historical fiction

Bargain books May 27, 2023

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More never-seen books left over from yesterday.

Blackout (Benson First Responders Book 2)

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES

A missing woman.

Cut loose from the CIA after a devastating injury, Ember Hendryx only wants one thing—to live long enough to find her missing sister. The clock is running down. She’s got the skills to do this, but she’ll need the one thing she can’t do for herself if she’s going to succeed. With no leads and little idea what her sister was into, this just might take everything she’s got. And give her a future she can’t even dream of.

An EMT with a choice to make.

Trey Banning got sidelined after he was stabbed a few weeks ago. Now he wants back on the ambulance so he can be who he is: a hero just like his dad. Except all his attempts to get his life on track again get him is social media attention he doesn’t want. His reputation is under fire, and for the first time Trey realizes he needs to change the way he lives. Helping Ember has nothing to do with furthering his career, but this side gig with Vanguard could save a life.

When the search for Ember’s sister lands them in the middle of a deadly scheme, there’s more than just one future on the line. Can they get to the bottom of it before it’s too late?

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Half Truth (Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries Book 2)

Big trouble can come in small packages . . .

Gabby St. Claire grabs the chance to check an item off her bucket list: attending an auction of unclaimed storage units and hitting a jackpot with her winning bid. But her expectations plummet faster than her bank account on Tax Day when she gets a glimpse of what she’s won.

Convinced she’s wasted her money on a risky venture, Gabby soon realizes that there’s nothing ordinary about her winning items. In fact, the contents of the storage unit appear to be evidence from a crime—a deadly one.

With a suspicious man following her and new clues discovered at every turn, Gabby must figure out what happened. But someone is out to stop Gabby. Will the killer strike again and keep the truth buried? Or can Gabby uncover the truth—the whole truth—before another death occurs?

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It’s now a couple days later. The first book above is my latest read-and-loved, finished just a bit ago. It was so good.

I’ve started the second one here but switched to something else from an earlier post. Dangerous Devotion So far I’m loving it.

There was another bargain book by this author, I was unsure of it the other day but I’m going for it based on what I’ve read today of Dangerous Devotion.

Wages of Sin

An extraordinary young woman in an impossible situation, Ruby McCay’s faith is put to the ultimate test. Now responsible for her newly orphaned nephew, Ruby must turn her back on the life she once knew and loved…to protect the future of her young nephew.

On the run from an evil man who is intent on destroying her and her nephew, Ruby has to stand up to powers beyond her control and flee to one of the most terrifying places for a single woman…the Wild American West of the 1800’s!

A journey of courage requires determination, honor, love and, most importantly, faith. But no matter how dark the future seems or how lost Ruby feels, she never loses her faith in God. And in searching for safety for her innocent nephew, Ruby finds much more than she could have ever anticipated…peace, love and the home that’s she’s always desired…

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That’s it for now. I was hoping for something more but it wasn’t to be. Now back to my latest read.

Bargain books May 18, 2023

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Today is a browsing day and we have at least one book from one of our popular authors. We’ve seen two enjoyable books from this series and expect good things from this one too.

Lineage of Corruption: Page-Turning Romantic Suspense (Coventry Saga) 

In the world of big money and big politics, nobody walks away unscathed.

The people of Coventry never suspect that Josie Smith, owner of the local coffee shop, is the daughter of a powerful senator. She went to Washington to serve constituents, but her desire to do good morphed into a desire to win at all costs. When one of those costs grew too heavy to bear, she changed her name and left DC, vowing to never get involved in politics again. But when her father becomes his party’s lone voice standing against corrupt legislation, his enemies will do whatever it takes to get his vote, and Josie finds herself caught in a familiar web of malicious tactics.

Thomas Windham never planned to run for office, but when Coventry’s disgraced mayor is replaced by a dishonest appointee, Thomas can’t stand to see his town torn apart by corruption. He feels he has no choice but to throw his hat in the ring. He doesn’t have a chance in the mayoral race against the well-known politician, that is until he meets Josie, who knows more about running for office than a typical café owner would.

When Josie is threatened by two masked men, she and Thomas form an alliance—her wisdom for his protection. The election becomes secondary as Josie’s adversaries escalate their attacks. How can she and Thomas withstand enemies determined to get what they want at any cost?

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This next one found is from an author we’ve seen once before. It takes multiple exposures to gain a solid opinion on someone so it’s nice to see another one of her books show up for us.

One Final Breath (Dive Team Investigations Book #3)

When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell–a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her–the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa’s fractured past collides with Gabe’s investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they’ll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they’ll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations.

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This is a good day. It looks like Christy Barritt has another pre-order book about to come out.

Troubled Graves (Lantern Beach Exposure Book 4) 

As a resident at Hope House, Gunner Mathias is trying to come to terms with how his life has completely derailed after his last mission as a SEAL.

Noelle Henderson never thought when she took the job at Ocean Essence Cosmetics in Lantern Beach that the choice would lead her back to the man from both her most wonderful dreams and her worst nightmares. Gunner saved her once. Can she help him now? Or will trouble from their past destroy them both first?

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It has been a good day, and I’m done. It’s time again to pick a new read. Decisions, decisions. Too many choices right now, it’s hard to decide.

I really like the book just finished. I’ll mention it soon.

Read and enjoyed. May 09, 2023

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I was hoping I would love this book and I did. It was well written, had great characters with a believable and well put together story line.

I liked the way the two eras meshed. Conversation in the present era incorporated elements being lived out for us in the historical era making the timelines bleed together in a way that was pleasing to the reader.

The idea of reading this book again would be both attractive and enjoyable.

I’ll Be Seeing You 

Generations of secrets unfold as a young college student learns the truth about her great-grandmother’s World War II heartbreak and love. For fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury.

Brianna Hastings’s life seems dull and full of disappointment until a handsome young man visits her church. She’s instantly smitten by the charming Greg, who leads an exciting, independent life—the kind of life she longs for. But when a college history assignment forces Brianna to interview her great-grandmother about life during World War II, she can’t believe it when Daisy presses her with questions about Greg’s character. “What sort of man is he? Who is he at his core?”

What could her great-grandmother possibly know about love at first sight?

The questions take both women back to Boise, Idaho, in the early 1940s, when war emphasized how fragile life could be. Daisy and her older sister pine for the same handsome bomber pilot—until one night of terrible judgment reveals their true characters and drives them apart. Trying to protect the people she loves the most, Daisy condemns herself to live a lie.

In the years that follow, as Daisy grapples with the consequences, she receives unexpected grace from a man she’s known her whole life but never looked at twice. Could what she learned about love save Brianna from heartache three generations later?

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Another book I wasn’t sure I would like was this next one. The passage of time since it’s selection and download along with vague impressions the cover and title offered, I wasn’t feeling inspired to read this story. It would have been helpful to go back and read the synopsis but I didn’t. My motivation was slanted toward clearing out and reducing the size of the unread list and so I tackled it just to get it gone.

What a surprise to find out how enjoyable this read would be. It was well worth the time and I’m glad I didn’t pass up the chance to experience this book.

Of Horse and Rider: Hearts Unlocked Series

Plans overheard, a bargain to devise…but is it playing with fire?

In 1849 Mercer County, Kentucky, beautiful Clara Stanton loses her sight, freedom, and fiance after a horse-riding accident. In the throes of her desperation, her family leaves her to recover in the capable hands of an elderly widow while they travel to England without her.

New minister, Daniel Merrick, weary from scandal, is unwittingly led by blind Clara into the most important mission of his life. But will she dare to soar beyond the limits those around her deem safe?

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I would read the book again too, it was that good.

This next one was also an awesome read. I hadn’t read much from this author and she wasn’t showing up on any of my lists, yet, but she is now. I’m always happy to add a new name to my preferred list.

Lakehouse Promises (Laurel Cove Series Book 1) 

Carolina Johnson had the life everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years. A gorgeous house in the most desirable neighborhood. Friends at the country club. Yet, somehow, she always felt the other shoe would drop.

And drop it did! When she discovered her husband’s affair with a girl half his age. Even more devastating, she’s pregnant.

Now divorced, she has to start over in a lake house with too many issues to list, a neighbor who doesn’t like her and zero friends. To make matters worse, her outrageously rude former mother-in-law shows up and expects to spend a few days.

At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.

A new life, new problems, and new relationships…can Carolina find out what matters the most in life and discover what true love really looks like? Or will she refuse to let go of the past and the bitterness that threatens to steal her happiness?

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It’s nice to reflect back on these books and remember what a good time was had reading them.

At the time we had not had much action in regard to new downloads and it was necessary to pick from books that had been around for a while. Today’s situation is much different in that we have had many new downloads in the last week. No shortage of appealing reads. A exciting state of affairs to be sure.

My current read is almost finished.

Wild Harbor Beach Collection: Sweet Romance Book Series 

I’m on the last one, book 5. This has been a good time too.

A Wedding in Wild Harbor
She needs someone to save her beloved bookstore. He needs to satisfy his mom’s wishes and find a girlfriend. Can this grumpy-sunshine pair survive an impossible agreement and pretend to be in love? Or will their budding relationship turn into something more? A delightful and surprising happily ever after!

Free book May 04, 2023

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This is an awesome day. I’m between books and BookRunes has a Free suggestion I can hardly wait to read. I love a good story with a feisty woman willing to stand up to any man. It’s even more fun when he pours on the charm and keeps trying anyway. Lots of smiles and bouts of laughter.

Thimbles and Thistles: Sweet Historical Western Romance (Baker City Brides Book 2)

Stubborn, mule-headed, independent woman!

She’d take that as a compliment…

Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon. Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.

Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any available woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.

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So, technically, I’m not between books. Last night (or more precisely, early this morning) I finished book 8 in the ten book collection I’m reading. I loved it so much I wanted to hold my place in the book so I could find the author’s name again in the morning. I wanted to add it to my preferred authors list.

While I was waiting to think about sleep I decided to start one of the many recent downloads, you know, just check it out a little.

It looked like a good choice at the time but now that I’ve seen today’s book… I’m ditching both the partially read collection and last night’s new pick in favor of today’s awesome download.

I’m not even going to spend time browsing today. The minute the download is complete, I’m out of here.

It’s done! See ya later.

Check it out if you could use a good laugh too.

Free and Bargain books part two May 03, 2023

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What a nice surprise, there’s more. This is a one-thing-led-to-another situation. I’m not complaining.

So, this first one is an author I’ve never read or even noticed before. It looks like the story will be intense but I still want to read it to see what this author is all about. Will he be a new favorite?

MAYA HOPE: A Medical Thriller (A Dr. Nicklaus Hart Novel Book 1)

A doctor stumbling through life. A North Korean bioterrorist plot.
The two collide in an unforgettable tale.

Dr. Nicklaus Hart, a gifted trauma surgeon, searches for meaning in his life. His self-reliant spirit is broken with the death of his missionary best friend, found sacrificed at the base of a Maya Temple. Going to Guatemala to fill the shoes of his friend at the mission hospital, he discovers God’s redemption and peace in the smiles of the children he cares for. But his own life is in danger as he and his team stumble onto a deadly North Korean plot.

As Nick delves into the mystery of his friend’s death, he exposes the very cause of the extermination of the Maya race…a virus which is about to be released upon the entire world through a bioterrorist scheme of global proportions. Will Nick and his team stop them in time?

Maya Hope is the first book in a series of skillfully crafted medical thrillers. If you like fast-paced adventure, international settings, sizzling medical suspense, then you’ll love this heart-pounding thriller by Timothy Browne.

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This next one is from a favorite author and it’s a story I’m looking forward to reading.

I’ll Be Seeing You

Generations of secrets unfold as a young college student learns the truth about her great-grandmother’s World War II heartbreak and love. For fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury.

Brianna Hastings’s life seems dull and full of disappointment until a handsome young man visits her church. She’s instantly smitten by the charming Greg, who leads an exciting, independent life—the kind of life she longs for. But when a college history assignment forces Brianna to interview her great-grandmother about life during World War II, she can’t believe it when Daisy presses her with questions about Greg’s character. “What sort of man is he? Who is he at his core?”

What could her great-grandmother possibly know about love at first sight?

The questions take both women back to Boise, Idaho, in the early 1940s, when war emphasized how fragile life could be. Daisy and her older sister pine for the same handsome bomber pilot—until one night of terrible judgment reveals their true characters and drives them apart. Trying to protect the people she loves the most, Daisy condemns herself to live a lie.

In the years that follow, as Daisy grapples with the consequences, she receives unexpected grace from a man she’s known her whole life but never looked at twice. Could what she learned about love save Brianna from heartache three generations later?

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This has been a good week for new books. Almost more than we need. It’s good because it will make up for the lean weeks we’ve been experiencing the last while.

Free and bargain books April 28, 2023

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I’m told a group of authors have decided to take turns offering a free book for a few days each week. This is one of them. I’ve not read this author so I’m happy for the chance, a new favorite could be coming out of this experience.

Springtime in Magnolia Bloom : A Magnolia Bloom Novel Book 3

The MacInnes sisters, different in every way…except for how much they need each other.

Alyssa’s country music career was a dream come true. But lately, something’s off. The words, the notes, the passion…they’ve abandoned her. Now, it’ll take some serious soul searching—and maybe a little help from her family to rediscover her muse and figure out what to do next…

Bailey won’t be denied what she wants. Not ever again. And she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure her daughter reaches her full potential, too. But with all her careful planning comes sacrifice—for both of them. Is the cost of security more than Bailey’s willing to pay?

Cammie is at rock bottom. She lost her husband, her law practice, and her fancy lifestyle practically overnight. It’s time for this former wild child to make some hard decisions and figure out what she truly wants from life—and from love…

Alyssa, Bailey, and Cammie aren’t asking for happily ever after endings, but with sisterly love and the magic of Magnolia Bloom, anything is possible…

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Another bargain book showed up along with the above. I don’t think I’ve read this author either, but I could be wrong. Maybe in paperback, way back when.

Tomorrow’s First Light: (Texas Promise Book 1)

Marrying a stranger to keep the woman’s siblings out of an orphanage is one thing, but when more children than expected pour out of the stagecoach, what’s a man to do?

Nervous about meeting her fiancé for the first time, Ellie Spritzer’s lifelong hope of finding love is about to end—or rather, begin. She never imagined her quest for love would take her to the other side of the country with all eight of her siblings in tow, but after her mother dies unexpectedly, what choice does she have? At least the man she’s been writing for the past year is still willing to marry her and take in her siblings… or so she thinks until she arrives in the dusty town of Twin Rivers, Texas.

Growing up an orphan, Sam Owens never had a place to call home or a family to love. So if his wife-to-be needs to bring three of her siblings with her, he has no complaints about having a ready-made family. But his mail-order-bride doesn’t arrive with three. She arrives with eight.

Sam can’t make himself turn away children in need. But as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. When sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear, can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together, or will they lose the very things they cherish most?

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Another author I’ve read maybe once.

Secret Mountain Hideout (Love Inspired Suspense)

From the RITA and Carol Award finalist: Staying hidden in a remote Colorado town has kept her safe—until now . . .

A remote Colorado mountain town and a fake identity have been Ashley Willis’s safe haven since she fled after witnessing a murder—but now the killer has found her trail. Desperate and terrified, she’s prepared to run again . . .

But Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick won’t let her. With the lawman by her side, can she face danger head-on . . . and live long enough to bring a murderer to justice?

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I was going to quit after this last one (above), but I couldn’t resist this next one. This is from an author I have read, many times over the years.

Blind Trust (Second Chances, Book 3)

Two weeks before he was to marry Sherry Grayson, Clint Jessup disappeared without a trace. Now, suddenly, eight months later, he’s back with no word of explanation. Only an impossible request: trust him. Trust him despite the devastating past. . .and an inexplicable and increasingly frightening present. Whatever secret Clint is hiding, it’s changed him. And it’s about to change Sherry, sweeping her and Clint into a terrifying whirlpool of pursuit and intrigue–one where death and deliverance teeter on a razor edge of circumstance that can either restore or forever destroy Sherry’s faith not only in Clint, but in others, and perhaps in God himself.

Blind Trust is part of the Second Chances series by award-winning suspense novelist Terri Blackstock. Combining fast-paced reading with realistic characters and situations, Second Chances takes readers to where the conflict between good and evil becomes the proving grounds of faith.

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This is probably a time where I should have been more selective to keep the numbers down. Oh well, I’ll do my best to hurry through them.

I’m leaving in a hurry with my eyes closed, just in case.

Read and enjoyed April 26, 2023

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It’s clear-out time once again. I’m looking at the titles trying to remember enough to offer an opinion and it’s not working for me. I do know that I didn’t keep anything not enjoyed. There were three or four that were barely finished and instantly removed from my device. Hopefully for the rest of them things will be a little clearer as we work our way through them.

Collections were prolific for some reason this season and I was happy about it. The first three containing 9 books each were well worth the read in my estimation. Probably even #1 on my favorites list this time.

Next up, three Romantic Suspense novels enjoyed.

A mixture to finish off. 10 more books

My current read has been passed over, and over, and over, in my search for a new read. Probably the title/cover/genre didn’t inspire me in the moment. It may turn out to be a surprise, an overlooked treasure. Hopefully. Haven’t read enough to give me any clues about that yet.

Plans overheard, a bargain to devise…but is it playing with fire?

In 1849 Mercer County, Kentucky, beautiful Clara Stanton loses her sight, freedom, and fiance after a horse-riding accident. In the throes of her desperation, her family leaves her to recover in the capable hands of an elderly widow while they travel to England without her.

New minister, Daniel Merrick, weary from scandal, is unwittingly led by blind Clara into the most important mission of his life. But will she dare to soar beyond the limits those around her deem safe?

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Bargain books today April 12, 2023

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It has been awhile, or at least it seems like it, since we’ve had any new books to download.

BookBub brought this one to us this morning. I’m late noticing it’s a Christmas novel. I don’t think it matters much though, it’s probably not a strong element of the story. Melanie Snitker is on my list of appreciated authors, a definite plus.

Finding Grace: A Single Dad Christmas Romance (Love’s Compass Book 6)

Beth was determined to remain single…until Tyler and his daughter remind her of the family she used to dream of.

Single dad Tyler Martin can’t be more grateful to the woman who finds his missing daughter. Even though he feels a spark between them, falling in love is a risk he shouldn’t take. Too bad chance encounters and his stubborn heart keep trying to convince him otherwise.

After escaping a nightmarish relationship, Beth Davenport is content with her safe and blessedly normal life. Yet something about Tyler and his adorable daughter makes her wish for more. With the walls around her heart finally starting to crumble, she’s afraid of a future she can’t predict.

Can they let go of their fear and trust God to lead them to the love they desperately need?

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Browsing, yielded another interesting find. I’ve read and enjoyed this author once before.

Finding Love in a Stagecoach: An Inspirational Romance Novel 

Sarah Nesmith is the nineteen-year-old daughter of a well-to-do family, beautiful and outspoken, nonetheless respectful of her parents’ wishes. Ever the dutiful daughter, when her father expresses his intentions to marry her into an advantageous marriage, she reluctantly agrees. During her trip to meet her betrothed, she unexpectedly finds herself growing fond of her chivalrous driver, wondering if her fiancé in Texas is anything like him.

Will she let her overflowing emotions shape her destiny?

Tyler Hatfield has given up on marriage, persuaded that no woman is capable of loving him for who he is, but rather for the glowing gold in his pocket. When his father agrees to an arranged marriage, Tyler comes up with a plan to see for himself what kind of woman his wife-to-be really is. He pretends to be nothing more than her stagecoach driver, escorting her to her destination and thus getting to know her true colors. What he discovers turns his world upside down…

Can she be the exception to his rule that will give new life to his withered heart?

Their otherwise uneventful journey is derailed by an attack by outlaws and a kidnapping that threatens Sarah’s safety and Tyler’s only chance to love. In this complicated situation, the two of them must find a way to unfold their hidden feelings and save both their lives and their hearts. Will they survive the dangers and get their happy ending or will they be doomed to a bitter one?

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Another interesting collection showed up for me. All different authors and it’s FREE. 1173 pages, can’t beat that.

Small Town Love Story: 9 Small Town Stories by USA Today Bestselling Authors

Get books in nine different series, from nine amazing, USA Today bestselling authors! In this bundle, you’ll (of course) get small towns and fun side characters, but also diverse, younger, older, military, and SWOON-WORTHY heroes!

Do you love that small-town feel where you know everyone, and everyone knows you? Fit right in with this escape away from city life, where heroes better have manners, the town busybody knows all your business, and every guy has known every girl his whole life. Grab this boxed set and don’t miss SMALL TOWN LOVE STORY!

Whole Latte Love by USA Today Bestselling Author Kari Trumbo:

The Marine’s Marriage by USA Today Bestselling Author Liz Isaacson: 

Not Until Christmas by USA Today Bestselling Author Valerie M. Bodden:

One Thursday Morning by USA Today Bestselling Author T.K. Chapin: 

Her Best Friend by USA Today Bestselling Author Hannah Jo Abbott:

A Thousand Words by USA Today Bestselling Author Mandi Blake:

Rescued By Love by USA Today Bestselling Author Cami Checketts: 

Second Chance Sweethearts by USA Today Bestselling Author Liwen Y. Ho:

Ask You Later by USA Today Bestselling Author Jan Thompson:

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It has turned out to be a good day for new books.

Collections have been a good thing for me lately too. I’ve read and enjoyed most of the first three of four recent downloads and I’m still loving them. I’m a quarter of the way through the third 9 book collection. They are still bargain priced if you are interested.

The current book is called Stolen Secrets: Legacy of Lies.

Fat Tuesday 1972, a floater surfaces in Sheriff Colin McDonald’s parish, south of New Orleans. The body–a Russian diplomat throws local and Federal law enforcement into chaos. Sheriff McDonald isn’t excited to have the FBI stepping into his investigation, but knows his parish doesn’t have the funds to sort out this mess and deal with all the prickly silliness of international negotiations. Jessica Franklin, one of the first female FBI agents, heads the task force looking into the Russian’s death. Jessica is a talented, no nonsense woman, who isn’t sure about this laid-back Cajun sheriff, who calls her Chere, but the man knows his parish and gives her views a fair hearing. Lt. Gabriel Fontenot of the Louisiana State police is also assigned to the task force and runs into an old girlfriend, Amy Prejean, who is working with the Russian Mission on grain shipments. As Gabe, Jessica, and Colin work the case, odd and seemingly unrelated things surface which pull local residents into the tangled web the KGB has created in the Big Easy. With time winding down, the tangled threads of the truth lead to the Prejean warehouse where old sins are revealed… Who will survive the confrontation? And what will the fallout be?

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Happy Reading!

Clearing out the read pile April 01, 2023

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I will admit, most of the time I have vague memories of the reading experience for anything older than a day. Unless the experience made a huge impression.

First up is a book doing just that.

There were so many elements making this a good read. The main ones being the characters – their complex lives and relationships – and the setting. This was a split time story, historical and contemporary, and the characters from both eras added something special to the mix. One unique element of the current time frame was the selective amnesia causing Beck to have no memory of Bruno, her childhood best friend.

Just as important as the unique and lovable characters was the house itself. It was amazing and so much more than Beck expected to find after all these years. I loved the story, and the setting. A solid five stars.

The Memory House

The inspirational story of two women whose lives have been destroyed by disaster but find healing in a special house.

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order.

When a mysterious letter arrives informing Beck that she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, she discovers something there that will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a sports agent who has never forgotten their connection as teenagers. But Beck can’t even remember him.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into her former high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

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The next bunch holds a variety of reactions to the reading experience. Every one was worth the read but I did love some more than others. The differences were there but they weren’t significant really.

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I do remember strong impression of this next one. One element that had me standing up and shouting No, don’t do it! was the relationship with her fiance, a man who was a liar and a manipulator. He said otherwise but he didn’t care about her life and dreams, he wanted to uproot her, forcing her into his ambitious choices for life. She would be his neglected possession not a cherished partner.

Thankfully he wasn’t the only voice speaking into her life. I loved this book. and the way it turned out.

Love Starts With Elle (A Lowcountry Romance Book 2) 

Elle’s living the dream, but whose dream is it?

Elle Garvy loves her life in Beaufort, South Carolina, spending summer days on the sand bar and enjoying coastal bonfires and dinners with friends. She’s found her stride professionally as the owner of a successful art gallery, and she’s found love with handsome, confident Jeremiah Franklin. Life is good.

Then Jeremiah accepts a large pastorate in a different state, and Elle turns her life upside down to go with him. When Jeremiah has a change of heart, Elle is hurt and her faith is shaken.

New York lawyer and recent widower Heath McCord imagines the low country cottage he’s rented for the summer is the balm his grieving heart needs. That and time to connect with his little girl. He’s unprepared for his beautiful landlord, Elle, and the love her friendship awakens.

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There is one more well loved book to share but I’ll leave it for next time.

Less tell, more show March 28, 2023

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I wasn’t sure if I would connect with this book and sadly, I didn’t. I think it was probably a good enough story, just not for me by the looks of it. I did, at least, read the last three chapters to see how it turned out. It seemed like all the high points were covered at the end and that was good enough for me.

This is the book I had in mind with the less tell and more show comment. I felt like I was being educated and it wasn’t what I was looking for.

Shadowed by a Spy (Suspicious Shores Book 2)

When Lexie Smithfield boards the early morning Long Island train to Manhattan in 1942, she feels safe having left the threat of danger behind her at Jekyll Island. Little does she know, the four men who boarded the train with her are Nazi spies sent to wreak havoc in the United States.

Did the so-called Smithfield family curse follow her to New York?

What will happen to Lexie when she innocently befriends one of the spies and gets involved in the spy ring? And with her fiance Russell overseas, who will protect her?

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This next one is the book I thought I had in mind with the too much tell and not enough show comment but at this point I don’t think so anymore. Looking back over the chapters I can tell I didn’t read the whole book although I did read the last few chapters. I do remember that much. But I gave it four stars so I must have read enough to have an opinion.

I’m surprised and sad, given the glowing endorsements, that I didn’t love the book. Maybe another time.

The Dark Guest: A Standalone Romantic Suspense novel (The Cold War Legacy Book 1) 

When Violet Lundy isn’t cleaning rooms at Happy Hills Assisted Living Facility, she loves spending her free time with resident Rainer Kopecek. Hearing his stories of the dangerous life he led behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin makes her own life seem more tolerable. But when Rainer is found dead and his room in disarray, Violet suspects foul play.

Dr. Henry Silverton lives among his books, teaching and writing about the Cold War. A letter about an East German traitor known only as “The Wolf” propels Henry out of academia and into Violet’s life. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth about Rainer’s death and the traitor’s identity.

Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf’s next victim?

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This is another one I couldn’t get into and didn’t rate. I did read the last couple of chapters with this one too, to see how it ended. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by this author so I’m not adding him to the dislike list. It is not a bad book, it just wasn’t for me at this moment. Maybe it was the archaeology element that I found boring.

Promised Land (A Chosen People Novel Book 2) 

Despite their Israeli citizenship, Hana and Daud cannot safely return to their homeland because a dangerous terrorist ring is threatening Daud. Hana is perfectly fine remaining in the United States, working for a law firm in Atlanta, especially when she learns she’s pregnant. But Daud can’t shake the draw to return home to Israel, even if it makes him a walking target.

Hana is helping her boss plan a huge summit in Atlanta when Jakob Brodsky, her old friend and former co-litigator, asks for her help with a case. His client is attempting to recover ancient artifacts stolen from his Jewish great-grandfather at the end of World War II. Because the case crosses several national borders, he needs Hana’s knowledge and skill to get to the bottom of what happened to these precious artifacts.

Meanwhile, Daud is called in to help a US intelligence agency extract a Ukrainian doctor from a dangerous situation in Egypt. While overseas, he can’t resist the call of Jerusalem and thus sets off a series of events that puts thousands of people in danger, including his wife and unborn child.

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On the bright side, there are still books I loved on the read-and-enjoyed but not-yet-shared list. I was hoping to give all of them more attention than usual but I’m falling behind faster this way, not keeping up at all. It’s a good thing I’m not reading quite as many lately as I was, the list would be even longer.

Maybe I’ll dump the whole pile tomorrow. Just a thought.