mystery

Bargain books and goodbyes January 04, 2023

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This has been a special year with family home for the first time in six years. I cherish every minute of the time we’ve had together but it can’t last forever, life moves on. Today was the beginning of it. There will be more before they finally leave for distant places. One family, three destinations. The beginning of empty nest syndrome. The up side to it all will be that each pursuit will bring each of them a step closer to discovering what life holds for them.

Bittersweet – sad to accept the change as they go, glad to see exciting opportunities for all of them.

For those of us left behind life will go on as is. But then again maybe it won’t. Life is like that, just when we think we are stuck in a rut life takes a hard left turn, or maybe a soft one. A turn is a turn though and we will hope for a happy one.

In the meantime, I need to drown-my-sorrows in a book. And what better thing is there to do, at a time like this, than look for more new books.

1531 Entertainment has one I want to read. It starts off with a bang, literally, and I want to see where it all goes. The setting is not one we see everyday and that adds an interesting element to the experience.

Honor Bound (Love and Honor Book #1)

t may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord’s mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces “A-Team” on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia’s life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger–but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he’s beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

***********************

An interesting read showed up in the suggestion strips. It is tense, to say the least.

The Heiress of Winterwood (Whispers On The Moors Book 1)

In this sweet Regency romance, Amelia Barret will risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to a sea captain she’s never met.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. But she knows she can’t do it alone and finds herself in the surprising position of asking Graham, the child’s father—a man she’s never met before—to marry her.

When the baby vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

To save the child they’ve both come to love—and any hopes of preserving their fledgling love—both must learn to relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

*******************

I’ve run out of time, caught up in reading the sample, so no more searching for tonight.

Tomorrow.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books January 03, 2023

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

So many new books I want to read right this minute. What a dilemma, having to pick one.

It’s a good thing I didn’t read all of the samples or the attraction would be even worse.

So 1531 Entertainment mentioned these two winners. The first one is the one I’m dying to read, I love characters with a dry sense of humor. This should be a fun ride.

The Sport of Matchmaking (Clavering Chronicles Book 3)

For once, he has met a lady less inclined to marry than he is. How unfortunate that she is the only bride he will consider.

George Clavering is much too young to think about getting married. Yes, his older brother—and even his younger sister—have managed to tie the knot, but he has plenty more years of play and sporting events ahead of him before he need consider such a thing. Even matchmaking becomes a sport when gentlemen bet on the Season’s successes or failures in the club. He will not give them an opportunity to bet on him. Furthermore, why settle down when there are young women like Lady Alice who liven the sport of matchmaking with friendly wagers?

Lady Alice St. Clair is the fifth daughter of the Duke of Carr, and as she is independently wealthy and may do as she pleases, she has no reason to wed. She certainly has no intention of doing so. If the marriage mart offers nothing more than the unattractive boors who have presented themselves at her door for the past five seasons, it should hardly surprise her parents she cannot be persuaded to the altar. True, George Clavering has a full head of dark hair and a smile that is as mischievous as it is attractive, but no lady of character would change her mind for one above-average specimen of the male race.

For both, what began as a friendly bet between two bored guests at a ball turned into an earnest desire to help their protégés find happiness. And if some deeper feelings should stir in George to win Alice’s heart, then he has no choice but to dampen them. After all, Lady Alice has sworn she will not marry, and George has applauded her decision. For him to try to weaken her resolve now would be…unsportsmanlike.

***********************

I didn’t read the sample on this but other books from this author have been worth it and I’m expecting the same again.

Nerves of Steele: (Steele Guardians – Book 2) 

One mysterious break-in…
As a middle child, Peyton Steele has always needed to find a way to standout. But coming to the attention of the head of security for her client’s jewelry store when millions of dollars in jewels go missing is not the way to do it. She thinks the state-of-the-art cameras she’d recently had installed will make it easy to find the thief, but she’s stunned when the video doesn’t show the theft taking place.

Propels her into a level of danger she’s never known.The lack of video evidence is not acceptable to store security manager and former detective, Grant Logan. He’s given up his law enforcement career to spend more time with his daughter, and he’s up for a promotion as security manager for the entire jewelry chain. To gain the job that will give his young daughter everything he wants for her, he has to prove his abilities by finding the thief at all costs. He’ll put everything on the line to gain this new job, but how far will he go? Despite his growing interest in Peyton, will he risk both of their lives to succeed?

*************************

Ten books in two days. The temptation is strong to look for more so but I’m resisting.

I’m halfway through my current and very enjoyable read. Sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how Ann will avoid marrying an odious old man.

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family–descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family’s jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the “lies” the Claddagh Ring promises.

Bargain books part two January 02, 2023

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

As promised. I’m back with more interesting reads. This time they are authors we see often.

This first author has a 4 book series on at a bargain price, we will consider all four and I’m going to choose 2 in an attempt to keep my collection in hand. We’ve had an abundance of books today and my book bin is in danger of overflowing. There are more to come after these ones.

I choose Saving Wren: and Saving Grace: The Women’s Work Exchange

Wren Schmidt is devastated when her husband divorces her unexpectedly, leaving her with a son to raise on her own. Wren ignores the hushed whispers and shame cast upon her by the community to focus on caring for her son. She surprises everyone when she sells her first toy design to Fielding Toy company and secures a contract for more.
Between taking care of her son and working as an inventor, she has a lot on her plate. Wren has neither the time nor the interest to pursue a relationship. When her son asks for a replica of a competitor’s toy ship for Christmas, Wren finds herself working with the handsome inventor, Oscar Parker, to make his wish come true…

She is a woman desperate to save her family legacy…
Grace makes a deal with the local Women’s Work Exchange to sell her blown glass Christmas ornaments in hopes of making enough money to pay off her uncle and keep her legacy. Soon strange incidents lead Grace to fear for her life and her legacy.

He’s the lawyer hired to help her…
Scott Fielding is the lawyer hired to help Grace. Meeting her was a revelation. Grace is a gifted artisan with a heart for family. Something’s wrong with her uncle’s desperate attempts to claim the house and land. What is he after? Is there more to the story?

********************

Another one from the same author. It looked interesting. . . what can I say. I couldn’t resist. And it is not long either which helped me say yes.

In time for Christmas: A Clean Romantic Suspense 

Kidnapped and ransomed-one little boy is praying for help to get him home in time for Christmas.

It was supposed to be a girl’s night out, but something felt off about the teary-eyed little boy staring at her across the restaurant. Trinity trusts the urging of the Lord and follows her heart only to be caught up in a killer’s dangerous holiday plot.

Billionaire, Marek Reid, and his team are hot on the heels of the men who took his son. Marek knows more than most that if God brings you to it, he will bring you through it, but no one expects what happens next. A young woman steps in to protect the child and finds herself kidnapped before Christmas!

Can Trinity protect the child and escape before the killer exacts his terrible Christmas plan? Will Marek save them both before it’s too late?

**********************

This next one looked too good to pass up. Especially since I’ve read and enjoyed two others in the series. On top of that it’s also short.

Sanctuary Hidden (WITSEC Town)

Previously published as part of the Team Love on the Run box set.

When Cyan Greene finds decades-old evidence hidden among her dead mother’s belongings she’s plunged back into a world of run and hide. NFL quarterback Nate Mason knows more than he should about the secret witness protection town of Sanctuary where Cyan grew up. He’s the perfect person to protect Cyan; except he doesn’t know a thing about being a bodyguard. When the mob catches up with them, and an old nemesis interferes, Nate is the only one who stands between the woman he’s come to care about…and the people trying to silence her forever.

WITSEC Town Series book 2.5

***********************

This last one is also a book I’m having trouble resisting. I’ve read and enjoyed books 1 and 3 in this series and it seems only right to read book 2 while I have the chance.

Rosemary Cottage (The Hope Beach Series Book 2)

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange the respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community, a place that has always been a refuge for her and her family. She also plans to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy, and he agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other . . . and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

**********************

Eight new books today. It has been a good day, I hope you have enjoyed it even half as much as I have.

It’s time to move on to other needs. In the meantime . . .

Happy Reading!

First Book download of 2023 – January 02/23

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s the beginning of another new year. It’s exciting and all, the anticipation, wondering what the year will hold for us.The hardest part of every year though . . . remembering to date everything with the new number. It took long enough to stop using 2021 and now we have to leave 2022 behind.

After experiencing decades of new years you would think it would be easy.

What’s a new year without a new challenge, right?

Let’s forget about all this new year stuff and think about books.

New-to-me authors will be the theme for today, by the looks of it. There was a good suggestion from LPC Free Books and one thing lead to another and we have three new authors with books I can’t wait to read.

Laser Trap 

If you can’t invent it, steal it!

Engineering grad student Dan Butler discovers an unorthodox way to produce lasers of unprecedented power. When the malevolent bosses at StarWay Labs, who sell weapons to the international underworld, discover this, they kidnap Dan and demand he replicate his work in their secret lab.

Dan’s fellow grad student, Lana Madison, who Dan had hired to help him find a girlfriend, is alarmed at his disappearance. She forms a high-tech team with four of their friends to help the authorities rescue Dan. They make remarkable breakthroughs in tracking down his whereabouts while the criminal cadre at StarWay pushes Dan close to his breaking point. With millions of dollars and Dan’s life at stake, can he be rescued before it’s too late? Will he survive the Laser Trap?

*************************

All That Really Matters (A McKenzie Family Romance)

2022 Christy and Carol Award Winner

Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America’s underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There’s just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

To gain an edge on her competitors, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls–and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she’s come to know, she must face the ones she’s neglected inside herself for so long.

*********************

The Lady of Galway Manor 

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family–descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family’s jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the “lies” the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the “other side” isn’t quite as barbaric and uncultured as they’d been led to believe–and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

***********************

There were other interesting books showing up in the suggestion bars but they are with authors we’ve seen before. I think they deserve a post all their own.

While I’m in the grove and the new books area all lined up for us I’ll move on to the second post of the day.

See you soon.

Read and enjoyed January 01, 2023

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Happy New Year everyone.

It has been a reading marathon for me in every spare moment this week and beyond.

Here are the covers for all of them. It was a good time.

Next read

A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1) 

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

***********************

I loved this book December 28, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Well that bargain didn’t last long. It seems we have to hurry if we want the good deals. But enough of that.

There are many things about this book that I loved. There was one thing in particular, though. Read on to see what that was.

Romeo’s Way (Mike Romeo Thrillers Book 2)

Mike Romeo had a difficult life as a kid. Bullied, not fitting in, misunderstood, neglected at home, he had to find ways of coping to survive. He started life as an overweight kid, that was bad enough but attending university as a young teen was no picnic and his out in both cases was books.

A kind soul took pity on him as he grew older and taught him to box. Well enough to hold undefeated titles. As an adult he was a powerhouse with an arsenal of moves that made him a formidable opponent. That coupled with his vast reading and wicked sense of humor, he was amazing.

That’s what I loved most about him, his sense of humor. His opponents were either impressed or confounded with the flow of pithy quotes. Most of the time words did the job leaving no need for physical altercations.

He wasn’t a fun kind of guy though, life had taught him enough hard lessons that he would never be the life of the party. He was more apt to be a runner when things were uncomfortable. The definition for uncomfortable was relative. It didn’t take much for him to decide to move on. He had friends who disagreed and wanted him to stay.

All of the characters had depth but Mike Romeo was by far my favorite, just as the author intended.

I loved the way the story played out and the way it ended.

This was a Five star read, definitely.

***************

Book description from Amazon…

“I don’t want anybody bleeding to death, okay?” I said. “I think your problem is education. There’s just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart.”
Baton Guy croaked, “I can’t breathe.”
“You just can’t go around doing this sort of thing,” I said. “It isn’t right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won’t be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?”
“Don’t kill us,” Knife Guy said.

Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L.A., doesn’t look for trouble. He doesn’t have to. It comes after him. So when he’s hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn’t have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco.

But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay –– and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good.

Now all bets are off. Because if there’s one thing Romeo wants, it’s justice. And he’s going to get it––his way.

****************

I guess the synopsis was going for no spoilers and in my mind that’s why it didn’t do this book the justice it deserved. The reading experience was so much better than the book description led me to believe it would be.

This book is definitely on my top five list. Although 5 is too small for the number of books read that should be on my top five list. Maybe I will make it a fat five so more will fit. I’d have to read fewer books for there to be a smaller number of top five books, so we have to be creative.

This book is worth the read at any price.

Check it out and . . .

Happy Reading

Bargain books December 28, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A new-to-me author is first up today. The usual suggestion emails didn’t hold anything worthwhile (from my point of view) but at least they were a good jumping off place. This new book starts off well and I want to see where it all goes from here.

A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1)

With her past behind her, she has nothing–and everything–to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

*************************

This next one is from a three book series where we downloaded and enjoyed the first books two earlier this year. Happily, all three are at a bargain price today.

Northern Protector (Heroes of the Tundra Book 3)

Constable Ben Koper is still healing from the bear attack that almost killed him. Nine months after it happened, he returns to Churchill, Manitoba, a changed man—scarred more than just physically. PTSD is his new shadow, haunting his every step, and he can’t seem to kick the pain meds he shouldn’t need anymore. He’s determined to prove, to himself and his colleagues, that he’s still up to his job. Failure isn’t an option.

ER nurse Joy Gallagher spent the entire last winter texting with a healing Constable Koper. What started as friendly concern from this single mother has grown into full-fledged romantic feelings, and she’s eager to level up their friendship and introduce him to the idyllic comfort of small-town life. Until a teenager is murdered at a summer party. The crime is strikingly similar to the cold case murder of Joy’s foster sister, stirring old trauma Joy has never fully dealt with.

When another victim is snatched in town, Ben and Joy must confront their own demons, and join forces to track down an elusive killer. The race to rescue the next victim before it’s too late will test Ben and Joy to their limits. Can they survive their encounter with this heinous killer, or will the past destroy them.?

***********************

This looks interesting. It’s another new-to-me author. A short book with an enticing opening chapter. I’m hooked, needing to know some things, although the book description does answer a number of them.

It’s not a stand alone novel so we won’t know the final outcome but at least it will be an introduction to the author, so there is that.

Second Chance Love: A Christian Clean Romance Novel (The Grand Bay Series Book 1)

Second Chance Love is Book 1 where Tracy Moore must endure one of her life’s greatest challenges when participating with her ex-fiancé, Paul, at her sister’s wedding.

Stuck with Paul for several days on a beautiful tropical island, Tracy struggles over old feelings for her ex-fiancé while doubts about her relationship with her current boyfriend Joseph creep to the surface.

But fate puts her present romance to the test when she and Paul are injured in a disastrous car accident, and Paul must abandon Tracy with her critical injuries to find help.

Paul Myers is the best man for his brother Kenneth’s wedding. But when he discovers he must interact with his ex-fiancé on an intimate tropical trip, he’s not sure he can suppress his intense feelings of love for her.

When an unfortunate accident causes them to become stranded on a deserted part of the island, Paul’s love for Tracy is put to the test. Can he find life-saving help for Tracy in time so they can have a second chance at love? Or will Paul fail to find a rescue team and lose the love of his life?

***********************

In the end it has been an interesting book day, punctuated by an interesting YouTube podcast day. It’s so easy to get caught up in spending way too much time to the detriment of other planned activities. Namely focusing on finishing one book and starting another.

Watching YouTube does not, for the most part, contribute to my blog posts.

I’m feeling strongly about an argument happening just now in an interview. I’m dying to say my piece but the comments on that video have been turned off. I can see why, there were probably enough of them to crash the site.

I’m tempted to say my piece here but it is a hot button topic and I don’t want to start something I’m not well prepared for, something that could blow up on us. Maybe tomorrow if I’m still feeling strongly about the topic.

I can see both sides but in my mind each one is viewing the phrase from a different perspective. One is negative and wrong while the other is benevolent and responsible.

At the altar, she is not your’s to become property, a slave to own. She becomes your responsibility to love, cherish, protect, provide. Her father has provided all of that for her (in a perfect world) and, symbolically, he is handing off his responsibility to you, the groom.

That’s the short part of the conversation in my head. There is so much more to be said (that is highly positive.) Maybe it will come together for a future post.

For now. . . ownership and responsibility are two vastly different realities. One is onerous and the other can be heavenly.

Unfortunately some men do consider their bride as property and some don’t but don’t embrace responsibility either. Sadly, taking responsibility in this day and age is not something that comes naturally in many situations. Too bad, because if done for the right reasons it is a tree that will bear much good fruit.

********************

I feel a little better now but not completely done with the topic.

Back to books anyway. Need to read, that was today’s goal..

Happy Reading to you.

Bargain books December 27, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

The very first book I’m going to download is book 2 in the current series I’m reading. Book 1 was that good. I’m hoping book 2 will deliver just as well, my expectations are high.

The Best-Left Questions: Love Across Londons Book Two

The stakes increase and the intrigue deepens as Charles and Tori journey across Londons.

Finalist in the 2017 Chatelaine International Writing Competition

After returning to London in 2014, Charles Stratford finds himself in need of a job – and answers to questions he’d rather not ask.

Spurred by Tori’s irrepressible spirit, Charles agrees to go in search of another hidden treasure, the Firestorm Amber of Brighton. Guided by clues from his father’s journal, Charles and Victoria are confronted by old foes and new friends when they travel to 1666, the year of the Great Fire of London.

But their most loyal protector may turn out to be the one man Charles cannot forgive.

From present-day London to eighteenth-century Westminster, The Best-Left Questions continues the romantic adventures of Charles Stratford and Victoria Smith. It is the second book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

***************************

Two things I loved most about book 1 – it was well written, and original. I think well-written says it all.

***************************

1531 Entertainment has several suggestions for us as well. This first one, I’m on his mailing list for aspiring writers. I’m not one of them but I like learning things. I have read one or two of his many successful books, a number of decades ago, so this read will be a good catch-up experience for me.

Dead Sea Conspiracy: A Novel

In this thrilling adventure, archaeologist Nicole Berman is about to discover the key to unifying three major religions—if a dangerous enemy doesn’t stop her first.

Archaeologist Nicole Berman is the first woman to be awarded a permit to lead a dig in Saudi Arabia. Nicole believes what she hopes to discover has the power to to rewrite world history. She assembles a team that will ultimately surprise – and in some cases – betray her. 

In a parallel storyline, readers are launched back to ancient Ur where young Abram is sent to learn from his forebears, who tell him firsthand stories of being on the ark during the Great Flood. 

***************************

The second suggestion is another novel from one of our regular authors.

How Her Ex Stole Christmas

The countdown to disaster is on, and time is running out . . .

Event planner Kaylee St. James didn’t expect to see her ex-fiancé again after he broke her heart. Especially not now . . . two days before their canceled wedding. But when Ethan Sloan waltzes into her premier Christmas party—uninvited—with danger close on his heels, she realizes there’s much more to Ethan than she ever knew.

Ethan, a CIA operative, must keep dangerous information out of the wrong hands or people will die. He found the perfect hiding place, but he’ll need Kaylee’s help to retrieve the classified intel. Unfortunately, his jilted bride-to-be isn’t in the mood to talk, much less cooperate.

When Kaylee is swept into the middle of the ensuing chaos, she soon learns that danger is closer than she could ever imagine. Will her Christmas be totally ruined—if she even survives? Or is it possible that Ethan might not only save Christmas . . . but also save Kaylee?

**************************

This last one showed up in one of the many suggestion strips. It turns out I have read book 1 in this series, back in 2018. It’s been a while and I can’t say that I remember much about the experience. I’m looking forward to rediscovering this author.

Romeo’s Way (Mike Romeo Thrillers Book 2)

“I don’t want anybody bleeding to death, okay?” I said. “I think your problem is education. There’s just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart.”
Baton Guy croaked, “I can’t breathe.”
“You just can’t go around doing this sort of thing,” I said. “It isn’t right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won’t be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?”
“Don’t kill us,” Knife Guy said.

Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L.A., doesn’t look for trouble. He doesn’t have to. It comes after him. So when he’s hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn’t have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco.

But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay –– and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good.

Now all bets are off. Because if there’s one thing Romeo wants, it’s justice. And he’s going to get it––his way.

**************************

Four new books is a good day. A very good day, I’d say.

I hope you are enjoying this good-for-reading winter season too.

Happy Reading!

Merry Christmas December 26, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Christmas is a huge family time for us and it was especially nice this year with more of the family than usual able to be together. I know we will remember this special time for many years to come.

I am excited to be stocked up on new jigsaw puzzles and I’m looking forward to a new coffee flavor to enjoy along with them

The most important part of the season for us, though, was remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, The son of God. For years he has been an important part of our daily lives and we couldn’t handle the ups and downs of life without him. Even more importantly he didn’t come to earth to be there for a few of us, he came to be there for as many as want him to care about them. I’m grateful that he is as close as a whisper and he hears my heart even when I can’t find the words to express it.

After two nights away I need some sleep. An unfamiliar bed doesn’t make for a restful sleep, although a busy mind caused most of the problems, It’s good to be home.

******************

I think we need a picture to brighten this space up a little so I will share my current read. It is time travel London England 1854 to London 2014, incredibly different times to be living.

He ends up in 2014 unable to comprehend the drastic changes of 160 years. Three days later they both inadvertently end up back in 1854 where cultural norms create havoc for the uninitiated, which describes her perfectly.

There is so much more to be said but I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you.

This well written book is a joy to read and I can hardly wait to see how it all turns out. That’s if they survive the evil people following them around. It’s unclear what the intent is but it’s evident that loss of life is part of the plan.

The Never List: Love Across Londons Book One

Victoria Smith’s life seems dreary until someone knocks on a sealed door inside her London bookshop. When Tori discovers it’s not a ghost but a journalist from 1854, she accidentally strands him in 2014. Intrigued by the dapper and crusading Charles Stratford, Tori offers to help him locate a pendant that will reopen the door to his century. Even when their treasure hunt across London turns dangerous, Tori finds herself wishing that Charles could stay. But after losing her family a decade before, can Tori risk loving someone again, especially a man from 1854?

Lured into the future by a mysterious pendant, Charles Stratford must track down its counterpart to unlock the door between Londons. When the winsome Victoria Smith volunteers to join his search, Charles becomes smitten with the intrepid bookseller. He also uncovers an ancient struggle between two underground societies and becomes entangled in their secret intrigues. If Charles fails to return both pendants to 1854, he places his own London at risk. But how can he succeed when it means saying farewell to Victoria in 2014?

From modern-day Soho to 19th-century Mayfair, The Never List takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Londons new and old, as its time-crossed heroes search for a way to love each other within two centuries. It is the first book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

*********************

This book is still a bargain if it appeals to you.

Happy Reading and Happy Holiday

Night all.

Bargain book December 22, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

One book suggestion. Pretty skinny pickings today.

This author is new to me too so at least it will be an adventure. I love an adventure.

The Never List: Love Across Londons Book One 

“F. E. takes the reader on a fascinating journey between two Londons with danger or intrigue around every corner.” – Margarite Martin Gray, author of the Revolutionary Faith series

2018 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

Victoria Smith’s life seems dreary until someone knocks on a sealed door inside her London bookshop. When Tori discovers it’s not a ghost but a journalist from 1854, she accidentally strands him in 2014. Intrigued by the dapper and crusading Charles Stratford, Tori offers to help him locate a pendant that will reopen the door to his century. Even when their treasure hunt across London turns dangerous, Tori finds herself wishing that Charles could stay. But after losing her family a decade before, can Tori risk loving someone again, especially a man from 1854?

Lured into the future by a mysterious pendant, Charles Stratford must track down its counterpart to unlock the door between Londons. When the winsome Victoria Smith volunteers to join his search, Charles becomes smitten with the intrepid bookseller. He also uncovers an ancient struggle between two underground societies and becomes entangled in their secret intrigues. If Charles fails to return both pendants to 1854, he places his own London at risk. But how can he succeed when it means saying farewell to Victoria in 2014?

From modern-day Soho to 19th-century Mayfair, The Never List takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Londons new and old, as its time-crossed heroes search for a way to love each other within two centuries. It is the first book in the Love Across Londons series which should be read in order.

*************************

There is one more, a novella from Christy Barritt. Another book in this series. Wow.

Troubled Tidings: a Christmas novella (Vanishing Ranch Book 8)

A blown tire on a lonely desert road leads to Christmas Eve trouble.

Vanishing Ranch chef Dean Burns just needed to pick up a few things for Christmas dinner. When his tire blows on the way home, he assures coworker Kota Perez that they’ll be back on the road in no time.

Dean soon realizes the flat tire was no accident, and the simple trip transforms into a terrifying fight for survival. Robbers known as the Roadside Bandits have set their sights on the pair, and Dean and Kota have no choice but to leave the truck and run for their lives, striking out on foot into the vast Arizona desert.

Will Christmas tidings turn deadly this year? Or will Dean and Kota manage to pull off the ultimate Christmas takedown?

***************************

It has been a good day. Stolen moments for reading. Christmas gifts finished up. But best of all. . .

The picture for my new drivers licence turned out better than I hoped. At least the quick look I had made me happy. How often does that ever happen hey? A good day indeed.

I’m off to see if I can finish up the current read.

Happy Reading y’all