What I want to know is…
Are you a card carrying member of this club?
Are you?!
Ok, then.
That’s all I wanted to know.
You had me worried there for a minute.
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Story Prompt is hosted by Sunday Scribblings and peckapalooza and the Confusing Middle
This was a GOOD book. I loved it enough to give it 5 stars.
Love, Lies, & Typewriters: A Christian Historical Western Romance
Amazon quote:
At the height of WWII, New York reporter Bryce Richard is tapped to promote the concocted romance of a wounded veteran and Wyoming cowgirl Lucy Daniels, all in order to sell war bonds. But when Bryce falls in love with Lucy, he must stop her impending fake—but very legal—wedding by devising his own rugged proposal. Can this city slicker cowboy-up to the challenge?
A heartwarming romance worthy of the Hallmark Channel, Love, Lies, & Typewriters is a funny, inspirational story about real love and real courage at a transformational time in America.
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There were a number of things I loved about this book.
The plot was well thought out, fresh, and believable.
The characters worked well together. There was the right amount of tension between them to keep it interesting. They were true to their identity all the way through. There were hints letting us know who felt what but the ending wasn’t immediately obvious. It was a surprise. Well… it was and it wasn’t, which was very nice. The way it all came together was the biggest surprise.
The realness in the story was rooted in the author’s personal history. I could tell you what it was but it would be called a spoiler. That would be wrong on so many levels. Besides, there was an author’s note telling us we would have to wait until the end to hear that story. I have to say, it was worth waiting for. You’ll have to read the book if you want to know too.
Oh, can’t forget… I also loved the quirkiness in conversations and interactions. It was hilarious at times.
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The tone of a book always influences the mood I’m left with. My mood is happy and upbeat at the moment.
It may or may not last with my current read.
I love quirky, dry humor. So far this new read is delivering on that score and my upbeat mood is still intact. It could be in jeopardy though given the North Korean setting, smack in the middle of dangerous intrigue. I’m sure the protagonist’s resourcefulness will have him surviving by squeaking through the tiniest of cracks.
I won’t tell you abut the other character he will meet soon (at least I think it will be soon) but I can tell you she will be a good match for him in the survival game.
I’m looking forward to this read!
The Ingenue: Political Spy Thriller (THE SPY STORIES Book 2)
Amazon quote:
America’s next endearing hero, CIA operative Alex Halee, goes off mission to infiltrate a cybercrime lab in North Korea run by the notorious Pok.
When he runs into trouble, he gets help from the most unlikely person. Bae Hwa is a thirteen-year-old North Korean girl who likes to steal backpacks. When she unknowingly gets her hands on a satchel full of nuclear codes, her entire family is in danger and she ends up in prison.
Alex is arrested and thrown in the same prison cell as Bae. It’s a race against time as he has to save them both and keep the codes out of the hands of those who want to destroy America . . .
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Must go, I have a book to read.
Happy Reading….
on this significantly warmer, sunny day.
It seems the deep freeze has finally left us and it is a balmy -8c out there right now. After minus 30 – 40c… -8c feels downright warm.
(… it’s because someone could have friends or family living in our part of the world and they wonder what it’s like.) (I could hear you asking why. 🙂 )
It’s a sad/happy day for Grandma when her little boys grow up. Today was proof. The river of life moves on and things change. I can’t help feeling some sadness but thankfully that’s not all I feel. My daughter’s eldest passed his drivers test today and is now the proud owner of a new licence. I’m proud of him too.
Along with this news I heard a rumor, something about him taking over taxi duties for his younger brothers. His mother seems rather happy about this.
Of course, there have been signs long before now. Voices dropping to the lower ranges, Faces losing the boyish look. Taller, much taller. Then there’s the day of the last sleep over. You pop your head in to say good night and see him lounging on the bed. It’s a blow to the heart. This is a young man, he’s not a little boy any more.
There is something special about a relationship with a child. They are excited to stay at Grandma’s house. We play games, watch movies, have sleepovers lasting several days. Plan on hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. Sure… we can have pie for breakfast. Precious memories.
It’s funny how the view changes from mom to grandma. I didn’t lose much sleep when my own three were old enough to have drivers licences. I was counting my blessings having someone take over taxi duty.
I’m delighted to see my grandsons grow into awesome young men. There will be more good times, the memories will just be different. In fact they may even be better. Games will take on a whole new look when they actually understand the rules for play. There’s a good chance I may never win again. Hmmm. Maybe not better.
Of course it’s better.
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My favorite read in this batch was fun. I think that’s what I liked most about it, the quirky sense of humor. It was also a cute story. It had substance rather than fluff but was still cute. It’s still a bargain too.
Spare Change by Aubrey Mace
Twenty-three and single, Riley thinks resolutions should be fun, not hard. Just before midnight, she vows to make the easiest resolution ever: save her pennies and at the end of the year, buy something nice for herself. Easy! …Or is it?
Working at a cancer treatment center can change one’s perspective, and before long Riley decides to donate her extra money to cancer research rather than reward herself. At first her resolution is her own secret, but all too soon the nurses figure out her plan, and then things really begin to get out of hand!
As people through the hospital, and then the town, begin to get involved, Riley finds herself at the front of the fund-raising campaign. She also finds herself face-to-face with Paul, the grouchy but cute bank teller. But can she overcome the memory of a failed relationship – and can he do the same? And who is the secret admirer who keeps leaving pennies and notes for her to find?
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There are three more recently read I may as well mention now too. All three are solid favorites
Fatal Winter: Clean Romance Mystery (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 3) This one was five stars.
Bookstore owner, Sylvie Patterson and Detective Ridge Matthews share hidden pain over the long ago tragedy that marked them both. But he’s only aware of part of her unspoken feelings. She knows her love for him has no future because of the breach over his younger brother’s death. Besides he lives hours away in Madison working as a state homicide detective. And after his brother’s tragic accident, Ridge shut down emotionally and keeps his distance from any reminder, especially Sylvie who witnessed the event.
When Sylvie’s cousin Ginger returns from Alaska to write her PhD dissertation, she moves into the apartment above Sylvie’s store. The evening Ginger arrives, she ends their final conversation with these cryptic words: Sylvie, I am going to wow you with a big surprise tomorrow!
Ridge has come to town to pick up the boy he’s assumed guardianship of. He visits Sylvie’s store to pick up Ben. When Ridge and Sylvie discover Ginger’s dead body, his boss orders him to stay and solve the murder. Ridge isn’t happy. He had planned on delivering the boy to a boarding school and go on with his life. Yet break-ins and odd occurrences—most connected to Sylvie and her family—keep him in town, the last place he wants to be. He’s forced to stay with his parents who have never dealt with the past, a constant reminder of what he couldn’t prevent. Plus he’s forced into contact with Sylvie. She’s farther along in reconciling with the past tragedy. Against his will, he begins to crave her company, her peace. The barriers between them crumble, stirring him to want more, feel more.
Worst of all though, Detective Matthews cannot discover any motive or solid clues for her cousin’s murder. Yet because of the continuing violence toward Sylvie’s family, he suspects that another murder might be coming. However, Sylvie refuses to believe that she might be next. What if she’s wrong? Can Ridge stand to lose her too? Why not download this page-turner today?
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The next two awesome books are by the same author.
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I’m loving my current read. I love the story but the best thing about this book is it doesn’t remind me of any other story I’ve ever read.
Ride with Me: A clean, sweet, faith-filled, small-town romance, where life begins at forty.
Hotel magnate Henry Scott lives life in the fast lane. True to form, when his great-uncle leaves him property and a Victorian house in Chapel Cove, he takes a weekend drive, only intending to stay long enough to evaluate his new found assets. If they aren’t a viable option for the next Scott Leisure Resort, he just might consider selling to the couple who’d expressed an interest in buying the old place. After all, if not for them, he would never have known about this last part of his great-uncle’s will, sealed for almost a decade.
When her new neighbor rolls into town, Tash Thornton is less than impressed. Not only is the man presumptuous and audacious, he’s downright egotistical. His grand plans for the property adjoining her stables, tack shop, and riding school do not bode well for her business.
Love thy neighbor, the Bible teaches—those people who cross your path each day. But with Henry Scott owning the land right next door, Tash fears God may expect her to show him a double portion of love.
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Happy Reading.
Check out some of these books. I think they are all still at bargain prices. They are definitely worth more, no question.
I love to dance but I have to admit, I don’t really know how. I don’t let that stop me any.
I never did learn because I had no reason to. My grandmother was not a fan of dancing, although my mother was, and as I respected my grandmother’s thoughts and opinions, I wasn’t either.
The only dances we ever attended were wedding receptions. I was shy about doing new things in public and at the time I felt great relief at not having to take part. On the other hand most of the time I would have been bold enough to say no, now that I think about it.
I’ve always loved music and in the last couple of decades it has become a bigger part of life than ever before. Listening to songs over and over does something to a person. I find they get right down into my bones and I can’t help but move.
Some songs are worse than others, it’s impossible to listen to them and sit still.
These days I can dance with abandon because there is no one around to see me. At least I hope the neighbors can’t. I do try to avoid the windows at all cost.
The thing about dancing to music that touches my heart; the impact is greater with movement. The other positive thing about dance is the cardio workout, especially after all the sitting I do. All the way around it makes me happy to get up and move to music.
I try to spread the joy of dancing but I don’t think I’ve had any converts. Maybe my luck will improve and I’ll have one or two here.
In lieu of pictures I’ll share some videos. I had one favorite song in mind but I can’t remember where it is in my extensive DVD library. (Not that I haven’t spent time to trying to find it.)
Here is a random selection of songs that make my toes tap and my feet want to move.
This first one is one of my favorite groups. Actually, they all are favorite groups.
This song is from the Gaither Vocal Band DVD Better Day
And this one is from The Martins (a family group) Still Standing album. It was new last year and I still play it a lot.
I love this next group and even this song but my favorite part of this toe tapping video – the mountains of Alaska. I miss my beloved Rocky Mountains over here in flat Manitoba and a glimpse to bring back memories is wonderful.
I hope you felt a little like tapping your toes along with me.
Story prompt was courtesy of Sunday Scribbling hosted by Peckapaloosa: The Confusing Middle
BookRunes has a FREE Christmas suggestion by an author I’ve never read. I always (or mostly always) read the first few pages just to get an idea of what I’m in for. Sometimes I get the wrong idea but more often than not it turns out well and I’m left feeling glad about saying yes.
All that to say, I’m taking a chance on both of these books, just for starters. I say that because if I say only two then something else will be sure to show up before we’re done and I’ll be a liar and have to change this paragraph.
A Wish for Christmas (The Happy Holidays Series Book 3)
Amazon quote:
Heat Level: Low
Laugh Level: High
More than anything, India Ramone wants to give her daughter, her younger brother, and her elderly grandfather a Christmas they deserve. After the death of her mother, the last two years have been rough and money is tight. A full-time nursing student, she feels her prayers have been answered with the temporary job of personal assistant to John Laurencelli. The billionaire is rumored to be demanding and difficult but India soon realizes there’s more to him than bad press and weapons-grade dangerous good looks. But with everything on her plate, she doesn’t have time to be falling for her new boss.
John Laurencelli lives, eats, and breathes his business and making money. For his own reasons, he’s avoided Christmas for two decades. But it’s proving difficult this year when his new assistant wears vintage holiday aprons, hums Christmas tunes, and likes to spread good cheer. Despite his determination not to celebrate the season, it isn’t long before India opens his eyes to what’s missing in his life.
Can they overcome their fears and misgivings to make it a truly wonderful Christmas for each other?
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This next one comes via BookBub, it’s a bargain and a complete change of pace. The first was lighthearted. This one is not. But it does come highly recommended. I think I may have read this author once before but I’m not really sure.
Someone to Blame
Amazon quote:
When a stranger wanders into a small coastal town, crimes suddenly multiply. Everyone is eager to find someone to blame . . .
In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move with their fourteen-year-old daughter, Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to get far away from the daily reminders that leave each of them raw and guilt-ridden. Their hope is to find redemption, repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads that hold them together unravel even more. Breakers, a small community perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific Northwest, is draped with cold isolation that seems to mirror the hearts.
For the Moore family, blame is personal, harsh, and merciless … as their lives become entangled with this drifter and they have to face the truths they desperately want to hide from.
As they settle into their new life, old grief settles with them. Matt is always on edge and easily angered, Irene is sad and pensive, and Casey is confused and defiant. They’ve once more set the stage for calamity. Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a young drifter with his own conflicts, whose life unexpectedly entangles with the Moores’. His arrival in Breakers parallels a rash of hateful and senseless crimes, and soon the whole town – eager for someone to blame – goes after Thurber with murderous intent.
Out of this dangerous chaos, however, the Moores find unexpected grace and healing in a most unlikely way. Author C. S. Lakin explores our need to assign reason and fix blame for the pain and grief in our lives. Though the circumstances are fictional, the emotions are real and universal, making Someone to Blame a great and inspiring read.
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Yesterday This Quiet Sky was one of our downloads and I said it would be next in line on my reading list – if I still remembered by the time I got to it.
I did get to it before I forgot. I made a special point of it
It wasn’t a long read. And I loved every minute of it, even though tissues were needed often. The author is amazing with this heart wrenching story. Her telling is so beautiful even while it makes you cry.
I would urge you to read it, it is worth every one of the five stars I gave it. A story that will touch you on such a deep and profound level does not come along very often.
This Quiet Sky
Amazon quote:
There is nothing extraordinary about Tucker O’Shay’s dreams.
Go to college. Become president. Fall in love.
And pretend like he has enough time to get it all done.
Sixteen-year-old Sarah Miller doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when she begins her first day at the one-room-school house in her new hometown of Rocky Knob. But when she meets seventeen-year-old Tucker O’Shay—the boy with the fatal illness who volunteers to tutor her in algebra—she finds herself swept up in a friendship that changes the way she sees the world and a love that changes her life.
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I would tell you what I’m reading now except it feels wrong to change the mood. I want to feel the memory of This Quiet Sky a little while longer.
Next time.
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.
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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?
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This book is still at bargain prices if you’d like it.
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That’s it for the moment. I’ll post again if more shows up later.
Happy Reading!
For the Love of Books 