit of standing up for herself where others would tip-toe around the moody man.

Henry by Sydney Paige McCutcheon

Henry

Book Synopsis: Sent to a small town outside Astoria, Oregon, Prue Collins is under the protection of the most unlikely guardian—rude and sarcastic, Ex-Officer Henry Clay wants nothing to do with his new roommate and doesn’t mask any hard feelings, only secrets. His wheelchair gives Prue a glimpse of his tragic past and she can’t fight curiosity as more clues come her way, opening her eyes to the true stranger she’s been sent to live with—and possibly, meant to help save. But the truth is like a loose string on an old shirt—pull at it, and the entire fabric could come undone. Will Prue leave well enough alone, or risk everything, even her own heart, to know the truth?

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Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor Book #1)

Cold Shot

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

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Dance Over MeSpecial delivery

A January BrideLost Down Deep

Sandover Beach WeekHealing her heart

Hope Rising

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I’m currently reading (just started actually) one of Terri Blackstock’s series from the other day.

The Moonlighters Collection: Truth Stained Lies, Distortion, Twisted Innocence (Moonlighters Series) 

The Moonlighters collection

Truth Stained Lies

When truth doesn’t make sense, will lies prevail?

Distortion

A husband’s lies can have deadly consequences.

Twisted Innocence

Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

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Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books July 16, 2020

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us by a popular author.

Above All Things 

Above all Things

Amazon quote:

They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.

Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage, and the very notion of the woman she’s believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.

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Browsing through her other books I came across this interesting looking bargain. $1.24

Special delivery

Amazon quote:

Lily O’Neal’s thriving at-home bakery means working alone in her state-of-the-art kitchen, so how’s she ever supposed to meet the man of her dreams? But when delivery truck driver, Gage Simmons, shows up at her door—crooked grin and all—she can’t help making sure he has a reason to return…even if it means ordering her supplies one at a time.

 

 

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One more interesting bargain $0.99 this time.

A January Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella Book 2)

A January Bride

Amazon quote:

What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser’s “pen pal” friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that’s overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny’s friend, Arthur. Maddie’s never met the innkeeper—but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie’s alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn’s owner—a man who’s likely many years her senior—and who she’s never even met.

Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she’s far from being a prospective date—even if he were ready to date again, which he’s not.

When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another’s identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.

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I’m currently reading one of the mysteries downloaded the other day. I’m only a few chapters in so it’s a bit early to tell but I’m feeling still intrigued. It’s still a bargain at $1.99

Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor Book #1)

Cold Shot

Amazon quote:

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

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Well, it was quite a day for my car (I mentioned this morning’s 8 a.m. appointment yesterday) I’m sure all the poking and prodding was a shock to his system. (My car is not delicate and fragile, it’s heavy, strong, and able to take on challenges, I’m sure it’s a he.)

(At least I haven’t named him, yet.)

Not only did he have to live through an oil change and all that entails, there was more, all first time experiences. A transmission service, rear differential service, transfer case service, and a flush of the brake system.  Sounds like a shocking experience to me.

I haven’t decided if I should be happy or sad that life has had reason to acquaint me with many of the important moving parts on a car. For today I’ll feel happy. At least I knew what they were talking about when they listed all the things that needed to happen at this mileage.

On the bright side it took 8 years to get to this point. Not too shabby. Best of all though, there shouldn’t be any time spent sitting on the side of the road. Been there done that.

We’ll leave those stories for another day while I bask in today’s happy feelings. Life is good.

Happy Reading y’all.

Free and bargain books July 15, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

How are things at your house? You may not wish to answer but I think it’s nice to know someone asked an honest question. Today it’s an honest question. I’m thinking but can’t imagine your day, never having been to most of your countries. Whatever your day is like I hope there are some bright spots.

My current read is a bright spot in my day. I’m on book 3 in the collection and it’s still a bargain at $0.99. It has been a marathon read ( in my spare time) and I’ve made it this far without feeling bored. A good recommendation I think.

The Spark Brothers: A Christian Contemporary Romance Collection

The Spark Brothers

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us today.

Rescuing Riley (Gold Coast Retrievers Book 2) 

Resusing Riley

Amazon quote:

Riley Lewis may plan weddings for a living, but it doesn’t mean she believes in love. However, love may be just what she gets when she lays eyes on the disabled veteran running the bed and breakfast that will serve as her home during a much-needed visit with her best friend.

Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet. But when his service dog, Charlie, falls hard for a beautiful woman staying at their inn, he just may end up following suit.

When Riley’s best friend disappears without warning, Josh and Charlie may be the only ones who can help… Especially when Riley goes missing too.

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An interesting bargain. Short-and-sweet but enticing anyway. $1.32

Garnet’s Gift: Christian historical romance (Carrie Town Texas Book 6)

Garnet's gift

Amazon quote:

Twenty-two-year-old Garnet Adams longs to marry and have a houseful of children. Forced to support her widowed mother, she embraces her role as a teacher, although the Carrie Town board of education’s rules for female teachers leave no opportunity for a social life. She contents herself playing the violin at church.

Tall, bearded, and rough around the edges, Deputy Noah Scott would rather hunt than socialize. Garnet thinks he’s a rude, insensitive drifter, and Noah’s sure the last person he’d want to court is a schoolmarm–especially with her unladylike sneeze. As the needs of her students bring them together, opposites seem to attract until a certain Christmas present derails their future.

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The sun is shining at my house and it’s the end of a work day. I will enjoy relaxing while finishing 3 and staring number 4.

Happy  Reading!

Tomorrow I have an 8 a.m. appointment, I’m not a morning person. The consolation is, there will be lots of reading time while my car has a check-up. At least it’s not me having the check-up,there is that.

Bargain books July 14, 2020

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BookBub has an interesting bargain suggestion for us today. I’ve not read anything from this author, which is a good thing. It’s nice meeting new people. This is a collection of five books $0.99

The Spark Brothers: A Christian Contemporary Romance Collection 

The Spark Brothers

Amazon quote:

A Single Spark (Book One): A pop singer running from his past. A deejay who’s given up on men. Will the sparks igniting between them end up in flames or romance?

A Sudden Spark (Book Two):  A writer too shy to speak to women. A single mom who’s sworn off men. Will a marriage of convenience end their friendship or spark a lasting romance? 

The Sweetest Spark (Book Three): A fun-loving ice cream shop owner looking for more than a fling. A straight-laced food critic too scared for love. Will an accident be the spark that drives them apart for good or gives them their sweetest taste of romance yet?

At First Spark (Book Four): A tender-hearted firefighter who’s been burned by love. An optimistic bookstore owner determined to heal his heart. Will the spark that drew them to each other be enough to keep their love burning or will their short-lived romance go down in flames?

An Extra Spark (Book Five): An actor pressured to risk everything for his job. An actress struggling to fit into the Hollywood scene. Will the hazards of show business spark new insecurities or strengthen their bond of trust?

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Another bargain, another new author. $1.36 … Beautiful cover.

Fully Involved (Merriville Firefighter Heroes Book 1) 

Fully Involved

Amazon quote:

He fights fires. She saves kids. Can they stop battling each other long enough to realize they want the same thing? Love, family…forever.

Social Worker Cammie Parkson regrets not yanking little Jayden from his home after logging concerns about the mother’s boyfriend. If her supervisor hadn’t vetoed her petition, Cammie wouldn’t be pacing the halls of Cherrydale Children’s Hospital alongside the handsome fire captain who brought Jayden in, waiting for doctors to confirm the suspected abuse. Securing a safe environment for the boy is imperative, so why does Keegan insist on giving her grief? And why does his opinion matter so much…

Fire Captain Keegan Madison has witnessed his share of atrocities, but nothing ignites his ire more than child abuse. Even so, Keegan’s not sure the beautiful social worker’s plan to remove the kid from his home is best for the little dude. But Cammie’s ferocious, protective love for the kids at Cherrydale stirs something deep inside him. When she’s offered the opportunity to launch her program in another state, Keegan must convince the obstinate woman that staying is worth the wait, that love is worth the risk.

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Well, that’s only two things but it’s six books. Enough to keep us busy for a while.

Happy Reading!! ...

…on this beautiful sunny day.

A big departure from stormy yesterday with thunder, lightening, power outages and 61 cm of rain. That’s 24 inches! I’m glad I didn’t take time to water the flower beds!

They say there could be more storm today. I’m savoring every moment of blue sky and sunshine while we’re waiting.

What’s the weather like at your house?