hope

A little story and a Free book September 02, 2020

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This year is going by way too fast. I still have some Christmas decorations about the house. I was looking at them the other day thinking there are so few days left in the year there’s no use putting them away now.

I doubt I could have talked myself into it anyway. I kind of like having them around all the time.

My kids will be here Saturday to take me to lunch for my birthday and they may give me a hard time about them still gracing the fireplace. I won’t share that a bowl full of tree ornaments off the dining room table did make it back in the storeroom a few weeks ago. I was cleaning up for company that didn’t materialize.

I’m excited about seeing my family. Not just for lunch, although I’m looking forward to it. They are also going to clean my gutters while they are here. It’s been a few years since they were done and I’m sure they are badly in need of a good wash. I’ve been tempted this summer to go up on the roof myself, since I’m the only one here to do it. Common sense prevailed. I’d probably fall off and kill my self or break something.

I probably wouldn’t have had to lie there very long before help came. The neighbors have windows over looking my backyard. They’d probably notice the unusual activity in time to see me fall. Knowing that almost gave me the courage to try, except I couldn’t figure how to pull myself up on the roof without destroying the gutters. I’m vertically challenged and age is against me. Spoils all my fun.

It will be something to see what’s in the gutters besides grit off the shingles. I suspect there could be birds nests. I’ve had that thought other years too as I could sometimes hear birds that seemed very close. This year I think there may be more than just the usual small birds I had in mind. The Mourning doves seem to be in larger numbers this year and they spend a lot of time flying around my roof. I keep surprising them in the flower beds too. Lots of babies this year. Hopefully the nests will be empty by now and not in any danger from us.

There isn’t much going on in the book realm tonight so this unintentional story gave me something to say when I thought I had nothing. Seems to be the story of my life (haha)

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BookRunes has a FREE book suggestion for us today and it’s the only thing on the agenda.

I like reading books like this one, always have. Learning new insights has been more than helpful on my journey through the years.

My only hesitation in mentioning the book here is I’ve not read this author before. At least not that I recall. Some authors are more helpful than others and reading through the chapter headings I’m not sure what to think. I’m going to read it and if it doesn’t sit well I have no problem casting it aside. Hopefully it will turn out to be good counsel.

I’m happy with the title. I love having God as my therapist. He knows everything about me. I don’t have to struggle to express anything. He always knows.

It will be an adventure to see if this book holds helpful nuggets. I’m hoping.

If God Were Your Therapist

Amazon quote:

Technological advancements have made our lives increasingly comfortable, safe, and easy; and we have more opportunities and advantages available to us today than ever before.

Given the high level of both opportunity and comfort, one would expect people to be happier than ever, and even more satisfied with their lives. The reality, though, is startlingly different. Instead of thriving and feeling empowered as a result of greater choices, we are deteriorating.

According to the latest research, one in four Americans suffers from mental illness. The drug companies try to keep pace, with the sales of anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and mood-stabilizing drugs at record levels, and tens of millions of new prescriptions being written each year.

But that doesn’t seem to be enough.

Many people are finding life just too painful. Every day, 80 Americans take their own lives, and over 1,900 Americans visit Emergency Departments for self-inflicted injury.

So why are we suffering from such emotional pain and anguish? Drawing on timeless wisdom and fundamental principles in psychology, If God Were Your Therapist offers insights into the human condition, and reveals how regardless of the opportunities available to us today, a lack of self-control results in poor choices, and ultimately leads to negative emotions and destructive habits.

As a solution, this book offers neither exercises or affirmations, nor meditations or motivating mantras. There is no homework to do or journals to fill out. Rather, readers learn how to regain self-control and move their thoughts, choices, and lives in a purposeful, powerful, direction, free from the shackles of anxiety and stress.

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Happy Reading y’all

I hope this book turns out to be helpful. We could all use a little bit of helpful.

Recently Read & Enjoyed.

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The books on my reading list lately have been a joy. They were interesting stories with captivating characters. My only complaint with some of them was an over abundance of detail. There were several with a few too many characters. Aside from that it’s been a memorable week of time spent with strong stories. There were more but I just want to share these three.

This was my favorite. An amazing woman with an equally amazing life. It was not easy but she rose to the challenge every time.

This is a book I would like to read again.

The Awakening of Miss Adelaide (The Women of Rock Creek Book 3)

The Awakening of Miss Adelaide

Orphaned as an infant, Oklahoma heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald has enjoyed every advantage. She possesses a unique gift for music and has excelled on the opera stage in Italy. As a philanthropist, she’s adored from America to Europe.

But Miss Adelaide is about to awaken in a 1918 nightmare.

When the “Great War” and the “Great Influenza” knock, Adelaide finds her uninvited guests more than unwelcome. They threaten her life and alter her identity and purpose.

Snatched from a quiet life in an Italian villa, Miss Adelaide is thrust into conflicts others have created. What battle scars will she sustain? And where will love lead her?

In The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, war and peace, laughter and heartache, love and loss come together to ignite a fresh fire that reveals one woman’s hidden needs and potentials.

What will gaining a fresh understanding of herself require of the Angel of the Opera?

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This next one was not an easy read for me. It wasn’t, but it was life changing on a deep level. It took me a long time to find the courage to read it and when I finally did I was glad. It was a story of deep despair but it didn’t end that way.

A Place Called Morning 

A Place Called Morning

“Another incisive look at family life and secrets.” – Library Journal.

Mae Demaray retreats from life after her young grandson dies accidentally while under her care. What was once a quiet life in an old clapboard house on a quiet Minneapolis street, rich with the hues of security and love, is now shattered. But a decades-old family secret, based on an unlikely friendship over the years, brings redemption and restoration once it is revealed.

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One more.

This last story was special too. Life hasn’t been as dramatic for me as it was for these two characters but I can relate to listening to the still small voice. An amazing experience. I think Lorana Hoopes has done an excellent job in developing this complex story.

The Still Small Voice: Christian Speculative Fiction (Are You Listening Book 1)

The Still Small Voice

Would you give up everything to follow God?

Jordan Wright’s life was thrown upside down when she ended up pregnant in college. After giving up her son for adoption, she sought to find meaning in her life. As she gave her life to God, she began to receive visions and words to tell others. But can she trust God enough to take on the hardest mission of her life?

Kat Jameson had been a lukewarm Christian for years, but when her best friend died, her world was thrown into turmoil. Dreams haunt her evenings and a strange light began appearing around people. Kat believed she was going crazy until she met someone with a special message for her. Will she let go and finally let God use her?

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There is more to share next time.

Happy Reading

Free book August 15, 2020

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Today is a browsing day, looking for strong stories I’ve not seen before.

I found one.

FREE

I’m mostly looking for FREE this month because I blew my book budget and then some last month. And since I’ve downloaded more books than I can probably keep up with anyway … I’d better stick to free for awhile.

#Lost (#NorthStarSeries) 

Lost

Amazon quote:

The Billionaire’s daughter and the man she left with! Will he get her back?

All billionaire Cyrus Black wants is a chance to spend a month in Paris and repair the fractured relationship with his wife and daughter. But things don’t go as planned. Frantic, he realizes his daughter has left without telling anyone where she’s going. When he finds her phone dumped in a garbage can, he grows even more frantic. Though the police assume it is a kidnapping, and tell him to wait for a ransom note, he calls in associates who might help him find her.

Teenager Marcella Black is looking forward to spending time with her parents, especially her father whom she’s hardly seen since her parents separated. But when her father is late—as usual—and her mother is having a melt-down, and she can’t face the fight that’s sure to come, she turns to the only person who understands her—@JamesKind. She met him briefly in Paris last year and has since fallen in love with him. When he asks her to come meet him, she happily goes. Because he loves her, too, right?

When the expected ransom note doesn’t arrive, Cyrus fears his daughter might be #lost—maybe forever. 

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I’m currently reading another strong, not-easy-to-read story. From a year ago.

A Place Called Morning

A Place Called Morning

Amazon quote:

“Another incisive look at family life and secrets.” – Library Journal.

Mae Demaray retreats from life after her young grandson dies accidentally while under her care. What was once a quiet life in an old clapboard house on a quiet Minneapolis street, rich with the hues of security and love, is now shattered. But a decades-old family secret, based on an unlikely friendship over the years, brings redemption and restoration once it is revealed.

 

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I’ve finished the current read from yesterday. It was a good book and I would like to tell you about it but rather than tack it on the end of this post I’ll put it in a separate post to give it the attention it deserves.

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The sun is shining brightly here this morning.

The lawn is happy after the abundance of stormy rain yesterday. I’m feeling energetic. Not looking for a cozy blanket, a cup of coffee and a good read, yet.

Maybe later.

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Wishing you a bright sunny day.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books August 10, 2020

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BookBub has an interesting FREE suggestion for us. The first few pages have me hooked and I think it will be my next read.

Runaway Tide (Sea Glass Inn Book 2)

Runaway Tide

Amazon quote:

Unflappable Meg finds herself at a crossroads when ex-flame, Jackson Riley, becomes her boss. 

Meg had made a promise to Jackson’s late father to stay working for the chain of Sea Glass inns, but how can she now?

After years away, Jackson seems to have something to prove to his family … and to Meg. But after mounting conflicts with one of Jackson’s family members bubble over, Meg must decide if her long-ago promise is worth keeping.

Will a spontaneous trip to the ancient city of Florence, Italy have the power to reignite lost love? 

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion.

Gift of the Magpie

gift of the magpie

Amazon quote:

Award-winning author Amanda Larrowe has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her next book’s deadline. But as storms move into Richmond, Virginia, Amanda learns that Camden Lancaster, a high school sweetheart, has moved in across the street.

After ten years, Amanda’s heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high-school Valentine’s Day date. Camden may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his charming smile doesn’t win her trust—and certainly not Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor.

Boy is she wrong.

Amanda is about to learn that first loves and broken hearts can sometimes lead to second chances … and a crushing pain that last forever.

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I’m currently reading a book that is still a bargain.

Where It All Began:  (A Heartbeats Inspirational Romance Book 1)

Where it all Began

Sandra Baker thought her life was on the perfect track until she ended up pregnant. Her boyfriend, not wanting the baby, pushes her to have an abortion and though she doesn’t want one, she realizes she cannot support a baby alone.

After the procedure, Sandra’s life falls apart as the guilt creeps in. She turns to alcohol, her relationship ends, and she struggles to find meaning in her life.

When she meets Henry Dobbs, a strong Christian man, she begins to wonder if his God would accept her. Will she tell Henry her darkest secret? And will she ever be able to forgive herself and find healing? Find out in this emotional love story.

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Happy Reading!

Story prompt – Immortal

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Sunday Scribblings  is hosted by Peckapalooza: The Confusing Middle.  This weeks prompt is …

Immortal

“Immortal – living forever; never dying or decaying.”

I can remember driving through the majestic Rocky Mountain Range of my home province, British Columbia, Canada, feeling it was unfair. Standing tall for hundreds, thousands, even millions of years their beauty would see many more millennia and the span of my life by comparison was a mere blip. I felt cheated, I wanted more time with the beauty of this world.

This memory was the first thing to pop into my head at the sight of this week’s prompt. Immortal

Feeling sad at all I would be missing when I had to leave. Feeling jealous of the many lifespans that would come and go after mine, a gentle voice whispered in my heart and I knew.

I would be leaving but I wouldn’t be leaving it all behind. It would be still be there when I crossed over. It would be me that was different.

As I draw ever closer to the end of my lifespan, I’m finding the curtain between this life and the next becoming thinner. I can see the shadow of things more clearly now. Things I was taught and believed have become sure in my heart and mind. It’s not over when it’s over. It’s just beginning.

The other thought that lodged in my heart as I considered the mountains. They won’t be going anywhere. They will live on.

For more decades than any of us can remember we have been expecting the end of the world, the destruction of our planet.

Things are going to change there is no doubt about that but when I see the beauty of our planet and the rest of the universe, I cannot imagine the Creator, the Artist, wanting to destroy it all and start over.

I cannot imagine any of us wanting to destroy something we put massive amounts of time and energy into only to start over. We would find ways to repair and rework our creation. If our rambunctious children damaged our creation, we would find ways to salvage it.

My heart feels sure the Creator plans to do the same. It won’t happen in our life time, probably, but it will happen when the time is right.

So, if I pass through the curtain between this world and the next and I can still enjoy the beauty of our planet?

That means we both lived on.

Immortal.

Story prompt Skin

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Disclaimer: Please do not read this post if difficult personal story is not your cup of tea, or if it could trigger or offend you.

This is week six in the Sunday Scribblings  prompt hosted by Peckapalooza: The Confusing Middle.

Normally I hook these challenges together to create an ongoing chapter story. It pleases me to get as much mileage as possible out of my writing attempts. I did have a plan in mind to work this week’s prompt into today’s chapter (6) while advancing my story. At least I did until yesterday’s post with reference to Father’s Day. Plans have changed.

I consider myself thick skinned when it comes to my personal history. Much of the time I can talk about most of it matter-of-factly while minimizing the truth of our abusive family life. No big deal.

Yesterday I made reference to abusive relationships because, just like there are many who find Mother’s Day traumatic, there are many who find Father’s Day a traumatic experience. The reasons are different but still painful.

Now, working my way emotionally through the aftermath of yesterday, I realize trauma related to Father’s day goes deeper than first thought. Generally, the deeper the trauma the less likely we are to speak about it. Many are vocal every year about their negative experiences surrounding Mother’s Day. Today for the first time, I realize we are hearing a complete lack of corresponding comments surrounding Father’s Day. The silence speaks loudly, if we happen to be listening.

Yesterday I wanted to acknowledge mostly-forgotten hurting hearts. To be seen and understood means a lot to those living with unimaginable pain. It felt like the right thing to do, to offer support and encouragement.

It’s no surprise to find, once again, my conscious mind can’t handle the truth of my own life. It has deeply buried the negative and bought into the never-happened, no-big-deal lies. My brothers insist I need to face the uncomfortable truth. I find I don’t want to/can’t remember. Inappropriate (not fitting the situation) triggered responses are the only evidence of truth.

The triggered reaction arising out of yesterday’s sharing was a shock to my system. The emotional upheaval I woke up to this morning was a shock too. As a result this has been a recovery day. As the day wears on I’m starting to feel better.

My skin appears to be thinner than I believe it is.

I’m sharing all this now because I feel compelled. Partly because I know the power of story to comfort and help others. Partly because I know the value of expression to release pent up emotions. I’m trusting that life will be incrementally better after acknowledging another sliver of truth. So far it always has been and I have great expectations for now too.

May life be better for you too, as you acknowledge the truth (as you are able) of your situation.

Next week will be soon enough for anther installment in my continued story about Carly, an exposed woman in Witness Protection.

Hoping this all made sense…

Janette

 

Free books June 20, 2020, and Dads

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FREE suggestions for us today.

Princess Paisley (Not-So-Fairy Tales Book 1) 

Princess Paisley

Amazon quote:

Fairy tales aren’t just for children anymore! Welcome to Jackalopany! Meet King Jack and Queen Felicia and their estimable children, Paisley and Jackson. Paisley has reached the year of her majority and is about to endure her “Majority Ball.” She’s unique, prank-loving, and not ready to change her life. She’d rather continue her days herding sheep, playing her harp, and avoiding the responsibilities associated with the Jackalopian throne. The shepherd Henry, Prince Rupert of Froggilandria, Kyle of Kaiandra, Marcus of Wellsbiundia, and the amusing Cletus of Rednecky all battle for the hand (and possibly the rest of) Princess Paisley. Will Darius of Griffinland foil the plans of so many? Will tragedy leave the Jackalopian throne bereft of an heir? And last but not least, will the narrator ever stop yammering about the rigors and rules of the fairytale genre?

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The Mail-Order Bride Carries a Gun (Brides of Sweet Creek Ranch Book 1)

The Mail-order Bride carries a gun

Amazon quote:

The mail-order bride seeks justice. Not a husband…

ELLA HUNTER never thought she’d be a mail-order bride. But when she sees a photo in the Marriage Gazette of the man she believes killed her brother, Ella agrees to marry the Civil War soldier turned cowboy. Prepared to confront a cold-hearted killer then return home, she finds all her expectations dashed when her intended husband appears to be a good man. Ella’s loyalties are torn between honoring the memories of her family and her undeniable attraction to Ty Haven.

TY HAVEN needs a wife. The ranch he runs in the wilds of Wyoming Territory could use a woman’s influence. Frankly, so could he. So when Ella arrives like a gift tied up in a cornflower-blue hair ribbon, more intelligent, practical, and, yes, beautiful, than he could have imagined, he hopes she will give him and the West a chance. Turns out, he doesn’t just need a wife. He needs Ella. But she has a secret, and it might destroy their marriage almost before it’s begun.

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As I write this, it’s Father’s Day tomorrow. Actually, I guess it’s today in many parts of the world. A day to honor our fathers.

My father has been gone for many years. Maybe if he was still alive he would have had time to change his ways and become a good father. We will never know. One thing I am grateful for today; his abusive behavior has not carried on through the generations even though it could have. My grandchildren enjoy loving fathers and I feel blessed.

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Life is not perfect. It never has been and never will be. Life can, and does, go on in spite of it all. If we let it.

I chose, and continue to choose, to forgive and move on. Not an easy thing to do. As I look on my family and the legacy of love, I’m grateful for making this choice, over and over again.

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I can’t help but think about people like me with a past our conscious minds cannot bear to acknowledge. I hear pain, I see pain. All this talk about fathers is dredging it up. I cannot actually see or hear you but I can acknowledge you.  You are not alone. Look around carefully. There are others like you close by. Support one another.

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Some of you will think I am crazy for saying all of this.

Statistics show that one in four women/girls have been abused or will be abused at some point in their life. As I share my story (sparingly) I’m finding this number believable. Feeling alone is a result of conditioning by our abusers. No one will believe you. It’s all your fault. It was an important day in my life when I admitted I was not alone. there were fellow sufferers who knew exactly what I was talking about. I still experience days like that from time to time, it’s always a surprise.

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Father’s day is still a day to celebrate. The good do not need to be brought down because of the bad. I will be the first to stand and give honor to the good dads of the world. We love and appreciate you.

Free and bargain books March 28, 2020

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It’s a slow day for book suggestions from the usual sources. There is one FREE book offered by Jennifer Youngblood though. Something on the lighter side, giving us a little sunshine on a day when I’m sure we could use it. Maybe browsing will take up the slack and be fruitful for us with a good book selection again today. We’ll see how it goes.

Love on the Rocks (Hawaii Billionaire Romance Book 1)

Love on the Rocks

Amazon quote:

Artist Liam Barclay has spent the past few years, living the carefree life of a bachelor, playing the field and soaking up the sun in beautiful Oahu. Until a startling heartbreak awakens him to a sobering realization—he’s in love with Maurie, his best friend and business partner. There’s only one problem—she recently got engaged.

Maurie Bradshaw has loved Liam for years, but fears he’s incapable of committing to a serious relationship. Tired of putting her life on hold and waiting for something that might never be, Maurie accepts a marriage proposal from Cooper Manning, a handsome art distributor, who’s an all-around great guy.

Tormented by the knowledge that he’s on the brink of losing the love of his life, Liam sets out to win Maurie’s heart. He becomes increasingly suspicious of Cooper, and suspects that he’s not what he’s making himself out to be. Liam does some investigating and uncovers dark secrets, which put him and Maurie at risk. As events climax to a heart-pounding frenzy, Liam must fight to protect the woman he loves, while trying to convince her that his heart is true.

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Since we are going for the lighter side this afternoon, here is a bargain four book collection looking sweet and  interesting. Part of the attraction for me, aside from the topic, is the chance to read another unfamiliar author. $1.33

Sweet Fake Relationship Romance Collection

Sweet fake relationship

Amazon quote:

The Lumberjack’s Match
Lumberjack Rhett Neumann is looking to buy land, but the seller says he must build a family home on the acreage, establishing roots in their small town. Rhett hasn’t devoted much thought to marriage, but he’ll do anything to acquire this property—even if it means pretending to have a bride. Shy and socially-awkward Lacey Macuzzi has given up on the idea of getting married, but wants to please her pressuring parents. She’d love to find a man willing to pose as her groom for the big day, just to get them off her back.

The Rock Star’s Match
Rock star Skylar Schultz’s manager lectures him about settling down and cleaning up his reputation. Rather than taking him seriously, Skylar turns to the Pretendr app to find someone who will pretend to be his girlfriend. Jessie Monroe is married to her work at an after school music program. A big benefit is planned and she doesn’t want anyone bothering her for a date, so she signs up for Pretendr. But when Skylar and Jessie discover they’ve been matched, they’re shocked beyond words. 

The Cowboy’s Match
In order for him to take over his parents’ ranch when they retire, cowboy Trent Reed needs to get on the straight and narrow and find a wife. Ever the rascal, he logs into Pretendr to find a fake fiancée instead. Pretendr is something Sally Marshall wishes she didn’t need, but her family has given her no choice. She’s successful in her own way, but it seems they’ll never see that unless she settles down and ties the knot with someone. 

The Detective’s Match
Detective Phillip Russell has been handed the case of the century. There’s only one catch. The crime lord he’s supposed to go undercover to bring down only trusts family men. By joining Pretendr, he hopes to find someone willing to act as his wife so he can get closer to the crime boss and put him behind bars. Lucy Mills is a single mom working two jobs to pay the bills. She’s hoping to get a great new job at a law firm, but they’re not interested in hiring someone with so much baggage. She decides to sign up for Pretendr to find a stand-in husband and land the job of her dreams. 

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A bargain book showed up that is definitely not on the lighter side but… it looks good anyway, even with a few reservations I have about leaving light. There are many Staci Stallings books in my collection but I couldn’t resist this is one, mainly because it’s one I’ve not read yet. $1.23 CDN

For Love’s Sake: A Historical Christian Romance

For Love's Sake

Amazon quote:

Love.

It sounds so simple, yet rarely does it turn out to be that way.

From USA Today Best Selling Contemporary Christian Romance Author, Staci Stallings, comes a historical novel about love, acceptance, hope, and the battle for good we are all in regardless of time and place…

At only 19, Bryna Elliott seems to have little control over the circumstances of her life. With her parents gone, she is relegated to running the household and trying to stay in the good graces of her obstinate, disrespectful brother. But when a long-lost neighbor comes back to town, Bryna’s life might be about to change for the better. If only she can learn how not to be herself…

Daniel Brody, a young man steeped in society’s finer points, finds himself in the midst of a romance he neither expected nor wanted to happen. However, the sister of the young lawyer handling his affairs upon his return to his mother’s childhood home soon proves intriguing beyond rationality. Unfortunately, she is as her brother often points out “uncontrollable” especially when love for those in her charge comes into question. Can Daniel hope to bring this headstrong young woman back under the constrictions of society, or is his life destined to be turned upside down by her willful determination to live only for love’s sake?

Set in the pre-Civil War south, “For Love’s Sake” takes the reader on a journey to discover the courage it takes to truly live a life of love for others. The Christian message of not letting the world tell you what is and isn’t proper when love is involved will inspire the reader to reconsider what love means in their own lives. Come along for the journey, you just might find that love means more than you ever imagined.

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Six books is still a good day and most of them are easy reads to make our Saturday a little more fun. It’s a gorgeous sunny afternoon here again and the snow is quickly melting all around us. It’s not even April quite yet, we’re ahead of the game. Sun and good books, can’t beat it.

Happy Reading to you!

 

 

Free and bargain books February 29, 2020

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Today is Sadie Hawkins Day! The one day (according to folklore) when a woman can propose to the unmarried man of her choosing. Of course she has to catch him first, and there will be a stiff penalty if he refuses. A silk dress or maybe a nice pair of gloves. It’s a good thing it only comes round once every four years.

Most of the single men I know live in books, so there is that. Maybe we’ll notice an awesome man we could dream of asking today, in one of our spectacular finds.

The Runaway is an interesting FREE suggestion from BookRunes, although I’m not sure if we will feel the need to propose while reading it. Maybe, I guess anything is possible. The series is called Legacy of Love.

The Runaway: A Legacy of Love Novel

The Runaway

Amazon quote:

Anna Brent, a Quaker woman in Indiana, secretly hides runaway slaves in her home on the Underground Railroad. When her work is threatened, can she turn to the outspoken newspaper editor, a man she barely knows, to ensure the safety of the slaves so dear to her? Will she and Daniel risk everything to help these fugitive slaves remain free?

“A compelling historical romance intricately woven with suspense, page-turning tension, and tender glimpses into a passionate young heroine’s heart. Melanie Dobson’s strong storytelling skills will have you glued to the pages of this intensely satisfying book.” -Miralee Ferrell, author of The Other Daughter

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This bargain book  ($1.32) showed up for me five years ago and while the story is a little murky in my mind I do remember liking this great author. I’m feeling rather tempted to reread this mystery.

I don’t think this one will be inspiring us to propose today either, although you never know. Love can pop up in the most unusual of places, especially if you like tough lawman types.

The Demise (A Braxton Mystery Book 1)

The Demise

Amazon quote:

Tiny Braxton, Tennessee, is a quiet, tight-knit community wrapped around an old town square just a stone’s throw from Nashville. But when the town’s most prominent citizen is found dead at the base of its water tower, news of Peter Lanham’s apparent suicide roars through town like a massive tsunami.

Peter, the handsome, beloved CEO of Lanham’s Fine Foods, had taken a small, family-owned grocery store founded in 1927, and grew it into a successful national chain. With most of Braxton’s residents employed by Lanham’s corporate headquarters, word of Peter’s demise left them searching for answers. What could possibly have made him take a swan dive off that tower?

Julie Parker is convinced he didn’t. As receptionist at Lanham’s executive office suite, she’s determined to find out what really happened to her boss. An aspiring actor who also stars as “The Lanham Girl” in the company’s TV commercials, Julie prides herself on her perceptive observations and people-skills. Who better to find out what happened to Peter up on that water tower?

Matt Bryson, on assignment as a rookie Special Agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, isn’t about to let the attractive receptionist intrude on his first case. She may be a hometown insider, but he’s perfectly capable of solving the case without “Miss Marple” screwing up his investigation.

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I’m currently reading Above the Fold and while it’s a good story I’m not feeling the urge to propose to anyone. There’s too much tension and drama to incite warm fuzzy feelings with dreams of love.

Above the Fold

Above the Fold

Amazon quote:

After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.

Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failures of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.

The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she’s a serious journalist. But there’s a catch—she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

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Well, I guess that was a bust. Anyone feeling tempted to propose on this Sadie Hawkin’s Day? Me neither. I do feel like reading one of these books though.

Happy Reading

… on this warmish day half way through winter. It’s warmed up to -1c, for the next while hopefully. It’s overcast today but the past few days have been sunny enough to melt wherever it touches. The snow banks on the street are looking brown and dirty with sand but hey, we’ll take it. Not a bad day for chasing down a single man.

 

Another FREE book February 13, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I missed one, BookRunes had a FREE suggestion this morning too.

Maybe it’s a good thing I missed it. It heads off in a much different direction from the rest of this morning’s offerings. Maybe it deserves the attention of it’s own post.

Beggars Daughter is a true story based on one woman’s life, sharing her struggle with a difficult but very real subject.

Beggars Daughter

Amazon quote:

If you think pornography is just a “guy thing” you would be wrong.

Jessica Harris was 13 years old when she was exposed to pornography. After four years, her use was out of control and when she went to find help, it became apparent that this wasn’t a thing many women do. All of the resources were for men, and when she got caught, she was told “Women don’t have this problem.” That sent her on a downward spiral and nearly landed her in the adult industry.

Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. Instead, she found freedom, hope, healing and worth in the love and grace of God.

Beggar’s Daughter is a candid look into her story, how she struggled and eventually how God set her free. It is a narrative on grace suitable for the women who struggle and those who want to understand them. Through it all, the message is that no woman is ever beyond the grace of God.

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