Bargain book July 13, 2021

July 13, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has an interesting bargain suggestion for us.

Faith in the Mountain Valley (Call of the Rockies series Book 5)

Amazon quote:

This epic journey is the only way to leave her secrets behind.

After eleven years spent looking for the girl who stole his heart, Jean-Jacques Baptiste—better known as French to his friends—is tempted to give up. Until the day he spotted the flaxen-haired stranger traveling the wooded path with Blackfoot Indians. He never imagined he’d find his childhood friend masquerading as a man in this Rocky Mountain wilderness, hundreds of miles from the Canadian town where he last saw her. No matter her reasons, he can’t let her go this time.

Colette Mignon’s life has become a cacophony of lies, including the fact that her Blackfoot Indian companions believe she’s a man. She’s willing to live the taxing life of a trapper in these desolate mountains as long as it keeps her secrets hidden. When her childhood friend and first love discovers her, his determination to help might put everything at risk.

As the worst of her past threatens to catch up with her, the hope for Colette’s new life shatters. But no matter what, she must protect the one good thing that came from all her mistakes. Though French is determined to stay at her side, she can’t let him become entangled in the perilous consequences of her actions. If only it wasn’t so painful to push him away. The danger pressing in may leave her only one choice—leave everything behind…again.

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Currently, I am still reading and hugely enjoying the time travel collection mentioned yesterday. I’ve progressed as far as book five and I am impressed with everything I’ve read so far.

I’m impressed with the story lines they have come up with. Such imaginations these ladies have. And writing abilities. I am going to be sad when I get to the end. It seems like all of them, so far, have ended on a cliff. I expect that means there is more to follow. I would love to read more.

Nevermind Time: A Time Travel romance set

Love Can Be Found Anywhere

Enjoy these sweet, clean, time travel romances where time has no hold on love.

A TIME TO DIE
Herbert Groat has fixed all sorts of watches, but this? A watch that doesn’t just tell time, it goes back in time. In the nick of time. Evelin Barclay is an associate at Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. She doesn’t know she’s about to be brutally murdered. Can Herbert set aside fear and disbelief to save her? Or will it be her time to die?

TIME WILL TELL
When one of Clay’s irate customers runs April’s car off the road on the Fourth of July, she’s mysteriously transported back in time to 1970 and given the chance to right a past wrong. Can she thwart a dangerous plot involving Clay’s grandfather that doomed Hackle County’s future and her relationship with Clay?

THE PORTAL
A plain wooden box. A travel through time. Will Tarin choose comfort or true love? Can these two from different times find the love they’re searching for?

A FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES

Was her aunt married? If so, who was that man at the cemetery? After reading the stack of love letters between Claudia and William, Kelly sees that a simple wrong assumption changed everything. If only she could go back and make things right…

CECILIA’S Y2 KEY
When Cecilia finds a key hanging on her Christmas tree, she’s afraid someone has broken in. The truth is much more frightening. When she opens the old oak chest in the attic on New Year’s Eve 1999, she is whisked back to 1900 because of an ancient family curse.

THE VORTEX
What do you do when your world is turned upside down and everything you knew is gone including years of your life and the only realities are an apple orchard and the man who lives there?

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Enjoy these books. I’ve not read today’s new one but I’ve certainly enjoyed 4 1/2 of the current read and highly recommend it.

I have read Misty M Beller, author of the new book, I just can’t remember much about the experience. She’s not on any of my unenjoyed (I’m trying to be diplomatic here) lists so I take that as a good sign.

Happy Reading y’all

Read and enjoyed July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The outstanding feature of this read-and-enjoyed book was the main character. She was a real-piece-of-work. I think that expression suited her better than it has any other character I’ve met in a very long time. This bizarre aspect of her personality created much chaos and mayhem. It made for a story that was never boring. Frustrating, a head shaker, but never boring.

Changing circumstances and family secrets added to the already high level of drama. The Drama Queen label suited her pretty well too.

Things are not always what they seem though, and people can change, sometimes.

For the most part, I liked the way things turned out. Somethings were expected, some things not. There was one major decision that felt contrived, not entirely a natural out come, but aside from that it ended well.

I would like to read more from this author. This book is still free.

Honey Creek Homecoming (Honey Creek Romance Book 1)

Honey Creek is the one place on earth Olivia Swanson never wants to see again. When her step-grandmother sends for her, Olivia returns with a plan. To marry the town’s wealthiest bachelor, Payton Vance. But things go quickly awry for the self-absorbed, arrogant, and angry woman.

Secrets in her past, the devotion of a woman longing to be her grandmother, a destitute family, and Rusty Baker, the guy she humiliated in high school all push Olivia into an emotional battle only a Savior could help her win.

Over a short amount of time, Olivia learns she can’t make it alone no matter how independent, ambitious, and stubborn she is. Something spiritual is at play here. Her return to Honey Creek was no random happening. God has chosen this particular time and place to give Olivia a choice. Either trust Him or lose everything.

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Currently, I’m reading a collection about time travel. The first book was interesting the way it all played out. There was the unexpected which was good, there were hard to follow time lines in some places, but overall it was a good read.

There was a cliffhanger at the end and I was hoping to read more but it wasn’t to be. The next book in the collection is from a new series.

I heartily recommend this book too. It’s still a bargain.

Nevermind Time: A Time Travel romance set

A TIME TO DIE
Herbert Groat has fixed all sorts of watches, but this? A watch that doesn’t just tell time, it goes back in time. In the nick of time. Evelin Barclay is an associate at Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. She doesn’t know she’s about to be brutally murdered. Can Herbert set aside fear and disbelief to save her? Or will it be her time to die?

TIME WILL TELL
When one of Clay’s irate customers runs April’s car off the road on the Fourth of July, she’s mysteriously transported back in time to 1970 and given the chance to right a past wrong. Can she thwart a dangerous plot involving Clay’s grandfather that doomed Hackle County’s future and her relationship with Clay?

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I’ve read A Time To Die, I’m about to read Time Will Tell, and there are four more after that.

Check it out if you haven’t already.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books July 10, 2021 Part two

July 10, 2021July 10, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Time travel is the theme of the next attractive collection to cross my path today. I enjoy reading time travel, it has all sorts of interesting possibilities. There can be wide differences in treatments, though, and I find myself approaching new experiences with caution, not feeling confidence about liking the experience. When I like it I like it, though.

I haven’t read very far on this to check it out but what I did read has me hooked. I want to know what comes next.

I love the cover too.

Nevermind Time: A Time Travel romance set

Enjoy these sweet, clean, time travel romances where time has no hold on love.

TIME WILL TELL
When one of Clay’s irate customers runs April’s car off the road on the Fourth of July, she’s mysteriously transported back in time to 1970 and given the chance to right a past wrong. Can she thwart a dangerous plot involving Clay’s grandfather that doomed Hackle County’s future and her relationship with Clay?

THE PORTAL
A plain wooden box. A travel through time. Will Tarin choose comfort or true love? Can these two from different times find the love they’re searching for?

A FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES

CECILIA’S Y2 KEY
When Cecilia finds a key hanging on her Christmas tree, she’s afraid someone has broken in. The truth is much more frightening. When she opens the old oak chest in the attic on New Year’s Eve 1999, she is whisked back to 1900 because of an ancient family curse.

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It’s a good thing the book is only 513 pages long, with six stories they haven’t been given too much time.

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I see we have one more now too. BookRunes has a FREE suggestion I’m excited about. I have read this author before but it’s been awhile. The first few pages of this new book have me intrigued.

Honey Creek Homecoming (Honey Creek Romance Book 1)

Amazon quote:

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I’m going to have to have a reading marathon this weekend, with all these new books I’m excited to get to.

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This book situation is actually a very good thing right now as I wrestle with sadness. It would be nice if the people we love could live forever, or at least as long as we do, but they can’t. And they wouldn’t want to, when it comes right down to it.

I’m grateful for a basket full of enticing books, they will keep me from digging an impossible sadness pit I’d have trouble climbing out of.

While I don’t want to dig a bottomless hole, I do admit that the presence of sadness is a good thing. It means I love. And in this case deeply. I’m grateful we still have a little time, it’s not over yet.

To answer your question, it’s a beloved family member who has been in my life for decades. She holds a special place in my heart. She’s managed more than 90 years and we’ve been blessed to have her.

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It’s ok to be happy and sad all at the same time.

I’m hanging on to happy to keep me afloat.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books July 10, 2021

July 10, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I’m having fun this morning checking out the latest offering of books, hoping to find something new and interesting. I came across a collection filled completely with new-to-me authors, it appears to be well written with fresh and new story lines. I couldn’t resist.

Warfare of Love

Amazon quote:

A delightful mix of contemporary and historical romances.

THE HEART KNOWS
When Lydia remembers her identity and discovers the secret Drew has kept from her, she struggles to make the right choice. Can she respect and trust a man she loves who allowed her to live a lie, or must she leave him and the two children who are as dear to her as life itself?

HIS FRENCH WAR BRIDE
June 1944. Despite her determination to be in Paris to welcome her father home when he escapes from a prison camp, interpreter Christine Arnette must obey when the French Resistance sends her on a secret D-Day mission to Normandy. When her cover story falls apart, the Allies start asking questions. Can she trust them with the truth?

When Lieutenant Harry Dean discovers their beautiful French interpreter lied about her reasons for coming to Carentan, it’s up to him to discover her identity. His gut tells him to trust her, but orders are orders. Is she really a spy? Will his heart allow him to stand by and watch if she’s arrested?

HOMETOWN HERO
Fighting through two years without leave and secret feelings, Davis and Muller must go undercover as newlyweds to stop the disaster. When a shocking mix up with the chaplain makes their uncover roles a reality; Wolf and Angel must unmask a mole, stop a terrorist, protect the President-elect and untangle the events that just made them partners for life.

Can undercover love survive in the midst of trial?

NEW MESSAGES, OLD MEMORIES
As the list of suspects mounts, the intensity of the situation increases, and Blake and Kelly find themselves in a race against time. With the help of Kerrytown’s chief of police and a kid named Leon, they work to identify the perpetrator and bring him or her to justice before things get out of hand and someone doesn’t survive Christmas.

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Nothing else is jumping out for me at the moment but I can always add another post later if things change.

Currently I am reading and enjoying a mystery collection (that I’ll share in a moment) but I think my next read will be today’s new collection. I’m anxious and curious to meet these new authors.

The current read is fraught with suspense, I may switch between the two collections just to survive.

Deadly Chances: Five romantic suspenses where couples outrace danger and take a chance on love

I’m up to book three and it’s tense.

CALL ME JANE
Since she’s walking on water, why is she still wearing shoes? That was her first question when the fugue cleared. But she has more pressing questions, such as —who is she, where does she live, and how did she end up on Peachtree Street on a cold November night wearing nothing but a nightgown?

With Officer Kyle Rossi’s help, Jane, as she prefers to be called, begins the journey to discover her identity. But the more she learns about the real Aubrey Sutherland, the more she realizes she can’t trust anyone, especially those closest to her.

Jane also learns that a concussion might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

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OK, so I hurried through the last of book three and set up for book four

SUNSHINE IN SPRING
Camden Daye used to love Christmas. Six years ago, tragedy struck his family. Every year since then, he hangs on to the past and his role in the devastation that shook up the world of his loved ones. Can he be free of the self-imposed chains, or will they hold him in bondage?
Sunshine Rogers is being stalked. By whom, she has no idea and can’t understand why anyone would do it. Fear begins to take over her life as she constantly looking over her shoulder.

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I’ll let you know how I feel about Warfare of Love

Happy Reading

Oops, I think I just tripped over another great collection. That means another post. Stay tuned.

Bargain books – Romance – July 07, 2021

July 7, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Random browsing worked tonight, a very good thing because I needed something to talk about. The search had a beginning point, it didn’t produce for me but thankfully the suggestion strips attached to the search bore fruit.

It was fortuitous. The book I’m currently reading gave me ideas. The protagonist was spending time with a book and in describing the scene the author’s name was mentioned. Of course, I had to check it out to see if this person was real. She is and it turns out we read two of her books last year.

I’ve noticed name dropping of real authors and their books, happens often these days. And why not? It’s a perfect opportunity.

Anyway, my search yielded four collections, two romance and two mystery. That’s too many books for one post. so two it is.

This is a chance to meet more new authors. That’s probably the biggest reason for selecting these books.

Happily Ever After: Retellings of classic Fairy Tales

Contemporary and historical romances where men were princes and women were the princesses who loved them.

RED AND THE WOLF
Fellow reporter Wolf Skinner has designs on Lilly and would like to take Hunter’s place as Lilly’s boyfriend. But his reasons are less than honorable. When Lilly gets lost in the forest and must climb a tree to escape a ferocious bear, which of these gentlemen will be her hero?

HILLBILLY CINDERELLA
When Lance throws a barn dance, Cindy is determined to have one night with him that will carry her through the rest of her life. Can she set aside prejudices from a bygone time and embrace her happily ever after?

RAPUNZEL’S LIGHTHOUSE
Georgie and Colby have both had their share of disappointments and heartache. Just as Georgie is beginning to open up to him, a letter she finds threatens to shut her down again. Can their shared desperate need for a home bring them together?

BETTER TO SEE YOU
Visiting her ailing grandmother in the fairytale-like German town, Lucy Blair plans to be a caregiver during her grandma’s illness and attend the world-renowned theater production of the Passion of Christ. What Lucy did not plan was to run into her old college boyfriend, Ron Woodson, who is in Germany to learn woodcarving for his furniture making business. Will their meeting rekindle the old flame or will the past smother the new spark?

JUST RIGHT ROMANCE
When Goldie Portman finds out her high school friend Cecelia wants to stage her high profile wedding to a senator’s son at Goldie’s Little Woods Inn, she is sure her prayers have been answered. She doesn’t count on the presence of Cecelia’s brother Justin, Goldie’s high school nemesis, and the proud owner of three rascally dogs nicknamed “the bears.” As the wedding details spiral out of control, the local media does their best to crash the event and another ghost from Goldie’s past arrives to add to the chaos. Sparks fly and there just may be a “happily ever after” if Goldie can manage the mayhem and deliver a wedding that’s just right for everyone.

CHARITY AND THE SEVEN SISTERS
Tragedy can bring them together or tear them apart…..
Rhett Lincoln loved Montana and everything his father left him on the biggest ranch in Hope, Montana. Upon returning home, he finds the one person he loves the most on the brink of death. His life turns upside down until he realizes his need for a wife. Will he find love in Hope, Montana?

BIRDS AND BREADCRUMBS
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to that little boy and girl after the gingerbread house encounter, here’s what you’ve been missing. Birds and Bread Crumbs is the “rest of the story”—a grown-up Midwestern American fairy tale with just enough magic to make you believe in once-upon-a-time and happily-ever-after again.

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A Family to Love

Skinny Ranch Romance – Cindy M. Amos
When a hometown parade explodes with violence targeted at obese onlookers, District Judge Ilie Walton is forced to team with former classmate Traynor Henning for a trial reduction program for the victims. None too pleased over the partnership with Tray, Ilie claims to remain blind to his Zach Efron good looks in the name of justice. As the fence lengthens and the pounds melt off volunteer participants, Tray’s devotion softens her resolve, launching a romantic partnership. When new evidence emerges on a cold case involving a death at their senior class party, Ilie insists that justice prevail, though it threatens to sever their tenuous relationship.

An Unexpected Family – June Foster
Grant Elliot leaves his father’s veterinarian dynasty and overambitious twin brother to practice in the small town of Homedale, California. When local baker Kate Klein brings her ailing dog into the office, Grants’s intrigued by the lab’s gorgeous owner. He wants to get to know her but can’t reveal his origins. What would she think if she knew his father’s clinics cater only to the wealthy who spoil and pamper their pets instead of practicing genuine medicine?

Pine Grove Homecoming – Martha Rogers
After her husband’s death, Shelley Iverson finally returns to her old home in Pine Grove, Texas where her friends and family give her support and encouragement. One friend, Reid Sellers, was her husband’s best friend. Now that she’s home, Reid’s old feelings for her return as he keeps a promise to his friend to take care of Shelley and the twins. As events unfold, his love grows, but will Shelley be able to open her heart to a new love and a future with Reid?

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These books are less than full length and should be relatively fast reads.

Enjoy while meeting a few more authors.

Free and bargain books July 05, 2021

July 5, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us with an author I have yet to read.

Protective Custody: Hometown Heroes: Book 1

Amazon quote:

She’s a key witness to a crime……Now he must keep her alive. Can they avoid the danger that’s closer than they think?

Play-it-safe magazine editor Heather McAlistair is in the wrong place at the wrong time. But doing the right thing may cost her everything. Including her life.

Detective Kyle Taylor is investigating a case that threatens to break his career. He can’t even go on a date without crime haunting him and the woman who’s captured his heart.

With more than their future at risk, they must discern betrayal from trust, image from truth. And stay alive while they’re at it.

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The suggestion strip has an interesting mystery from another author I’ve not seen before.

Hard Landing (Hope Landing Romantic Suspense Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Two wary souls get a second chance at love…if a killer doesn’t find them first.

When a stalker turns to murder, pilot Kelli Spencer needs protection. What she doesn’t need is her old love Jack Reese returning to stir things up, but the former Navy SEAL and his team of protection specialists are the best of the best.

Trust him with her life? If she has to. Trust him with her heart? No way.

The last time Jack left, he made it clear married life held no appeal. Ten years later, he wastes no time letting her know he hasn’t changed. Not that she’d be fool enough to hope.

As the commander of Knight Tactical, Jack jumps at the chance to protect Kelli and take down a killer, but as soon as she’s safe, he plans to shake the dust of the small mountain town off his feet again…until he realizes he never should have left the first time.

Can he convince Kelli to give him another chance, or will a devious killer destroy his plans for a happily ever after?

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I’m currently reading a fun mail order bride romance. Check out the synopsis and you will see why. It’s impossible not to feel a little bit sorry for this poor unsuspecting guy just minding his own business. It’s still FREE

Love in Independence (Holiday Mail Order Brides Book 6)

They say love covers a multitude of sins, and for matchmakers Mercy, Martha, and Maude, it’s a good thing! Fearing the town’s new pastor is lonely, they decide to take matters into their own hands, and order him a mail order bride! Imagine his surprise when he finds out? Only he doesn’t! Mercy, Martha, and Maude see to that!

Winnie Longfellow has spent years caring for her sick mother, and now that she’s passed, has nowhere to go but her Aunt Eugina’s. But her aunt has other things on her mind, other problems to deal with, and so Winnie accepts a proposal from a pastor out west looking for a mail order bride. Little did she know, he was looking for so much more, anything more!

He had no idea he’d sent for one! Now Winnie finds herself at the mercy of three madcap matrons, determined that love will find a way. Despite multiple misunderstandings, a horrid bully/gossip, and a woman she’s sure her intended will marry instead of her, Winnie discovers some things about herself, and finds that love really does find its way.

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I love a book that makes me laugh and this one is doing it.

Happy Reading.

Free and bargain books July 01, 2021

July 1, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

My new Kindle is out for delivery, I’m so excited. It should be here anytime now. My current Kindle is about to draw it’s last breath, either that or explode in flames. Given the bizarre symptoms it’s been displaying in the last 24 hours, my money is on flames. Recharging happens only in dire emergencies. Twice a day.

Back to books.

BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us, A multi award winning book. It was first published in 2000, I don’t think I’ve read it but I could have. I was reading this author back then.

The Shepherd’s Voice: A Novel

Amazon quote:

Gabe Talmadge languished in prison for ten years, convicted of a horrible crime. Now free, he’s unable to find work in the midst of the Great Depression. In desperation, he returns home to Ransom, Idaho, hoping his uncaring father will give him food and shelter, if not love. But the prodigal isn’t welcomed home. Hudson Talmadge, who virtually owns the town, despises his son as much as ever, and Gabe is as powerless as an adult as he was as a child to win his father’s approval.

Hungry and hopeless, Gabe is rescued by the owner of a sheep ranch south of Ransom. Incredibly, Akira Macauley gives him a place to live and work to do. More than that, she gives him hope that he can receive forgiveness of his past – and perhaps even love. But when tragedy strikes Ransom once again and Gabe’s life begins to unravel, he must either sink into an abyss of hopelessness or cling to a faith, hope, and love stronger than any he has ever known.

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A pre-order bargain suggestion for an author I’ve not read, showed up in the suggestion strip. I think I’ll take a chance, it sounds interesting.

Treasure Me: A sweet, clean, and faith-filled small-town Christmas romance

Amazon quote:

She wanted to stay. But putting down roots meant believing forever was possible.

Never in the same place for more than a season, Aubrey Gibson enjoyed the freedom her food truck business brought. With plans to join a major West Coast market dashed, she agrees to a quiet holiday season pet sitting at the local animal shelter for her veterinary technician friend. She can still serve a limited menu in the evenings at the local Christmas bazaar. But the rest she craved turns to anything but when she meets Shane Vaughn and finds herself tangled in all the charm and drama a small town has to offer.

Everyone knew the tragedy of the Vaughn Family Tree Farm. Full time computer IT programmer Shane Vaughn stays busy this time of year keeping family tradition alive by selling trees and coordinating the Chapel Cove Christmas bazaar. When a mama dog is abandoned on his property, the last person he expects to answer his call is Aubrey. Thrown together by chance and choice, Shane can’t help but enjoy the budding friendship, but he’s put down roots he can’t tear up and she’ll be long gone by New Year’s.

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That’s all I’ve got at the moment.

As far as a current read goes, I’m having trouble settling on one. The book I’m checking out at the moment is a K9 story. The jury is still out, but maybe.

Someone’s out to end her life.

Can the K-9 unit shield her from harm?

Evidence from forensic specialist Darcy Fields could convict a killer—if she survives to testify.

A killer seems determined to discredit her, frighten her…and silence her, permanently.

Hounded by the press and stalked by a murderer, Darcy must depend on Officer Jackson Davison and his K-9 partner, Smokey, as danger inches nearer and the trial date closes in.

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Happy Reading!

This and That June 19th

June 19, 2021June 20, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Today was a fun day. We gathered at my daughter’s house for the maiden voyage of the new fire pit.

It was also a time to meet the new sweet and cuddly puppy. She spent a lot of time sleeping on my lap. I suspect she slept so deeply with me because I was the only one sitting still long enough to let it happen. It seems she is like many young babies, human or otherwise, requiring lots of sleep in between her energy spurts. We enjoyed one another,

The fire pit was fun too, all of us look forward to wiener roasts in the summer. We chatted about alternatives to wieners and Farmer Sausage and the like. Who knew that anyone would cook a steak over a camp fire. I think I will stick with wieners and sausages.

I’ve mentioned Jordan B Peterson recently. He is an Academic and a Clinical Psychologist. He is brilliant and intuitive, I enjoy listening to him and his podcast guests.

Anyway, he recommended several books. One he wrote recently...

Beyond Order: Twelve New Rules for Life

He also recommended an author we should read if we want to be the best we can be at writing. He mentioned one book but I came across a complete collection and I took it.

Francis Bacon: The Complete Works (Centaur Classics)

Following that I noticed a collection by a classic author I keep crossing paths with but have never read.

Delphi Complete Works of John Steinbeck

I’ll leave you with their covers.

It looks like I have some heavy reading ahead of me.

Have you read any of these books?

What did you think of them?

Free and bargain books June 14, 2021

June 14, 2021 / For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

LPC Books has a FREE suggestion for us. This is from an author I’ve not read but would like to try.

Three Little Things

Amazon quote:

“A well-drawn cast of supporting characters creates a strong sense of community, and colorful colloquialisms (“whip-thin and homely as a cow pie”) add flavor. Lovers of G-rated historical romance will be charmed by the earnest, emotionally vulnernable connection between these young lovers.” – Publisher’s Weekly

One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.

Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind.

Arno Kreger can’t leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He’s eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother’s death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He’s loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie’s pa.

One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he’s on his way to a war across the ocean, and she’s still in her father’s house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.

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There is also a bargain book suggestion.

Coming of Winter (A Jeremy Winter Thriller Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Catherine Mae Blackston is missing. She is not the first.

While investigating Blackston’s recent activities, FBI Agent Jeremy Winter stumbles upon a string of missing persons within state parks. Unable to convince his boss that Blackston’s disappearance is anything other than a lost hiker, Winter joins forces with a local police officer to continue the search.

As the clues mount, a dark figure from Jeremy’s past emerges with an ultimatum — one that could force him out of the Bureau. Afraid that his girlfriend, fellow agent Maggie Keeley, will be dragged into a high-stakes political game, he delays his decision. But as the tally of missing persons increases, Winter closes in on the unlikeliest of suspects.

The bodies are out there.

He just has to find them before his past catches up with him.

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One more bargain.

A Song for Her Enemies: A Novel

Amazon quote:

She has the voice of an angel. But the devil is listening.

After Nazi soldiers close the opera and destroy Tamar Kaplan’s dream of becoming a professional singer, she joins the Dutch Resistance, her fair coloring concealing her Jewish heritage. Tamar partners with Dr. Daniel Feldman, and they risk their lives to help escaping refugees. When they are forced to flee themselves, violinist Neelie Visser takes them into hiding.

Tamar’s love for Daniel flowers in hardship, but she struggles with the paradox that a loving God would allow the atrocities around her. When Tamar resists the advances of a Third Reich officer, he exacts his revenge by betraying the secrets hidden behind the walls of Neelie’s house. From a prison hospital to a Nazi celebration to a concentration camp, will the three of them survive to tell the world the secrets behind barbed wire?

A Song for Her Enemies is the story of a talented young opera singer and the bittersweet love that grows amid the tyranny and fear of World War II. Set against the backdrop of neighbors willing to risk their lives in the German-occupied, war-torn Netherlands, A Song for Her Enemies is an inspiring and beautiful novel celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the determination of Christians in the face of persecution. It is a novel for everyone seeking to understand the pain of the past and be inspired to embrace hope for the future.

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Get ready for action-packed romance in a collection I’ve not seen before

Adventure Brides

Sanctuary By Mary Alford
On separate quests for resolution, two searchers attempt to unravel the full story of past losses. When Katie Fleming returns home to Sanctuary, Montana, to delve into her mother’s death, a reunion with childhood friend Adam Carter welds his search for his wife’s murderer to hers. Together, their determination to find the underlying truth yields a resolution neither expected—a sanctuary of the heart.

Ocean’s Edge By Cindy M. Amos
Standing in landlocked Colby, Kansas, Wynn Yardley makes a wish to touch the ocean, and foundation director Teague Montgomery feels obligated to make it happen—despite running out of funds at his Dreams Come True event. Traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in his Jeep sets the stage for tender romance between the tide lines once they arrive. Good with plants, Wynn learns to grow roots despite shifting sands and the ever-turning wheels of adventure.

The Long Way Home By June Foster
An Uber ride takes a dark turn for unsuspecting riders Jada Atwood and David Maguire when two thugs abduct the vehicle and send them into a cataclysmic game of survival deep in the Pennsylvania woods. Ex-military and highly skilled, David might be more resourceful than the hijackers bargained for. Jada’s life in Dallas which includes a fiancé fades as she clings to a more imperative reality—escape, and the never-say-die soldier who might be saving more than her life.

Donkey Island Rendezvous By Dana Mentink
On the cusp of a storm, Aubrey Jones arrives at a private island off California’s coast to service the resident donkeys with veterinarian care. After a muddy trek to the owner’s remote mansion, the door is answered by the last person on earth she wants to see—country boy turned NFL star Cooper Rockwell, the man who broke her heart. Aubrey objects to Rocket Rockwell’s presence—until the storm knocks out the electricity and strands them together. It’s going to be a weekend filled with animals, antics, and plenty of adventure!

The Wrong Suitcase By Sherri Stewart
Regina Larson’s trip-of-a-lifetime becomes a race for her life when she grabs the wrong suitcase at the airport in Tel Aviv. Something in that suitcase makes her a target, but for whom? Is it the gravelly-voiced, nameless man who threatens her, or Jacob Ross, the handsome man with the laughing eyes, who seems to know where she is at all times?

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OK, I’m done now.

I’m currently finishing a book that is not a favorite and I’ve not decided what is next. I suspect it will be one of these new ones.

Happy Reading!

A little of this and that.

June 6, 2021 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

My mind is mush these days, too many distractions going on and it’s hard to think up something good to write. Hopefully, just starting will work for me one more time.

The first thing on my mind is a book I finished earlier today. It was an ok book but I only gave it 3 stars and I think I’m feeling a little guilty about that. It’s true, it was only worth that to me but I feel bad saying it out loud.

I’m pretty sure my assessment fell under the category of personal opinion rather than technical deficiencies.

I’m not a big fan of emotional struggles within the characters, with them spending most of their time on internal dialogue with themselves. Both main characters were caught up in their own issues and between them, all this thinking took up a major chunk of the story.

Did I mention I’m not a big fan of this writing technique? I prefer to see action of some sort moving the story along.

I don’t think there is a fix for the weakness in this case. It would take a rewrite with a different approach and in the end it would be a whole new book.

Like I say, I think my assessment was personal preference. I’m sure many could disagree with me and love the book.

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I’ve spent the weekend diligently reading, trying to catch up a little with the growing backlog of unread books. This means I’m also accumulating a backlog of read books. I think I will add the covers here just to get them gone. Nothing stood out as special these last few days, that’s probably why I could motor through them so quickly.

Although, I did like Double Agent pretty well.

Double Agent: Faith in the Face of Crime (Love Inspired Suspense Book 1)