A book I want to read. August 18, 2024

A BookBub email suggestion caught my eye and I want to check it out. It is a tough subject involving trafficking and I’m hoping it will a rescue story. We are always in need of a hero to come in and save the day. My heart breaks for the victims of these monsters. and I’m hoping rescues can happen in real life. I think they do, just not as often as we would hope.

Every Star in the Sky (two sparrows for a penny book 1)

She is willing to testify against her trafficker.
If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”
How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?
Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.
And he is powerful enough to do it.
If Starr wants to help the other women, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk.
And her heart
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TW: human trafficking, some violence, sexual intimacy inferred (clean and closed door)

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I like strong female characters and by my estimation this looks like a good one. One thing about frontier stories – they all had to be strong characters to survive.

A Heart as Untamed as Thunder: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Maddie MacDougall has spent all of her childhood among horses and she can’t imagine a life without them. The yearning for adventure she has always harbored in her heart will lead her to a match sent from heaven, Carter, a horse breeder in Wyoming. She will soon be intrigued by his tales of wild mustangs and his chivalrous manners but she will also realize that his obsession with Thunder, the legendary stallion of Croy Canyon, can endanger both the animal and their relationship.

When love fuels the heart though, all obstacles can be overcome…

Carter Stone has led a harsh life among the wild horses, full of challenges and adventures. He has always wished to have someone by his side who shares this passion and when the match with Maddie is arranged, he is overjoyed. What he did not expect was to find himself stricken with her unique beauty or her rare wit, with which she challenges him when she differs from his methods.

Will he be able to tame her wild heart?

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There is another book suggestion in this series too. I’ve experienced one of the authors but not this one. I’m excited to see if the story lives up to the great impression of the first few pages.

A Sheriff for the Gracious Widow: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) 

Orphaned at a young age, Emily Carter is left devastated when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, she seeks help from the handsome new sheriff, Jacob. But her new ally might be able to give her more than mere answers…

Can Emily overcome her guilt and allow herself to open up to the growing affection she feels for Jacob?

After the tragic death of his older brother, Jacob Turner harbors a deep sense of responsibility toward his small community of Willow Creek. When Emily seeks his help to solve the mystery of her husband’s death, Jacob realizes he’s in trouble. The young widow embodies everything he’s ever wanted, but he knows he can’t have her while she’s still in mourning…

Can Jacob successfully navigate the delicate situation between duty and his personal involvement?

When Emily discovers she’s being followed, Jacob must put his growing feelings aside and work tirelessly to keep her safe from the schemes of a ruthless killer. As dark secrets are revealed, will they find a way to be together or will Emily’s tragic past and Jacob’s sense of duty prevent them from finding happiness?

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Another enticing suggestion. How can I possibly pass that up?

River Falls Books 1-3 Box Set: Three Small Town Christian Romances 

Pieces of Forever: Eight years ago, Ava and Joseph had the perfect future planned—until a terrible accident changed everything. Unwilling to believe they could still have a future, Ava made Joseph promise to leave and live out their dreams without her. Joseph has never broken a promise to Ava. Until now. Because before he made that stupid promise to leave, they’d made each other another promise—one of forever. And he’s determined to return to River Falls and show her that his promise still stands…

Songs of Home: In the wake of a very public breakup, country music star Lydia St. Peter finds herself in need of a place of refuge. She doesn’t know why she thinks she’ll find it with the family she never knew she had in River Falls, Tennessee, but at least the small town will offer her the privacy she so desperately craves. She never expects it to offer more—in the form of her new landlord, Liam, and his troubled teenage daughter. But when Lydia is presented with an opportunity that could rocket her to household-name status, she has to decide whether she’s willing to give up everything she’s gained in River Falls to chase her dreams—or if her heart has finally found its home.

Memories of the Heart: As a Christian counselor, Simeon knows he should be able to help his wife cope with the losses they’ve suffered. And it’s killing him that he can’t. It seems like the more he tries, the harder Abigail pushes him away. He’s determined to save their marriage… but what if it’s already too late? When an accident leaves Abigail with amnesia, stealing her memories of their life together, will it be the end of their marriage? Or is God giving them a second chance to build a love even stronger than they remember?

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This is long and there are more and I can’t resist.

Another post is the only way to go

I’m having so much fun.

New books July 21, 2024

It has been awhile, a long while, since the last post. It’s been awhile since I’ve been looking for books too. Somehow or other I am feeling inspired to look today. It’s the beginning of my search and who knows how it will go, but at least one has caught my interest though so it’s a promising start.

Before I get to sharing my first find, I should share an author I’ve discovered in the last month or so.

His genre is mystery/thriller and I like his style. I love his characters, his plots, and the way the story flows along. I’ve read three in the first few weeks of discovery. They were hard cover books and it was a surprise to find I could still enjoy such a thing since I’m hooked on the beauty of e books.

His name is David Baldacci and he is a prolific author.

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The book I’m adding to my collection today is also from a prolific author. I don’t love him as much as Baldacci but he does show up in my downloads quite regularly and is a worthwhile read. I read book one in this series in 2020 so book two should be a welcome addition.

The Homecoming (A Homefront Novel Book 2)

Sean Collins is barely home from fighting Nazis in Europe when he’s ordered to serve on a USO bond tour with a bunch of Hollywood stars…a reluctant hero. All Sean wants is to stay home with his son and to grieve his wife’s loss in private. When Sean asks Katherine Townsend–-Patrick’s former social worker–-to be his nanny while Sean’s on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life.

Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start?

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This next one looks interesting enough for me to give it a chance, I’ve not read this author though so it will be a new experience. The first few paragraphs suggest it could be promising, here’s hoping.

A Bride to Mend His Soul: A Historical Western Romance Book (Love and Valor on the Frontier)

For as long as she can remember, Suzannah Murphy’s family has been moving around the country, never settling down. All that changes when she finds out that her parents plan to make the Reed ranch their permanent home, and promise her hand to the owner’s son. Although Suzannah dreams of starting a family, she won’t abide by an arranged marriage, especially when her betrothed is the most reserved and distant person she has ever met. Yet, as she breaks down the walls surrounding his heart, and his kindness unfolds, she will soon find out the true reason he has been acting so strangely. Utterly unprepared for the challenges that are about to follow, will she manage to stand by his side without risking her own fate?

For almost ten years, Jasper Reed has been blaming himself for the terrible accident that changed his father’s life forever. Immersed in remorse, he devotes himself completely to saving the family ranch from insolvency. When all his efforts fail though, a trust-fund stashed away by a wealthy relative seems to be the only way out. However, there’s a catch… he must get married before his impending twenty-seventh birthday in order to receive the money. Feeling the burden of his duty and needing to act quickly, he is surprised to find himself struck by the unique beauty of the new ranch worker’s daughter. Could she be the answer to his prayers or will life remind him once again that he is cursed to lose everything he cares about?

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Lastly, another author I’ve read once, a few years ago by the looks of it. The first few paragraphs appear promising on this one too so I’m gong to give it a chance to impress me.

The Sparkle in Her Eyes: A Historical Western Romance Book (Love and Valor on the Frontier)

Laura Cabot is facing a dilemma. While trying to decide if she really wants to marry Zachary Bell, she begins to notice disturbing changes that don’t bode well for a future union. As if that wasn’t enough, she ends up entangled in his sudden disappearance… Still, Laura is used to challenges. She quickly begins to help out Detective Blackwell, a fascinating man who impresses her with his determination to solve the case. Until she becomes the main suspect…

Detective Jensen Blackwell finds the little town of Cottage Grove and its residents intriguing, none more so than Laura Cabot. As soon as the captivating journalist offers to assist him, he feels an immediate connection he simply can’t resist. Yet he knows he must focus on solving this troubling case, no matter where it may lead… Caught in a web of scandal and confusion, a familiar face reappears and suddenly everything Jensen thought he knew is thrown into question…

Well, this isn’t a stellar collection of books I don’t think but they should be worth the effort to read them. They could surprise us too, we just never know.

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Oops, I just noticed book 6, next in line in a series I’ve been reading. Can’t remember much about the series but it’s on sale so I can’t pass it up.

All Things Together (Acts of Valor, Book 6): Romantic Suspense

In this last installment of the Acts of Valor Series, Emma Stuart’s world is turned upside down when her three beloved sons are abducted right before her eyes. With the police more focused on framing Emma than on finding her boys, she turns to the one man she’s been trying to resist—her landlord.

Navy SEAL sniper, Ben Harmony considers himself “Mr. Fix-it” for a reason. Loath to let his favorite tenant and single mother suffer any more than she already has, Ben decides they should track down Emma’s boys themselves. While they’re at it, Ben will prove to Emma that her heart is safe with him, despite his reputation as a lady’s man.

In their quest to track down Emma’s ex, the couple encounters a secret society so powerful, not even a Navy SEAL can bring it down. Indeed, it’s the society that seeks to bring Ben down. With Mr. Fix-it possibly dead and her boys still missing, Emma has to wonder: How, exactly, is God working all things together for her good?

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It has been a pleasure to hang out with you and search for new books. Life has finally settled down a bit so maybe I can get back to posting again. A little more often, anyway.

Like me, I hope you are enjoying happy reading too.

Another new book January 10, 2024

BookRunes has a suggestion for us this time. I’ve not read this author before but after checking out the first chapter in her book I’m wanting to read the rest of it. It may even have to be next in line since I haven’t started a new one yet.

To Belong Together: (Rhythms of Redemption Romances Book 2)

Opposites attract, but do an undercover rock star and a female mechanic belong together?

Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a booming laugh and a love for cars. Though she can hold her own in a shop, only her father truly understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia.

Fame and fortune have complicated love for introvertJohn Kennedy. It’s even come between him and his sister, causing her to push him away just when he could help her most.

Thankfully, the spunky female mechanic who catches his eye has no idea he’s the drummer for the iconic rock band Awestruck. John’s determined to keep it that way as long as possible.

John and Erin’s worsening family situations and shared faith draw them closer, but as their relationship grows, the full truth of their differences emerges to divide them.

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It’s another good book day.

It’s been a while, January 08, 2024

We have a new book. It’s with an author we’ve enjoyed in the last couple of years and it is even Free today. A great start to a new year. Book-wise for sure, hopefully other ways too.

Happy New Year y’all. The year 2023 passed by at an alarming rate, hopefully 2024 will slow down for us, just a little.

Today’s book fits perfectly with the books from my last week of reading.

A Legitimate Date: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary sweet Romance (The Billionaires’ Reunion Book 1)

She’s searching everywhere for the perfect date, is it possible he’s been right in front of her all along?

Kindergarten teacher Serafina Bianchi loves her students and wants children of her own, so when her boyfriend dumps her, she dives into the world of online dating. But after a few disastrous encounters, she realizes she needs a dating coach if she plans to land a husband! And who could better train her in what men want in a woman than her lifelong friend, the suave billionaire Logan Stone?

CEO Logan Stone is decisive in the boardroom, but noncommittal in relationships. With his negligent upbringing before his adoption, he’ll never have the perfect marriage his parents have, and the upcoming Stone family reunion he’s planning in their small town constantly reminds him of what he lacks.

When Serafina asks him to coach her to be the perfect date, Logan agrees, but only if she’ll help plan the reunion. Neither expects their fake dates to stir up real feelings. But maybe he’s taught her too well—now that he’s the one falling for her.

She’s seen him dump one too many women, and he’s afraid he can’t be the guy she needs. Can their friendship survive a romance?

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Browsing, another interesting book showed up for an author I’ve been following for some time. It will take us back to reading mystery again though. I think I will add this to my collection too.

One Hit Blunder (The Worst Detective Ever Book 12) 

When the ending of Joey’s upcoming movie leaves her unsettled, she’s determined to rewrite the script.

Actress Joey Darling has a new role. She’s starring as one-hit wonder Emma Jean Gibbons in an upcoming biopic. But the more she learns about the singer, the more Joey suspects Emma Jean’s death wasn’t as accidental as everyone thinks.

Joey sets out to uncover the truth. As the evidence piles up, she’s more convinced than ever that her gut feeling is correct. But the deeper she digs, the more Joey realizes she’s one blunder away from also facing an “accidental” death.

Will Joey manage to rewrite the script? Or will danger derail her movie . . . and her life?

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One more interesting book showed up, in a series I enjoy following.

Seeking Justice: A Romantic Suspense (Finnegan First Responders Book 2) 

Walking the line between danger and love!

Cold case justice!

When Joy Munson confronts Detective Tarin Finnegan about reopening her brother’s case, she doesn’t expect to be shot at by an unknown assailant. And when the gunman strikes three more times in less than twenty-four hours, she and Tarin are forced to accept the truth. Her brother hadn’t committed suicide, he’d been murdered.

Tarin’s promise to keep Joy safe isn’t easy to keep. It seems as if the gunman knows their every move. Unwilling to trust anyone but his family, Tarin and Joy go completely off-grid. Uncovering the truth is just as difficult as ignoring their mutual attraction. Will they find justice for Joy’s brother, and a possible future for themselves, before it’s too late?

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It’s been a good day.

What to do? New book? November 20, 2023

What to do, what to do? Will I read this? Hmmmm. The first book under consideration is an author just getting started by the looks of things. I would like to support an new author and download his book but will I read it and that’s the question. After browsing the first four chapters I’m still waffling. It could turn out to be a triggering experience.

It’s free so it won’t matter if I don’t, maybe. It seems like they can tell if it’s been read and read thoroughly and that might matter. I’ll give it a shot anyway.

The Heart Shed: A Tragic Necessity

A Brand New Type of Mystery Novel! Steve needs a new heart. Three young strangers are too busy making their way in the world to realize one of them is destined to save a life.


A heart transplant is not a miracle, it is the result of one human’s ultimate sacrifice. Behind every undeserved triumph is a heartbreaking tragedy. The Heart Shed blends these two parallel suspense stories into one medical thriller.


Steve is a middle-age high school teacher in Dallas, Texas. A medical crisis interrupts his life when he is diagnosed with heart failure and forces him to face the reality that he has alienated himself from everyone he cares about. He learns the error of his way, but is it too late to change a life of self-absorption?


Ranae and Wayne are madly in love and living out the perfect romance. As they build a life together, they separately strive to establish promising careers. For Ranae, it is a long hard road to becoming a nurse, but she is up for the challenge. Wayne is a seminary student, who has secretly lost his faith. He struggles to come to terms with his hypocrisy while keeping this secret from Ranae.


Kurt has just graduated from high school and is obsessed with his best friend Julie. He’d like romance but is stuck in the friend zone. Can he convince Julie they were meant to have more?


Each of these burgeoning adults are called upon to play an inspirational role in Steve’s miracle. One must take the lead role, who will it be?


By necessity, every heart transplant requires an abrupt and unforeseen tragedy, trading in a bad heart for a good one. One life is saved at the price of another. Grand plans and ambitions are halted to grant each heart transplant recipient the gift of life.


The suspense grows steadily throughout this medical thriller until the heart donor is ultimately revealed.
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This next choice: I’ve downloaded one book from this author but not read it yet. Consequently, I know nothing. Today’s choice is a collection of six books. At least they are each under one hundred pages so that shouldn’t be too time consuming.

The Holiday Reunion (Complete Series: Books 1-6) (Pine Lake)

She wasn’t expecting to spend the holidays heartbroken and alone. But thanks to her soon-to-be ex-husband, everything she once had is now gone.

At 46 years old, all Matilda has is a backpack and a one-way ticket to her estranged cousins’ cabin in Washington. Adapting to the small-town lifestyle, Matilda makes a room in the attic, where she discovers a hidden box of odds and ends.

Inside is a picture of her as a child. Next to two other girls, and words that read: “My three beautiful daughters”

But Matilda is an only child. Or at least that’s what she’s always known.

Faced with the possibility that she has more family, Matilda must make a decision. Figure out who she really is or continue living a lie. But a grumpy man, snow storms, and hidden answers all still stand between her and the truth.

Will Matilda find out about her family’s past before the holidays? Or are some secrets buried for a reason?

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Two posts today, crazy. The new normal for me is few-and-far-between so two in a row is quite the change. It will not be a new normal, I’m pretty sure.

New books October 22, 2023

What a treat! New books; a nice start to the week.

BookBub suggested this one. A three book collection that promises to give us a few lighter moments, maybe even some laughs. That would be a welcome start to the week.

Bachelors of Clear Creek trilogy boxset: Sweet Romantic Comedies 

Jake, Ethan, & Tommy live in the small town of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek – Population 1,800. They all love the outdoors lifestyle and close friendships but one thing is lacking – the female population.

Enjoy this laugh-out-loud series with a fake identity, second-chance, and best friends to more romance to warm your heart and soul.

Meet the swoony men of Clear Creek & their sassy love interests. You’ll sigh at the sizzling kisses and laugh at the awkward moments in this clean and wholesome, small-town romance series.

What others say about Lisa Renee’s series:

The author brings the story to life with her words and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.”

“A classic Lisa Renee rom com full of the kinds of unexpected moments and witty dialogue that keeps you laughing and wondering what in the world is going to happen next. Great fun from start to finish!”

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This next one will not be encouraging any laughs in us, quite the opposite in fact, but it should be a good read based on our experience with other books from this author.

PREVAIL: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series Book 5)

Garrett’s job with the Coastguard is high-paced and harrowing, but his social life resembles an ocean freighter stuck in the doldrums. With Christmas on the horizon, he’s trying to hold to his new faith, but a tragedy in his childhood makes it the one holiday he dreads.

Paramedic Whitney Springfield loves Christmas, and Garrett Lovett might be the best Christmas gift ever—if she could get him to notice her. But it’s evident that silky blond locks trump her red curls where the handsome IronWorks grad is concerned.

When another Christmas tragedy strikes, Garrett and Whitney join forces to catch a killer. In the midst, they may find each other—if the guilt from past mistakes doesn’t keep them apart. Novella length.

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One more with a serious note to it. We did read and enjoy Book 1 in this series so it would a shame not to read Book 2 as well.

The Darkness Beyond (Against the Darkness Book 2)

Will she surrender her life to the darkness beyond to save her friends?
As Dr. Meiling Chen-Adams, prepares for her Maui honeymoon, a call from President Warrington changes her and Ryan’s lives forever. Meiling’s story has weaved through the media during the previous three months and attracted the president’s attention. He wants Meiling to apply her RNA virus theories to counter the CCP’s bioweapons. But staying ahead of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) requires obtaining the genomes they are using.
Establishing the espionage network she needs places Meiling and her American team in danger deep inside of China. Added to that danger is the Novel Marburg Virus the CCP unleashes on the world.
If Meiling and her team survive, can they hold the furious biological onslaught of the CCP and the PLA at bay?

Set in Colorado, D.C., Hong Kong, and Wuhan, China, The Darkness Beyond is a clean medical thriller with espionage, intrigue, and military conflict—an epic battle between good and evil.

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Well, this was unexpected. Finding new books so effortlessly. I love it when it all comes together so easily.

Hopefully the rest of the week will go as well for us and we have some happy reading.

Two free books from a known author October 07, 2023

What a great way to take a chance on an author I haven’t read in a while, like years. It was a BookBub suggestion that caught my attention and I’m glad because the first few pages look interesting enough to take the bait.

BookBub suggested Killing it in Paris and happily Déjà Dead showed up in the thread. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to experience both of them.

Killing it in Paris: A heart-stopping thriller mystery set in Paris (The Claire Baskerville Mysteries Book 5)

Life begins to settle down for Claire after her horrific first year in Paris. Her career as the exclusive private investigator for the Paris expat community continues to thrive when the abusive boyfriend of her nanny is killed and the girl is arrested for the crime.

Determined to free the girl, Claire pushes through French red tape, double-dealing bureaucrats and a killer who is just as determined to stop her uncovering the truth—no matter the cost.This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong languageGenre: Mystery/thriller, women amateur sleuth, cozy animal (dog)

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Déjà Dead: A riveting thriller mystery set in Paris (The Claire Baskerville Mysteries Book 1)

Things can get pretty dark in the City of Light Claire Baskerville is a sixty-something American who finds herself alone in Paris when her husband is brutally murdered. Reeling from the onslaught of devastating secrets he left behind Claire is stunned to realize she no longer knows who to trust. She only knows she can’t move forward until she finds out the truth behind who killed her husband.

In spite of a genetic brain anomaly that makes it impossible for her to remember faces –even ones she’d seen just moments before, and all alone in a foreign city, Claire doggedly collects the clues that will lead her to her husband’s killer. Unfortunately, the closer she gets to the truth, the more determined that killer is to make sure she never leaves Paris alive. This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong language Genre: women amateur sleuth.

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Another BookBub suggestion is a collection including a book we were drawn to several years ago. This is a great chance to read books 2 and 3 in the series and I’m looking forward to this chance too.

Elle’s Freedom Ridge Collection: Christian Christmas Romance

Discover the captivating Heroes of Freedom Ridge series in this heartwarming Christmas romance collection.

In Healing the Hero, chef Ashley Castle falls for her enigmatic boss, Daniel Winchester, at the Freedom Ridge Resort. As she uncovers a dangerous plot, can they navigate their feelings, his past, and the looming threat?

In Persuaded by the Hero, a reunion sparks buried feelings between Bryce and Sabrina. With their lives and her son’s future hanging in the balance, can they risk a second chance at love in Freedom, Colorado?

In Inspired by the Hero, a blizzard traps Casey Crawford and her secret crush, Gage Buchanan. As threats close in, will their faith guide them through their difficulties?

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I’m behind in exploring suggestion emails and this one is several days old. The special price is still active so we haven’t missed out on a great opportunity. This author is fairly new to me. I think I did read one of her books a few years ago and it’s good to see her again.

Into the Flood: A Christian Romance (Seasons of Faith Book 1) 

She took this small-town job as a temporary last resort. Falling for her reserved boss was not part of the plan.

One mistake imploded Sonia Krogstad’s PR career, leaving her with a stack of debt and no job prospects. Out of options, she returns to her tiny hometown in the northern wilds of Norway, planning only to stay long enough to get back on her feet and prepare for her big-city comeback.

Reclusive tech genius Axel Vikhammer bought a non-profit community arts center that’s fast becoming a money pit. Closing it down is not an option, especially since it’s a refuge for the teenage daughter he only recently learned he has. With her PR background, Sonia seems the perfect hire for the job as his center’s fundraising manager.

Yet as feelings develop between the two, Axel wonders how he can trust Sonia with his business—or his heart—when her dreams don’t include his small town or him.

With her head and her heart pulling her in different directions, Sonia needs to take a leap of faith. But every time she’s done that in the past, she’s fallen flat on her face. Why should it be different now?

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It has turned out to be a profitable opportunity today and it’s been nice to have a reason to connect with you again. Have a great weekend.

Free new book from a reputable author Aug 28, 2023

This offer will probably be limited time only, like usual for these books. This was a BookBub suggestion. They are a good source for awesome books if you haven’t experienced them yet. They ask you to specify your favorite genres, which narrows things down nicely, and they will provide a daily email which I love. Check them out if you haven’t already.

So far this is the only new book I’ve found today but things could change before we are done.

The Sleuth’s Miscalculation (The Librarian Sleuth Book 1)

Two strong-willed sleuths team up to solve a mystery. Can they work together, or will their differences pull them apart?

Librarian Nancy Daley loves a good mystery and enjoys moonlighting as a consultant for the sheriff’s department. When license plates go missing in Tipton County, she’s on the case. This time things are different—she’s been partnered with the new deputy, and he’s not interested in her help. To make matters worse, she’s angered the wrong person and is now being threatened.

Sheriff Deputy Carter Malone expects Tipton, Oregon to be a sleepy small-town, but he miscalculated. He’d come to town for a fresh start with his nephew—one without the issues big cities deal with. Had he made a mistake? To complicate matters, he’s told he must consult with the sheriff’s daughter, who is not in law enforcement. When the minor case they are working morphs into something more, things quickly go from harmless to scary.

Can they solve the mystery before it’s too late, and more importantly, what will they do about their growing attraction?

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Nothing else is showing up at the moment so I will share my current read. It is a good story, not easy to put down.

Rivers, definitely a unique woman’s name, wouldn’t you agree? Many more unique names and strong characters living in the flow of this book too.

The Art of Rivers: A Coastal Hearts Novel

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

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Well, that’s it for now. Maybe later, you never know.

New books August 24, 2023

BookBub has a FREE collection suggestion for us with a short time-frame. We’ve experienced one or two of the books from this series through the years, I think I’ve read one of them. This suggestion will put these stories back on our radar again.

Books 1-3: Pleasant Hearts and Elliot-Kings series (Collections Book 5)

UNCOMMON GROUND: The Pleasant Hearts Series Book 1 (Stella’s story)Her daughter was there, a disaster happened, and then she was gone. The agonizing search for her daughter led Stella to a future she never dreamed she could have.

UNBOUND HOPE: The Pleasant Hearts Series Book 2 (Erica’s story)A veteran air hostess scarred by her past. A US Marshal determined to nab an elusive fugitive. And a lunatic from the past who won’t stay in the past. Will their collision destroy them or prove redemptive?

UNVEILED TRUTH: The Pleasant Hearts Series Book 3 (April’s story)Fleeing home to find a fresh start across the world, led April back to the beginning she was running away from.

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Browsing, I encountered a pre-order book from another author we’ve seen often over the years just not with anything from this series. All of the books involved are stand-alone stories so that’s a good thing, since this is book 5.

Charlotte: A Christian Romance (The Halversons Book 5)

Charlotte’s Halverson’s dream had once been to fall in love, get married and have a family.

But trusting the wrong person has left her a single mother with a jaded view of relationships. Now, Charlotte is content to raise her daughter and pursue her career as an elementary school teacher.

Unfortunately, the past comes knocking, bringing with it more baggage than Charli wants to deal with.

Blake Madden could have been a wealthy man had he just followed the path set out for him.

It’s been over ten years since Blake last spoke to his family, so when he is medically discharged from the military, rather than going home, he goes to where he last felt a real sense of joy and connection: Serenity Point.

Though Blake regrets the decisions he made the last time he was in Serenity, he can’t help but hope that he hasn’t completely burned all his bridges there. He’s at a crossroad in his life, and he’s ready for a new chapter… maybe fulfilling some old promises.

Blake’s return brings with it a bunch of messy feelings and revelations that Charli had hoped to never have to deal with. Blake’s presence in her life reveals the secrets she’d planned to keep forever from her family, and she has no choice but to deal with the fall out.

Can Charli find it in her heart to forgive Blake for making promises and then leaving her? Or will the risk of being abandoned again keep her from opening her heart and life to the man she once loved?

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It’s been another good day!

Book suggestions August 17, 2023

The drought has ended. It may turn out to be a sprinkle rather than a downpour but we will take it.

BookBub has a FREE suggestion with an author we’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing. Reading the first few pages, it is engaging and makes me want to read on to see what comes next.

Many excellent authors use FREE as a incentive to hook you into reading more of their stories and I’m happy to take advantage of the offer. This one has an extremely short effective period, one day, if I read it right. I’m going for it.

Outside of Grace 

Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor’s kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God, too.

Her roommate’s partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on—until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins. As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields.

A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can’t do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go.

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Definitely a sprinkle. We have just one book this time and I don’t know about you but that is enough for me. I’m still working on the deluge we had a week ago.

Currently I’m half way through book 6 in a 10 book box set.

200+ pages each so it takes a good chunk of enjoyable time. The ratings are excellent too for this easy read.

The common thread seems to be a letter advising of the recipient of an inheritance of a billion dollars. The great pressure is the requirement of marriage within six months. Not an easy hurdle to cross for all of them. The pressure is on too because most of them have deep financial needs and this money would be the perfect solution to a precarious situation.

Sweet Water Ranch Box Set Books 1-10 (Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance)

Cuddle up with a cowboy and enjoy these great, heartwarming and inspirational stories of love and laughter under the wide, North Dakota sky!

Book 1 – The Cowboy’s Best Friend: He’s a cowboy with a billion dollar problem. His best friend can solve it, but it might break his heart.

Book 2 – The Cowboy’s Secret Baby: Will Ty pick up his cowboy hat and come back home? Can he convince Louise that he’ll stay this time?

Book 3 – The Cowboy’s Beauty: Can he trust her with his face? Because he’s very close to losing his heart.

Book 4 – The Cowboy’s Best Friend’s Sister: Should he follow the plan, or follow his heart?

Book 5 – The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage: The cowboy’s not afraid of anything…except losing his heart again.

Book 6 – The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale: He’s the billionaire heir of Sweet Water Ranch. His family is throwing a ball and he must choose a wife.

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My next goal today is to finish book 6 and start on 7. Should be an easy target.