Read and Enjoyed – Middle of August edition

It’s time to share some read & enjoyed with you on this grey and stormy summer day. It feels like the only right thing to do this afternoon is curl up with a fluffy blanket and a good book. That’s my goal when this is done and posted. I have to admit it’s taking a great deal of self-discipline to stay away from my current read.

Several times I mentioned my opinion about this book, Love’s Prayer would be a thought provoking read. It was. A thoughtful treatment of suicide, depression, and addictions. Hope was the goal and it worked. It’s still FREE if you are interested.

Love’s Prayer: A Heartwarming Journey of Faith, Hope & Love (First Street Church Romances Book 1)

Love's Prayer

Ben Davis has lived in the shadow of his family’s mistakes for years. Forced to give up all his dreams, he wonders if death by his own hand might be the only way out. A desperate plea sent to the God he isn’t even sure he believes in is soon answered by a series of miracles that bring Summer and Ben crashing into each other.

Summer loves the busy life of the city, but agrees to spend the season in Sweet Grove, running her aunt’s flower shop while figuring out what to do with her life after. One thing’s for sure, she’s a terrible florist. Luckily, her latest mishap leads her to a man with pleading, soulful eyes she’s all too happy to get lost in.

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This next one was also a favorite.

Cowboy Father: The Cowboys (Glory, Montana Book 5)

Cowboy father

Adele is the eldest Kinsley daughter. She’s always been the responsible one. Even when her marriage fell apart and she found out her husband was a thief. When her husband is killed in the midst of a robbery, she flees to Glory, Montana with her year old son, hoping to escape her past and her dead husband’s partner. She never expected to meet Ethan, a single father to two orphaned children.

Ethan’s boss lost a considerable amount of money in the last heist and has offered Ethan a generous reward if he recovers it. He suspects Adele and needs to get close to her to discover what she did with the money. But the closer he gets, the more he falls for the lovely widow.

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Runaway Tide was not easy to put down. It was apparent something wasn’t adding up right but it was hard to say just what or why. I like that. Unpredictable.

Runaway Tide (Sea Glass Inn Book 2) 

Runaway Tide

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.

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Others were well loved but in the interest of space we’ll keep moving along and just show you the covers.

Hoping for HawthorneRanger Protection

Runnings for Cover

Daughter of TexasWhere it all Began

Lost MemoriesBonds of a Lifetime

Small Town LoveThe Doctor's Bond

Deep FocusThe Newpointe 911 collection

Just a Little While LongerHis Baby Bond

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Reading has been a lot of fun with this batch of books.

Are you having as much reading fun as I am. If you aren’t already hooked on reading I’m hoping to inspire you to discover the joy.

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My current read…

The Awakening of Miss Adelaide

Happy Reading! …..

from the stormy South East corner of Manitoba Canada

Free and bargain books August 13, 2020

Short and sweet. That’s what this post will be tonight. Hopefully it’ll be ready for me to hit publish before the clock strikes midnight. It’ll be tight.

So, BookBub has a FREE suggestion that could be interesting.

Seeking Home (Family Bonds Book 1)

Seeking Home

Amazon quote:

She yearns for a home for her daughter and a chance for redemption. He wants to turn his back on the ranch that stole his family from him in a tragic accident.

Sabine Radowski’s rocky childhood left her looking for a stable future for her daughter. So when the insurance payment arrives from her estranged husband’s passing, she brings her dream alive and buys a ranch. And though she’s determined never to lean on another man, she’d still appreciate the handsome former owner’s help to get things running…

Tanner Bond is plagued by the guilt of the death of his wife and daughter. Ready to flee the property that reminds him of his loss, caring for his sick grandmother forces him to put his plans on hold. But despite the new owner’s young daughter being an ever-present reminder of his burning grief, Tanner finds himself falling for the fiery widow.

As they work together, Sabine realizes the kind man deserves a place in her heart, but she worries his obvious issues with her daughter means she should forge ahead alone. And with Tanner barely resisting pressure from his family to clear out, he fears he may be about to lose the one woman who could help him heal…

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It seemed like this next one would be thought provoking and worth the time to see what the author had to say. It was. Well worth it, on more than one level. It is still FREE.

Love’s Prayer: A Heartwarming Journey of Faith, Hope & Love (First Street Church Romances Book 1)

Love's Prayer

Has God heard his desperate prayer? Could she be the answer?

Ben Davis has lived in the shadow of his family’s mistakes for years. Forced to give up all his dreams, he wonders if death by his own hand might be the only way out. A desperate plea sent to the God he isn’t even sure he believes in is soon answered by a series of miracles that bring Summer and Ben crashing into each other.

Summer loves the busy life of the city, but agrees to spend the season in Sweet Grove, running her aunt’s flower shop while figuring out what to do with her life after. One thing’s for sure, she’s a terrible florist. Luckily, her latest mishap leads her to a man with pleading, soulful eyes she’s all too happy to get lost in.

Ben tells Summer she’s his miracle, but Summer’s not so sure she sees it that way. Can he convince her to share the rest of her life with him before the seasons change? And might the tiny town have a place for Summer to finally, truly call home?

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My current read also looks to be thought provoking, and intense. It’s still on at a bargain price. I’ve barely started so it’s too early to tell how I feel about it.

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?

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It looks like I will make it just under the wire. Ten minutes to go.

Happy Reading.

Bargain books August 09, 2020

One thing led to another and here we are with two bargain books that look interesting.

Where the Heart Is Romance Collection: Love Is a Journey in Nine Historical Novellas

Where the Heart Is

Amazon quote:

Journey along with nine women who find themselves on the move out of their comfortable lives and into the unknown as they set up new homes, take on new jobs, seek out loved ones, and encounter romance. Will their faith endure the hardships, and will love form when life is in transition? Written by nine inspirational romance authors who have a passion for American history and faith.

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This one is intriguing. I’ve read many historical novels but don’t believe I’ve ever read one from this point of view and I’m looking forward to it.

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

The Awakening of Miss Adelaide

Amazon quote:

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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The book I’m currently and enjoying is still a bargain. I’m a third of the way through.

Running for Cover (Heroes for Hire Book 1)

Runnings for Cover

Amazon quote:

Morgan Alexandria moved to Virginia to escape her past…but her past isn’t ready to let her go. Thanks to her ex-husband’s shady dealings, someone’s after her, and if it weren’t for Jackson Sharo, she might already be dead. Can Morgan trust Jackson? Maybe not. The former big-city cop is practically a stranger. But trying to handle everything on her own just leads to new disasters. And without Jackson’s help, she could find herself running right into a trap…

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Happy Reading!

Interesting bargain books August 08, 2020

Right on! This is shaping up to be another good day for new books.

BookBub has bargain suggestions all new to me. That makes this a good day even before checking them out. They do look good enough, though, to take a chance on them.

Ranger Protection (Texas Ranger Heroes Book 1) 

Ranger Protection

Amazon quote:

When Dr. Tara Sims is robbed, she fights back to protect her daughter and nearly pays with her life. She’s rescued by Texas Ranger Grady West. Her childhood friend is now a handsome lawman, but Tara refuses to acknowledge the chemistry sparking between them. With a little girl to raise and a growing medical practice, she has no room in her life for romance.

Grady suspects the vicious assault wasn’t a random act. What he can’t figure out is why anyone would attack the single mother. He vows to protect Tara and her little girl while keeping his growing feelings for them out of the equation. Getting romantically involved with his sister’s best friend is more hazardous than hunting criminals.

As the threats escalate and evidence links the robbery to a homicide, Tara and Grady realize nothing is quite as it seems. Untangling a web of secrets makes them the target of a madman, and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again…

This novella kicks off the inspirational romantic suspense series Texas Ranger Heroes. Each book can be read as a standalone and guarantees a fast-paced mystery combined with sweet romance.

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Hoping for Hawthorne: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Bloom Sisters Book 0)

Hoping for Hawthorne

Amazon quote:

Hawthorne Bloom is living for the moment, until a beautiful stranger with intriguingly familiar eyes gives him a tongue lashing he’ll never forget. When she shows up again at a family event, Hawthorne finds himself trying to dig a way out of a hole he didn’t realize he was in. 

When Avery Chase returns to Indiana, the last thing she expects is to run into her childhood crush, let alone to realize in the years since she left, he’s turned into a complete jerk. Hoping for a man to change is a mistake she’s made once before and is determined not to make again.

Then again, it’s hard to resist when your childhood crush finally notices you. 

A sweet and clean, stand-alone Christian romance novella that will have you falling in love with the Bloom Family. Hoping for Hawthorne is a prequel to the 6-book Bloom Sisters Series.

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The BookBub suggestions unearthed some other great suggestions. Bargains too.

Daughter of Texas (Texas Ranger Justice)

Daughter of Texas

Amazon quote:

Texas Ranger Ben Fritz would give his life to protect Corinna Pike. After all, she’s his captain’s beloved daughter—and the only witness to her father’s murder. When the assassin targets Corinna, Ben dedicates himself to her safety…while keeping his distance. The beautiful ballerina deserves better than a rough-and-tough ranger. Yet Corinna refuses to ignore the draw between them, just as she refuses to give in to fear as danger grows. Ben will need her courage—and love—to guide him through the line of fire when the killer strikes again.

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And, last but not least in the mystery thriller department.

Running for Cover (Heroes for Hire Book 1)

Runnings for Cover

Amazon quote:

Morgan Alexandria moved to Virginia to escape her past…but her past isn’t ready to let her go. Thanks to her ex-husband’s shady dealings, someone’s after her, and if it weren’t for Jackson Sharo, she might already be dead. Can Morgan trust Jackson? Maybe not. The former big-city cop is practically a stranger. But trying to handle everything on her own just leads to new disasters. And without Jackson’s help, she could find herself running right into a trap….

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Some days the suggestions look a little Ho Hum, not so today. I can see some serious reading happening in the days ahead.

Happy Reading y’all

on this bright and sunny Saturday.

Looking out at the beautiful day you would never guess there was an intense storm in the middle of the night. It was loud enough to wake this heavy sleeper. An impressive noisy lightening show with bouts of torrential rain.

It was the cloud to cloud kind of lightening. A beautiful light show that goes on and on across the sky like strings of flashing Christmas lights.

Too bad I couldn’t stay awake long enough to hear it end.

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Free and bargain books August 07, 2020

This is turning out to be a good book day and I’m looking forward to these new reads.

BookRunes has the interesting FREE collection suggestion for us today. We have downloaded and enjoyed the first book in this series and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to experience the next four. Not only that but this suggestion has expanded into more.

Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce: the complete series

North West Counter terrorism

Amazon quote:

Book 1: First Wave
Just another Friday night. Or is it?
Homeland Security Agent Dakota Pierce is in the Washington backwoods to sniff out domestic terrorism.
DEA rookie Josh Weber and his dog show up to uncover a mystery of their own. When a young woman’s body is discovered, everything points to a local militia.

Book 2: Second Chance
The agent left behind. Stuck on probation with nothing to do but busywork.
Niall’s case points to a research college hiding more secrets than the local police. He meets Haley, who is looking for her missing friend. The former Navy sailor won’t stop until she’s figured out what the disappearance has to do with the Russians in Portland. When the two collide, a bigger plot is revealed. One that puts hundreds in danger.

Book 3: Third Hour
Hiding from her enemy.
Talia takes an assignment at a bank, where she meets a dashing Secret Service agent. Before anything can happen, the NSA analyst is implicated in a cyber-crime. Mason knows there’s more going on, but Talia won’t tell him what happened to her.
When the hacker closes in, and the Secret Service office is targeted, the only way to uncover what’s really going on is for them all to trust each other. But with their histories, that’s a whole lot easier said than done.

Book 4: Fourth Day
A dead woman returns. The trap is set.
Allyson can’t get caught up in feelings. Not when there’s work to do. The night her phone rings, the voice on the other end changes everything. Drawn into the latest Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce case, Allyson has to figure out where her loyalties lie. Sal knows things are changing with the team, but he isn’t sure what’s next for him. As soon as he clears this one last investigation he’ll figure it out. Trouble is, finding Allyson might be the hardest thing he’s ever done.

Book 5: Final Stand
A vendetta. The biggest case of her life.
Victoria Bramlyn has been a spy, a State Department Director, team leader and friend. But there’s one role she’s never realized. The woman in Mark Welvern’s life. When the capture of a corrupt FBI agent and one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted is finally within her grasp, Victoria has to make one last choice between the people she loves and the score she needs to settle.
Mark has loved Victoria for years. But there just might be too much history between Victoria and Mark for them to make a relationship work. When the truth about everything she’s done comes to light, his loyalty to her is tested and he is forced to decide between duty and having what he’s always wanted. Will he give it all up for her?

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Two more Lisa Philips books are also offered at bargain prices. $1.33 each.

Desolation Point 

Desolation Point

Amazon quote:

Buried secrets.

A town under siege.

Someone has Malvern County in a choke hold. Sheriff’s Deputy Ellie Maxwell knows something is wrong in her town. When her boss tells her to drop the case, she reaches out to the only resident who can help her.

Drew Turner is a private investigator with more secrets than the town. But he’s the only one Ellie can trust. The only one who can find out the truth.

Ellie and Drew have to figure out what’s going on before the fallout destroys an entire town, and loneliness ends both of them.

This novel features characters from the Northwest Counter-Terrorism Taskforce, but isn’t part of the series.

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Deadly Exposure (Double Down Book 1)

Deadly Exposure

Amazon quote:

His sister has been kidnapped.

A disgraced woman is targetted.

Who is telling the truth?

Navy SEAL Bradley Harris returns home to find his sister, Senator Rachel Harris, has been abducted. The FBI’s prime suspect is Alexis Calvert, Rachel’s best friend and the woman he gave his heart to long ago. Proving she’s innocent is going to be tough. Especially when he realizes the truth behind Alexis’s public shaming. Bradley must get his sister back and protect the woman he loves before the worst happens…and he loses everything.

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Current Read:

It took three tries to get to the book I’m currently reading and enjoying. It was easy to drift away from the two ahead of this one and move on. I’ll circle back later for another try, or at the very least just to see how they ended.

Lost Memories and New Beginnings: A Clean, Christian Medical Romantic Suspense (The Men of Fire Beach Book 2)

Lost Memories

An accident, a loss of memory, a past that could ruin her future!

She has no memory, no idea of who she is or how she landed in the hospital. The only thing she remembers is fear, but fear from what? Will her memory return in time to save her from danger?

Dr. Brody Cavanaugh thought he was done with love when his wife passed away. Now, a mysterious woman has appeared in his life, and something about her intrigues him. But when her past paints a different picture of her, will that tear him apart?

And what happens when the owner of the black Ford truck returns?

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Happy Reading

It’s Friday, and it’s going to be a scorcher. A cool start to the weekend!

Bargain books August 04, 2020

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us.

Cowboy Ranch: Clean & Wholesome Cowboy Romance (Triple J Ranch Book 2)

Cowboy Ranch

Amazon quote:

A detective’s daughter. A rugged rancher. Can they track down cattle rustlers and lasso love?

Callie Houston needs a break from misery. But when her car breaks down on her way to a rodeo, she finds herself stranded in small-town Montana. Praying that God has a plan for her misfortune, she’s flattered when two handsome brothers offer their ranch for the night.

Luke Manning isn’t sure he’s ready to settle down. But when he and his brother stumble across a woman down on her luck, neither hesitates to compete for the beauty’s affection. But if he wants to win her heart, he must prove he’s different from the shallow men of her past.

As she works with Luke to hunt down a band of cattle thieves, Callie realizes she’s falling hard for the kind-hearted cowboy. But when Luke discovers the out-of-towner making plans to head home to Minnesota, he scrambles to convince her to stay.

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I found a few bargain books while browsing, all with authors new to me. Checking out the first few pages I decided I’d like to get to know them, maybe they will even become regulars.

Eastbound from Flagstaff: A Novel 

East Bound from Flagstaff

Amazon quote:

Simon Hagan is running from a lie, intent on believing his own efforts and perseverance can overcome anything. He abandons roots that are his foundational strength and hides behind his charm, living every moment as if life’s daring him to fail–again. He’s reckoning with his father’s God who could have delivered better outcomes but didn’t.

This first installment in an epic trilogy that begins in the 1920’s, unique in its purposeful illumination of the human condition and its ideological indifference to God, asks the question: “Why was God silent when I needed him?” Simon’s return to the notion of forgiveness is the catalyst for a new beginning as it reunites Simon to the place he once thought was the impossible dream. The answer for Simon isn’t blowing in the backwinds of his dream chase; rather, it unfolds in the outstretched hand of a villain.

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Mail-Order Mismatch: Brides of Burlington County, Book Two

Mail-Order Mismatch

Amazon quote:

1869, Wyoming.
Fleeing from her past, Angelica Truman carries more than just her scars; she carries hope that her groom, Holden, will learn to love his mail-order bride. Her hopes are dashed as soon as she meets the cattle rancher. Though he described himself as homely, he is the most handsome man Angelica has ever laid eyes on. Holden is more than just pleasing to look at; he’s a hard-working, devoted Christian who is looking for an Ephesians wife. Feeling unloveable and damaged, will Angelica flee before she is hopelessly and completely in love with Holden?

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Mail Order Bride: Montana Brides and Babies (Western Brides Sweet Romance Book 1)

Montana Brides and babies

Amazon quote:

Three courageous women risk everything to find love on the Western Frontier. They get more than they bargained for when babies are unexpectedly thrown into the mix. Will they have enough love for a new baby and a new husband?

Montana Brides and Babies is a clean western romance from #1 Bestselling author Emily Woods. If you like clean, historical fiction about women who risk everything for love as mail order brides, you will love the Western Brides Sweet Romance series from Emily Woods.

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I like discovering new-to-me authors and with so many of them this morning, it’s been a good day.

I hope this is a good day for you too.

Happy Reading …

from a happy reader/blogger who has found spending time in the yard reaps new friends.

This morning it all started with a friendly dog who just had to say hi (more than once) while I was down on my knees pulling weeds. Soon his dad came looking for him and I’ve now met one more of my neighbors.

It seems we moved to the neighborhood the same year and we are both transplants from other places. Me, from Western Canada, and he and his wife from Britain. Neither of us appear to meet people easily so it was nice, on both sides, to meet another neighbor.

Next time he passes my house on his motorcycle (I’ve noticed it before but not known where it lived) he’ll give a toot.

This has been a good summer, getting to know three neighbors better.

Free and bargain books August 03,2020

BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us.

The Doctor’s Bond : Sacred Bond Series Book 4

The Doctor's Bond

Amazon quote:

This romance novel features Bad Boone McDermitt, who’s back in Pleasant Haven, Florida to help his troubled nephews … not to romance the preacher’s daughter! But the handsome doctor sees a kindred spirit in restless, talented Abby Smith, and he’s drawn to her spirituality as much as to her beauty.

The problem is, Boone doesn’t think he’s good enough for Abby, and a few small-minded church people agree. As for Abby, she must choose between a dutiful life with the clean-cut minister dear old dad’s chosen for her and the dangerous, passionate freedom Boone represents. It’ll take a lot of prayer and an assist from the Sacred Bond brothers to teach Boone and Abby that sometimes, the biggest risk is in not following your heart.

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There is a 5 book collection in the same series. a bargain at $1.34

Bonds of a Lifetime: The John Moretti Stories (Sacred Bond)

Bonds of a Lifetime

Amazon quote:

John Moretti is a decorated war hero with a heart for troubled youth. He’s also handsome, protective, and charming, and he could have his pick of women… but a romantic heartbreak in his twenties left him unwilling to commit.

Follow John throughout his lifetime, in a series of inspirational romance novellas, as he falls in love again, raises a family, reconnects with a child he didn’t know he had, and finally gets his second chance at love in his golden years.

From the author:
Welcome to a very different kind of romance collection! Romance novels usually start at the beginning and end with “happily ever after.” But in real life, love doesn’t always proceed so smoothly. Whether through misunderstandings, separations, or loss, many of us end up having more than one important relationship in our lives.
That’s what happens to my favorite romance hero, John Moretti. In this collection, you’ll see John go from youthful love and mistakes, to true love, to loss, and back to love again as an older man.

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LPC Books has a couple of FREE suggestions for us.

Midnight Is My Time 

Midnight is my time

Amazon quote:

Loner Andy Mayer is on the run from a past he cannot escape and headed into a future he cannot foresee. But along the way he meets Missy, a mysteriously gifted and blind woman, whose senses point him in the right direction. Andy and Missy need to get to Maine but it seems every force in the universe is against them. Navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, the two fight their way north where they eventually come face to face with an enemy so powerful it will take their collective efforts to defeat it. And only then will they both realize the true purpose of their journey.

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Hidden Danger (When Darkness Falls Book 3)

Hidden Danger

Amazon quote:

When Carley Sutherland receives a frantic call for help, she races to a desolate park to meet her best friend. On a dimly-lit park bench, Carley’s friend fumbles in her handbag for her phone. She has a picture of a couple arguing, a picture of a woman who was later found dead in a ditch. Before Carley can examine the picture her friend took of the secretive encounter, a dark SUV stops near the bench. The window rolls down. A gunshot rips the silence. Carley’s friend tumbles from the bench, dead.

No need to wait for the second shot. Carley’s on the run, now, with a target on her back.

Wounded Army vet, Blake Richards, recuperates stateside while awaiting new orders. He doesn’t want to jeopardize his recovery or risk further injury, but at the sound of gunshots, his training kicks in. Blake ducks behind a tree and drops to one knee, scanning the area around him. A shadowy figure darts down a path. A woman nervously looks back over her shoulder. Hunkered down, he waits until the last second and then grabs her by the waist. With his hand clasped over her mouth, he pulls her to safety.

Blake doesn’t need to get involved with any woman, particularly one as beautiful and intriguing as Carley Sutherland. But he may be Carley’s only hope of staying alive. And she may his only hope of finding peace and healing amidst hidden dangers.

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Happy Reading…

on the warm Monday afternoon

Bargain books for August 01, 2020

Author Amanda Tru is popular and prolific. She is part of an awesome group of collaborating friends, producing a number of successful collections. These collections make it easy for us to get to know these ladies and their work.

I’ve downloaded and read all of the suggestions I’m about to share with you.

Baggage Claim (Tru Exceptions – Romantic Suspense, Book 1)

Baggae Claim

Montana native, Rachel Saunders, is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent named Dawson Tate, events take a dangerous turn. Now, she and Dawson must elude their enemies and prevent a terrorist attack before the bomb in their possession is detonated in the center of Manhattan–all while keeping their obvious attraction to one another in check.

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When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection)

When Snowflakes Never Cease

Blizzard in the Bluegrass by Hallee Bridgeman
A once in a century winter storm hits Charula, Kentucky taking the small town completely by surprise. Gloria has just started to make room in her life for Doctor Jeff, but feels very protective of her eight year old autistic son, Noah. When the blizzard shuts everything down, they cannot imagine how events will unfold will change their lives forever.

Buried Secrets by Alana Terry
Cosette travels to a remote Alaskan wilderness to finally meet the love of her life, only to discover the man she fell in love with may be a murderer. Is she his next target?

Wrong About Mr. Wright by Chautona Havig
Ronni is convinced that her early retirement plan just got buried under the snowdrifts of Juniper Springs. Stranded, she teams up with local resident, Hank, and helps “make Christmas” for the rest of her fellow passengers. Now, if he’d just stop messing with her idea of the perfect man.

More Than Enough by Jaycee Weaver
For single mom Ada, there’s never enough: time, money, patience, joy. She’s not enough, though compassionate Kent disagrees. When a freak snowstorm traps the couple and her three kids in a theater on Christmas, she’ll either discover her worth in Christ or crumble under the pressure.

When Snowflakes Never Cease by Amanda Tru
When her young patient needs the best care to save her life, Dr. Geneva Hutchins turns to top cancer specialist and the man who broke her heart, Dr. Carter Solomon. Together, they embark on a journey to save Allie and grant her wish to see her daddy by Christmas.

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The Wedding Dress Yes (Crossroads Collection) 

The Wedding Dress Yes

Season of Surprises by Alexa Verde
The maid-of-honor and best-man embark on a journey to recover an heirloom wedding dress that was mistakenly sold. Along the way, the former high school sweethearts unexpectedly encounter danger, surprises, and a second chance at love.

Something Borrowed, Someone Blue by Chautona Havig
A borrowed dress, half-completed marriage counseling, and a last-minute theft lead up to the big day. Face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so everyone thinks.

Black Belt, White Dress by Hallee Bridgeman
Deputy Sheriff and full time tomboy Traci Winston agrees to marry Taekwondo Master Travis Seaver, provided they exchange vows at 2000 feet while skydiving over the Grand Canyon. However, Traci’s mother has more conventional plans, and she finds herself trying on dresses and planning an elaborate ceremony in their hometown church complete with butterflies and cummerbunds. Can Traci manage to smile while walking down the aisle? Or will she collapse under the weight of girly ribbons and bows?

Sewn Together by Alana Terry
A family torn apart. A pregnancy that’s expected to end in heartache instead of joy. Despite hardship and trial, hope abounds in this heartwarming and inspirational novella full of love, faith, and miracles.

The Wedding Dress Yes by Amanda Tru
For top fashion designer London Hutchins, life so far sums up in her closet full of wedding dresses—one for each guy she’s ever dated. Moving back home to Crossroads seems so right, especially when she finds her high school sweetheart waiting there. London soon discovers that local bridal shop owner, Rhonda Snow, isn’t as nice as everyone says. A little harmless meddling to help a few of Rhonda’s clients couldn’t possibly hurt anything, right?

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Yesterday’s Mail (Crossroads Collection)

Yesterday's Mail

Sleepless in Seoul by Alana Terry
When Derek leads his church on a short-term mission trip to South Korea, he’s definitely not expecting to find out the woman working with him is the same woman who broke his heart over twenty years ago.

Like Ships Passing by Cynthia Hickey
One transposed number threatens to sink love before it gets started.

Chasing Pearl by Hallee Bridgeman
A package lost in the mail since 1940 brings a modern couple together in a miraculous way.

Operation Posthaste by Chautona Havig
A nine-year-old boy finds a bag of mail from WWII in the attic of their new house and makes it his personal mission to deliver every piece before his mom finds out.

Yesterday’s Mail by Amanda Tru
A Christian post office clerk uses her police officer background to investigate lost mail and solve a mystery that has plagued her small town for years.

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Betwixt Two Hearts (Crossroads Collection)

Betwixt two hearts

Betwixt Two Hearts by Amanda Tru
With control of their dating website the prize, Bailey and Camden embark on a matchmaking competition that snags on unexpected results. All is fair in a contest of love. May the best matchmaker win.

The Swedehearts Glory Quilt by Cathe Swanson
Eleanor ran away to find herself. David knew exactly where he wanted to go. Could a matchmaking agency put them on the same map?

Whole Latte Love by Kari Trumbo
Misguided Drew thinks all quiet women hide harmful secrets. While pretty, new best friend Addi’s soft-spoken nature reminds him too much of past hurts to move their relationship forward. Can a matchmaking agency change his heart?

Seoul Refuge by Alana Terry
Caroline is a new believer, excited and passionate about her faith. Calvin is a Boston police detective, an atheist who can hardly believe Christians have brainwashed his wife. Caroline just wants to follow God. Calvin just wants his wife back.

Guardian of Her Heart by Carol Moncado
Signed up for a dating service by friends and brought together by a stowaway cat, Mark and Casey must decide if they want to overcome their apparent incompatibilities or go their separate ways.

Random Acts of Shyness by Chautona Havig
Heath’s sister, Selby, has laid down the law. It’s time to let her take over his love life. After a series of first and only dates, Heath embarks on her new scheme to help him overcome the debilitating nervous habit that has plagued him all his life. However, between dates, each worse than the last, he tries one more time to do things his way… sort of.

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A change of pace with another popular author.

Meant for Me (The Carlyle Women Book 1) 

Meant for Me

Meant for Me, Book 1, 1920’s
Born at Carlyle Place, the plantation her family has held for over two hundred years, Chloe Kimball was raised to be the perfect Southern lady. Still, she resists being the prize that her parents—an ambitious society maven and an equally ambitious politician—war to control. Surprising even herself, she breaks free. America has just entered the First World War and Chloe learns how to make her own way in 1917 New York City–a place nothing like home.

Soon Chloe is swept up in the heady tides of change in the young 20th century. The NAACP moves forward in the midst of race riots, women’s fight to gain the vote is at its peak. Chloe becomes the independent woman she never thought possible. But then the unexpected forces her to return home. Yet even in the South, the 1920’s are roaring with flappers, speak-easies and the Charleston, and for a time Chloe loses her way–a reluctant member of the “Lost Generation” in postwar America.

She loved one man and lost him and now is pursued by another but will she ever be able to connect with the one she hopes could help her make sense of her life? As she recalls the woman she once was, she strives to become the woman she wants to be. Will she succeed?

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Happy Reading!

I’m off to the back yard on this partially cloudy, warm but not hot Saturday. A great day to get more work done. I can’t help but be excited to see some things come together at last.

Read and enjoyed July 30, 2020

A slow, slow day for book suggestions. Not that that’s a bad thing. We did have quite a few new suggestions already this week.

Here are a couple of Read & Enjoyed to talk about, they were better than most for holding my attention this week, my favorite thing.

In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story (2)  still a bargain at $0.99

In Spite of Ourselves

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

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Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1)  also still a bargain at $1.34

Hope for Christmas

Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?
Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.
Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

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One more read. I liked the first two books best but this story was good too.

When the Heart Calls Kristen M Fraser  also still a bargain $0.99

When the Heart Calls

How much can one heart endure?

Claire Sallaway has lived with an unpredictable heart condition for most of her life. With a plan in place to manage her symptoms, she has been able to avoid any major health problems and live a relatively normal life. With work, church and friends, her life is indeed full. Or so she thought. Settled in her job as a forensic scientist, Claire is content with her comfortable suburban life – until the day her heart betrays her and a man with the most intriguing ocean-blue eyes steps in, turning her world upside down.

Aaron Thurnham is the answer to Claire’s prayers. With the handsome, fun and God-fearing man by her side, life is blissfully perfect and full of adventure.

Until it isn’t.

When tragedy strikes and dreams are shattered, Claire clings desperately to the fragmented remains of her life. Heartbroken, and with every good thing stripped away, she is faced with a choice. Will she become paralyzed by fear? Or will she listen to the still small whisper of God and place her heart in His hands?

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Also finished this week was a great book collection. I’ll admit there were two I liked very well, one was mostly good, and the last one was my least favorite. Overall it was a good read though.

The Way to the Heart: The Vintner, The Baker, The Barista, The Chef  still a bargain at $1.34

The Way to the Heart

FROM THE VINEYARDS OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE AUSTRALIAN COFFEE SCENE (A LITTLE IRISH BAKING AND SOME ENGLISH FINE-DINING IN-BETWEEN)

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I’m currently reading this collection. It’s been an on-again-off-again read that’s taking awhile but we’re in the homeward stretch. Nearly finished book four with one more to go after that and I’ll be done.

The Newpointe 911 Collection

The Newpointe 911 collection

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Until tomorrow…

Happy Reading!

Bargain books July 28, 2020

BookBub has a new bargain suggestion for us.

Deep Focus (The Dumont Chronicles Book 2)   $0.99

Deep Focus

Amazon quote:

A scheming woman.
A man she can’t fathom.
A mystery that endangers her career.
Is this how God answers Lindsey’s prayers?

Lindsey Dumont, photographer, travels to the rugged coast of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to finish her photo essay on a rare breed of Makah dogs.But disaster looms for her project, and she decides to fight back. Now she must confront the man who deceived her and unravel a threatening mystery.

THE DUMONT CHRONICLES
The Dumont family, French Huguenots, settled in New Jersey during Colonial days. Since then, certain Dumont women have led lives marked by adventure. Although they differed in personality and circumstances, these women held in common the gifts of artistry, courage, and a growing faith in God.

In this book, Lindsey Dumont faces a test of courage far from her home in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and the Dumont family history, yet undiscovered, awaits her return.

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Browsing turned up a new Christy Barritt book due out soon. Pre-order price is $1.34.

Salt Water Cowboy

Amazon quote:

When a mysterious woman washes up in Cape Corral, a wild horse sanctuary off North Carolina’s coast, law enforcement officer Levi Sutherland is determined to figure out if she’s connected with the crimes recently plaguing the island. The problem is, she can’t remember anything . . .

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Another Pre-order bargain $1.34

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Mistletoe and murder

Amazon quote:

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

Danger and suspense await you this Christmas season in Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection featuring 10 individual tales of suspense from some of today’s most talented Christian Suspense authors.

Come with us on a heart-racing journey through the holidays as USA Today, Christian Booksellers Association, and ECPA Bestselling authors Mary Alford, Adam Blumer, Liz Bradford, Vicki Hinze, Shaen Layle, Loree Lough, Nancy Mehl, Cara Putman, Lynn Shannon, and Virginia Vaughan, weave tales of suspense that will have you flipping pages well into the new year.

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This is the season for new books, another Pre-order. $1.34 I’m looking forward to this one.

Once Upon a Christmas: Inspirational Romance (The Christmas Card Series Book 3) 

Once Upon a Christmas

Amazon quote:

If I only see you once…

When her flight home is canceled a few days before Christmas, Moe Scott spontaneously agrees to spend a few hours sight-seeing with a fellow passenger. At the time, she doesn’t know the moments with James will change her life, nor does she know that before her plane takes off the next morning, she will turn around to find James gone.

With no way to contact him, Moe returns home only to lose everything before the new year dawns. Completely alone, jobless, and faced with the news that she is going blind, Moe remembers her time with James and clings to the idea of embracing the moments of vision she has left.

When opportunities for love and friendship come in the most unexpected places, Moe faces the choice of whether to continue to wait for the man who changed her life.

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and last but not least, one more  Pre-order  bargain $1.34

Certain Threat (Protection Inc. Book 3)

Certain Threat

Amazon quote:

Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.

Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.

The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.

When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.

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Finished earlier … read & enjoyed.                 about to be read, a new book, a new author

In Spite of OurselvesDevyn's Dilemma

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Happy reading