historical fiction

One bargain book June 04, 2021

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I’ve spent the day contemplating , off and on, a bargain suggestion from BookBub, at least I think it was BookBub.

Historical fiction, I’m trying to decide if it will be boring. Maybe. Maybe not. The first few pages seem interesting.

I’m going to take a chance, quick before midnight.

A Life Renewed: A Christian Mystery Romance (Secrets of the Queens Book 1)

Amazon quote:

In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, “The Nine Days’ Queen” was executed for high treason.
But what if, instead of feeling the blade on her neck she secretly survived?

Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree with his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes.

Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart?

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Check it out with me.

Bargain books June 01, 2021

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A bargain suggestion for us in the Historical vein.

The Teacher Who Stole His Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book

Amazon quote:

Becky Faust has never cared much about romance or marriage, at least not like most girls her age seem to. Moving to Salinas to be a teacher is a dream come true for her, and she feels like she has everything she could ever wish for. Life as she knows it is about to change forever though when the son of the late bookstore owner asks her to be his teacher. Unexpectedly and intensely drawn to this gentle and charming man, she finds herself cherishing every moment they spend together for their lessons. Could this act of kindness end in sudden heartbreak for Becky though, or is a true love she never anticipated in the cards for her?

When Carson Lattimer finds out that his father has passed away and left him the family bookstore, he knows his place is back home. He is determined to look after his mother and sister, but a secret he has kept for years is standing in his way… he cannot read or write. Even though this is a sore spot for him, one that brings back painful memories of his father’s cruelty, he decides it is finally time to learn. Turning to the beautiful young school teacher for help, Carson has no idea that his lessons with Becky will become his favorite part of the day. When their blossoming relationship spurs ill-intentioned accusations in town though, will he fight for the woman who has captured his heart so completely?

Becky and Carson experience an extraordinary connection and together they will learn what true love is. However, a black cloud seems to hang over them and a man cut from the same cloth as Carson’s father threatens to ruin their happiness. Will they manage to overcome the powerful and menacing forces in town and live the fairytale life they were meant for?

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Another bargain that browsing uncovered. I’ve read and enjoyed one book by this author and now I’m looking forward to this one.

Finding Alissa: A Memory Loss Story (Finding Trust Romance Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

She has no memory of her past. His memory is perfect, and yet he cannot believe his eyes.

Alissa Martin has reached her breaking point. Packing a suitcase, she leaves town in such a hurry she can hardly see straight. Distracted by her thoughts and the torrential rain, a semi forces her into a devastating accident.

A year after losing his beloved wife, Elle, Derek Andrews is not ready to move on. His father-in-law is threatening to cut him and his children off if he doesn’t find a wife and mother for the children. But Derek could never love another, and his children would not accept a stranger as their mother. It’s too much to ask of anyone. 

When Derek comes upon an accident with a woman who looks identical to Elle, he claims her as his wife. Knowing it’s wrong, yet feeling nothing could be more right, Derek takes her into his home while investigating her true identity.

Waking up in a hospital in Trust, Arizona, she has no memory of who she is–not even her name, and certainly not the man who claims she’s the loving wife and mother of three. 

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Another one from the same author

The Act of Falling by Tayla Alexandra

Amazon quote:

When bad-girl Bekah stops in the town of Sunshine for the night, she raises the suspicion of preacher’s son, Ezekiel Gaines.

Bekah, a singer at a local Long Beach night club, is a magnet for the bad boys. When her boyfriend, Blade, gets arrested, she leaves everything behind, including her beloved guitar, to find something … else.

Ezekiel, the son of the town preacher, is also a teacher at the church’s private school. He’s quite content in his life and secure in his surroundings. Well, mostly.

Out of gas but with a plan up her sleeve, Bekah stops in the pristine little town of Sunshine, Arizona.

From the moment Bekah shows up in the church office, wearing a skirt shorter than a man’s imagination, a hoop nose ring, and a tattoo of a spider on her back, Ezekiel’s quiet little world shifts into territories unknown.

But no worries … she’ll be gone by morning.

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I’m just about finished this read and enjoyed book. It is so good and it is still FREE.

The Invitation (Mustard Seed Series Book 1)

A TV news producer., a housewife and mother of two, an ex-governor, and a struggling writer. Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange—some might even call them miraculous—things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point. Before it’s over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.

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Another good book day!

Happy Reading y’all

Free book May 17, 2021

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion for us. Intriguing.

Hummingbird

Amazon quote:

She feels like a misfit. Who is she? Where does she belong? Is she Lexa, Alexandra, or someone else? Forced to commit a crime, she flees south of the Border—and a vindictive bounty hunter follows her. Will she escape? Find redemption? Learn who she really is and where she belongs?

Her answers lie hidden in a tiny seaside village where wandering hummingbirds rest their wings.

“From the moment the story begins, Hummingbird is fast paced. Not once is the reader left behind or snoring with boredom. The author keeps the story moving like a pulse rate. The characters are believable, and the main character is well developed.

The reader learns to deeply care about Lexa over the course of the novel. One can tell the author is familiar with his setting, too. I felt like I was there—in Mexico. Over all, a interesting and compelling novel.” ~ Goodreads review.

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Currently I have two books on the go. It happens when I’m having trouble getting into a story. It helps me finish rather than abandon.

I’m only 1/4 way through so it’s too soon to quit.

Waiting for Daybreak (Tomorrow’s Promise Collection)

Paige Woodward is a woman without choices. Her destitute mother’s only hope for a cure isn’t covered by insurance. When a dream opportunity arises at a brand-new pharmacy, Paige is willing to keep quiet about her past to make sure she lands the job.

For Clarissa Richardson, the dream of running her own pharmacy comes to a screeching halt when her grandfather hires a too-perfect new girl who seems to be hiding something. How far will they go to protect their dreams for tomorrow?

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I’ve just started this book so it’s much too soon to say how it will go.

Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles Book #1)

After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo’s prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God’s chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain.

Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers.

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Happy Reading

Bargain book May 14, 2021

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BookBub’s weekly top ten list has this interesting book as #1. Historical novels can have a tendency toward boring, Knowing the author and reading the first chapter I can tell this won’t be one of them.

I’ve read Lynn Austin through the years and her name alone had my interest peaked even before any investigation. I don’t have to think twice about deciding on this one for myself.

There is something about this cover that makes me wonder if I’ve read this, back before Kindle and e-books. It will be fun finding out.

Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles Book #1)

Amazon quote:

Bestselling Author Lynn Austin Launches New Biblical Saga

After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo’s prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God’s chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain.

Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers.

Bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Return to Me tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

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This new find will not be offered at such a low price for very long so grab it quick if you are interested.

I thought I was going to have to write a this and that post today but look at that, saved by the bell, I mean email.

My current book is light reading compared to today’s newest find. Light is good after spending time with murder and mayhem, though, so I’m not complaining.

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Here in Hart’s Crossing: Four Charming Small Town Novellas by Robin Lee Hatcher

In the charming town of Hart’s Crossing, neighbors still care about neighbors and visitors are offered a respite from fast-paced living as they observe the antics of its lovable residents.

A daughter returns home from the big city to care for her injured mother. Childhood sweethearts reconnect after decades apart. A single mom finds herself the target of her starry-eyed daughter’s matchmaking scheme. And a young couple struggles to find their own American dream in this wonderful collection of four novellas from bestselling author Robin Lee Hatcher.

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Until tomorrow, Happy Reading

Read and enjoyed May 08, 2021

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My favorite book so far this week is a parallel, modern and historical. The common denominator is a poignant painting with a checkered past and a complicated present.

I’m not always a fan of blending timelines but in this case it works. Probably the biggest reason, it allows for showing rather than telling. We need both time frames because they are intertwined and the present story only makes sense if we can understand the past.

There is an unforgettable painting with unknown origins. It appeared in the most terrible of circumstances and combining past and present stories adds the right amount of lightness to make the story relatable. The love stories play out in both time frames as the book moves along. The events are unpredictable and the resolution to the story is unexpected.

I would describe the unexpected but that would give away the ending which would never do.

I agree with the reviews quoted below. Unforgettable.

The Butterfly and the Violin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel Book 1)

Fresh. Fascinating. Unforgettable. The Butterfly and the Violin is a masterpiece of a debut.” –Laura Frantz, author of Love’s Reckoning

“. . .impossible to put down.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 Stars, TOP PICK!

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz–and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.
Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire fordistraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl–a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.
In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover–the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul–who maybe the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

I will admit, I lost sleep over this difficult to put down book.

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Free and bargain books April 19, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has several Free and bargain suggestions for us.

We have previously seen books 2 -5 in this first series and I’ve read and enjoyed book 2.

Sooner Fled: Oak Valley Secrets 1

Amazon quote:

Clean suspense with a touch of faith!


Small-town pastor Peter Andrews has a secret. His real name is Tony Stratton, and the Witness Protection Program left him in Oak Valley, a rural Oklahoma town. Waiting to testify against a ruthless drug lord in Detroit, he is learning to adapt to his new life and solving crimes with the help of the church secretary, Stephanie. 


Stephanie Martin yearns for excitement, but the new pastor is more than she bargained for! And what is he keeping from her? Can she trust a man who has something to hide?


Across five connected stories, they encounter reclusive authors, mob debt collectors, Confederate treasure hunters, and Soviet sleeper agents, all leading to an explosive showdown with Tony’s past.
Mystery, murder, and romance – Oak Valley has it all!

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Next is a FREE suggestion

illusions (The Apple Hill Series Book 2)

Amazon quote:

One reckless night. A lifetime of regret.

Corey Schaffer has spent her entire marriage privately repenting a horrible mistake made the week before her wedding. When her teenaged daughter is in car accident, Corey blames herself and aches to confess all to her husband.

Additionally, their son’s thoughtless rebellion has put her husband Paul’s pastoral position at risk, and he’s finding it hard to forgive. If he can’t forgive Michael how can he forgive her?

It all comes to a head when a disgruntled church member sees an opportunity for revenge.

Corey must dig deep to find the courage to help her family. Even if that means walking away.

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LPC Books has suggestions for us too. Both FREE

Escaping the Tiger’s Claws

Amazon quote:

Chamron Phal was a carefree teenager when Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge overthrew Cambodia’s capital, forever changing his life.

Almost immediately, Chamron and his family, along with millions of Cambodians, were ejected from their home, herded into the forest, and forced to labor under torturous conditions. With barely enough food to survive, Chamron watched helplessly as members of his family died and countless individuals were dragged from camp, never to be seen again. Yet through each trial and near-death circumstance, Chamron marveled as one miracle after another saw him through.

Eventually daring to risk escape, Chamron journeyed into the unknown, promising God that if he survived, he would serve Him the rest of his life. Would the God he hardly knew spare his life once more?

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Never Past Hope (Triangular Trade Trilogy Book 2) by Janine Mendenhall

Amazon quote:

Miss Mary Hope Adsley always considered herself to be the sensible one. But now, her sensibilities are unraveling around a man she thought she knew.

After he attempted to marry her best friend—for money, no less—authorities charge Sir Steven Likebridge with masquerading as a gentleman and abduction.

With his execution days away, Mary Hope desperately seeks to learn the truth about the man she loves.

Will the truth turn out to be worse than his lies?

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Four new books. Not bad.

Happy Reading …

… on the bright sunny but still cool day at my house.

A this-and-that kind of day

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Books are on my mind even though, currently, I have no book suggestions to offer you. Instead I’ve been rethinking some things. What’s working and what’s not. Some parts of the original blog routine seem to have fallen by the wayside and when I take a closer look I’m left thinking who cares? Maybe they filled a purpose once upon a time but things have changed. I’m going to restructure somethings in an effort to find new routines that make more sense.

So, that’s one thing I’ve been pondering, the other thing arises out of an email I received a few weeks ago. It was such a great experience that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The email was chatty and charming. I’ve read other stories written by my friend and they didn’t have the same effect, I’ve been trying to figure out why and how to express it so it made sense. I could be wrong but I think it had to do with tone of voice. My friend is passionate and excitable. All of that emotion came through in her email, her other writing has been subdued by comparison. I would love to see her catch the vision for the difference. Her writing could catch fire.

Sometimes I think our writing can have a buttoned up feel to it. This is probably because we are trying too hard to have everything technically correct. I think readers like to hear us shout, stomp, and fling our arms about a little. Figuratively speaking of course.

I am forced to admit, I can’t be pointing any fingers at anyone as I have the buttoned-up mode perfected. Especially with in-person scenarios. It’s a bit easier to relax hiding behind a written blog. I’ve been putting lots of effort in, hoping repetition of healthy relaxed thoughts will create a new narrative in my head. It’s easy to know how it should be, not so easy to do.

Currently I’m reading a fun book. I enjoy cheeky and witty. The main character really doesn’t care what he thinks and isn’t afraid to stand up to him. In Regency times this just isn’t done and it is not sitting well with him. The problem is, his sister wants this particular match-maker to help with her shyness around men in order to find a husband. He would do anything for his sister, even apologize to a woman he can’t stand.

Saving Lord Berkshire: A Regency Romance (Regency Matchmakers Book 1) 

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I was slow in posting this and now it is a new day. Maybe there will even be new book suggestions today. You will be hearing from me again soon if there are.

Happy reading.

Free and bargain books April 16, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us from a frequent flyer author on this blog. It appears I downloaded this book in 2012 but after checking out the first page I don’t think I’ve ever read it. I will be reading it this time, it’s already on it’s way to my latest Kindle. I can’t believe I’ve downloaded 55 books from this author. Actually I guess I can since she has been doing Freebie Fridays forever it seems. Sign up to her newsletter or Face Book page to hear about them.

Argosy Junction (The Rockland Chronicles)

Amazon quote:

With a past more like a tragic ballad than a sweet love song, Lane’s life is about to change forever.

Montana—rugged, wild, and full of sheep that Matt Rushby had never imagined in his childhood dreams. Much to his relief, the local rancher’s daughter arrives just in time to save him from certain death by sheep smothering.

If only her family’s faith could have survived that fate.

They’ve left the local church, rejected God, lost their first Love. What had once been a close-knit fellowship of believers became a restrictive cult, and Lane wants nothing more to do with them or their God.

He didn’t mean to fall in love with her. She can’t let herself love someone who belongs to Jesus. The inner-city man meets rancher’s daughter and shakes up their lives.

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a novel from this era, I think I’m due and this one is appealing to me at the moment. This author is new to me and that adds extra intrigue.

A Clever Alliance: A Regency Romance (Regency Brides: A Promise of Love Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.

Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.

With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?

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Another interesting bargain from this new author popped up on the suggestion ribbon.

Saving Lord Berkshire: A Regency Romance (Regency Matchmakers Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

After losing her fiancé to a terrible accident, Miss Katherine Blackmore found contentment as a matchmaker to the members of Society. Working alongside her sisters, they strive to secure the most unlikely people with love matches. Everything is perfect until an infuriating lord steps into her office, turning her world upside down.

Edward Simpson, the Marquess of Berkshire, has a problem. His sister needs to marry, and quickly. When he approaches Miss Blackmore to hire her services, he does so poorly and ends up soundly insulting her. Luckily, he fares better with his second attempt.

Edward is boorish. Katherine is headstrong. Though their relationship begins on rocky footing, they soon realize that they need each other if they want to save Edward’s sister from making a horrible mistake. But Katherine works hard to keep Edward at a distance, even if he is worthy of her heart. Can Edward prove to Katherine that he is the man for her, or will he lose her forever?

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I’m currently reading a new book from another favorite author.

Safe and Sound (Lantern Beach Guardians Book 3)

A call for help draws Police Chief Cassidy Chambers deep into a wooded, isolated area on Lantern Beach. What she finds shakes her to the core—a friend is bleeding out, and his last words before dying are: They know.

Figuring out who killed her friend and what his final words meant becomes Cassidy’s mission. Have members of the notorious gang that placed a bounty on her head discovered her new life? Or is someone else trying to teach her a twisted lesson?

Elements from past investigations surface and threaten more than one person’s safety. Cassidy and her husband, Ty, must make sense of the deadly secrets that unfold at every turn. If not, the life they’ve built together might come to a permanent end.

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I’ve just finished reading and enjoying the latest book from Christy Barritt, a spin off from Safe and Sound: The Lantern Beach Guardians series. It is the start of a new Lantern Beach series, Lantern Beach Blackout. It’s still a bargain, grab it quick.

Rocco: a clean romantic suspense novel (Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits Book 1)

Former Navy SEAL and new Blackout recruit Rocco Foster is on a simple in and out mission. But the operation turns complicated when an unsuspecting woman wanders into the line of fire.

Peyton Ellison’s life mission is to sprinkle happiness on those around her. When a cupcake delivery turns into a fight for survival, she must trust her rescuer—a handsome stranger—to keep her safe.

Rocco is determined to figure out why someone is targeting Peyton. First, he must keep the intriguing woman safe and earn her trust. But threats continue to pummel them as incriminating evidence emerges and pits them against each other.

With time running out, the two must set aside both their growing attraction and their doubts about each other in order to work together. But the perilous facts they discover leave them wondering what exactly the truth is . . . and if the truth can be trusted.

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I’m looking forward to these new books. It’s going to be a good weekend!

Happy reading y’all

Free book April 08, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. This is a book from two years ago for me. I know I read it and have a vague recollection so I’m planning to read it again to refresh my memory. If I remember right it was well worth the read.

Lost and Found

“Yttrup has penned a many faceted novel that challenges the reader to pursue spiritual growth as fully as any self-help book would, making her fiction as inspirational as it is entertaining.” Publishers Weekly
Two women who’ve compromised for the sake of security… Will they risk it all?

Jenna Bouvier is losing everything: beauty, family, and wealth. When her emotionally destructive mother-in-law accuses Jenna of an affair with her spiritual director and threatens to expose them, Jenna also risks losing her reputation as a woman of faith. She must choose between bowing to her mother-in-law’s control or fighting for what she holds dear. As Jenna loses her life, will she find it?

Andee Bell has found exactly what she wanted: fame, fortune, respect, and a special man–Jenna’s brother. Despite her success, a secret quells her contentment. As memories torment, Andee can pursue peace in a relationship with God or sabotage herself while taking down the only person she cares about. As Andee finds her life, will she lose it?

Moving between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Jenna and Andee form an unlikely relationship that leads them to a crossroad. They can follow familiar inclinations, or risk it all and walk in faith.

“A fascinating and helpful read about a woman caught in the web of another person’s deceit and manipulation.” Leslie Vernick, Author of The Emotionally Destructive Relationship, and The Emotionally Destructive Marriage

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A book I do remember reading by this author is Words. It is not a bargain or Free but is worth mentioning just because it is. It made a huge impact on me. Insightful and heart grabbing. I would read this again, in a minute. If my TBR pile was not so large I would read it again.

Words

A child whose silence holds the truth captive. An artist whose work speaks the agony of her past. When drawn together, will they let the truth set them free?

Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods, in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.

Sierra Daw is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sierra’s control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.

Will Kaylee and Sierra let the truth set them free?

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I’m currently reading a nine book collection. I can’t say I’m loving it. I’ve just finished the 5th book and so far it is the one I liked the best. Sometimes the best are the first. Maybe this time the best will be last. I’m hoping, anyway. It is still a bargain price if it is appealing to you.

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love

Hope for Happy Endings Is Renewed in Nine Historical Romances
 
Meet nine women from history spanning from 1776 to 1944 feel the sting of having lost out on love. Can their hope for experiencing romance again be renewed?

Book 5 The Widow of St. Charles Avenue by Grace Hitchcock – New Orleans, 1895
Colette Olivier, a young widow who married out of obligation, finds herself at the end of her mourning period and besieged with suitors out for her inheritance. With her pick of any man, she is drawn to an unlikely choice.

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I suppose one thing that could account for the lack of depth in this collection is the length. Less than 100 pages each, although sometimes it feels like more.

At least I am still reading it, that has to mean something. If it was really bad I would have given up long ago and banished it from my device. It’s true.

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Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books April 02, 2021

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One of our regulars – Autumn Macarthur, is coming out with a new book and it’s a bargain on pre-order. May 16th, that’s not too long to wait.

See Me :

A sweet, faith-filled fake engagement story – disabled hero, his assistant, and his matchmaking grandmother! 

Amazon quote:

Fairytale romances can’t happen in real life. Or can they?

It’s love at first sight when reclusive inventor Jesse Buckley meets unemployed music teacher Bronte, moonlighting as a take-out delivery driver. Okay, so splattering guacamole and sour cream over them both wasn’t the best way to impress the woman he hopes to make his wife, but from here on the only way is up, right?

Still, maybe offering her a job as his chauffeur and personal assistant wasn’t one of his best ideas. It means he’ll see her almost every day, sure. It also means, as one of his employees, she’s out-of-bounds. Besides, though he’s had to admit to his failing eyesight, he hasn’t told her yet that one day he’ll become completely blind. And he’s managed to keep the little fact he’s one of the billionaire owners of the business a secret, letting her believe he’s just another staff member.

Desperate to untangle the mess a conman left her life and her finances in, Bronte gratefully said yes to the job Jesse offered her. Spending most of her time with a sweet, kind, handsome guy she could easily fall head-over-heels for wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal. After all, the last man she thought loved her stole everything she had. Her home, her inheritance, her music, her faith, and most of all, her trust in her own judgment. A new love isn’t on her wish list, especially when she can’t shake the feeling Jesse’s hiding something from her.

What neither counted on was Jesse’s ailing grandmother and her determination to see him settled with the right woman. First she beguiles them into a fake engagement neither will admit they want to make real. Then she maneuvers them into accompanying her on a trip to Chapel Cove to visit his former PA, Nai. Could it be, the spring vacation in a small Oregon seaside town will bring love, renewed faith, and God’s sweet healing for them all?

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There is another collection coming out soon (they are popular these days) and it’s also a bargain on pre-order. This one is set for May 25th. The authors are regulars here on our TBR lists. New material is awesome.

Once Upon a Summer: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales

Amazon quote:

Embrace the enchantment of summer with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

A New Beginning — Who is she? Acacia Martin raised by an impostor mom serving a prison sentence for her sins, or Jasmine Callahan abducted at birth from a family she’s yet to meet? Luckily, she has Drake to help her untangle the mess that is her life. Will he ensnare her he art in the process?

Resorting to Love — Running from a forced marriage, Aleia McDermott takes a job working at Totoka Resort and Spa in Fiji. When Activities Director Jake Boring plans three masquerade balls, Aleia only intends to forget her troubles and enjoy the summer. Just because you’re wearing a mask doesn’t mean you can hide…from your father or from love.

An Ever After Summer — The employees of In a Bind are terrified of Jean-Luc Thibodeaux, so Bellamy Larson hops on a plane to France to deal with the beastly client. Yet once she arrives, she’s convinced he merely needs a friend. Then her heart begins to want ever after, not just one summer.

Gwen and the Three Dates — Life isn’t a romantic movie, but Gwen Lochs is determined to find her leading man. When she joins a cheesy dating site, Gwen agrees to just three dates. Can Ben Smith watch his best friend and soulmate find someone else? A romantic comedy about searching for that just-right love.

Unkissable — Reality diva Charlotte Lavigne’s on-camera meltdown reminds former teen-TV prince Jaime Reyes exactly why he left Hollywood ten years ago. A chance encounter leads to a bargain that transforms them both. When it’s time to face her past, will their rediscovered love be strong enough to build a future together?

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Also, there is a bargain Historical collection from a group of unfamiliar authors. A beautiful cover. Without further investigation I think I will try it out. So far it looks good.

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love

Amazon quote:

Meet nine women from history spanning from 1776 to 1944 feel the sting of having lost out on love. Can their hope for experiencing romance again be renewed?

Love in the Crossfire by Lauralee Bliss – Trenton, New Jersey, 1776
Gretchen Hanson watched her beau go off to war and never return. She soon falls for an enemy scout who stumbles upon her farm. If Jake is discovered, it could mean death for them all. Will Gretchen let go of love or stand strong?

Daughter of Orion by Ramona K. Cecil – New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1859
Whaling widow, Matilda Daggett, vows to never again give her heart to a seaman. But when debt drives her to masquerade as a cabin boy on a whaling ship, a young harpooner threatens both her vow and her heart.

The Substitute Husband and the Unexpected Bride by Pamela Griffin – Washington Territory, 1864
Cecily McGiver, a mail-order bride, arrives in the rugged Washington Territory shocked to find herself without a husband—that is until Garrett, a widower, offers to take the position. Can the challenges that face them lead to love?

The Prickly Pear Bride by Pam Hillman – Little Prickly Pear Creek, Montana Territory, 1884
Shepherdess Evelyn Arnold left her intended at the altar so he could marry the woman he really loved. Dubbed Miss Prickly Pear, Evelyn is resigned to a loveless life and the ridicule of her neighbors. When Cole Rawlins sweeps her out of a raging river, she realizes even a prickly pear can find love.

The Widow of St. Charles Avenue by Grace Hitchcock – New Orleans, 1895
Colette Olivier, a young widow who married out of obligation, finds herself at the end of her mourning period and besieged with suitors out for her inheritance. With her pick of any man, she is drawn to an unlikely choice.

Married by Mistake by Laura V. Hilton – Mackinac Island, 1902
When a plan to pose for advertising goes awry, Thomas Hale and Bessie O’Hara find themselves legally married. Now Bessie and Thomas must decide whether to continue the charade or walk away. Either choice could ruin them if the truth gets out. 

Fanned Embers by Angela Breidenbach – Bitterroot Mountains, Montana/Idaho border, 1910
Stranded in the treacherous railroad camp after her husband’s murder, Juliana Hayes has no desire to marry a ruffian like Lukas Filips. Can she release prejudice to love again? Or will they even survive the fiery Pacific Northwest disaster to find out?

From a Distance by Amber Stockton – Breckenridge, Colorado, 1925
Financial Manager Trevor Fox sets out to find a lady to love him and not his money, then meets and falls for an average girl only to discover she’d deceived him to protect her heart after he unknowingly rejects her.

What the Heart Sees by Liz Tolsma – Hartford, Wisconsin, 1944
American Miriam Bradford is shocked to see Paul Albrecht, her summer fling from Germany in 1939, escorted into church as a POW. Can they rekindle their romance amid the overwhelming objections of almost everyone in town–including her father? 

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Well, it has turned out to be a better book day than I expected. There wasn’t much to begin with and looking back I’m glad I was lazy and didn’t hurry with this post. I would have missed these good picks.

I’m still in the book collection as mentioned yesterday. It is still available as a bargain too.

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A cloudy, dreary Good Friday somehow feels appropriate for the beginning of this Easter weekend. The sun is beginning to poke out a little now that the day is nearly over, though.

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Enjoy your books, if you were able to find something you love.

Happy Reading