romance

5 more new books, December 08, 2023 Part two

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Actually, it will be 8 new books because two are collections! I am not complaining, one bit. Restraint will be sorely needed though because things are clearly getting out of hand and I’m happy about it. I LOVE new books. So hard to resist.

OK, so on to two more mysteries from Lynette Eason. Both are collections.

Rose Mountain Refuge Complete Collection: Three Thrilling Suspense Novels 

AGENT UNDERCOVER
Following the unsolved murder of his sister, Dr. Dylan Seabrook is raising his six-year-old orphaned nephew—and now the killer is after them. Undercover DEA agent Paige Ashworth is on the case, but can she safeguard Dylan and his nephew before the murderer silences them for good?

HOLIDAY HIDEOUT
No matter where she goes, Dr. Abby Sullivan can’t escape her past—or a stalker’s threats. She flees to Rose Mountain for safety and is forced to rely on officer Cal MacIvers for protection. But when faced with a deadly showdown, Abby will have to choose: flee again or fight for her life.

DANGER ON THE MOUNTAIN
After making a new life for herself and her infant daughter, widow Maggie Bennett thought they were safe—until they’re caught in the middle of a bank robbery. Officer Reese Kirkpatrick seems to be just the man she needs to help them stay alive…but a shocking betrayal puts Maggie at risk.

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This next one is a two author collection.

My Deadly Valentine: An Anthology (Love Inspired Suspense) 

Dangerous Admirer by Valerie Hansen

Someone’s stalking Rachel Hollister. With suspects at every turn, it’s deputy Jase Morgan’s job to halt the menace shadowing her steps. As the most romantic holiday of the year approaches, can she trust this charming officer with her life…and her heart?

Dark Obsession by Lynette Eason

Hang-up calls, graffiti, break-ins at her shop right before Valentine’s Day… Someone wants to scare Holly Maddox–and it’s working. Her high school sweetheart, Eli Brody, comes to the rescue, but surely the handsome detective doesn’t really plan to stay. There’s nowhere for Holly to turn as danger–and heartbreak–start closing in.

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Next we have a couple of new books from another author we follow closely. We’ve seen a number of stories in this series but only one from this author so far. Today we have two more.

Desperate Measures (Love Inspired Suspense)

A widow accused of murdering her husband hides on an island in the Chesapeake Bay in this romantic suspense novel of faith and danger.

Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She’s desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler’s Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she’s always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer’s crosshairs.

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Dark Harbor (Love Inspired Suspense) 

A reporter gets dangerously close to the truth and to a mysterious detective in this inspirational romantic suspense novel by a USA Today bestseller.

Someone wants reporter Madelyn Sawyer to leave the small coastal town she’s just arrived in—even if it takes hurting her. But she won’t give up her goal of investigating Waterman’s Reach’s new police chief that easily. Madelyn assumes that former big-city detective Zach Davis—who some believe is a murderer involved in a drug-trafficking ring—is behind the threat. Who else would have a motive?

But as bullets fly Madelyn’s way, it’s Zach who keeps saving her life. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she wants to tell the handsome lawman why she’s really in town. But if she does, will she lose his trust . . . and any hope of surviving long enough to bring the real killer to light?

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This last one, before we go on to part three post, is also from a frequently read author. This is book 2 in the series and thankfully we already have book 1.

Stormy Haven (Coldwater Bay Intrigue) 

He’s her undercover bodyguard—but she can’t know—in this “true rollercoaster ride of a suspense story” from the USA Today–bestselling author (Harlequin Junkie).

When someone tries to kill former government agent Jonna Strand, Ian Brady comes to her rescue. Now Ian must keep Jonna safe and catch the would-be killer—without revealing he was sent undercover to protect her. But when Jonna learns the truth, can she look past his secrets and lean on him to ensure they live through the storm-ridden night?

“A high-stake, action-packed, run-for-your-life but at the same time confront-the-danger adventure . . . a well-written suspense novel.” —Inkwell Inspirations

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Looks like there will have to be a part three to this post.

Making up for lost time, it’s been awhile since we had new interesting suggestions.

Be back again soon.

BookBub suggestion plus 3, December 08, 2023

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This author has a movie with his name on the script. That’s an awesome accomplishment, a book turned into a movie. Interestingly, we have experienced this aforementioned story as well as several other books from this author over the last decade. I’m looking forward to this new one, hoping it will jog my memory about the past reading experience with Jim Stovall.

A Christmas Snow Jim Stovall

For Kathleen, Christmas has always been an unwelcome reminder of her father’s abandonment almost three tumultuous decades ago. Although she has tried to forget her past, it has not forgotten her, and in the days leading up to Christmas, an unforgiving blizzard traps her in her home with two unlikely roommates who bring her face to face with the hurts of her past-and the hope of a happier future.

Will she let go of the past and grad hold of a future full of love and forgiveness? Or will she continue to be haunted by her pain as the snow storm of the century brings with it the hope of lasting joy?

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Browsing the Amazon suggestion strips I was excited to see there was a new read from one of our favorite authors. It’s already added to my cache of books just in case. Don’t want to be distracted and forget. Oh, wait, Book 2 is also available as a good deal, too. I can’t pass this up.

Expired Return: A thrilling fire and rescue romantic suspense (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 1) 

This looks like a quote from the book.

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

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Expired Hope: A gripping fire and rescue romantic suspense (Last Chance Fire and Rescue Book 2)

She’s running to a fresh start…

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson just wants to help heroes survive their past. But when she’s rescued from a fire…and falls for the one person she’s supposed to help…she could destroy both their futures.

It’s his last chance to get it right…

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job–he just has to prove it to the counselor who is signing off on his team. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for her.

But danger is stalking her and someone is going to get hurt.

So, he’ll have to protect her, without crossing any lines. And she’ll have to make sure that she doesn’t get him killed.

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This has been a very good day! I see Lynette Eason, another favorite author, has a few more books I don’t have but need to while the chance is here.

It is such a good day that there will need to be both part 1 and part 2 to this post. We will add one more to this batch first though or, heaven forbid, we might have to go to part 3. Restraint is clearly needed soon.

I haven’t read anything in this series that is next on today’s list of new books. I have read all 27 of her other downloads though. She has a lot of books to chose from and we will see more than this one before we are done today. I can hardly wait.

Christmas Cover-Up (Family Reunions Book 2)

A detective must find her missing sister with the help of a former agent from her troubled past in this wholesome holiday romantic thriller.

Seven-year-old Lucy Randall was kidnapped in broad daylight fourteen years ago. With little information to go on, the investigation went cold. Now Lucy’s sister, Detective Katie Randall, is determined to find the truth. But solving the case will require facing another demon from her past . . .

Former FBI Agent Jordan Grey knows that Katie isn’t to blame for his brother’s death—but the rest of his family still holds her responsible. When Katie comes to him for help, he agrees to help her find Lucy—even as he promises himself not to fall for the beautiful detective. As the holiday season approaches, Katie and Jordan get close to the truth. And Jordan will do anything to protect her from a deadly kidnapper . . .

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Okay, on to part two. See you soon.

Twas the Night, December 01 2023

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Twas The Night, but I don’t think it was before Christmas. Maybe close to it, a couple of years before. I need to read more to find the truth of it. Good job I’m between books at this moment. Dan Walsh is the author and I enjoy and look forward to his books. BookBub gets the credit for making this suggestion.

Twas The Night (The Long Way Home Book 1)

In 1960 just days before Christmas, Theresa Dempsey, a young mother from Brooklyn, experiences an unspeakable tragedy. Two years later, she relocates to Black Rock, a small mountain town in North Carolina, hoping to make a fresh start.

About that time, in a little cabin deep in the mountainous woods, young Ransom is trying to survive a day at a time, caring for his sister Emma, and an ailing father as a snowstorm approaches.

Back in Black Rock, Deputy Bud Ellison is scrambling to catch a serial burglar, the first real crime this town has seen in years—during the holidays no less. On one remarkable cold, snowy night, the paths of all three of these lives will collide, and change them all forever.

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That’s it for this time. I did look a little without any luck.

I loved this book November 23, 2023

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This experience was so awesome that I am still basking in the joy of the read. It’s much like enjoying the most amazing and delicious meal you’ve had in forever. This analogy always come to me, I think, because the emotional joy I’m left with is pretty similar to that of a good meal. This mood has me feeling really good about life in this moment.

So, why was it so good? I think it was the “master chef” with just the right ingredients and a five star recipe.

The framing of the story was interesting and unique. Tons of mystery with small clues in appropriate places. The timing was right on. The clues were enough but not too much. The characters were just right too, well developed with the right degree of tension and interaction between all of them.

Normal routine for me at the end of a book is to immediately start reading another one. Haven’t done that today because the positive upbeat mood would be killed with the tension of the new story. I want to enjoy the glow of a good mood a little while longer.

The Holiday Reunion (Complete Series: Books 1-6) (Pine Lake)

She wasn’t expecting to spend the holidays heartbroken and alone. But thanks to her soon-to-be ex-husband, everything she once had is now gone.

At 46 years old, all Matilda has is a backpack and a one-way ticket to her estranged cousins’ cabin in Washington. Adapting to the small-town lifestyle, Matilda makes a room in the attic, where she discovers a hidden box of odds and ends.

Inside is a picture of her as a child. Next to two other girls, and words that read: “My three beautiful daughters”

But Matilda is an only child. Or at least that’s what she’s always known.

Faced with the possibility that she has more family, Matilda must make a decision. Figure out who she really is or continue living a lie. But a grumpy man, snow storms, and hidden answers all still stand between her and the truth.

Will Matilda find out about her family’s past before the holidays? Or are some secrets buried for a reason?

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Two new books showed up as I gathered information to review the book above.

The first one is from an author I’ve not read and I find I want to take a chance. The second is an author appearing on my Good Authors list, today’s book is the fourth in the series and we’ve read the first three. Seems only fair to read book 4.

Her Unexpected Cowboy: A Clean & Wholesome Cowboy Romance (Unforgettable Cowboys Book 1)

A cowboy without a memory, a goat rancher in desperate need of help, and neither expect the dangers that follow…

Sydney hides out at her goat ranch, unwilling to ask for the help she desperately needs. She clings to her loneliness as a badge, that is until a cowboy who strangely matches her crazy birthday wish shows up at her door.

She is half-scared, half-intrigued by this handsome but bruised up cowboy with no memory. Does she allow him to stay in her barn and help, or send him on his way and hope he listens?

Jameson wakes up on the side of a country road in the middle of nowhere hurting pretty much everywhere and having no idea of who he is or why he is there. When he walks to the nearest house, he’s both relieved and fearful that a beautiful single woman answers his call for help.

He has to find out who he is, but Sydney has captured his heart and he makes excuses to stay near her, helping at her ranch. A nagging feeling like time closing in keeps tugging at him, until the Sheriff pays Sydney a call and Jameson recognizes his voice—a voice that causes a chill to run down his spine.

When the past catches up in a web of danger, they realize there is more at stake than just their hearts—their lives hang on the thread of his lost memory.

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Northern Redemption (Heroes of the Tundra Book 4)

Runaway bride Lise Dumont would rather face down polar bears than marry her abusive ex-fiancé. When she returns to Churchill, Manitoba to reclaim her job as a Conservation Officer, the peace of the tundra finally helps soothe her spirit.

Northern Lights Helicopter Tour owner, Rory Gallagher, isn’t looking for a relationship deeper than the one he has with his pet cat; despite his family’s desire for him to settle down and produce grandchildren. Scarred by memories of not being able to save his father from drowning seven years ago, Rory’s fine with being alone.

Until Lise blazes back into town and helps talk him down from a helicopter crash. Just as a blizzard closes in, two hardened escaped convicts take them hostage, and Lise and Rory are forced to rely on each other to survive. They each must confront their own troubled pasts if they want a future worth fighting for.

Can a relationship born out of life-and-death stakes be enough to last for a lifetime?

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I’m finally ready to move on to a new read. Not sure about this one but going to give it a try and see where it goes.

Perfectionistic librarian Jacqui Penn is ripped up by the roots when she’s dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Rootless and on the run, she is drawn two thousand miles west across Canada to the last place she ever thought could offer stability—the old homestead where her father grew up.Renovating the derelict house soon becomes a personal battle as it stubbornly resists her efforts.

While Jacqui struggles to renew the home, she spends time with the family Pops bitterly resented. Her hunger for roots grows stronger as she fights to discover the long-buried reasons her father fled the house as a beleaguered teen. But will she ever find the belonging she craves?

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It’s been a good day.

What to do? New book? November 20, 2023

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What to do, what to do? Will I read this? Hmmmm. The first book under consideration is an author just getting started by the looks of things. I would like to support an new author and download his book but will I read it and that’s the question. After browsing the first four chapters I’m still waffling. It could turn out to be a triggering experience.

It’s free so it won’t matter if I don’t, maybe. It seems like they can tell if it’s been read and read thoroughly and that might matter. I’ll give it a shot anyway.

The Heart Shed: A Tragic Necessity

A Brand New Type of Mystery Novel! Steve needs a new heart. Three young strangers are too busy making their way in the world to realize one of them is destined to save a life.


A heart transplant is not a miracle, it is the result of one human’s ultimate sacrifice. Behind every undeserved triumph is a heartbreaking tragedy. The Heart Shed blends these two parallel suspense stories into one medical thriller.


Steve is a middle-age high school teacher in Dallas, Texas. A medical crisis interrupts his life when he is diagnosed with heart failure and forces him to face the reality that he has alienated himself from everyone he cares about. He learns the error of his way, but is it too late to change a life of self-absorption?


Ranae and Wayne are madly in love and living out the perfect romance. As they build a life together, they separately strive to establish promising careers. For Ranae, it is a long hard road to becoming a nurse, but she is up for the challenge. Wayne is a seminary student, who has secretly lost his faith. He struggles to come to terms with his hypocrisy while keeping this secret from Ranae.


Kurt has just graduated from high school and is obsessed with his best friend Julie. He’d like romance but is stuck in the friend zone. Can he convince Julie they were meant to have more?


Each of these burgeoning adults are called upon to play an inspirational role in Steve’s miracle. One must take the lead role, who will it be?


By necessity, every heart transplant requires an abrupt and unforeseen tragedy, trading in a bad heart for a good one. One life is saved at the price of another. Grand plans and ambitions are halted to grant each heart transplant recipient the gift of life.


The suspense grows steadily throughout this medical thriller until the heart donor is ultimately revealed.
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This next choice: I’ve downloaded one book from this author but not read it yet. Consequently, I know nothing. Today’s choice is a collection of six books. At least they are each under one hundred pages so that shouldn’t be too time consuming.

The Holiday Reunion (Complete Series: Books 1-6) (Pine Lake)

She wasn’t expecting to spend the holidays heartbroken and alone. But thanks to her soon-to-be ex-husband, everything she once had is now gone.

At 46 years old, all Matilda has is a backpack and a one-way ticket to her estranged cousins’ cabin in Washington. Adapting to the small-town lifestyle, Matilda makes a room in the attic, where she discovers a hidden box of odds and ends.

Inside is a picture of her as a child. Next to two other girls, and words that read: “My three beautiful daughters”

But Matilda is an only child. Or at least that’s what she’s always known.

Faced with the possibility that she has more family, Matilda must make a decision. Figure out who she really is or continue living a lie. But a grumpy man, snow storms, and hidden answers all still stand between her and the truth.

Will Matilda find out about her family’s past before the holidays? Or are some secrets buried for a reason?

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

Two posts today, crazy. The new normal for me is few-and-far-between so two in a row is quite the change. It will not be a new normal, I’m pretty sure.

Read and enjoyed, up to November 20, 2023

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It’s time to clean out and reduce the read pile again. It has been a good time. The most favorite read in this installment was the newest one from Thomas Locke and his co-writer.

Davis Bunn aka Thomas Locke has long been a favorite author for me and many others and I read as much of his work as I can.. Occasionally he writes with other authors and I can’t help but notice it adds a new dimension to the story. The two voices working together create a new sound and I loved it in this book. It was a little jarring at times, though. The new voice says some things in a way that Thomas wouldn’t, or at least hasn’t in the past, and that was a bit of a show stopper, for a moment or so.

Overall though, I loved this book. Not only were the characters great, the quest they were on was filled with unexpected and mind blowing twists and turns.

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.

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Another five star read is from an author relatively new to me. I loved this book. It was not easy to put down. Well written with a story line that was all it’s own.

Flash Point: Hometown Heroes: Book 2

Directionally-challenged architect Sarah Brockman never thought getting lost on the way to a job site would put her in danger. But she finds it when the man who assists her goes missing. Attempts to help the police thrust her into a series of events that could cost her everything.

Fire Captain Joe Romero has let too many things get in the way of his pursuit of Sarah. And now she is in danger, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. No matter the price.

With Sarah’s firm and Joe’s career at risk, they must learn to trust each other completely to uncover the guilty. But can they discover his identity in time?

Or will they lose everything, including each other?

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One more loved book The Christmas Hummingbird (Miramar Bay)

It’s hard to focus today so we will call this done.

It has been interesting going back through everything looking for read books. The unread books are looking fresh and enticing, more so than they do under other circumstances. Isn’t that the way it is often? If I was looking for something to read nothing would be standing out to me.

There are couple of books under consideration for download today. I’m waffling, to be honest, but will let you know if I decide to go with them.

A new-book day November 19, 2023

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It’s a good day when another enticing book shows up. BookBub is responsible for this suggestion and I’m happy to have one work out for a change. Not all suggestions are new to me so I like it when a gem shows up.

Tethered: The Ties That Bind

Perfectionistic librarian Jacqui Penn is ripped up by the roots when she’s dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Rootless and on the run, she is drawn two thousand miles west across Canada to the last place she ever thought could offer stability—the old homestead where her father grew up.Renovating the derelict house soon becomes a personal battle as it stubbornly resists her efforts.

While Jacqui struggles to renew the home, she spends time with the family Pops bitterly resented. Her hunger for roots grows stronger as she fights to discover the long-buried reasons her father fled the house as a beleaguered teen. But will she ever find the belonging she craves?

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I tried but that’s it for today. At least it’s one.

I want to read this one. November 17, 2023

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BookBub has a suggestion today that I want to read soon. Now would be good because the first chapter has me securely hooked. It’s straight romance too which will be a welcomed change from the intense mystery that is my current enjoyable read.

I like the characters and what they are all about. That’s what has me hooked on this new story I think. That’s book one, the other two will be a pleasant surprise.

Rodeo Romance: Three Sweet Western Holiday Romances (Rodeo Romance Boxed Set Book 1)

This boxed set contains three full-length cowboy romances from the Rodeo Romance Series including The Christmas Cowboy, Wrestlin’ Christmas, and Capturing Christmas. Each book is filled to the brim with sweet cowboy romance, faith and family, humor, and hope all wrapped up with love and heartwarming Christmas blessings.

★ The Christmas Cowboy – Tate Morgan is as tough as they come. He can handle the wildest bronc on the rodeo circuit, but he loses the ability to think straight around the beautiful woman he keeps running into at the airport. Completely captivated by the uptight executive who makes it clear she detests cowboys, Tate will have to work a little holiday magic if he wants to win her heart.

★ Wrestlin’ Christmas – Sidelined with a major injury, steer wrestler Cort McGraw struggles to come to terms with the end of his career. Shanghaied by his sister and best friend, he finds himself on a run-down ranch with a worrisome, albeit gorgeous widow, and her silent, solemn son.

★ Capturing Christmas – Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing he needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.

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This next book I found sounds interesting too. I’ve read one book from this author and it turns out it’s part of this collection. It was enjoyable if I remember right, so I’m looking forward to the experience of reading the next two in the collection.

Homeschool and Homicide: Honey Pot Mysteries 1-3

They don’t give a synopsis of the stories in this collection so it will be a surprise to find out what they are all about. Usually I rely on the synopsis in decision making but this time I had to go by the description for the author and what I remember from the first book. I think there were quirky characters and I like quirky so I’m looking forward to enjoying the read.

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That’s it for now.

I’m almost finished this current read (below). It has been very intense but still good. It is quite different from the usual stories I’ve experienced with this author and it’s nice to see different pop up every now and then. It is intense enough to need a break so to cope I remind myself it’s bad form to kill off the main character.

I am choosing to relax and look forward to them living through the never ending attempts to eliminate them from this life.

Dubiosity

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

OK, that’s it for real this time.

Good choices for new books November 16, 2023

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My morning search turned up a new mystery for us. And I was thrilled to find the author appears on my favorites list.

One Wonders: A Silas McKay Suspense (Silas McKay Suspense Series Book 1)

He’s Silas McKay, head of Discreet Corporate Security Services (DCSS) in Dallas, Texas.
She’s Ashley Davenport, the daughter of DCSS’s highest-paying client.

They each have personal issues . . .
Silas is a grieving widower who has difficulty relating to women and wants to be left alone.
Ashley is an independent woman who just got her PI license and wants Silas to mentor her.

They each have family issues . . .
Silas is trying to be both father and mother to his college-age daughter.
Ashley is trying to prove she no longer needs her father.

They each have spiritual issues . . .
Silas is struggling to maintain his faith in God.
Ashley is struggling to believe there is a God.

Now, they’re working together to solve a corporate espionage case . . .
As they investigate whether a research scientist is selling company secrets to an ex-con with a mysterious past, Silas realizes he is as intrigued by Ashley’s vivacious personality as he is by the case itself. Suddenly, when their complicated investigation takes an unexpected turn, his concern for Ashley’s safety threatens to overcome his good judgment.

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This next book has been showing up everywhere for the last week, demanding attention. I guess I had better stop waffling and add it to my library. (side note: Little Women is the famous historical fiction story written by Louisa May Alcott)

Where Grace Appears: Contemporary Inspirational Fiction with a Little Women Twist (The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series Book 1)

Ashamed of being duped by her handsome psychology professor, Josie Martin returns to Maine too proud to admit her foolishness to those closest to her. As the one-year anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she seeks solace in an old friend, Tripp Colton, and a new business venture that will prove to herself and her loved ones that she is still capable of success despite her overwhelming failure.

When Josie announces she will not return to school to finish her graduate degree but wishes to remain in Camden to help her mother achieve a lifelong dream, the entire family gets behind her idea to open and run a bed and breakfast inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Even Tripp gets excited about restoring Josie’s great-aunt’s Victorian home for the purpose, but when Josie’s unexpected news is revealed, their friendship and the new feelings blooming between them are threatened.

As summer gives way to fall, Josie struggles with decisions regarding her family’s future, dealing with past mistakes she cannot run from, and her feelings for Tripp. When the opportunity for grace comes along, will she take it? Or will she continue to allow her failures to define her worth?

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So, a quick search shows up many choices for Little Women, mentioned above, and I picked one that has the whole series and it is free. It doesn’t look like it has enough pages to cover four books, but maybe.

Little Women: Complete Series 

Louisa May Alcott ended Little Women (1868) with the words “So the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called Little Women.” It was an immediate commercial and critical success, and readers demanded to know more about the characters. Alcott quickly completed a second volume, Good Wives (1869), and later Little Men (1871)and Jo’s Boys (1886). The novels follow the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy, each with a very different character. It has been argued that within Little Women one finds the first vision of the “All-American girl” and that her multiple aspects are embodied in the differing March sisters. But whatever the reason, generations of readers have loved these novels since they were first published.

A good start to the day … new books

A favorite – read and enjoyed November 12, 2023

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This was an author new to me and I was impressed. So much so that I read all three books in record time. I’ll share a few others recently read and enjoyed too but of all of them this collection was my favorite read.

The main character has a reputation (one she is reluctant to claim) as having a special talent for bringing closure to stone cold murder cases. The secret of her success is an insatiable curiosity and well honed people skills. A strong problem solving ability doesn’t hurt either.

Everyone loves her and she has a committed group of friends and family. Many of them are her partners in crime, tagging along with her as she uses unconventional means to gather information.

There was a downside to the stories for me, as I moved from one book to another. It seemed unrealistic for there to be so many murders in such a small town. I thought it seemed contrived and repetitive. Until the end of the third book when it all made perfect sense. I didn’t see that name being the final answer and in the end, the unexpected was the upside to the whole experience.

I would definitely like to read more from this author.

The Georgia Rae Winston Mysteries Books 1-3 (Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Collections Book 1)

Deadly Harvest

All Georgia Rae Winston wants is to fall in love. Life, of course, has other plans.

Georgia’s biggest challenge in the farming town of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, is figuring out how to win Evan Beckworth’s heart. Until the day she discovers the body of a former student in the woods.

She assumes it was an accident. When she starts to suspect it wasn’t, it stirs memories of her father’s murder nine years earlier. A murder never solved. Georgia refuses to let that happen this time.

Not necessarily the wisest decision.

As Georgia works with the sheriff’s department’s newest detective, Cal Perkins, she finds her heart slipping into his hands. But her head is pummeled with conflicting evidence and anonymous threats of severe consequences if she digs any deeper.

In the end, Georgia faces a paralyzing choice. Ignore the dark secrets inside the family and friends who surround her or be willing to risk her own life to uncover the truth.

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These were worth the time too.

A few more read and enjoyed

It’s ironic. A few posts ago I decided it was time for a change of pace and a switch to Romance. It didn’t last long that’s for sure. I did read and enjoyed a couple of stories like that but mystery still won out as favorite in the end.

Although the rest were romantic mystery so maybe it still counts as a change anyway. It worked for me.