romance

Bargain books June 01, 2021

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A bargain suggestion for us in the Historical vein.

The Teacher Who Stole His Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book

Amazon quote:

Becky Faust has never cared much about romance or marriage, at least not like most girls her age seem to. Moving to Salinas to be a teacher is a dream come true for her, and she feels like she has everything she could ever wish for. Life as she knows it is about to change forever though when the son of the late bookstore owner asks her to be his teacher. Unexpectedly and intensely drawn to this gentle and charming man, she finds herself cherishing every moment they spend together for their lessons. Could this act of kindness end in sudden heartbreak for Becky though, or is a true love she never anticipated in the cards for her?

When Carson Lattimer finds out that his father has passed away and left him the family bookstore, he knows his place is back home. He is determined to look after his mother and sister, but a secret he has kept for years is standing in his way… he cannot read or write. Even though this is a sore spot for him, one that brings back painful memories of his father’s cruelty, he decides it is finally time to learn. Turning to the beautiful young school teacher for help, Carson has no idea that his lessons with Becky will become his favorite part of the day. When their blossoming relationship spurs ill-intentioned accusations in town though, will he fight for the woman who has captured his heart so completely?

Becky and Carson experience an extraordinary connection and together they will learn what true love is. However, a black cloud seems to hang over them and a man cut from the same cloth as Carson’s father threatens to ruin their happiness. Will they manage to overcome the powerful and menacing forces in town and live the fairytale life they were meant for?

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Another bargain that browsing uncovered. I’ve read and enjoyed one book by this author and now I’m looking forward to this one.

Finding Alissa: A Memory Loss Story (Finding Trust Romance Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

She has no memory of her past. His memory is perfect, and yet he cannot believe his eyes.

Alissa Martin has reached her breaking point. Packing a suitcase, she leaves town in such a hurry she can hardly see straight. Distracted by her thoughts and the torrential rain, a semi forces her into a devastating accident.

A year after losing his beloved wife, Elle, Derek Andrews is not ready to move on. His father-in-law is threatening to cut him and his children off if he doesn’t find a wife and mother for the children. But Derek could never love another, and his children would not accept a stranger as their mother. It’s too much to ask of anyone. 

When Derek comes upon an accident with a woman who looks identical to Elle, he claims her as his wife. Knowing it’s wrong, yet feeling nothing could be more right, Derek takes her into his home while investigating her true identity.

Waking up in a hospital in Trust, Arizona, she has no memory of who she is–not even her name, and certainly not the man who claims she’s the loving wife and mother of three. 

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Another one from the same author

The Act of Falling by Tayla Alexandra

Amazon quote:

When bad-girl Bekah stops in the town of Sunshine for the night, she raises the suspicion of preacher’s son, Ezekiel Gaines.

Bekah, a singer at a local Long Beach night club, is a magnet for the bad boys. When her boyfriend, Blade, gets arrested, she leaves everything behind, including her beloved guitar, to find something … else.

Ezekiel, the son of the town preacher, is also a teacher at the church’s private school. He’s quite content in his life and secure in his surroundings. Well, mostly.

Out of gas but with a plan up her sleeve, Bekah stops in the pristine little town of Sunshine, Arizona.

From the moment Bekah shows up in the church office, wearing a skirt shorter than a man’s imagination, a hoop nose ring, and a tattoo of a spider on her back, Ezekiel’s quiet little world shifts into territories unknown.

But no worries … she’ll be gone by morning.

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I’m just about finished this read and enjoyed book. It is so good and it is still FREE.

The Invitation (Mustard Seed Series Book 1)

A TV news producer., a housewife and mother of two, an ex-governor, and a struggling writer. Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange—some might even call them miraculous—things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point. Before it’s over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.

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Another good book day!

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books May 31, 2021

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us today, one I’ve not read yet..

The Invitation (Mustard Seed Series Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

A TV news producer., a housewife and mother of two, an ex-governor, and a struggling writer. Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange—some might even call them miraculous—things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point. Before it’s over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion for us

A Season to Dance

Everyone has a dream. A passion. You work hard, you get there. Right? But what if you don’t get there? Despair? It happens… Then what? Give up? Try harder? What if all this time, you’ve been going after the wrong dreams? What if the best part of life hasn’t even started?

Ana Brassfield tries everything to be happy. An important career. A dream of dancing. A famous boyfriend. A move overseas. But all she experiences is a series of almost successes with a side of heartbreak. Then when she hits rock bottom, a stranger opens an unexpected door. Could she change her whole life? Should she? Or would this be another mistake in a life defined by rushed decisions and wrong turns?

A Season to Dance is a journey. From hard to better. From striving to being.

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Happy reading y’all

Free book May 29, 2021

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BookRunes has a free suggestion for us today.

The Restoration (Sully Parkway Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

He lives by the book—or his own version of it—and makes everyone miserable in the process.
Living to dish out discipline, Assistant Principal Michael Lansdowne receives a helping himself with only hours to choose his own consequences. Will he go back to middle school and teach seventh-grade math or off to elementary school as a substitute AP?

Despite his lack of affinity with children, the choice is a no-brainer for Michael. He’s an experienced assistant principal, after all. To Baird Elementary he goes.

Determined to survive in this alien environment, he attempts to restore his reputation, hoping as little of his secret as possible will surface. He meets his match in an officious principal, an inflexible first-grade teacher, and a praying wife. Can he manage to restore his broken relationships and quiet his guilty conscience?

The Restoration, Book Three in the Sully Parkway series, is best enjoyed after reading Books One and Two of the series, The Jesus Car and The Substitute.

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It says we should read books one and two first to get the most out of this one but since book three is free I’m gong to take a chance. Besides, I looked at the other books and they don’t seem to be a continued story in the sense that the main character changes with each of them. I mean it probably is a continued story in a way… but I think I’ll manage.

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Currently, I’m back to reading a long book (I’m half way through- 300 more pages) that is futuristic but the power struggles of their world feel very reminiscent of today’s world. … nothing new under the sun rings very true right about now.

It doesn’t get much worse than the prospect of a three-way civil war, and in a global superpower grown arrogant and complacent in its prosperity, one influential man leads the peaceful charge against corruption and tyranny, while others plot more radical solutions.

Council Minister Merak Dorvallen’s allies are few, and now his youngest son Coren, a Lieutenant in the vaunted Irrianite military, is the target of government assassins. Desperate, Merak reaches out to Ohrim Sunvail, an old friend in exile who harbors potentially helpful secrets. Ohrim’s exceptionally competent and head-strong daughter Mei’ Shera accepts the assignment and thwarts the assassins, setting in accelerated motion events that will shape a drastically different future for Irrianon.

In the midst of the chaos, scientists in Irrianon have secretly cracked the code for interstellar space travel, which will shape a drastically different future for the entire planet of Toryl, especially when they find a sister planet of humans only a few years behind in technology. The winner of the Irrianite civil war will lay a solid first claim on the stars, unlocking a universe of possibilities for both progress and potential disaster.

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In spite of a fair bit of time spent browsing and searching, one book was all I could come up with. Tomorrow.

Happy Reading y’all.

Free and Bargain books May 27, 2021

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An interesting bargain collection showed while I was browsing and it looks like it will be a good introduction to authors new to me. The publish date is October, it’s a low price with 15 stories, Mystery and Suspense. $0.99 until October 12th. Enticing.

Dangerous Pursuits: 15 Stories From Today’s Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors

The chill of fall brings with it a hint of peril in Dangerous Pursuits, a clean and Christian suspense anthology featuring some of today’s most popular female authors.

Start your fall off right with 15 gripping tales of Clean and Christian suspense from today’s most popular ladies of mystery and suspense.

Join Mary Alford, Lisa Harris, Therese Heckenkamp, Cynthia Hickey, Gina Holder, Ronie Kendig, Dana R Lynn, Shirlee McCoy, Dana Mentink, J. Carol Nemeth, Cara Putman, Sharee Stover, Terri Reed, Alana Terry, Lenora Worth on a dangerous journey filled with mystery and suspense that will keep you turning pages until the very. Last. One.

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I found a previously experienced author with a FREE novella. This doesn’t look much like my previous reads for this author. The way I look at things, that’s always a good thing.

The Warrior’s Seal (The Tox Files): A Tox Files Novella

Amazon quote:

A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin.

Special Forces operative Cole “Tox” Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue–the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president.

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Currently, I’m reading a four book collection and books 1 and 4 are my favorites.

Once Upon a Summer: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales

Here is what it says about my favorites:

A New Beginning — Who is she? Acacia Martin raised by an impostor mom serving a prison sentence for her sins, or Jasmine Callahan abducted at birth from a family she’s yet to meet? Luckily, she has Drake to help her untangle the mess that is her life. Will he ensnare her he art in the process?

Unkissable — Reality diva Charlotte Lavigne’s on-camera meltdown reminds former teen-TV prince Jaime Reyes exactly why he left Hollywood ten years ago. A chance encounter leads to a bargain that transforms them both. When it’s time to face her past, will their rediscovered love be strong enough to build a future together?

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It has been a beautiful day today. The world looked lovely with rich greens, blue skies and awakening perennials sprouting up everywhere. So pretty.

It makes the thought of yard work seem worthwhile.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books May 25, 2021

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Finally I have a moment, and a few things to share.

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us that is intriguing. I know I use that word a lot but in this case it is probably truer than usual. I’ve only read the first chapter and the synopsis and I want to see where this story is going.

The Morning Light: never passes us

Amazon quote:

Poetic, engaging and original, The Morning Light is a charming story of discovering the ancient and shared voice within each of us.
A violin maker’s story of music, craftsmanship and the seeking of serenity set against homelessness, twists of fate and a never ending desire to reproduce the sweet and soulful sound of a grandfather’s violin, fine-tuned to play with a resonance that connects the heart.

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. This is book 1 in a series. A year ago we were offered book 4 and I think if I remember right it was a good read.

A Match to Call Ours (Front Porch Promises Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Brittany Gorman needs a job, but nanny to six-year-old twin girls isn’t exactly what she’s looking for. Their single father, Parker Watson, isn’t sure hiring Brittany is the right move, but he’s desperate for help.

Soon Brittany is charming the twins and their father as well. But Parker still clings to the bitterness of his past, a past that has made him a recluse on his isolated Montana ranch, distanced him from God, and kept him from finding love.

Can Brittany’s prayers and two little matchmakers soften Parker’s heart and help him find love with his perfect Montana match?

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I’m currently reading a mystery/suspense novel. I’ve only just started and I’m anxious to get back to it.

Wow. Believe it when I say you need to hurry, these great bargains don’t last long. 4 days later and it’s lost the attractive price.

It has started off with a bang and is still a good read though.

Secrets and Suspense: A Clean Romantic Suspense (The Men of Fire Beach Book 4)

There’s trouble brewing in Fire Beach!

Cara Hunter owns the bed and breakfast in town, but before she came to Fire Beach, she was in the military. Strangely, no one seems to know exactly what she did when she was in the military, but when Bubba and Makenna find her unconscious on the floor, her past may finally get revealed.

Cole Davenport is a criminal investigator whose lead suspect is Cara Hunter, but when he meets her, he has a hard time believing she’s a killer. When he gets caught up in Cara’s past, will he be able to help her? Or will he lose his life in the process?

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Actually I have two books going on right now, I needed a break.

The first book is sci-fi. It is long and has many battles with even more factions. I’m enjoying it and cheering for the good guys but need a cleansing of the palette to continue on.

No wonder it seems so long, I had forgotten it’s over 600 pages. 668 to be precise.

Patriot Star

It doesn’t get much worse than the prospect of a three-way civil war, and in a global superpower grown arrogant and complacent in its prosperity, one influential man leads the peaceful charge against corruption and tyranny, while others plot more radical solutions. Council Minister Merak Dorvallen’s allies are few, and now his youngest son Coren, a Lieutenant in the vaunted Irrianite military, is the target of government assassins. Desperate, Merak reaches out to Ohrim Sunvail, an old friend in exile who harbors potentially helpful secrets. Ohrim’s exceptionally competent and head-strong daughter Mei’ Shera accepts the assignment and thwarts the assassins, setting in accelerated motion events that will shape a drastically different future for Irrianon.

In the midst of the chaos, scientists in Irrianon have secretly cracked the code for interstellar space travel, which will shape a drastically different future for the entire planet of Toryl, especially when they find a sister planet of humans only a few years behind in technology. The winner of the Irrianite civil war will lay a solid first claim on the stars, unlocking a universe of possibilities for both progress and potential disaster.

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It’s a good time to read right now at my house. The sky is a heavy gray and the wind has been ferocious off and on most of the day and night. The perfect time to curl up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea.

I’ve had a productive work time over the last few days and the resulting euphoria makes reading time even sweeter.

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I hope you are enjoying it too.

Happy Reading!

Read and Enjoyed May 21, 2021

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I’ve enjoyed this first one. I wasn’t sure I would at the beginning, somehow it wasn’t easy getting started. It could have been the fault of distraction. My second attempt was much better and it was a great read.

I think my favorite thing about this story was the empowering interaction between the main characters. So much love and wisdom. Lots of tense moments too where community members at large even had her back. They recognized strangers out to get her and they didn’t give an inch, even going so far as to send them on wild goose hunts.

Hummingbird by D Stearman

She feels like a misfit. Who is she? Where does she belong?

Is she Lexa, Alexandra, or someone else? Forced to commit a crime, she flees south of the Border—and a vindictive bounty hunter follows her.

Will she escape? Find redemption? Learn who she really is and where she belongs?

Her answers lie hidden in a tiny seaside village where wandering hummingbirds rest their wings.

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Another one enjoyed. I prefer characters with depth and this story had them in spades. It’s more than a month since I read this and it is still a good memory for me.

One of the attractive things about these two books – the settings. Both of them exotic in their own way. Mexico and Ireland. Who doesn’t want to go to one or both of these places.

This one is still a bargain if you are interested.

Once Upon an Irish Summer (Once Upon a Summer).

You Can’t Embrace Your Future Until You Deal With Your Past…

Fiona Burke has long been obsessed with Ireland’s famed, sixteenth-century pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Now that she’s on the final stretch of earning her PhD in history, all she needs to do is finish her dissertation—with Grace O’Malley as her subject—then return home to Boston to defend it. Once that’s done she can compete for a highly coveted history professor position.

Fiona arrives in western Ireland aiming to interview the locals and find additional folklore to flesh out her work. But when she encounters Grace’s distant relative—the handsome, commanding Rory O’Malley—she gets seriously distracted. Rory shares her passion for history and Ireland, and cares for his grandfather and great-uncle in a winsome way. Unfortunately he also carries wounds beyond his injured leg…wounds that threaten to dismantle every little bit of a relationship that he and Fiona begin to build.

As a famed TV host becomes intrigued with Fiona—as well as convinced she should do guest appearances on his show—Rory starts to figure out that he might be as interested in his own personal romantic future as he is in Ireland’s epic past. But can he take the steps toward the healing he needs before it’s too late? It all remains to be seen…Once Upon an Irish Summer.

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This last one was a recent purchase, it’s part of a series I love following. I think, probably because of the writing. In a way the stories have a certain sameness about them and yet I don’t tire of reading them. Well, maybe a little tiring, but not enough to keep me from going back for more.

Beckett: a clean romantic suspense novel (Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits Book 3)

My current read Patriot Star is science fiction. It reminds me a little of Star Trek, both the Next Generation and Voyageur I loved those shows. I’m enjoying this book too.

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Happy Reading

on this dull but dry day (so far.)

Bargain books May 21, 2021

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. A new-to-me author with a good looking story.

Implicating Claudia (Endless Mountain Series Book 2) 

Amazon quote:

Haunted by death. Hunted by a killer.

Finding herself on the wrong end of a murder investigation, Marine reservist, Claudia McIntyre retreats to an isolated farmhouse to escape the unwanted press.

But she’s caught the killer’s attention, and he has unfinished business with her.

Dawson Montgomery’s quiet life gets upended by the turmoil surrounding Claudia. She’s no longer a bratty kid neighbor. She’s a beautiful, stubborn woman who refuses to run from her demons, even when a madman sends her threatening packages.

A budding romance fills Claudia and Dawson with new hope, but the killer’s schemes threaten both their lives and their faith in the Almighty Protector.

*****This book is a romantic suspense/thriller with strong Christian themes.*****

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An interesting mystery in the suggestion strip, from a favorite author. I’ve read books 1 and 3 in this series.

Secrets and Suspense: A Clean Romantic Suspense (The Men of Fire Beach Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

There’s trouble brewing in Fire Beach!

Cara Hunter owns the bed and breakfast in town, but before she came to Fire Beach, she was in the military. Strangely, no one seems to know exactly what she did when she was in the military, but when Bubba and Makenna find her unconscious on the floor, her past may finally get revealed.

Cole Davenport is a criminal investigator whose lead suspect is Cara Hunter, but when he meets her, he has a hard time believing she’s a killer. When he gets caught up in Cara’s past, will he be able to help her? Or will he lose his life in the process?

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Currently, I’m reading and enjoying a book that is still a bargain.

Beckett: a clean romantic suspense novel (Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits Book 3)

Amazon quote:

When the daughter of a federal judge is abducted, private security firm Blackout must find her.

Psychologist Samantha Reynolds doesn’t know why someone is targeting her. Even after a risky mission to save her, danger still lingers. She’s determined to use her insights into the human mind to help decode the deadly clues being left in the wake of her rescue.

Former Navy SEAL Beckett Jones needs to figure out who’s responsible for the crimes hounding Sami. He’s not sure why he’s so protective of the woman he rescued, but he’ll do anything to keep her safe—even if it means risking his heart.

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Happy Reading on a rainy Friday!

Bargain books May 19, 2021

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I was looking for slippers and instead, found the third book in a series I’m following. I buy books so that’s what shows up in the suggestion strips when I’m shopping, I couldn’t be happier. Slippers can wait for another day. Besides, it’s getting too warm for them anyway. Books are way more important.

Beckett: a clean romantic suspense novel (Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits Book 3)

Amazon quote:

When the daughter of a federal judge is abducted, private security firm Blackout must find her.

Psychologist Samantha Reynolds doesn’t know why someone is targeting her. Even after a risky mission to save her, danger still lingers. She’s determined to use her insights into the human mind to help decode the deadly clues being left in the wake of her rescue.

Former Navy SEAL Beckett Jones needs to figure out who’s responsible for the crimes hounding Sami. He’s not sure why he’s so protective of the woman he rescued, but he’ll do anything to keep her safe—even if it means risking his heart.

As the body count rises, there’s no room for error. Beckett and Sami must both tear down the careful walls they’ve built around themselves in order to survive. If they don’t figure out who’s responsible, the madman will continue his death spree . . . and one of them might be next.

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That’s it for new books right now. I haven’t been able to see anything else I wanted.

I haven’t settled into another book yet either so don’t have a current enjoyable read to share.

I checked to see how many I’ve started and kicked to the curb, there are ten in a row. Crazy. I want to read this newest book but maybe I’d better zip through those started books and send them on their way. Clear the deck a little.

It’s too close to lights-out to think straight. Tomorrow.

It was hot and muggy this afternoon when I ventured out to take a picture of the first buds on my sapling flowering crab apple. With so many clouds hanging around the lighting wasn’t good and it didn’t turn out. Maybe if it’s sunny tomorrow I can try again. That’s if there are any blossoms left.

They promised thunder and lightening today and it’s finally here. We could use the rain, it’s been so dry, but if it rains hard…

Anyway, tomorrow.

Happy Reading y’all!

FREE … one day only May 18th

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If you are a Chautona Havig fan, she has a one day only freebie. Grab it quick. If you haven’t been introduced yet, this is your chance.

Random Acts of Shyness 

Amazon quote:

“That man is going to be single for the rest of his life!”

What began as a coping mechanism as a little boy became highly-effective date repellent as a man. He knows girls don’t care about the life cycle of a dung beetle, but Heath can’t help but spew facts like a docent at the zoo anytime he’s on one of his many first and only dates.

His sister is determined to fix that. So, she signs him up for the new betwixt2hearts.com matchmaking service. Her plan: simple. Just let him practice on a bunch of girls until it becomes second nature. Simple, right?

But Heath can’t get one girl out of his mind. So, with his boss’ help, and a little creativity, he embarks on a sorta-secret admirer scheme to induce her into giving him a second chance.
He’s a good guy… and someday he’ll figure out how to show it.

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That’s all I have for the moment but if anything else shows up I’ll be sure to let you know.

Happy reading!

Free book May 17, 2021

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion for us. Intriguing.

Hummingbird

Amazon quote:

She feels like a misfit. Who is she? Where does she belong? Is she Lexa, Alexandra, or someone else? Forced to commit a crime, she flees south of the Border—and a vindictive bounty hunter follows her. Will she escape? Find redemption? Learn who she really is and where she belongs?

Her answers lie hidden in a tiny seaside village where wandering hummingbirds rest their wings.

“From the moment the story begins, Hummingbird is fast paced. Not once is the reader left behind or snoring with boredom. The author keeps the story moving like a pulse rate. The characters are believable, and the main character is well developed.

The reader learns to deeply care about Lexa over the course of the novel. One can tell the author is familiar with his setting, too. I felt like I was there—in Mexico. Over all, a interesting and compelling novel.” ~ Goodreads review.

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Currently I have two books on the go. It happens when I’m having trouble getting into a story. It helps me finish rather than abandon.

I’m only 1/4 way through so it’s too soon to quit.

Waiting for Daybreak (Tomorrow’s Promise Collection)

Paige Woodward is a woman without choices. Her destitute mother’s only hope for a cure isn’t covered by insurance. When a dream opportunity arises at a brand-new pharmacy, Paige is willing to keep quiet about her past to make sure she lands the job.

For Clarissa Richardson, the dream of running her own pharmacy comes to a screeching halt when her grandfather hires a too-perfect new girl who seems to be hiding something. How far will they go to protect their dreams for tomorrow?

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I’ve just started this book so it’s much too soon to say how it will go.

Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles Book #1)

After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo’s prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God’s chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain.

Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers.

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Happy Reading