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Read and Enjoyed December 22, 2020

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My favorite read in this batch was fun. I think that’s what I liked most about it, the quirky sense of humor. It was also a cute story. It had substance rather than fluff but was still cute. It’s still a bargain too.

Spare Change by Aubrey Mace

Twenty-three and single, Riley thinks resolutions should be fun, not hard. Just before midnight, she vows to make the easiest resolution ever: save her pennies and at the end of the year, buy something nice for herself. Easy! …Or is it?
Working at a cancer treatment center can change one’s perspective, and before long Riley decides to donate her extra money to cancer research rather than reward herself. At first her resolution is her own secret, but all too soon the nurses figure out her plan, and then things really begin to get out of hand!
As people through the hospital, and then the town, begin to get involved, Riley finds herself at the front of the fund-raising campaign. She also finds herself face-to-face with Paul, the grouchy but cute bank teller. But can she overcome the memory of a failed relationship – and can he do the same? And who is the secret admirer who keeps leaving pennies and notes for her to find?

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There are three more recently read I may as well mention now too. All three are solid favorites

Fatal Winter: Clean Romance Mystery (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 3) This one was five stars.

Bookstore owner, Sylvie Patterson and Detective Ridge Matthews share hidden pain over the long ago tragedy that marked them both. But he’s only aware of part of her unspoken feelings. She knows her love for him has no future because of the breach over his younger brother’s death. Besides he lives hours away in Madison working as a state homicide detective. And after his brother’s tragic accident, Ridge shut down emotionally and keeps his distance from any reminder, especially Sylvie who witnessed the event.

When Sylvie’s cousin Ginger returns from Alaska to write her PhD dissertation, she moves into the apartment above Sylvie’s store. The evening Ginger arrives, she ends their final conversation with these cryptic words: Sylvie, I am going to wow you with a big surprise tomorrow!

Ridge has come to town to pick up the boy he’s assumed guardianship of. He visits Sylvie’s store to pick up Ben. When Ridge and Sylvie discover Ginger’s dead body, his boss orders him to stay and solve the murder. Ridge isn’t happy. He had planned on delivering the boy to a boarding school and go on with his life. Yet break-ins and odd occurrences—most connected to Sylvie and her family—keep him in town, the last place he wants to be. He’s forced to stay with his parents who have never dealt with the past, a constant reminder of what he couldn’t prevent. Plus he’s forced into contact with Sylvie. She’s farther along in reconciling with the past tragedy. Against his will, he begins to crave her company, her peace. The barriers between them crumble, stirring him to want more, feel more.

Worst of all though, Detective Matthews cannot discover any motive or solid clues for her cousin’s murder. Yet because of the continuing violence toward Sylvie’s family, he suspects that another murder might be coming. However, Sylvie refuses to believe that she might be next. What if she’s wrong? Can Ridge stand to lose her too? Why not download this page-turner today?

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The next two awesome books are by the same author.

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I’m loving my current read. I love the story but the best thing about this book is it doesn’t remind me of any other story I’ve ever read.

Ride with Me: A clean, sweet, faith-filled, small-town romance, where life begins at forty.

Hotel magnate Henry Scott lives life in the fast lane. True to form, when his great-uncle leaves him property and a Victorian house in Chapel Cove, he takes a weekend drive, only intending to stay long enough to evaluate his new found assets. If they aren’t a viable option for the next Scott Leisure Resort, he just might consider selling to the couple who’d expressed an interest in buying the old place. After all, if not for them, he would never have known about this last part of his great-uncle’s will, sealed for almost a decade.

When her new neighbor rolls into town, Tash Thornton is less than impressed. Not only is the man presumptuous and audacious, he’s downright egotistical. His grand plans for the property adjoining her stables, tack shop, and riding school do not bode well for her business.

Love thy neighbor, the Bible teaches—those people who cross your path each day. But with Henry Scott owning the land right next door, Tash fears God may expect her to show him a double portion of love.

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Happy Reading.

Check out some of these books. I think they are all still at bargain prices. They are definitely worth more, no question.

Bargain books December 21, 2020

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Favorite Mystery author Christy Barritt has a couple of bargain books I’ve not seen before.

Taken by Dark: A Carolina Moon novella 

Amazon quote:

Widowed single mom Willa Summers can’t deny that something strange is going on in her North Carolina hometown. She fears her pregnant sister-in-law, singer Daleigh McDermott, is the target of mysterious threats. Little does Willa know that she’s the one in danger.

When Declan Donovan shows up in the house next door, things seem to turn from bad to worse. Declan broke Willa’s heart more than a decade ago when he deserted her and chose a career with the FBI over small-town life with her. But now he may be the only one who can help keep everyone safe.

Declan must get to the bottom of things before the mysterious threats become reality. As the darkness closes in, everything Willa holds dear may be snatched from her—including a second chance at love. Will she be overtaken by the dark or will she escape its clutches in time?

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Relentless: A Raven Remington Novel

Amazon quote:

You’ve read about her in the Worst Detective Ever mystery series. Now Raven Remington comes to life in this novella that’s written as if it’s a TV show.

An ex-CIA operative. A top-secret mission. Danger that lurks at every turn.

Raven Remington is facing her most challenging mission: protecting the man who may have killed her sister. The former spy is still trying to integrate into life as a civilian and figure out whom to trust. With each passing day, the task becomes more difficult.

Can Raven figure out who is trying to assassinate the man—the senator—she’s been tasked to protect . . . or will surprises hidden just below the surface destroy life as she knows it?

*Relentless is based on the fictional TV show starring Hollywood starlet Joey Darling from The Worst Detective Ever mystery series.

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One more interesting bargain I’ve not seen before.

A Wish for Christmas

Amazon quote:

 How hard can it be to entertain a house full of guests without revealing they are at the wrong Inn? Mila needs money to satisfy the bank. All she has to do is give them a holiday they won’t forget and not fall in love with Garrett Donnelley and his family.

     Mila Vunderberg is in desperate need of money to save her family home. Left caring for an ailing grandmother who spends her days searching for a “treasure” that doesn’t exist, she has been forced to sell off pieces of her lineage to make ends meet. A blizzard blows in help in the form of a family looking for the perfect Christmas. 

     Garrett Donnelley’s family surprises him with the gift of a perfect Christmas in New York. When the driver drops them off at a beautiful home on the Hudson River, they are welcomed like family. Enchanted by Mila, Garrett sees visions of a future with her, but his hostess has secrets that threaten everything he cherishes.

     One man believes the treasure is real, and the Donnelley family is in his way. Mila and her treasure will be his one way or another.

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My current read: it’s still a bargain

Driftwood Danger (Saltwater Cowboys Book 5)

He’s on one side of the fight to preserve Cape Corral. She’s on the other.

Abigail Ferguson wakes up in a strange place with bruises on her face and her hands bound. Someone is trying to teach her family a painful lesson and using Abigail as a pawn. When she’s able to call for help, only one person comes to mind—law enforcement officer Grant Matthews.

Grant has been crazy about Abigail since they met. But her wealthy family is a long-standing enemy of locals, and dating her would feel like a betrayal to the community he serves. However, when Abigail is abducted and needs his help, nothing will stop him from rescuing and protecting her. 

As Abigail’s captor makes it clear he has more dastardly deeds planned, Grant and Abigail work together to try to find answers. But their growing feelings—and the obstacles between them—might put Abigail in even more danger. Can the two figure out this man’s identity before it’s too late? Or will the clever madman taunting Abigail stop at nothing to achieve what he wants?

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Happy Reading!

Bargain books December 18, 2020

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We have some nice bargains from favorite authors today and the first one of the books is new to me. It’s a good day when something is new.

Fatal Winter: Clean Romance Mystery (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Bookstore owner, Sylvie Patterson and Detective Ridge Matthews share hidden pain over the long ago tragedy that marked them both. But he’s only aware of part of her unspoken feelings. She knows her love for him has no future because of the breach over his younger brother’s death. Besides he lives hours away in Madison working as a state homicide detective. And after his brother’s tragic accident, Ridge shut down emotionally and keeps his distance from any reminder, especially Sylvie who witnessed the event.

When Sylvie’s cousin Ginger returns from Alaska to write her PhD dissertation, she moves into the apartment above Sylvie’s store. The evening Ginger arrives, she ends their final conversation with these cryptic words: Sylvie, I am going to wow you with a big surprise tomorrow!

Ridge has come to town to pick up the boy he’s assumed guardianship of. He visits Sylvie’s store to pick up Ben. When Ridge and Sylvie discover Ginger’s dead body, his boss orders him to stay and solve the murder. Ridge isn’t happy. He had planned on delivering the boy to a boarding school and go on with his life.

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There are three bargains from this next favorite author and I’ve read them all. They are worth a second look though.

Seagrass Pier (The Hope Beach Series Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.

But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.

Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.

The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent agrees to help her: Agent Marc Everton.

Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much. 

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Twilight at Blueberry Barrens (A Sunset Cove Novel Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.

Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family.

The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.

Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again . . . or if this twilight is her last.

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Without a Trace (Rock Harbor Series Book 1)

From USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble comes a riveting mystery that draws together a plane crash, a lost husband and son, a violent crime, and a mother and her search-and-rescue dog who will stop at nothing to bring the child home. 

It’s been months since the crash. K-9 search-and-rescue worker Bree Nicholls knows the chances of finding her husband and son in the vast wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grow more remote by the day. But her heart and her faithful dog, Samson, demand she keep searching.

Deep in the woods a young boy wakes in a tiny cabin. He’s being nursed back to health by a reclusive woman, but he can’t figure out why she calls him by a name he doesn’t recognize. Or why she’s calling herself his mother. He wants to leave, but as winter sets in, his very life depends on her care.

Meanwhile, Bree’s relentless determination to find her family has uncovered a violent crime. With the help of Park Ranger Kade Matthews, she discovers the violence may be linked to the plane crash that took her family. Could solving the crime bring her peace with her own loss? Or, more incredibly, reunite her family?

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Happy Reading

Read and enjoyed, Romance edition

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This is going to be really fast because it’s after midnight and morning comes early tomorrow.

I upgraded Word Press today as suggested. I don’t know what I was thinking. The worst thing is it feels like there is a whole toolbar missing and it’s no longer easy to shift back and forth between drafts and previous post and pages. I guess it supposed to be easier but I’m not loving it at the moment. Maybe next week.

In the meantime. This next book, feel like I’ve already shared it but can’t find where, so here it is again. I really liked this book.

(I just figured out why I didn’t like the new editor. It opened up in the Word Press app installed on my computer. I closed that out, switched to connecting through Chrome and everything is right with my world again. I have my beloved toolbars back.)

OK back to books.

The Fragrance of Geraniums (A Time of Grace Book 1)

Told from multiple perspectives, this is a powerful story of three women – of the threads of mercy that connect them – and of heart-wrenching sorrows alchemized by the Heavenly Father’s overwhelming redeeming grace.

Rhode Island – 1934

A GIRL
Grace Picoletti has nothing going for her – but she’s determined to succeed in life, nonetheless. Born to severe destitution, she claws her way up from the pit of family shame and secrets. She avoids close friendships – even with the likable, persistent Paulie Giorgi…

A WOMAN
Despite her own agonizing emotional pain, childless Emmeline Kinner reaches out to a young woman so far beneath her. She could never have known whom else God would set in her path through her friendship with Grace…

A MOTHER
Long ago, Sarah Picoletti resigned herself to a loveless, abusive life – and she believes that her daughter Grace must inherit the same fate. Yet Sarah’s own soul cries out for the blessed peace and hope of which the radio minister speaks…

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This was an excellent book too.

A Christmas Match: A Regency Romance (Landon House Book 4) 

Lady Charity is a little disappointed. With her older sisters now wed, it is her turn to experience London society but, unfortunately, she must attend during the winter, when it is quiet and a little less exciting. However, determined to do her best, she steps into a wintery London and into society.
Guided by Lady Hayward, Charity finds herself rather delighted with society – all save for one particular gentleman who, for whatever reason, has never a kind word to say to anyone. Despite knowing she should step away, Charity finds herself quite intrigued by him, wondering what it might be that troubles him so and soon finds herself quite determined to improve his demeanour.

Benedict, the Marquess of Hosmer, has always despised the festive season, ever since his betrothed cried off. Now, for whatever reason, he has met the most frustrating young lady who is more than eager to convince him of the happiness that can be found at Christmas time. The more he pushes her away, the more determined she becomes.

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The rest were good too but in the interest of brevity…

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I’m currently reading and enjoying another six books A Christmas Romance Collection . I’m about half way through. It’s moving quickly because I’d read the first two books elsewhere. Not necessarily a bad thing.

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Until next time.

Happy Reading

Read & enjoyed – mystery/thriller

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My favorite read in the mystery category this week was mentioned several days ago but here it is again. My favorite writing aspect is show rather than tell and Susan Sleeman nails it.

Show means enough to me that I keep a list to avoid authors I know favor tell. I guess that means I’m becoming a book snob. A few using tell do sneak in from time to time. Mainly because the first couple of pages look good, it’s further into the story when things begin to slide south.

Dead Ringer: (Truth Seekers Book 1) 

She was hiding from her past…
When a local woman goes missing and Sheriff Blake Jenkins delivers her blood sample to DNA expert Emory Steele for analysis, Blake discovers Emory is a dead ringer for the missing woman. Blake’s gut says the woman is related to Emory. But Emory rejects the notion, requiring a DNA test before she’ll concede that she does indeed have a twin sister she never knew about.

Now she’ll do anything to see it come to light.
Emory joins Blake in a search for her missing sister, but when an attempt is made to abduct Emory as well, they begin to think the abduction is related to Emory’s birth parents. Blake vows to keep her under his watch until they discover what this maniac is looking for and bring him to justice. But Emory balks at him wanting to keep her under constant surveillance as she’s struggling to come to grips with a former brutal attack, and she wants nothing to do with a man who might want to get close to her. When it becomes clear that Blake is the only one who can keep her safe, will she let him get close enough to do so?

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The next two I enjoyed, just not as much as Dead Ringer. On the plus side, I enjoyed Dead Man’s Watch more than expected

Dead Man’s Watch (The Watch Series Book 2) 

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. When a former acquaintance of Kathryn’s is accused of murder, she and Cece go on a mission to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. But things are never what they seem in this tangled web, and Kathryn’s spunky determination to solve the mystery pushes her closer and closer to a deadly climax.

The Elevator was my third favorite.

In the path of a devastating hurricane, three very different women find themselves trapped in the elevator of a high-rise office building. All three conceal shattering secrets—unaware that their secrets center on the same man.

The betrayed wife, eager to confront her faithless husband, with rage in her heart and a gun in her pocket…

The determined mistress, finally ready to tell her lover she wants marriage and a family…

The fugitive cleaning woman, tormented by the darkest secret of all…

The back and fourth between characters and timelines was challenging to follow. Movement was slow in spots too, which made the story drag more than I would like. It was a worthwhile read though.

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Last but not least, this was an enjoyable read too. Actually, it should have been first.

I forgot. I gave this one five stars and I don`t do that very often.

Light the Dark: A Carolina Moon Christmas Novella

Nine months pregnant, Hope Solomon is on the run and fearing for her life. Desperate for warmth, food, and shelter, she finds what looks like an abandoned house. Inside, she discovers a Christmas that’s been left behind—complete with faded decorations on a brittle Christmas tree and dusty stockings filled with loss.

Someone spies smoke coming from the chimney of the empty house and alerts Dr. Luke Griffin, the owner. He rarely visits the home that harbors so many bittersweet memories for him. But no one is going to violate the space so near and dear to his heart.

Then Luke meets Hope, and he knows this mother-to-be desperately needs help. With no room at any local inn, Luke invites Hope to stay, unaware of the danger following her. While running from the darkness, the embers of Christmas present are stirred with an unexpected birth and a holiday romance. But will Hope and Luke live to see a Christmas future?

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The next sharing will be back to romance.

That`s my current read, historical romance.

A Mountain Christmas Romance (Wyoming Mountain Tales Book 4) 

Stripped of the family so important to his Viking heritage, Matthias Bjork is now on the hunt for his sister. Despite combing the entire Wyoming Territory, he hasn’t found any substantial leads regarding his sister’s whereabouts, but he has discovered a most unusual woman. This woodland nymph who’s come to work for his good friend in the quiet town of Mountain Bluff is like no one he’s ever met.

Opal Boyd has finally found the haven she’s longed for all her life, in a most unlikely place—working for a German couple in this remote Wyoming mountain town. She learned long ago that most men couldn’t be trusted, but when a mountain man stops in the boarding house where she works, he seems to have the respect and affection of the two people she’s learned to trust implicitly. And the more she comes to know Matthias, she struggles not to trust him the same way the others do.

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Happy Reading, one and all.

Read & Enjoyed December 15, 2020

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My favorite books, so far this week, were written by Dan Walsh. I like his style and his imaginative story creation. There is depth, sensitivity, and a tale well worth reading.

This first one was a refresher read from last year. I loved it the first time around and enjoyed it just as much second time. It turns out I did remember the story just not the author.

Remembering Christmas

Amazon quote:

Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanks-giving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is reluctant. He’s never liked Art, despite the fact his own father abandoned them when Rick was twelve. Rick’s attitude sours even more when a couple of days helping at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keeps hanging about,

Slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons—as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day—work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas.

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This next one was new to me, yesterday. I finished it today and loved it enough to call it a five star read. Historical. Family. Heartbreak. Filled with hope and forgiveness

The Unfinished Gift (A Homefront Novel Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Patrick Collins has three items on his Christmas list. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants–very badly–the wooden soldier tucked away in his grandfather’s attic. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging family story that reminds us of the surprising things that can affect powerful change in our hearts–-like a young boy’s desperate prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, even a dusty, long-forgotten wooden soldier.

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My current read is also a Dan Walsh book. Another series, quite different from the last two reads.

The Deepest Waters (Epic Journey Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

For John and Laura Foster, what began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 aboard the steamship SS Vandervere, quickly turns into a nightmare. A terrible hurricane strikes and the grand ship begins to sink. Just before it goes under, a rescue ship appears on the horizon. But it only has room enough to save the women and children. Laura soon finds herself sailing away toward New York city on a ship filled with orphans and widows, to meet John’s family whom she’s never met. Desperate for a miracle, Laura braces herself to face life alone.

(Inspired by a True Story)

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My next read & enjoyed installment will probably be mystery/thriller as the list is a building up again. There were lots of good memories as I perused what’s there and I will be happy to share.

Until next time

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books December 14, 2020

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain romance suggestion for us. This is a pre-order and will probably be comprised of novellas given there are fourteen books included. I recognize many but not all of the fourteen authors involved in this collection and I’m looking forward to it.

Love’s Treasure – A Christian Romance Collection: Limited Edition 

Amazon quote:

Love may be the greatest gift—but only God’s love can transform these couples’ lives…

Fourteen of your favorite Christian romance authors offer an inspiring collection of contemporary and historical stories celebrating the greatest treasure of all—love.

From new starts to second chances, broken dreams to renewed hope, treasure hunts to runaway brides, this collection of stories will touch your heart and stir your spirit, reminding you of God’s power to transform hearts and lives.

Don’t miss this limited-edition collection of heartwarming stories from USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors.

100% of Pre-order proceeds will be donated to the Village Enterprise organization in Africa.

INCLUDED IN THIS LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION:

Juliette Duncan: Because We Cared; Autumn Macarthur: Nothing More

Marion Ueckermann: More than This; Joy Ohagwu: A Royal Inheritance

T.K. Chapin: One Love; Lorana Hoopes: A Second Chance for Christmas

Elizabeth Maddrey: So You Love to Hate Your Boss; Evangeline Kelly: Love’s Sacrifice

Valerie Comer: Ruby Radiance; Naomi Rawlings: Love’s Violet Sunrise

Valerie M. Bodden: Heart’s Home; Melissa Tagg: Someday Soon

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us. It looks like I’ve downloaded a dozen books from this author over the last eight years and read at least half of them. I need a refresher to remember how much I liked his books so I’m looking forward to this one.

The Unfinished Gift (A Homefront Novel Book 1)

Amazon quote:

— Double Carol Award-winner (Best Debut Novel, Best Historical Fiction) —

Patrick Collins has three items on his Christmas list. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants–very badly–the wooden soldier tucked away in his grandfather’s attic. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging family story that reminds us of the surprising things that can affect powerful change in our hearts–-like a young boy’s desperate prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, even a dusty, long-forgotten wooden soldier.

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I’m currently reading & enjoying a mystery/thriller, it’s still a bargain and I love it enough to recommend it.

Dead Ringer: (Truth Seekers Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

She was hiding from her past…
When a local woman goes missing and Sheriff Blake Jenkins delivers her blood sample to DNA expert Emory Steele for analysis, Blake discovers Emory is a dead ringer for the missing woman. Blake’s gut says the woman is related to Emory. But Emory rejects the notion, requiring a DNA test before she’ll concede that she does indeed have a twin sister she never knew about.

Now she’ll do anything to see it come to light.
Emory joins Blake in a search for her missing sister, but when an attempt is made to abduct Emory as well, they begin to think the abduction is related to Emory’s birth parents. Blake vows to keep her under his watch until they discover what this maniac is looking for and bring him to justice. But Emory balks at him wanting to keep her under constant surveillance as she’s struggling to come to grips with a former brutal attack, and she wants nothing to do with a man who might want to get close to her. When it becomes clear that Blake is the only one who can keep her safe, will she let him get close enough to do so?

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Happy Reading y’all

Story prompt – Fire

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The first thing to pop into my head at this week’s word was “fire in my bones”

There is a picture in my mind of what this means but to be certain I looked up the meaning.

Two expressions were first up.

A driving enthusiasm that compelled action.

… intense feeling or passion.

There was a bible verse coming up often in this fire in my bones search too. It’s Jeremiah chapter 20 verse 9. Maybe that’s where I first heard the phrase. In relation to this verse. I don’t really know, but I do have strong memories of feeling this passion in my teens. I have to admit it’s never really left me.

There are two things about this impactful phrase that have followed me all my life.

A passion to make my life count for something. The picture this thought drew in my head did not include great exploits or high positions and wealth. It was simply to make a difference in someone’s life. This thought could have been born out of gratefulness for those who were there for me in my childhood’s time of greatest need. I’ve no idea really. I just remember as a teenager this passion was highly important to me.

The other thing was a recognition of the ongoing need for enthusiasm. Through the years it became very clear to me … to be successful I needed to be passionate about whatever I attempted. I’ve had jobs I liked and some I didn’t. Enthusiasm was a big part of any success I gained.

The other day a friend and I were discussing changes and new requirements that just seem to keep on coming, relentlessly. I laughed and said, I guess it’s a good thing I don’t hate this. A love for what I do keeps me going in the hard places.

I was looking for a picture to go with this fire in my bones thought and did see some I really liked but this one seemed to fit best with the whole thing I’m trying to do here.

It’s a book. What could be more appropriate than that on a blog like mine.

I’ve Got to Write!: It’s Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones!

Amazon quote:

STORIES THAT INSPIRE Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV) But if I will not mention his word or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire shut up in my bones. I’ve Got to Write! It’s Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones is a compilation of smoldering, heartfelt stories of love, compassion, faith, hope, forgiveness, and amazement inspired and told by members of the Chosen Pen Writers Group. For many of our authors, this is their first published work. Yet, the passion and resolve in bringing to light a story that was burning on their hearts can be found on the printed pages inside.

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I will admit I don’t have a fire in me to write. At least not in the most accepted sense of writing. My longing is to make a difference. I don’t feel compelled to be a writer.

Things pop into my mind that could be comforting or encouraging and I feel compelled to share them. I have to write to do that.

I feel compelled, in our world of non readers, to encourage others to become readers. To do this I share books I’ve found to be worth reading. I have to write, at least a little bit, to accomplish this.

This is the fire that keeps me posting often. To encourage.

Learning to write is a side effect of this activity.

It looks like it could be becoming a new passion though.

I guess that must be why I keep writing for this story prompt!

Newly emerging fire.

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Story Prompt is hosted by Confusing Middle’s – Sunday Scribblings

Read and Enjoyed early December 2020

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Serials are not something I notice very often. Maybe I’m just not paying attention, it could be that alright. There are lots of series. Sometimes they are installments (continuations) of the same story but more often than not these days, they are connected (each story a different family member or maybe each friend in a group of friends) but stand alone stories.

Anyway, I wouldn’t normally be attracted to a story that comes in installments, I’m much too impatient for that, but this one looked different and interesting. I have to say it was worthwhile and I would definitely read the rest of the story. My only complaint is the slow movement of the story. Of course, it has to be that way for the story to last over the span of five books.

On the Wings of a Whisper: A serialized historical Christian romance. (Sonnets of the Spice Isle Book 1)

The complete series is available if you are interested.

A spoiled heiress and a ship’s captain cross swords when she contrives to join her father’s mission trip to the heart of Africa.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Early 1866

RyAnne Hunter is determined to stop her father from leaving for the continent of Africa, where he plans to start a mission station. And she only has until morning. Tonight at the Harcourts’ Annual Ball will be her last chance to change his mind. She must succeed! Papa’s health, and her future, depend on her success. But, as if her task isn’t difficult enough, now the insufferable Captain Dawson has agreed to guide Papa’s expedition!

After spending six months at sea, Captain Trent Dawson only wants to think about rest and relaxation. However, when he’s recruited by a British naval officer to help put an end to a slave smuggling ring, the perfect opportunity presents itself in Dr. Hunter, who needs a guide to the Interior. Now if he can just help the doctor without spending too much time with the man’s troublesome and flighty youngest daughter.

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One more read and enjoyed by Lynnette Bonner

My Blue Havyn (Heart’s of Hollywood series Book 1)

When Havyn Jessup agreed to join her church’s building trip, she had no idea the man who broke her heart was coming as well. The last thing she wants is to spend time with the now internationally famous actor, Levi Carter. Even if it is in Africa, where he might, if God had any sense of justice, be eaten, one tiny bite at a time, by a pride of hungry lions. Two whole weeks. She’d never survive that long.

Levi is elated to learn that Havyn will be joining the building team. He had planned to look her up just as soon as he got home to tell her what a fool he’d been. But there is no time like the present. And what better place to ensure she would hear him than when she was strapped in at thirty thousand feet above sea level? Two short weeks. Could he convince her he was a changed man in that amount of time?

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Happy Reading.

Bargain books December 11, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It occurred to me this morning that I could be leaving a wrong impression. I moan often about bad book days. This complaining could lead you to the sad conclusion there is a severe shortage of good books. It would be tragic for you to think this way. There are many, many, good books out there. An infinite plethora. And I would dearly love to download and read them all.

Sadly there are two shortages in my life, and they aren’t books. Time and money. My appetite for books is huge compared to my ability to follow through with consumption. Debtors prison would soon be waiting and they probably wouldn’t allow my beloved books inside with me.

All that to say, don’t ever let yourself think there is a shortage in awesome books.

As for me and my appetite…

If I read like a normal person, I would be scrounging for something to say every day. We can’t have that.

Believe it. There are tons of good books out there. Just not always in the Free and bargain categories, my favorites.

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As for bargains today – there is a bit of a shortage (lol)

It looks like I’ve downloaded 28 books from this author and read more than half of them. (out of control appetite?)

This is Book 5 in the series we’ve been following and enjoyed lately.

Driftwood Danger (Saltwater Cowboys Book 5) 

Amazon quote:

He’s on one side of the fight to preserve Cape Corral. She’s on the other.

Abigail Ferguson wakes up in a strange place with bruises on her face and her hands bound. Someone is trying to teach her family a painful lesson and using Abigail as a pawn. When she’s able to call for help, only one person comes to mind—law enforcement officer Grant Matthews.

Grant has been crazy about Abigail since they met. But her wealthy family is a long-standing enemy of locals, and dating her would feel like a betrayal to the community he serves. However, when Abigail is abducted and needs his help, nothing will stop him from rescuing and protecting her. 

As Abigail’s captor makes it clear he has more dastardly deeds planned, Grant and Abigail work together to try to find answers. But their growing feelings—and the obstacles between them—might put Abigail in even more danger. Can the two figure out this man’s identity before it’s too late? Or will the clever madman taunting Abigail stop at nothing to achieve what he wants?

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One more bargain, a pre-order. I’ve read one other book by this author.

Forgiven by the Hero: A Christian Search and Rescue Christmas Romance

Amazon quote:

They weren’t searching for love, but a snowstorm might help them find it.

Megan Warren is secretly Marcus Warner, best-selling author of adventure thrillers. Hiding away in a remote cabin near Freedom, Colorado is the perfect escape to meet the looming deadline from her publisher. Her peace and quiet keeps getting disrupted by the gruff Search and Rescue Officer using the mountain as training grounds, but she doesn’t mind the interruptions.

Derek Held trusts dogs more than people, and his life revolves around training the best Search and Rescue dogs in the country. When he meets a mysterious woman holed up on the mountain, the Christmas season in Freedom suddenly looks a lot cheerier, until her evasive answers send up red flags.

An unexpected snowstorm shuts down the mountain, Megan and Derek are stranded in her tiny cabin, with only her secrets and his suspicions to keep them company. Can he learn to trust and let her rescue his heart?

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I’m currently reading the book downloaded yesterday. I was excited about it but at this point I’m having second thoughts. Mind you, I haven’t gotten very far yet. We’ll see how it goes. I love the cover.

In the path of a devastating hurricane, three very different women find themselves trapped in the elevator of a high-rise office building. All three conceal shattering secrets—unaware that their secrets center on the same man.

The betrayed wife, eager to confront her faithless husband, with rage in her heart and a gun in her pocket…

The determined mistress, finally ready to tell her lover she wants marriage and a family…

The fugitive cleaning woman, tormented by the darkest secret of all…

As the storm rages ever closer, these three must unite to fight for their lives in the greatest test of courage—and faith—any woman could ever face.

Happy Reading!