historical fiction

A knee jerk reaction – do you ever have them?

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It keeps happening and I have no idea why. It happened again today.

Jerry Jenkins, author of dozens of books, loves to encourage writers to become the best they can be. He often puts out free mini courses and today I was gong to read the newest one. It’s called Breaking down the 7 main story elements. To write a story you have to be a writer.

That thought right there, being a writer, was the trigger to an intense, visceral, emotional, knee jerk, negative reaction. I know, it seems like that’s overkill on the descriptive words but that’s about how it is, Fight or flight. Just short of a melt down. This happens to me fairly often with this writer idea and I have no idea why. It makes no sense that I can see. I’m sure there must be a mental health professional out there somewhere, though, who could tell me why.

It’s funny because I have this denial thing going on and yet I’ve spent years working on my communication skills. More recently I’ve joined a writers group, started this blog, read whatever catches my eye teaching me how to be a better writer, and even started a little fiction story. Go figure.

So, after some settling down time, I read through the tutorial and took notes on Jerry’s material about 7 main story elements.

The presentation was encouraging to me in several ways.

First; I’m stalled out on the story I’m writing, have been for awhile now. As I read what Jerry had to say, some things began to come together in my mind. I know where I need to go next with my characters.

Second and more importantly; it helped in regard to Book Reviews. I love books, some more than others. I love in different ways, for different reasons. The challenge is to put words to emotional responses. The struggle to express myself has caused me to dislike and avoid book reviews.

I’m discovering that instructions on the how and why of writing is helping me understand both what makes a story relatable and what is happening in the writing of the story for it to draw me in so completely.

A discussion of the story elements and the words used to describe them has also helped tremendously. It’s getting easier to move past simply I love this book and on to compiling a list for the reasons why I love this book.

I’m still feeling inadequate to understand and express my thoughts about books, but it’s getting better. I’m excited about that. The attempt with this post is probably helping me more than you.

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The most enjoyable part in the learning to write process, for me anyway, is the reading of excellent books. They say to be a great writer we must read extensively. I am all over that.

My most recently read & enjoyed book is The Maid of Fairbourne Hall 

Jerry Jenkins talked about the importance of describing the setting in layers throughout the story as opposed to a full description prior to stepping into the story itself.

Layers is the operative word here and this book did that.

The other thing this book did was make the story real, transporting me to a different time and place.

It’s a good thing this was Saturday and I could stick with it to the end.

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Currently, I’ve selected a series that’s been on my TBR list since the middle of July. After a few pages I’m hooked and since Terri Blackstock is a long time favorite I’m looking forward to this.

The If I Run Series: If I Run, If I’m Found, If I Live 

If I Run … book 1

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

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Writing this post has been helpful in working things out in my mind. I’m hoping it’s managed to make a little sense for you in reading it.

Check out JerryJenkins.com if you are interested in hearing more from him.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed … end of September

/ For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

A favorite read … I Choose You collection

My favorite thing about this collection was the way the authors and their writing faded into the background and I found myself living the story with the characters. It’s magical. Some of the authors did a better job than others but overall it happened for me in all of their stories.

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A 5 star favorite was … I Guess I Do

This was such a fun read, with all it’s twists and turns. It was a deep read too, with the major issues the characters were facing.

I don’t give five stars very often but in my mind this one was highly deserving.

It seems like desperate times deserve desperate measures and that’s what happened to take this couple down a road neither of them could have imagined in their wildest dreams.

They ended up in circumstances they could never have predicted.

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One more five star story … The Socialite

I liked everything about this book. Most of all I loved the fresh slant on a well worn topic. It seems WWII stories are very popular with publishers these days, and they should be, but I been reading them for so many years it’s easy for me to be a little tired of the subject. Finding a story focusing on a different aspect of the war had me eager to read one more.

It’s amazing the difference it can make, seeing the same story through yet another persons eyes.

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I’m going to lump the next bunch together or this will be a really long post. My apologies if I have any repeats in here. I try to always remove them from my device once they have been mentioned. For some reason there are times when I’m not allowed to remove without deleting. so I wait. And then enough time has gone by that I lose track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. I’m sure you will forgive me if you happen to notice any repeats.

Some of these books were more enjoyable than others, but they were all worth the read.

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I’m currently reading and thoroughly enjoying an awesome book that is still a bargain.

Hopeful Cowboy: A Mulbury Boys Novel (Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Book 1)

Nathaniel Mulbury is released early from his six-year term in prison to care for his brother’s four-year-old son. Dealing with grief over his brother’s death and continued guilt for his role in the embezzlement scheme that landed him in jail, Nate has one more problem. He’s never been a father and has no idea how to take care of Connor.

Make that two problems: He’s released, but only to the care of Hope Eternal Ranch, a work-parole ranch run by the beautiful and smart Ginger Talbot. He’s never been a cowboy, and he’s got no room in his life for a woman.

Ginger has dealt with plenty of men like Nate, even if the sparks between them don’t just come from his background. She’s not falling for a handsome face and a nice pair of biceps again. After all, most prisoners have plenty of time to work out.

But there’s something different about Nate that calls to her softer side, if only she’d let him in. If only she knew how to let anyone in… But Ginger is jaded for good reason, and she’s not going to risk losing Hope Eternal Ranch—or her heart—again.

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Happy Reading y’all

’til next time

Bargain books September 26, 2020

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There is a new Christmas Romance Collection available for pre-order, it will be out October 20th at the low price of $0.99. I’m excited because there are seven books and all but two are written by authors new to me.

Melodies of Christmas Love: A Boxed Set Collection of Contemporary Christmas Romance Novellas

Amazon quote:

The Heart of Christmas – Lynnette Bonner

When Wynn Mason sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate and is just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch Ryland Sage in the face. What is the star of her favorite TV show doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch up his face—and also maybe his heart—all while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.

Love on a Mission in Millcreek – JoAnn Durgin

Angelia Ford wonders if she’ll ever live down her unfortunate outburst at the end of the Millcreek Elementary Christmas program. Sixteen years later, she’s home to care for her grandfather and prays the town’s citizens have finally forgiven her youthful indiscretion.

Millcreek’s newest resident, Nicholas Sanders, recognizes the beautiful blonde server at the local diner, but it’s clear Angel doesn’t remember him. What better time than the festive holiday season for Nick to reintroduce himself to the girl he’s never forgotten?

The Bells of New Cheltenham – Chautona Havig

When Justine Driscoll decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.

A Christmas Duet – Annette M. Irby

A breakup steals a cellist’s inspiration. How will she create new compositions for her ensemble’s next album? Perhaps the church’s handsome music director could help. Join Kate Fleming and Zach Tillmon as Christmas music brings them together on Whidbey Island, Washington.

A Night Divine – Dawn Kinzer

One chilly December night, a tragedy connects successful model Camryn Tate and outreach minister Trace Gardner. As they share a common mission serving the homeless on the streets of Seattle, they provide more than food—they offer hope. But as Christmas Eve approaches, secrets have the potential to break Camryn’s heart.

To Hear the Angels Sing – Lesley Ann McDaniel

Being guardian of her niece isn’t as easy as Devlin Welsh might hope. When her niece is invited to be in a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when Devlin admits to knowing how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find the time?

One of Jonah Ryan’s favorite parts of his job as worship leader is working on the kids’ Christmas musical. There’s something about the woman who’s volunteering to design costumes this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?

Prairie Rose – Sylvia Stewart

For many years, Rose Morris has lived alone with her dog, Rusty. Mitch Foster, a handsome, un-married neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium, and insists on helping with chores. But who should drive into Rose’s farmyard? The scoundrel husband who had deserted her and her teenaged son years before. Later, a pre-teen runaway, found in her barn, adds his troubles to her own, so Rose decides to re-capture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

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While I was noticing this new Christmas pre-order collection I came across a Chautona Havig bargain I haven’t read yet. One thing about Chautona, her stories cover a broad range of styles. I have not read one of her’s similar to this one so I must check it out.

The Ghosts of New Cheltenham (New Cheltenham Shopkeepers Book 1)

Amazon quote:

What’s a guy to do when the ghosts of his past converge on his Christmas present?

Mitchell Bogaert hasn’t done much with his life in the four years since college, to which his negative-digits bank account and credit score will attest. So when news of an inheritance from a man he hasn’t seen in years arrives on the same day as his eviction notice, Mitchell considers the odd terms of the will to be a no-brainer.

Sure, he’ll move into a building in the tourist village of New Cheltenham. Of course, he’d be happy to live there for a year as a condition of inheritance. And yes, he’ll suffer the humiliation of creating, entering, and presenting at the annual Dickens Ghost Story Competition.

Free room and board for a year plus a rather substantial inheritance to boot? Who wouldn’t?

But someone either doesn’t want him in New Cheltenham or doesn’t want him to receive that inheritance, because the more he works on his story, the more convinced he is that a ghost resides in the narrow building he now calls home.

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I am going to download this next one because it’s a new-to-me author, I like the cover, and the first couple of pages have me wanting to check it out. I’m not going to recommend it to you though. The synopsis makes it sound a little preachy. I’m not a fan of preachy. I’m not saying don’t download it, I’m just saying you’ve been warned about what to expect.

I’ve searched by the author’s name to see what else this gal has written but nothing is showing up, not even this one book. I hoped to gain a sense of what she’s like. Guess I’ll just have to read the book.

I Guess I Do 

Amazon quote:

Sarah Miller is one year short of graduating college when she hits a financial snag. To continue her education, she must trust a handsome stranger–and trusting anyone is not something Sarah finds easy to do. As Sarah hurls headlong into a crazy and unexpected adventure, she realizes that her life is lacking a special dimension that can only be fulfilled by becoming part of the body of Christ. Will Sarah open her heart to her new friends, or will she continue living her life alone?

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I’m between books so it’s decision time on what comes next. I think I will make another attempt to get into The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2)

Widowed during the war, Natalie Ellis finds herself solely responsible for Rose Hill plantation. When Union troops arrive with a proclamation freeing the slaves, all seems lost. How can she run the plantation without slaves? In order to save her son’s inheritance she strikes a deal with the arrogant, albeit handsome, Colonel Maish. In exchange for use of her family’s property, the army will provide workers to bring in her cotton crop. But as her admiration for the colonel grows, a shocking secret is uncovered. Can she trust him with her heart and her young, fatherless son?

Natalie Ellis is everything Colonel Levi Maish loathes: a Southern slave owner. When he and his men arrived in Texas with the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves still in bondage despite the war having ended, he feels little concern for the trail of plantation owners left in its wake without workers. But the plight of the beautiful Widow Ellis stirs to life his compassion and the heart he’d thought cold as stone after witnessing the carnage of war. While the army camps on her land, Levi finds himself contemplating a future with Natalie and Samuel. But when he learns where her husband perished during the war, he knows a life with Natalie is impossible. How could she ever forgive him for what he’d done in battle on the banks of the Bull Run?

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Tomorrow is story prompt day hosted by a fellow blogger. At the moment I have no ideas. Maybe inspiration will hit me tomorrow. Hopefully.

In the meantime …

Happy Reading!

It’s hard getting started sometimes

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My head is not in the game today. Book suggestions were non-existent – not that we necessarily need more, I don’t anyway, that’s for sure. They give me something to talk about and I miss them.

Then I thought about sharing books read. I did that the other day though and since I’ve been reading such long books lately the numbers haven’t accumulated very quickly. It’s a short list hardly worth bothering with.

Currents reads are not a whole lot better as a topic. I’m up to the third attempt without any more success than with the first two. It could be the books or it could be me. The jury is still out on that.

I’ll share the three non starters.

I’ve barely looked at the outside two. I’ve read 13% of the middle one.

I’m sure it’s mainly me. There are other things going on today. Tasks requiring heavy concentration and now my brain is fried. I think I need to end the day with something taking little or no thought.

The trouble is, I download more heavy than light and the light has probably all been read. Mostly.

See, downloading mindless is not a bad thing sometimes.

So, I went on a little break and tried one more time. This one is looking a little more promising, it’s definitely on the lighter side compared to the other three.

Lessons in Love (Secrets in Savannah Book 2) 

Can the handsome man who holds the secret to the disappearance of Megan’s boyfriend hope to hold the key to her heart?

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

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You had to know I’d try again. I can’t bear to be without a book in progress. I promise to double back and try the others again, just not tonight.

How is your reading going. Are you hooked on books? I’m hoping you are headed in that direction.

Happy Reading anyway!

Bargain books for September 23, 2020

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I can never pass up the chance for an Alana Terry book. Especially when it is a bargain. $0.99. Thanks to BookBub for the suggestion.

Save Me Once: A Safe Refuge Christian Thriller

Amazon quote:

It’s every mother’s worst nightmare. Except she isn’t dreaming.

If only she’d been more attentive, none of this would have happened.

Now her daughter’s missing, abducted by a man with a criminal past. A man who has been grooming her daughter for a life on the streets.

Is it any wonder Margot fears the worst?

Fueled by love, terror, and unwavering determination, Margot will stop at nothing to save her little girl. Enlisting the help of a police detective with a sordid past and a host of problems of his own, Margot is determined to blow this case wide open.

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My current read…

The Socialite

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

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Pickings are scarce this morning but at least there was a good one. And there is always hope for surprises tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

Favorite books this week September 23, 2020

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This has been an exceptional week for excellent books. Three in a row. I feel like it’s been my lucky week.

A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

What I liked most about this book:

  • There was a whole cast of strong well developed characters. I loved all but one of them. You might even agree with me on this.
  • There was a fresh and interesting story line with more than enough tension and intrigue to keep me reading. All of it well balanced to avoid reader frustration. (I’m a big fan of no frustration.)
  • An amazing setting.
  • I won’t tell you about the ending. Surprises are a good thing.
  • I could easily read this one again. It was my favorite.

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Number two on the list was my next favorite.

Blessing Bentley (Marriages of Conviction Book 1)

What I liked most about this book.

  • The writing style was quirky. This created light moments which made the read fun.
  • The foundation of the story was thought provoking. At no point was there intent to convince the reader of a particular point of view. This was both unusual and greatly appreciated. The what if question was posed and thoroughly explored. In the end any conclusions would be left to the reader.
  • Sometimes (many times, if we are honest) the writer has an agenda and it is to sell an idea. With his/her attention focused on the idea the story falters as underdeveloped and weak. A simple vehicle to carry the idea. In this case that didn’t happen. There was an agenda of sorts but it ended up as foundational to the story. It worked beautifully.
  • The characters were relatable and lovable.
  • There was tension in all the right places without a hint of frustration in the reader over the progression of the story.
  • I’m not in a hurry to read this again but I could easily.

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Number three:

The Wedding Bond (Christian Romance): Sacred Bond South: Book One

What I liked most about this book:

  • It was both light (not shallow) and deep (not dark). Stories with substance are my favorites.
  • As with the other two books; the characters were relatable and strong. They had flaws and struggles which made them all the more real. I couldn’t help but love them.
  • The plot was unique. Not once did I wonder if I’d read this book before (a thought that runs through my mind more often than I like it to.)
  • Overall, it was worth my time and I’m glad I took a chance on it.

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Happy Reading.

I hope your reading week has been as awesome as mine.

Bargain books September 22, 2020

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First up we have an interesting bargain ($1.31 CDN) from an author I’ve discovered recently and enjoyed immensely.

Fatal Illusions: A Novel (North Woods Chronicles Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Who Will Escape Alive?

An Amateur Magician, an Unassuming Family . . . a Fatal Illusion

Haydon Owens wants to be the next Houdini. He has been practicing his craft and has already made four women disappear. All it took was a bit of rope and his two bare hands.

The Thayer family has come to the north woods of Newberry, Michigan, looking for refuge, a peaceful sanctuary from a shattered past. But they are not alone. Little do they know that they are about to become part of Haydon’s next act.

Time is running out and already the killer has spotted his next victim. Who will escape alive?

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Then, this interesting box set was recommended by the author above and is on pre-order at a bargain price for a release date of October 6th. $1.34 CDN. I’ve ordered my copy. A few months back actually and I’m looking forward to it.

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Amazon quote:

Silent Night, Deadly Night. Welcome to a Killer Christmas!

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My current enjoyable read is still a $1.99 bargain and I would highly recommend it. This is not your average run of the mill story. It has a freshness about it… my favorite thing.

A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

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Happy Reading! …

… on this sunny day that promises to reach 27C. I’m not so sure it will be able to deliver on that promise but I’m hoping. After the cold spell we’ve had, with frost at night, I’m looking forward to relaxing with coffee on the deck in shirtsleeves. Maybe for the last time this year.

Winter is arriving much too quickly. Plants are shutting down and leaves are falling many weeks ahead of last year. On the bright side, yard work has slowed down and I’m not complaining about that.

Free books September 21, 2020

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This FREE suggestion is from BookRunes

The Wedding Bond : Sacred Bond South: Book One

Amazon quote:

When café owner Kaylee Kinney vows to marry within a year, she’s picturing a nice, peaceful life with a nice, peaceful husband. Enter Phelan O’Donnell: army ranger, bad boy, and Kaylee’s high school ex. What Kaylee doesn’t know, when she enters into a “practice” relationship with Phelan, is that he’s harboring a secret that could rip her family apart. Their chemistry is explosive and their values are finally in sync. Their trial run just might turn into an actual marriage. But can they withstand a shocking revelation about their own history without breaking each others’ hearts?

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LPC Books has a few FREE suggestions too.

I’ve read this first one. I enjoy Gansky.

Who Is Harrison Sawyer? 

Amazon quote:

His son … a stranger … now dead.

Desperate to rediscover his estranged son, Marshall Sawyer agrees to finish the autobiography Harrison began before his untimely death. But the passages described in the book do not match the life Marshall remembers with his son. Together with his daughter-in-law and a professional football player friend, Marshall embarks on a journey to find out the truth. What happened to the boy in the missing years after Harrison ran away at age fifteen and his marriage years later? As he begins to investigate, he soon discovers a dangerous plot—one that puts his life in danger, and the future of America at risk.

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This next one is a short read.

Everlasting Light 

Amazon quote:

The American Civil War has ended, but Alaina McKenna still awaits news about her husband, Braeden. Did he die in a Yankee prison? Was he buried in a shallow grave on a Virginia battlefield? Or has he turned his back on the specter of death and loss around him and sought solitude west of the Mississippi River, never to return home, again?

As Christmas nears, Alaina deflects the advances of a suitor in the neighboring county, choosing to cling instead to hope and her belief that Braeden will return. As winter’s chill settles upon her farm, Alaina cries out to God in one final Christmas Prayer.

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Romance Box Set: Secrets in Savannah: Hearts in Georgia Romance Collection

I’ve read all of these too.

Amazon quote:

The Caretaker’s Son

Symon Sinclair grew up in the caretaker’s cottage. Now a successful writer in New York, he’s returned home to Savannah to thank his mentor, Miss B, for all her support. But it’s her niece Annabelle who greets him at the door. Symon remembers the little rich girl who never gave him a moment’s notice. Now she’s a beauty who has more depth than he’d ever imagined. As they spend time together, Symon begins to question his attitude toward life—and Annabelle.

Former beauty queen Annabelle Yarwood had her life all planned out—until she came face-to-face with the caretaker’s son. Suddenly those plans seem stifling. Just as Annabelle begins letting Symon into her heart, she discovers he’s been keeping a secret about his life in New York. Has their love story ended before it’s even begun?

Lessons in Love

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

Seeking Mr. Perfect

Lizzie Marshall is giving up on dating. Then Mr. Perfect walks into her life. Her mystery man is the one she’s been waiting for—except that he’s dressed as a clergyman! Outspoken Lizzie wouldn’t make a good pastor’s wife, so it’s for the best that she’s no longer looking for a husband.

When Lizzie mistakes him for a clergyman, Zach Grant plays along, if only to get close to the sweet beauty who has sworn off men. Though Zach has business reasons for wanting to know her better, soon his feelings for Lizzie become all too personal. But will his deception keep her from giving love one last chance?

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My current read is The Wedding Bond : Sacred Bond South: Book One, top of the page. I downloaded it last night and needed a change of pace for a moment.

Happy Reading!

Free books September 19, 2020

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Our reading selections have been on the heavy side lately. Nothing wrong with that. I prefer deep truth be told. Comic relief is needed every now and then, though. Chautona Havig is an author able to provide fun and quirky. Her latest freebie looks to be just that, comic relief.

This suggestion showed up on BookRunes

Blessing Bentley (Marriages of Conviction Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Bentley Girard’s about to propose… to a guy she doesn’t even love.

Not THAT way anyway.

After studying everything the Bible has to say about marriage, she’s decided she wants in. Now. So who’s going to take her up on that offer?

And just why did no one remind her that those vows include that little word, “love?”

Oops!

With her Bible in her hip pocket and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley navigates this new world of marriage with grace and… oh, who is she kidding? She flounders until she gets a sure footing and hangs on tight.

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I have to tell you. The trouble with my current read is I can’t hop, skip, and jump through the chapters just to get done. It’s a long book, and I have to read every page not to miss important details.

OK, so I don’t really wish every book could be quickly skipped through. I love must-read-every-page-not-to-miss-anything books. They are always worth the time it takes.

From Across the Ancient Waters: Wales (The Green Hills of Snowdonia Book 1)

Amazon quote:

After being sent to his uncle’s estate, young Percy Drummond has no intention of letting the country atmosphere soften his rebellious ways. Then he meets a village girl, Gwyneth Barrie, and her friendship changes his life.

When Percy later returns, his intriguing friend has grown into a young woman. But by this time, Percy has caught the eye of his beautiful cousin Florilyn…who has also become Gwyneth’s friend. What will result of their threefold friendship? And what repercussions will his uncle’s surprising request have for them all?

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This book is still at bargain prices if you’d like it.

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That’s it for the moment. I’ll post again if more shows up later.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books September 18, 2020

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1531 Entertainment has an intriguing bargain suggestion written by an author I’ve enjoyed three times in the last year. In keeping with the books we’ve seen in the last couple of days this will not a light read.

There are many books on my read & enjoyed list related to World War II and yet this one is still able to catch my interest.

The Socialite

Amazon quote:

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

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This next one was mentioned on Facebook. Everyone commenting there is raving about it as one of the best romances of the year. Reading the first few pages I can see why. One more to add to the TBR list. I need to take up speed reading. Seriously.

A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

Amazon quote:

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

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y’all… it is taking some heavy duty self control to keep from switching current reads with each new book I find this week.

I hope you are having the same problem!

Happy Reading!