reading

A new Mystery October 12, 2023

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This is new, only because it hasn’t been added yet to my digital library. It’s old because it was published in 2007, back when I was still into reading paper library books. Now, I’m curious to know if I could have read it back then. Too bad I no longer have access to the list I once kept. Or maybe it could have been prior to the days where I thought keeping a list would be a good idea.

I’ve read digital copies of books 2 and 3 and they didn’t seem familiar so I guess there is a good chance I’ve not read book 4 either. Here’s hoping it true.

Midnight Sea (Aloha Reef Series Book 4)

“Lani opened her eyes fully, straining to see something, anything. It was as though she swam in a black sea that blacked out all light, all visual sensation. ‘I can’t see,’ she whispered. ‘I can’t see!’ Her shriek rose and echoed off the blackness.”

A seemingly random shooting at her aunt’s coffee farm has left Lani Tagama blind. Now she must learn to navigate in a world of darkness. With the help of an embittered ex-cop, Ben, and a half-trained guide dog, Fisher, Lani discovers she can regain a shadow of her former independence.

But strange and dangerous secrets lurk behind the beauty of this seaside paradise. Suspicion grows that this was not a random shooting, but an attempted murder, one with its roots in a hippie commune burned over thirty year ago. Lani realizes she is a target, and that she must find the shooter before he strikes again.

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Another great discovery showed up while browsing. It’s Book 4 in another series we’ve been following.

Hostile Intent (Danger Never Sleeps Book #4): (Action-Packed Military Fiction with Romance and Suspense)

Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother’s illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there’s no way she’s going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can’t discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

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Well, that’s it for today. Another good day.

Thriller, Suspense, October 11, 2023

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I’m excited! Two new books from a long time favorite author, Davis Bunn aka Thomas Locke. He and his new well known writing partner, Jyoti Guptara, were featured in my stream today and I can hardly wait to have these new books in hand.

Fortune’s Favor is currently available and Thomas Locke’s new thriller, Roulette, is due to be released October 30th. The reviews are glowing for both of them.

Fortune’s Favor: A Thriller

A tragic past…

Consummate adventurer Jeremy Spade arranges ‘life-changing trips’ in the deserts, mountains and jungles of Asia. His firm lets the world’s richest experience the world’s wildest parts, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned tent with a Michelin-class chef on call. After growing up in the US foster care system, Jeremy is fascinated and repelled by the billionaires. So he never suspects his own life will be changed by one of them.

Jeremy is under no illusions that heiress Shara Herale will spare him a second look—until their helicopter is shot down, forever changing their fate. Shara was betrothed in her teens to seal the bond between two of India’s most powerful clans. Despite loving Jeremy, she feels honor-bound to go through with her parent’s final wish. Jeremy returns to the US with a broken heart, incredible wealth, and a dark secret that ensures he can never enjoy it.

Now, almost five years since they last spoke, Shara is married to another man. And yet, when she contacts him, Jeremy doesn’t think twice about putting his life on the line.

Hides a mystery…

When disgraced hacker-turned-analyst Crystal Dumont is hired by one of India’s richest men, she thinks her fortune is changing. Only her new employer’s particular interest looks increasingly likely to get her killed.

The target of Crystal’s research is Vihan Desai, head of another clan, one that threatens her employer’s interests. Determined not to let his little brother leave the crooked family business, Vihan has followed him from Delhi to Jacksonville. When Vihan is done transforming their legitimate business into the center of a criminal empire, he intends to murder his brother, his brother’s wife Shara, and their infant daughter. But is there more to this family feud than organized crime?

That threatens nations…

Why has the White House taken a personal interest in the Desai family? And can Crystal trust the shadowy young man trying to help them? If any of them are to survive, Crystal and Jeremy will have to face the dark secret he and Shara hoped to leave in the Thar desert—a mystery that has kept India’s elite in power for generations.

Defying an ancient cabal might just be the shot at romance and redemption they have both been waiting for. But they soon learn that when ancient Asian secrets are involved, they are usually blood-stained.

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Here is the pre-order offering.

Roulette Kindle Edition

Don’t trip. It could cost your life…

They call it Roulette because there’s no way of knowing what kind of ecstasy awaits. A rollercoaster ride through any one of seven heavens—or straight to hell.

A new and dangerous substance has suddenly appeared at the rave scene of Gainesville, Florida. When former special agent Eric Bannon comes to investigate, the local sheriff doesn’t know whether to be relieved someone is finally taking the rave issue seriously, or disturbed about who has answered the call. The inquiry must be kept quiet. But why are senior government officials turning a blind eye to such a dangerous drug?

As the county hospital’s senior ER nurse, Carol Steen has seen her share of small-town trouble. Her greatest concern is the snobbish new doctor. Stacie Swann is everything Carol detests: fresh out of med school, too many years her junior, drop-dead gorgeous—and with a bad attitude. Why did Stacie, an upcoming surgical star, leave her prestigious residency at the University of Florida medical center and take up station in their remote clinic?

To Stacie, the nosey nurse is only a bitter reminder of what the medical establishment took from her, landing her in Middle of Nowhere, Florida. But when the night’s emergencies are rushed in, the two ladies begin to bond over a common challenge.

What appears to be a simple case of overdose turns into an ER nightmare. Patients seem to be suffering symptoms from multiple drugs. None are detectable.

Eric arrives at the clinic in time to witness the victims’ transformation from near-coma to bestial strength and ferocity. Eric and the ladies track the drug’s origin to clandestine operations based within the university student body. These young people both finance the production and facilitate the human trials of the world’s most exciting new high.

Roulette makes you feel like your best self, times ten. Because it’s no longer the old you.

Carol and Stacie’s patients belong to the 1% of consumers exposed to Roulette’s true purpose, a purpose so heinous it will rewrite not just history, but the human genome.

As opposition mounts from within his own government, Eric must face off with experimental science and the question: In the battle to control the future of humanity, do they really want to fight fire with fire?

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The peek they give us into these books certainly provides a good look into what to expect from the reading experience.

There is another book (different author) under consideration too, I will be back to share it with you if it happens.

It is the 4th book in a series we have been following and that is the biggest attraction.

See you soon.

Two free books from a known author October 07, 2023

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What a great way to take a chance on an author I haven’t read in a while, like years. It was a BookBub suggestion that caught my attention and I’m glad because the first few pages look interesting enough to take the bait.

BookBub suggested Killing it in Paris and happily Déjà Dead showed up in the thread. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to experience both of them.

Killing it in Paris: A heart-stopping thriller mystery set in Paris (The Claire Baskerville Mysteries Book 5)

Life begins to settle down for Claire after her horrific first year in Paris. Her career as the exclusive private investigator for the Paris expat community continues to thrive when the abusive boyfriend of her nanny is killed and the girl is arrested for the crime.

Determined to free the girl, Claire pushes through French red tape, double-dealing bureaucrats and a killer who is just as determined to stop her uncovering the truth—no matter the cost.This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong languageGenre: Mystery/thriller, women amateur sleuth, cozy animal (dog)

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Déjà Dead: A riveting thriller mystery set in Paris (The Claire Baskerville Mysteries Book 1)

Things can get pretty dark in the City of Light Claire Baskerville is a sixty-something American who finds herself alone in Paris when her husband is brutally murdered. Reeling from the onslaught of devastating secrets he left behind Claire is stunned to realize she no longer knows who to trust. She only knows she can’t move forward until she finds out the truth behind who killed her husband.

In spite of a genetic brain anomaly that makes it impossible for her to remember faces –even ones she’d seen just moments before, and all alone in a foreign city, Claire doggedly collects the clues that will lead her to her husband’s killer. Unfortunately, the closer she gets to the truth, the more determined that killer is to make sure she never leaves Paris alive. This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong language Genre: women amateur sleuth.

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Another BookBub suggestion is a collection including a book we were drawn to several years ago. This is a great chance to read books 2 and 3 in the series and I’m looking forward to this chance too.

Elle’s Freedom Ridge Collection: Christian Christmas Romance

Discover the captivating Heroes of Freedom Ridge series in this heartwarming Christmas romance collection.

In Healing the Hero, chef Ashley Castle falls for her enigmatic boss, Daniel Winchester, at the Freedom Ridge Resort. As she uncovers a dangerous plot, can they navigate their feelings, his past, and the looming threat?

In Persuaded by the Hero, a reunion sparks buried feelings between Bryce and Sabrina. With their lives and her son’s future hanging in the balance, can they risk a second chance at love in Freedom, Colorado?

In Inspired by the Hero, a blizzard traps Casey Crawford and her secret crush, Gage Buchanan. As threats close in, will their faith guide them through their difficulties?

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I’m behind in exploring suggestion emails and this one is several days old. The special price is still active so we haven’t missed out on a great opportunity. This author is fairly new to me. I think I did read one of her books a few years ago and it’s good to see her again.

Into the Flood: A Christian Romance (Seasons of Faith Book 1) 

She took this small-town job as a temporary last resort. Falling for her reserved boss was not part of the plan.

One mistake imploded Sonia Krogstad’s PR career, leaving her with a stack of debt and no job prospects. Out of options, she returns to her tiny hometown in the northern wilds of Norway, planning only to stay long enough to get back on her feet and prepare for her big-city comeback.

Reclusive tech genius Axel Vikhammer bought a non-profit community arts center that’s fast becoming a money pit. Closing it down is not an option, especially since it’s a refuge for the teenage daughter he only recently learned he has. With her PR background, Sonia seems the perfect hire for the job as his center’s fundraising manager.

Yet as feelings develop between the two, Axel wonders how he can trust Sonia with his business—or his heart—when her dreams don’t include his small town or him.

With her head and her heart pulling her in different directions, Sonia needs to take a leap of faith. But every time she’s done that in the past, she’s fallen flat on her face. Why should it be different now?

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It has turned out to be a profitable opportunity today and it’s been nice to have a reason to connect with you again. Have a great weekend.

New book October 03, 2023

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BookRunes has a suggestion for the 4th book in a series we have been following lately.

Saving Faith (New England Inspirations Book 4)

How many promises will she break?

Jess is trying put a painful past behind her and finally secure her college degree.

But when a greedy man buys her entire block and threatens to evict all the tenants, including her and her uncle, she knows she has to do something drastic to save her home…

and the church property that holds her parents’ graves.

Being filthy rich has its perks.

But Axel still hates running his father’s large development firm.

Drowning his sorrows in alcohol, parties, and pretty faces, Axel is too self-absorbed to admit his life is spiraling out of control, even after a recorded display of his violent temper goes viral.

Jess applies to work for Axel to get close to her enemy, but she soon realizes her new boss is hurting almost as much as she is. Days before the mass eviction takes place, Jess must make a difficult decision to avoid becoming the monster she set out to destroy.

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Sadly, nothing else appealed to me this time. Oh well, one is better than none, I always say.

This has been a week for the raking of leaves, just to keep ahead of the game. The taller the trees grow the more leaves they contribute to the mess. They are pretty though, with all the beautiful shades of red. And it’s nice to have a good excuse to get outside in the sunshine and fresh air before winter sets in.

I’m working on making a move closer to my kids so this will be the last year for this privilege. Bitter sweet.

Reading time and browsing time has been hard to come by this week, the next few weeks will probably be more of the same.

Packing up and moving is always a lot of work, but I love it anyway. On the down side, it will be a little sad to leave my pretty house. I’ll have to hold out for another pretty house. Visually pleasing always is a mood lifter and I’m happy about that. What ever works.

I’ll let you know if I’m successful.

A new installment of Read and Enjoyed September 30, 2023

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This first one was finished today, a little bit ago. All the way through I kept feeling like I’d read it before, likely in an enjoyable collection we’ve had recently. It was just as good the second time around, no disappointment here.

Alaska Twilight

“You hide behind your camera instead of stepping out and engaging life with both hands. You’re so afraid you’ll fail at something, you won’t even try.”

For some people, Alaska is a breathtaking wilderness adventure, full of light and beauty. For Haley, it is a dangerous world of dark dreams and tortured memories. On the surface, she’s here to document wildlife activist Kipp Nowak’s bear encounters. But her real reason is to unearth the truth about a past murder. The suspense mounts when another body turns up, and Haley begins to wonder if the tragedies she experienced in the past are connected to the dangers and mysterious incidents of the present.

From behind her camera, Haley observes it all, including Tank Lassiter, the wildlife biologist who has been forced to lead Kipp and his team into the Alaskan backcountry. As she watches him with his work, she feels a growing attraction. It will take great courage and faith to confront the truth she once ran away from. Before it’s over, Haley may be viewing herself from an entirely new angle.

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This next one was finished yesterday. It’s be hanging around all year just like the one above. It was overlooked for so long mainly because I couldn’t imagine from the title that it wouldn’t be a little weird. It totally was anything but weird. It was well written and a good experience, the way the story was all laid out. I’m not going to say much, to keep from spoiling it for you. It was definitely unpredictable and that was the best part. It was not an easy read but it was one I would read again.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water: A Novel

The best fiction simply tells the truth.
But the truth is never simple.

When novelist Kendra Brennan moves into her grandfather’s old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very Disappointed Reader. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best friend’s brother–and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book. If she can prove that she told the truth about what happened during those long-ago summers, perhaps she can put the letter’s claims to rest and meet the swiftly approaching deadline for her next book.

But what she discovers as she delves into the murky past is not what she expected. While facing Tyler isn’t easy, facing the consequences of her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.

Plumb the depths of the human heart with this emotional exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face the unforgivable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with abandon.

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The next bunch will be a quick share for lack of time and room. They were all great reads.

It has been a good time with all of these books.

Interesting new book September 27, 2023

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This BookRunes suggestion will be emotionally challenging, adding a high level to the interest factor. They say a good story always has a requisite number of crisis points and intense interactions. While it adds interest to the story it’s sad that a situation like this happens at all never mind more often than we realize.

Picking Daisy (New England Inspirations Book 3)

It’s never too late…

to find the love of a family.

When divorcee Elise signs up to be a foster parent at the age of 50, she wonders if she made a huge mistake.

Her fear increases when her first placement comes straight from the police station in the middle of the night. Elise struggles to care for the angry teenager who is more difficult to love than anyone she’s ever met before.

At only 15, DJ has lived a harder life than most other orphans.

A terrifying step-father and a string of unfit foster parents has left DJ with a fragile heart that keeps its distance. That way no one can ever hurt her again.

When DJ is sent to live with Elise temporarily, the two struggle to connect while DJ makes secret plans to run away. But as Elise shares God’s love, both hearts begins to soften and believe that a happily family might not be completely out of reach.

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I’m excited to find another Lynette Eason mystery not in my library yet.

A Silent Terror

A deaf woman navigates a maze of danger and intrigue in the first High Stakes thriller from the USA Today–bestselling author of A Silent Fury.

When Marianna Santino’s roommate is killed, Detective Ethan O’Hara can’t fathom the motive. Then he realizes the deaf teacher was the intended target. Marianna must have something the murderer desperately wants. But what?

Digging for the truth, the guarded cop tries to learn everything he can about Marianna. Her world. Her family. Her beauty, faith and fierce independence. In spite of himself, Ethan finds that he can’t keep his feelings at bay. Soon, he’s willing to risk everything—including his heart—to lay the silent terror stalking Marianna to rest.

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Another treasure turned up. This is a good day.

Thread of Revenge (Coldwater Bay Intrigue)

There’s no quit in a Coast Guard investigator trying to save a woman from his past in this stormy thriller from the USA Today–bestselling author.

Marine biologist Sadie Strand is back in her coastal hometown to prove her best friend was murdered—but searching for evidence almost costs Sadie her life. Abducted, drugged and left for dead on a sinking boat, she’s barely rescued in time by Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Gage Sessions, an old friend. Assigned to protect Sadie and connect three complicated cases, Gage risks his life time and again to make sure the woman he once loved survives. But although the handsome, guarded agent vows to protect her, someone will keep killing to ensure the truth never rises to the surface.

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My current read is pretty interesting.

Still Waters (Low Country Series Book 1)

Apologies – The cover picture is unavailable in a form suitable for this space.

Welcome to Edisto Beach where the days are slow and the past is never far away…

Recent graduate Cora Anne Halloway has a history degree and a plan—avoid her own past. Then her beloved grandmother requests one last summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach.

Despite difficult memories lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, Edisto tempts her with forgiveness—especially since Nan hires Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor dedicated to the Island’s preservation from development, Tennessee offers Cora Anne friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt over his father’s death.

For this young woman on the cusp of a new life, peace with her past means reconciling her family and her Edisto memories. But acceptance of her story may mean loving the man determined to preserve a history she’d rather forget.

This is a heartwarming story of young love, old tragedies, and new life wrapped in an idyllic Lowcountry setting praised by NYT bestseller Patti Callahan (Becoming Mrs. Lewis) as a “moving tale of reconciling the past and living for the future.”

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That’s it for today folks. It’s been fun.

More books September 24, 2023

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Good morning! The last post seems like a distant memory. I guess it hasn’t really been all that long but it sure feels like it. I have been paying attention to the suggestion emails but there hasn’t been anything I wanted to read until now.

When I looked at BookRunes suggestion today, I recognized the author and knew I had read some of his books before, a time or two. It was a shock to see there are 17 of his books in my collection dating back to 2012 and I’ve read most of them. For sure now, I will have to read this one too. Even more so since Books 1 and 2 in this series are in the read-books list.

The Scandal of Mercy (Joe Boyd Suspense Series Book 3)

Lieutenant Joe Boyd gets some surprising news from his wife, Kate. He barely has time to process it when he’s given an assignment to confront an aging ex-con, just paroled for a brutal murder committed 36 years ago.

The man’s on his way back there now, even though he has no friends and no family left in Culpepper. The chief’s convinced this can only mean trouble. When Joe and his partner Hank visit Sam Clemens, their instincts tell them there might be more to this story than anyone imagines. Much more.

But their captain, the courts, and everyone else in town believes this murder was solved decades ago. Are they right? Is a paroled killer coming back to town now? Or has the real killer been here all along, roaming the streets of their lovely little town?

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Nothing else much is showing up for me, although I will admit to being distracted from a proper search by closely checking out a few possibles that in the end, didn’t work out for me. There was an almost but practicality prevailed. Time is an issue, must use it wisely.

I’ll share my current read instead. Since it is almost finished, maybe I will also take the chance to count it as read and enjoyed.

Daisy and Jack are friends and the journey to be something more is not without complications. His friends interfere in his love life, or lack thereof, and it could back fire on him. A dating app is involved and I’m sure you can see where this is going. No where good.

On Magnolia Lane (A Blue Ridge Romance Book 3)

Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.

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I may as well mention book 2 in this series as I’m reminded it was also read this week. And thoroughly enjoyed, I should add.

Mulberry Hollow (A Riverbend Romance Book 2)

When a handsome handyman faces a medical emergency on the Appalachian trail, his sudden appearance in town challenges an ambitious doctor’s plan to remain single for life.

When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?

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Not too bad a day after all. It was nice to take the time to at least say hi. I’ve enjoyed the visit, I hope you have too.

New books, a good day! September 20, 2023

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What a good day! We have several new books and I’m excited to see them. The first one is with an author we’ve not seen until now and I have to say it’s lovely to meet new people this way.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a story with an outline quite like this one. It will be interesting to see what it is all about.

Justice by Emily Conrad

Jake thought he was meant to marry Brooklyn, but now she’s pregnant, and he had nothing to do with it.

As Brooklyn wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake, she can’t bring herself to tell him the truth.

To make matters worse, if the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake’s coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both.

Can Jake and Brooklyn overcome the obstacles thrown in their path, and finally find the truth in God’s love and in each other?

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This next one is book two in the series and we have been fortunate enough to have read book one a year ago. I can’t remember what I thought about it though.

Mulberry Hollow (A Riverbend Romance Book 2)

When a handsome handyman faces a medical emergency on the Appalachian trail, his sudden appearance in town challenges an ambitious doctor’s plan to remain single for life.

Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Now at risk of developing the same illness, Avery guards her heart from love. She’s driven to protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.

Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail, in memory of the man who died saving his life, when an illness racks his body. After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery’s clinic, he collapses on her doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again—but this time to a beautiful doctor.

When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?

This second book in Denise Hunter’s popular Riverbend Romance series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.

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That’s it for now, folks. Hopefully these two will be all we hope they will be for a great reading experience.

The finished pile is building up pretty high so I will be back to share some of them soon if all goes well.

New book. Will it be the one? September 10, 2023

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Ready for a change of pace! A casual browse this morning produced one interesting possibility at a time when nothing else in the pile is appealing to me. This is one of those times when I’m hungry but nothing on the menu looks inviting. How sad is that? I’m not sure if this new read will fill the need. The first few pages say yes but you never know if the rest of the book can deliver. Hopefully it will. This author has never failed me yet, not that I can remember anyway.

Reclaiming Nick (Noble Legacy Book 1)

Nick Noble hadn’t planned on being the prodigal son. But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle—the Noble family ranch—to Nick’s former best friend, he must return home to face his mistakes, and guarantee that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family.

Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she’s determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she thinks. So does resisting his charming smile. As Nick seeks to overturn his father’s will—and Piper digs for answers—family secrets surface that send Nick’s life into a tailspin. But there’s someone who’s out to take the Silver Buckle from the Noble family, and he’ll stop at nothing—even murder—to make it happen.

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A tempting collection is calling out to me. Should I or shouldn’t I? That’s the question. So many collections lately. Add them all together and that’s a lot of books needing to be read. Trouble is, the price is right. 0.99 for four books, how can I say no to that? Especially when it’s a special promotion by a favorite author.

Heroes of Purple Heart Ranch: Four Sweet Military Romance Novels

In On His Bended Knee, in order to save his beloved ranch for wounded veterans, Dylan must get married. Maggie needs to find a home for her and her special needs dogs. A marriage of convenience could solve both their problems, but can two wounded souls believe in the power of true love?

In The Rancher takes his Convenient Bride, insta-love alters the plan when an Army Ranger makes a calculated deal to wed a female rancher in a modern day marriage of convenience.

In His Pledge to Honor, a general’s daughter can rehabilitate the most wounded of horses. But when an injured soldier shows up at her ranch as part of her father’s last command, will she follow his lead down a trail of love?

In His Vow to Love, Air Force Pilot Charlie Matthews has flown to the farthest reaches of the world, but he can never seem to reconnect with his first, and only love. Will their latest reunion finally land them on a path to forever?

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I caved and hit the buy button before I could change my mind. It should be a good decision.

New books September 05, 2023

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It never fails. Just when I decide to suspend book buying for a chance to catch up with previous purchases, wouldn’t you know it, irresistible books show up.

I’m not complaining but… really? When I want books, where are they then?

On the other hand, I’m pretty happy. I double checked my purchased-books cache and there are 38 downloads between these two authors. I’ve read and enjoyed every one of them. So much so that I’m thrilled to find two more to add to the pile. They may even find themselves at the head of the TBR queue sooner than expected.

This one was my first find.

Driving Force: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians Collection Book 1)

He’s the last client she wants to protect…

Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper CHRISTINA SHERMAN has protected uncooperative clients before—but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the floor. Yes, he’s a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right?

Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando GREY PARKER. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair.

When an attempt is made on Grey’s life, and dead bodies begin piling up—with evidence the same toxin is responsible—suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive…and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack.

But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.

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Next up. . .

Explosive Truth: A Christian Romantic Suspense (Finnegan First Responders Book 1)

Stalked by a bomber!

When Devon Thompson’s car explodes at the click of her key fob, she doesn’t want to believe she was targeted on purpose. But when the next bomb is found in her apartment, she can’t ignore the fact that someone wants her dead. Trusting Captain Rhyland Finnegan with the truth isn’t easy, but soon she realizes Rhy is an honorable man who will go above and beyond to keep her safe.

As the oldest of nine kids, Rhy has spent the ten years since his parents’ death keeping the Finnegan family together. His personal life has been on hold, until now. Keeping Devon alive is a priority, yet he can’t ignore the attraction between them. When the bomber succeeds in wiring Devon to a suicide bomb, there isn’t a second to lose. Rhy risks his life for hers, but if they manage to survive, Rhy knows his next job will be to convince Devon to join the Finnegan family . . . forever.

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I’m leaving quick before I’m tempted to browse anymore than I already have tonight.

Oops, I forgot. My current read is finally finished. All eight books in the collection have been read and enjoyed. Moving on, one of Colleen Coble’s mysteries caught my eye just now and I’ve rushed it to the head of the pile to be read next. Browsing the first few pages, it appears to be quite a departure from my current reads. Maybe it will be a good choice for a new one. I’ll check it out and let you know.

Dangerous Depths (Aloha Reef Series Book 3)

Sometimes life’s most precious treasure lies at Dangerous Depths.

Leia ditched a promising medical career to settle on a secluded island of Hawaii. She ditched Bane, too, and he’s come to the island to find out why. He’s also in search of a fortune rumored to lie offshore. But an act of sabotage that pushes Bane closer to Leia plunges them both into a tangle of emotion—just as a series of threatening events grip the island.

Theft, a friend’s death, a bizarre intruder, hints of a second treasure . . . and even murder—how can they sort it all out when everyone on the island has something to hide?

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Colleen Coble is another one of my closely followed favorites.