mystery

Free and bargain books May 11, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us today.

If These Walls Could Talk (Joe Boyd Suspense Series Book 1)

If these Walls Could Talk

Amazon quote:

(This is a “Sequel Series” to the Jack Turner Suspense Series – picks right up after Book 4 but can easily be read first)

In Book 1 of the new Joe Boyd Suspense Series, Lt. Joe Boyd and his partner Hank Jensen have been tasked with creating a brand new Cold Case Squad for the Culpepper Police Department. Hoping to garner some much-needed positive publicity, their captain asks them to solve a string of unsolved murders from the 1980’s. Before they get far, Joe is interrupted with an alarming request from his good friend, Professor Jack Turner. Jack and Rachel believe they have stumbled upon evidence of a horrific crime dating back to the early 60’s, when their lake front house was built. Now it looks like Joe’s first case—instead of creating good publicity—might expose a terrible scandal involving a prominent Culpepper family’s ugly secret, one they’ve managed to keep hidden for over 50 years.

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

Book 1 in the initial series referenced above is a bargain right now ($1.30) and is one of my read-and-enjoyed from a few years ago.

When Night Comes (Jack Turner Suspense Series Book 1)

When Night Comes

Amazon quote:

Jack Turner comes back to Culpepper to give a series of lectures for his old history professor. Within days, he starts having bizarre experiences at night. Like he’s traveling back in time, experiencing the epic events in his lectures firsthand. He has no control over these experiences and can’t make them stop.

Joe Boyd thought he’d left big city crime back in Pittsburgh when he took a detective job in Culpepper, Georgia, a sleepy southern college town. His peaceful life ends when two students turn up dead in two weeks. The coroner is saying natural causes, but something doesn’t add up.

Rachel Cook, a teaching assistant at Culpepper, can’t believe Jack is back in her life again. She’s had a crush on him since she was fourteen, but Jack never knew. He instantly seems attracted to her, but she can tell…something is deeply troubling him.
Watching all this from a distance is Nigel Avery. He’s certain this experiment’s about to unravel. It’ll be his job to tie up all the loose ends when it does.

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

Another read-and-enjoyed is currently FREE for us to enjoy.

Deadly Alliances Candle Sutton

Deadly Alliances

Amazon quote:

Milana Tanner, deputy for the US Marshals, at your service. I have no past, so don’t ask. And now my future is uncertain, too.

It wasn’t that long ago that everything was fine. My life might’ve even been similar to yours. Until my adopted brother, part of the only family I’ve ever known, joined countless others who call themselves witnesses. As in the “I witnessed a murder and now some really nasty people are trying to kill me” type of witness.

My brother’s under federal protection. I have to say I never saw this coming.

The people after my brother have hired the Shadow of Death to kill him. That’s not the assassin’s real name, of course, but it’s what everyone in law enforcement calls him. No one’s seen this guy and lived to describe him. The man – or woman, no one really knows for sure – could be anyone, anywhere.

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

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books May 08, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

We have a nice crop of bargain books this time. There is one suggestion from Bookbub, several from 1531 Entertainment, the last two just sort of showed up. Bookbub will be first, Lynette Eason is one of my favorites.

Called to Protect (Blue Justice Book #2) ($0.99)

Called to Protect

Amazon quote:

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She’s over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum’s daughter goes missing, he’s ordered to kill the judge he’s protecting and tell no one about his daughter’s disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

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

From 1531 Entertaiment

Garden Grown Romance: The Complete Collection (Arcadia Valley Romance)  ($0.99)

Garden Grown Romance

Amazon quote:

Sown in Love: A real estate consultant charged with repurposing two abandoned greenhouses bumps heads — and hearts — with a garden center owner. (Formerly known as Sow in Love as part of the Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley multi-author collection, now out of print.)

Sprouts of Love: An overzealous community garden manager delivers more than the food bank manager can handle. Can love sprout amid the tsunami of vegetables?

Rooted in Love: A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love?

Harvest of Love: She runs a bookstore. Reading isn’t really his thing… but will he lose her if he admits the reason why?

**********

Montana Dawn (McCutcheon Family Series Book 1) ($1.28)

Montana Dawn

Amazon quote:
When Luke McCutcheon finds Faith Brown about to give birth in her rickety wagon, his first instincts are to ride for help. Instead, he stays and delivers a beautiful baby girl. Unable to leave the pretty young widow and her little son and newborn unprotected in the Montana wilderness, he brings them along on his family’s cattle drive, to the absolute delight of the other friendly cowboys. 

Luke,third son of Montana’s wealthy McCutcheon family, is different from his brothers. As the offspring of a Cheyenne warrior, he carries a chip on his shoulder for all to see. His flashing eyes and handsome face make Faith feel she’s stepped into some long-ago tale where men cherish their women–and keep them safe. If only she could trust him! Faith is on the run, and although she’s pampered and protected by Luke and his family, she just can’t risk the consequences of sharing the details of her past–one that’s hunting to take her back to the nightmare she’s just escaped. Happy-ever-afters are for fairy-tales,she reminds herself sternly as her heart feels the warm pull of his. Still, she can’t help but dream of a loving family, a home to call her own, a beautiful and bright…Montana Dawn

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

Two more found browsing. They look like fun.

The Art of Eavesdropping (The Sidekick’s Survival Guide Book 1) ($1.39)

The Art of Eavesdropping

Amazon quote:

Missionary kid Elliot Ransom is restless after moving from her beloved Amazon home to a wealthy DC suburb. Though Storm River, Virginia, is beautiful, it’s also a playground for haughty politicians and wealthy playboys. She’s never felt so out of place.

Becoming an assistant to a hotshot private investigator changes everything . . .

Expecting to help with filing and background checks, Elliot is shocked when she’s catapulted into the frontlines of a murder investigation instead. While trying to prove their client innocent, she’s forced from the administrative role she usually plays. The change is surprisingly invigorating.

Learning the art of investigating shouldn’t be so dangerous . . . but this case just might be as dicey as the new town Elliot is living in. Could a little harmless eavesdropping lead to a big disaster?

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

Book 2 will be out soon and is a bargain on pre-order.

The Perks of Meddling (The Sidekick’s Survival Guide Book 2)   ($1.43)

The Perks of Meddling

Amazon quote:

She’s determined to work this case—with or without permission . . .

Investigator-wannabe Elliot Ransom doesn’t have much clout with the PI firm that recently hired her. When she meets a woman whose “riffraff” sister is missing, Elliot can’t resist the undeniable urge to help—despite her boss’s stern warning to stay away.

As Elliot digs deeper, the underbelly of wealthy Storm River bubbles to the surface—along with more dangerous enemies. Following the advice found in her father’s old journal, Elliot tracks the killer—like a jungle cat tracking its prey.

But the more she uncovers, the more of a target she becomes. Could a little harmless meddling lead to such a vast amount of trouble?

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

This will be a fun weekend, reading wise, I’m pretty sure.

Happy Reading!

Oh yeah, almost forgot. I’m currently reading …

Broken Butterfly

Broken Butterfly: A Paradise Novel Book 2 

Still a bargain $0.99

Bargain books May 05, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

One thing leads to another. That’s how this list of suggestions fell into place and it all started with a suggestion from BookBub. We have three authors I’ve not read yet. Although I think I’ve met Vannetta Chapman in a collection somewhere.

Broken Butterfly: A Paradise Novel Book 2 ($1.39)

Broken Butterfly

Amazon quote:

Mallory Scott trusts no one. At twenty-two, she’s in a battle for her life. Living in a women’s shelter after finally escaping an abusive relationship, the only thing Mallory is focused on is staying safe. But when he finds her again, Mallory must flee the shelter in the middle of the night and rely on the kindness of a stranger to help her create a new life for herself in Paradise, Pennsylvania, far away from everything she knows.

Eric Matthews has what every man wants: a successful job and beautiful new girlfriend. Unfortunately, it seems he is living for everyone else but himself. But when chance leads a mysterious woman to appear in his life, his world is suddenly thrown off its axis. Mallory wants nothing to do with him, and he is determined to find out why. Attracted to the one man she thinks she can never have, Mallory battles with her heart’s deepest desires. Her barriers slowly break down until jealousy flares–revealing her haunted past. As destiny remains just within reach, only time will tell if a shocking scheme will separate Mallory and Eric forever.

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

Protected (Jacobs Family Series Book 2)  ($1.37)

Protected

Amazon quote:

Erin Jacobs doesn’t hesitate to jump into rescue mode when she receives a desperate call in the middle of the night. As owner of the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, it’s her job to rehabilitate and find new homes for animals. But from the moment she answers the phone, she knows that this case is different.

A woman’s frantic plea.
Directions to a deserted hunter’s cabin.
The demand that she come alone.
All culminate into the moment when she is standing on a dilapidated porch in the middle of the woods and looking down into a washtub at an infant child.

Social worker Travis Williams is assigned to her case. Travis sees more in Erin than someone who rescues strays. She’s unconventional, strong-willed, and caring. It could be that she would make the perfect parent for Josh.

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

Some Enchanted Evening: (Men of KWESTT Book 1) ($.31)

Some Enchanted Evening

Amazon quote:

Kellan Campbell, principal singer with chart-topping musical group KWESTT, longs for roots and a family to call his own, but he’ll settle for a vacation from the fast-paced, demanding life of touring. Shedding his well-known stage persona to avoid recognition, he heads for a backwoods Missouri campground to rest and recuperate in the great outdoors. But his attempts at avoiding people are stymied by the campground’s energetic, quick-witted manager. He’d be annoyed if he wasn’t starting to look forward to her company and crazy sense of humor.

JoyAnne loves her job as manager of the flourishing family campground. After being tossed upside down and shattered, her life is finally feeling safe, predictable, and secure. And she’s determined to stay right where she’s at, doing what she does best—ensuring guests enjoy their camping experience.

**********

Well, I hope someone will join me and be excited about this selection of previously unseen reading material. I’m looking forward to finding out what this sampling of new authors is all about too. Ok, so they are books… I’ll admit, that’s enough for me right there. I just hope they are over-the-top good.

Happy Reading y’all!

I think these southern characters are getting to me. I keep wanting to say y’all.

Have a good day tomorrow.

Books started but not finished May 03, 2020 Edition

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s time again to clear out the collection of started-but-not-read. Books I tried to like but just couldn’t get into for some reason. This isn’t a commentary on whether they are good or bad. I would have had to read farther along for the ability to make that kind of declaration. I’ll admit there were a few I did decide I didn’t like, but for the most part it was just lack of interest.

So, in no particular order here goes.

The Zenia WoodCitizens of Logan Pond

Secrets and Lies TBRRemnants

Ride onTested by Fire

The Victory ClubThe deepest waters

The Gilded LilyTerminus

A letter from AmericaThe half Hanged Man

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

The first bunch were only taste tested. This next bunch all made it past 20%, some much higher than that before abandonment.

A Secret HopeFront Window

Death in the BeginningThe Evangelist

ElysiaYou Saw too much

Explosive ForceRelentless Love

The Seeking SeriesSacred Bond Guardians bks 1 to 3

I’ve read complete books in these two collections, just not all three of each.

Some of the books mentioned today have been on my device since 2018, it’s good to have things cleaned up and the number of pages reduced somewhat. I’d like to get it back  to under twenty pages but I don’t think that is going to happen anytime soon. 🙂

Happy Reading! May you find many books to like.

Free and bargain books May 01, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Author Staci Stallings is the featured artist today. You might think of musicians/singers when I say artist. I could be wrong about the rest of you but that’s the first thing to pop in my head …. music. Except today. When I stop to think about it, the term artist fits writers too. They create pictures and music. Their words crafted into a magical story. Sometimes it is light and fanciful, sometimes dark and somber, or most often – somewhere in between. Life is better with music, no matter the form it takes.

Staci has the heart for a song and a picture.

This first one I recall reading six years ago and, as it turns out, I remember reading the rest too.

Deep in the Heart: A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel (FREE)

Deep in the Heart

Amazon quote:

Just out of college and completely alone in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayer and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie’s whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp?

Keith Ayer despises his life. As the son of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer and the fiance to a Senator from Texas’ daughter, it looks great on the outside, but inside, he is dying. He would vastly prefer to manage and train his father’s racehorses. However, everyone else thinks that is beneath him. He needs to get into industry and build on his father’s success. Suffocating under the constrictions of his life, he meets Maggie who begins to teach him that wealth and power is not everything in this life. But can Keith defy the most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart?

**********

Coming Undone: Contemporary Christian Romance Fiction (FREE)

Coming Undone

Amazon quote:

Ben Warren has life all figured out. At 35, he’s successful in his work and free as a bird everywhere else. He has no desire to be tied down like some of his friends, and he sees no reason to change that. Then the unthinkable happens and causes him to rethink everything about everything.

Kathryn Walker can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong in the dating department. The rest of her life makes sense. She’s compassionate, strong, honest, hard-working and still alone. She wonders if she is doomed to spend forever single. Little does she know that her life is about to take a major turn. In fact, she doesn’t even see it happening until it has. Can she ever get past the fact that Mr. Right didn’t show up in the way she thought he would?

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

More Than This: A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel ($1.31)

More Than This

Amazon quote:

Liz Savoy has no plans to date anyone—least of all the dark handsome mystery man who sometimes inhabits the corner table at the coffee shop where she’s working to get through school. But plans change, sometimes in ways no one expected.

Jake McCoy is the next mega-millionaire author, or at least he would be if he could get the stories in his head down on the ether. With no good place to write, he resorts to dark corners in Wi-Fi hotspots, knowing no one in the world cares about him or his comings and goings one way or the other. However, there is one waitress at The Grind coffee shop with a cute smile and kind eyes who doesn’t seem to think he is as invisible as he likes to think he is. Can reality with her ever hope to match the fantasy world where his imagination has him living?

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

To Protect & Serve: (The Courage Series, Book 1)  (FREE)

To Serve and Protect

Amazon quote:

To save others’ lives, they will risk their own…

Houston firefighter, Jeff Taylor is a fireman’s fireman. He’s not afraid of anything, and no situation is too dangerous to keep him on the sideline if lives are at stake.

Lisa Matheson runs a semi-successful ad agency that’s on the brink of falling apart. Her employees are incompetent, and her schedule has become exhausting. When she takes on a client with a brilliant idea for a big conference, she thinks that maybe, finally this is her lucky break. However, the fire station wasn’t what she had in mind for finding conference speakers. When she falls for a handsome but shy firefighter, it’s possible that life might just be going her way for a change. The only problem is she can’t control Jeff and the death wish he seems to have…

***********

There are even more to be found, if you search for Staci Stallings. In the meantime… we’ll quit here for today.

Happy Reading! 

Read and enjoyed almost May edition

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

My favorite book in this batch is Taken by Dee Henderson. It is a brilliant story with well developed, complex, relatable characters. The plot rolls out in well planned bits and the story builds with each addition. It’s unpredictable and impossible to put down. A heart wrenching story told with sensitivity, understanding and tenderness. It will bring you to tears in places without shredding your heart with the terror. Did I mention it’s impossible to put down?

Taken Dee Henderson (still a bargain)

Taken

Amazon quote:

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand,
and his new client, missing far too long…

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn’t mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they’ll stop at nothing to silence her.

***********

My next favorite in this list was Justified Means, another book I could not put down. This is my new favorite out of the many Chautona Havig stories I’ve read. All of the things I had to say about well written characters and unpredictable plot in Taken could be said here too. The lasting impression for me was the smooth ride, carried away with the story.

Justified Means (Book One) (The Agency Files 1) 

Justified Means

Amazon quote:

Whatever it takes: the motto of “The Agency.” It doesn’t exist–not legally speaking. However its effect in the lives of those who benefit from their aid is incalculable. Lives saved, restored, guarded–protected from the side of life most never see. Their clients are usually wealthy, important–desperate. Their other clients–well, they don’t always appreciate the efforts expended on their behalf–not until they aren’t lying on a slab in the morgue.

***********

Belong with Me: (Chapel Cove Romances Book 7) (still a bargain)

Breach of Trust (Atlanta Justice Book #3) (still a bargain)

Belong with MeBreach of Trust

Not Until This Day: (Hope Springs Book 6) (still a bargain)

The Princess and the P.I. (still a bargain)

Not Until This dayThe Priness and the PI

The Billionaire’s Gift:  (The Billionaire Club Book 5) (still a bargain)

Snow Belle: (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1) (still a bargain too)

The Billionaires giftSnow Belle

Darkwater Secrets (Darkwater Inn Book 1) 

Snow Angel

Darkwater SecretsSnow Angel

***********

Happy Reading 

… on this beautiful spring morning filled with the happy sounds of busy nest building birds. They make me smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free and bargain books April 29, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s another slow day but still, not a total loss. BookRunes has a FREE suggestion that is quite a departure from the selections we normally see. I like departures and the chance to read something out of the norm for me. As always, with an author new to me I can’t guarantee if it will or it won’t meet expectations as a good read. The first page or two suggests it will be good so I’m hoping it will be awesome.

I think one of the reasons I am drawn to this novel is related to my fascination with retreats. Especially monastic retreats with a vow of silence and simplicity, along with the structure of daily rituals. I’m not Catholic although my paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles are. I was raised Protestant with my maternal grandparents but there is still an underlying connection somehow. Between the sight of the monastery 30 miles from where I grew up and the stories of one of my high school Catholic girlfriends, a retreat has always been on my bucket list. I’m sure the picture formed in my teenage head would be quite different from today’s reality. This introvert will probably keep it just as that… a fanciful dream.

In the meantime I plan to enjoy this book.

Poustinia: A Novel (Poustinia Series Book 1) 

Poustinia

Amazon quote:

The nuns need income. The guests need hope. Can Victoria provide a solution?

When Victoria Sullivan finds herself at a crossroad in life, she books a rustic cabin in the woodlands of the Monastery of St. Carmella. While trying to discern her future, she meets other guests who face their own challenges.

The Sisters also have a dilemma, as they anticipate a merger because of their dwindling numbers and an aging congregation. Will they lose their beloved homeland, nestled among the vineyard, forest, and lake?

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

I’m currently reading Taken, just started actually. I’m a fan of Dee Henderson and do not expected to be disappointed. This is still a bargain at $0.99, read along with me -especially if you’ve not yet met this author.

Taken, Dee Henderson

Taken

Amazon quote:

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand,
and his new client, missing far too long…

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn’t mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they’ll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon’s life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her–even if it means stirring up a hornet’s nest of secrets.

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

Good news where I live. They are starting to ease up on Covid-19 restrictions starting next week. Our province has wide open spaces with low population density and our health officials have been proactive in putting protective measures in place. Our affected numbers are low because of all that. Hopefully this easing will happen soon for the rest of the world too.

In the meantime….

Enjoy Reading!

Bargain books April 28, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us today. $0.99. One read and enjoyed several years ago.

Unbound Hope -Book 2 (Pleasant Hearts & Elliot-Kings) 

Unbound Hope

Amazon quote:

Experienced flight attendant Erica Heart wanted nothing more to do with US Marshal Jim Denison. Her gratitude to him for his key role in rescuing her sister’s fiancé, Michael, stopped at the gate of their final goodbye. But when she urgently required the services of a US Marshal aboard a flight to accompany her team of newly recruited flight attendants, she hesitantly turned to Jim for help. Will her heart heed her plea to not get involved and risk having it broken?

US Marshal Jim Denison knew in his gut that something was wrong when their flight left the tarmac. He yearned for Erica Heart’s support without rattling her, the same woman responsible for his sleepless nights since they parted ways after her sister’s wedding one year ago. Her Christian values, charming attitude, and wit proved he had his work cut out for him–to rein in his wildly hoping heart But when things go wrong after take-off, her faith and calm during a crisis proved vital in defeating a cloaked enemy on the plane.

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

BookBub also mentioned another bargain, one that appeared for us a month ago. It is still a bargain at $1.38. I do remember reading this, a very different story.

The Essence of Shade 

the Essense of Shade

Amazon quote:

Shade’s life-altering vow to God leads to mysterious decisions that cause her to forfeit the man she loves.
Shade Doe believes her prayers are answered when she meets an older Christian man who offers her marriage and a name for her newborn child. Despite his overbearing nature, Shade delights in her new role as wife and mother. When her husband suddenly dies years later, she uncovers secrets from his past—secrets so profound they derail the lives of both her and her daughter.
After tragedy strikes, thirty-six-year-old Shade gains custody of her young grandson, Tyler, and moves to a small Michigan beach town where she becomes the owner of a successful bakery and café. Shade meets and falls in love with Tyler’s baseball coach, but their love for one another is doomed. Shade’s internal struggle to honor her vow to God, while denying her own desires, throws her on a path of painful redemption.

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

Another repeat bargain from December,  $1.41

Shattered Image (Chain of Lakes Book 1)

Shattered Image

Amazon quote:

Kiera Simmons’ career as a high-profile fashion model ends abruptly when a failed relationship nearly lands her in jail. Now she forges a quiet life helping teens understand their eternal value in a world saturated with the distorted messages of society.

Peter Theisen is on the fast track to everything the celebrity life promises with every step of his meteoric rise in the music world orchestrated by his ambitious manager.

Their sweet, unexpected romance is threatened by her past and his future, a life-changing diagnosis, and financial devastation. As they struggle to find their way back to each other, and to the One who matters most, the allure of wealth and fame may jeopardize everything.

***********

I’m currently reading and enjoying:

Breach of Trust (Atlanta Justice Book #3) $0.99

Breach of Trust

Amazon quote:

Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn’t add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend’s last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

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

Happy reading

…..on this overcast but reasonably warm beginning-of-spring day.

Bargain books April 26, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

An author suggestion by a fellow author Karen Beery (I follow Karen via email) is Angela Ruth Strong. Angela is on my Amazon followed list and we have seen her books on my read and enjoyed list a number of times. I’m checking out her Kindle book list, just now, looking for bargains we could try out. This first one is not a light read but it does have it’s lighter moments and comes highly recommended.  $1.24

Lighten Up (Body and Soul Series Book 1)  

Lighten up

Amazon quote:

Bethany Light is the daughter of a minister who can’t forgive her father for running off with the church secretary. She goes to her own pastor for counsel, never expecting to fall in love with him. To make matters worse, she’s personal training his fiancé in preparation for the big day and somehow ends up in their wedding.
Refusing to make the same mistake her dad made, Bethany tries to focus on fixing her family rather than face her own issues. How could a household that used to have it all together have fallen so far from grace? And how can she keep from following in her father’s footsteps when it feels so right?

“Lighten Up is one of the heaviest Christian novels I’ve ever read. It’s also fun, smart, snappy, real, and convicting. Highly recommended for a reader who’s looking for something different from the norm, with a lot of faith-challenging entertainment.”
Christina Berry
Christy-nominated and Carol-winning author of The Familiar Stranger

“Lighten Up is a powerful work of fiction. Strong’s characters jump off the page and into the hearts of readers. Bethany’s voice rings true with life and emotional traumas many will relate to. This is a book that makes you laugh and makes you think. It moved me. And I hated to see the story end, wondering what would happen to Bethany next.”
Jill Williamson
Author of By Darkness Hid, Replication, and Captives

**********

This next one looks interesting although it is only a novella, 100 pages, not my favorite length, but short is all we need sometimes. A sweet $1.29. 

False Security

False Security

Amazon quote:

Alex Pierce needs Laney Winters to help him prove neither of them is responsible for the millions of dollars that went missing after Laney arrested him for bank robbery five years ago. Besides Laney not believing he truly repented in prison, there’s the problem of the real thief trying to kill her and the police department treating her like a dirty cop. With the possibility of another crime being pinned on them, Laney finally teams up with Alex to save her life. If only she could trust him with her heart, as well.

***********

This next one looks cool. It’s a bargain at $1.29 and I’m excited to start reading.

The Princess and the P.I.

The Priness and the PI

Amazon quote:

Raised in the West Indies, Jacqueline James is on the verge of becoming a modern day princess until the prince hires a P.I. to do a background check and discovers her father is a fugitive from the States. Determined not to let her fairy tale fall apart, Jacqueline hires the P.I. to help her prove her father’s innocence.

When former police officer Beau Ryan’s wife’s murderer was acquitted, he left Miami on what would have been their anniversary cruise, planning never to return. It’s his unexpected soft spot for Jacqueline that has him swallowing down the pain to face his past.

**********

One more bargain popped up while browsing, a different author though. A change of pace. $1.33

The Billionaire’s Gift: A Christian Billionaire Romance (The Billionaire Club Book 5)

The Billionaires gift

Amazon quote:

Joshua Banks has never been on a second date in his life. The examples he grew up with cause him to close his heart to anything resembling a relationship. But when his meddling coworker invites a woman from her church to accompany him to a ball, he finds himself wanting more from the forced upon him blind date. All his plans go out the window when she gives him an unexpected kiss. When she tells him her reasons, she leaves more questions than answers.

Kara Bell only agreed to go out with a stranger as one last act of service. She doesn’t expect the undeniable connection they share. Knowing a relationship between them isn’t possible, she does something out of her character in order to prove not all women are the same. She never expected the stolen kiss would give her a hope she thought had died long ago. Now she’s racing the clock to mend his broken spirit, but she’s afraid her attempt to bring him happiness will do the opposite. She must push past her doubt in order to do the impossible.

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

Last but not least, still browsing, this one is book 3 in a series where we’ve already read book 4. $1.30

Heart & Soul: A Romance (Tanner Family Book 3)

Heart and Soul

Amazon quote:

I honestly thought I was set for life—at least where love was concerned. I was dating the man of my dreams and assumed we would live happily ever after. But then he left me with a broken heart. I was embarrassed and hurt, and picking up the pieces seemed impossible.

I hadn’t sworn off men completely, but getting into another relationship was something I just didn’t care about. For the time being, I was living for myself and for the weekend, and I thought nothing would change that.

Then I met Caleb, the son of a preacher. He was not what I expected, but everything I needed.

***********

I’ve started The Billionaire’s Gift, my current read on this beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Perfect timing to be ready to start something new.

One little hint – you will need tissues.

Happy Reading!

Free and Bargain books April 24, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Today is a day for Romance.

This first book is a bargain at $1.32 , from an author new to me.

Snow Belle: A Sweet Small-town Romance (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1)

Snow Belle

Amazon quote:

Haley Madison packed her big dreams and drove to the Arctic. Well, all right, so it’s Madison Creek, Michigan. But for a Texas gal, this frozen land ought to come with a sled and huskies. If it wasn’t for her family’s rundown property, she’d have stayed where the sun shone bright and warm. However, she has grand ideas for her inheritance even if the town has thrown up their objections to her plans.

Ethan Winters hated going home and admitting failure. Sure, he has a special talent with the violin, but he has bigger ambitions than playing at the local bowling alley. And then there was the idea of facing his father. No, he wasn’t ready to go home just yet. He veered off the interstate and drove to a little town named Madison Creek. Maybe his luck would change.

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

Another bargain at $1.32. I’ve read books 1 and 3 in this series and now I’m looking forward to this one.

Consider the Thorns (The Trampled Rose Series Book 2)

Consider the thorns

Amazon quote:

Barbara Houlton is a best-selling romance author, known for her achingly sweet love stories. However, her own love-life is nothing to write home about. Raped on the eve of her high-school graduation, she was left pregnant and scarred, both emotionally and physically. She has learned to hide the physical scars, but the emotional scars that taint her soul become harder to hide each day. Sarcasm, avoidance and denial have become weapons to keep her monstrous past at bay. Barbara avoids her home town at all costs. She denies to all those who are concerned for her that there is anything wrong. And those who try to pass her protective boundaries are met with her cutting sarcasm. Her emotional scars make intimacy a frightening thing, and those who try to grasp this beautiful rose are quickly met with her thorns. Instead, she loves through her characters, embracing her romantic dreams with every book she writes, and convinces herself it is enough.

When her father falls ill, she is forced to return home to Hamilton, New Mexico, a small town that comes with big problems, the biggest of which is Steve Meston. Steve has had a crush on Barbara since high school. But he is no longer the awkward, shy boy from her youth. He is now confident, handsome and relentless in his pursuit of her, despite her best efforts to put him off. His patient and steadfast love back her into a corner, and she finds that all her weapons are useless against his sweet love. Now she must stop avoiding and confront her past, or lose the one man who was able to get past her thorns.

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

This next one is a bargain at $0.99, with another author new to me. I’m always happy to make the acquaintance of a new author.

Not Until This Day: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 6)

Not Until This day

Amazon quote:

Three kids. Two broken hearts. One chance to become a family.

Isabel has three simple rules: Keep moving. No friends. No men. It’s the only way to keep herself and her daughter safe. But when she arrives in the small town of Hope Springs, she finds that she suddenly wants to break all the rules. Especially when it comes to a certain sweet single dad.

Tyler has one goal: Keep his boys from ever getting hurt again. That’s why he avoids dating, women, or anything having to do with love. So why does the mysterious single mother who works at his family’s orchard have him rethinking everything?

***********

And a FREE book. It’s never to early to talk about Christmas.

The Matchmakers of Holly Circle 

the Matchmakers of Holly Circle

Amazon quote:

Flirtation can be an art, or so they say. Well, if so, Ruth and Richard are “the old masters” of the flirting game. Despite their strictly platonic relationship, there’s “something there,” as so many of their friends and families say. Neighbors and friends for ten years, neither seems willing to change the course of their relationship.
Three doors down, at the end of the cul-de-sac, Mason Dickenson has watched his favorite neighbors with an interested eye, but he’s finally had it with the dance. So, with a pack of cards and a few tricks up his sleeve, he’s determined to get them out of the “friend rut” and into romance.

Thanks to Mason’s unique matchmaking scheme, Ruth and Richard concoct one of their own—a deeper, stronger, eternal love and relationship that nothing on earth can match.

*********

This list could have been much longer if all of the books featured in the brochure were at bargain prices. I’m kind of glad they weren’t, actually. I was worried thinking what if . The thought of thirty seven new books in one day was pretty scary. I am excited to have four new books.

I’m currently reading  Justified Means. This is one author I’ve read extensively, enough to be accustomed to her voice and style. You know, like answering the phone and knowing immediately who is calling. (you have no call display, work with me here) This is the second time I’ve been thrown by the tone of one of her books. Which is cool, actually.

The voice reminds me of another favorite author, I get caught up in the story and forget who I’m listening to. The first time it happened it was shocking, mainly because Chautona has a very distinct and recognizable voice and the shock was finding I wasn’t reading who I thought I was. I can’t remember who I thought it was but it wasn’t Ms Havig.  I guess it would be like watching a movie with a favorite British actor showing up in a movie sporting a very good New York accent.

I have to say, she nailed the new voice and I quite enjoyed both stories. And, when I think about it, this new voice works well in the new genre. Fitting in better than the voice we are used to hearing from her.

Justified Means (Book One) (The Agency Files 1) is still a bargain at $0.99

Justified Means

Erika Polowski, in grave danger–danger she has no idea exists–finds herself captive, shackled, bound, gagged. Her captors have the most unbelievable story, yet as the enemy manages, time after time, to get too close, she has to decide who or what to trust. Can she believe the man who daily holds her at gunpoint? Does she trust her gut? She is certain that she knows nothing that could possibly matter to anyone–has done nothing that should put her in danger.

For Keith Auger, it’s just another assignment. Extract the client, protect the client, return the client to her life with minimal interruption. Except that this “client” isn’t so keen on being protected. His usual cheerful demeanor disappeared the night he helped her escape from her home–escape with the aid of duct tape, rope, and the dark of night.

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

Happy Reading.