romance

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

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

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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!

Free and bargain books December 10, 2020

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion by one of my favorite authors. Deborah Raney has a gift for writing insightful stories around deep issues. I think I still have a paperback copy of this one on my bookshelf. A very moving story.

A Vow to Cherish

Amazn quote:

The battle they face will either ruin them
or bring the deepest fulfillment they could ever know.
When his precious wife receives a devastating diagnosis, John Brighton feels his world has fallen apart. As Ellen slips away from him day by day, their love is tested as never before. Desperately needing someone to confide in, John meets Julia Sinclair, a young widow who seems to understand his pain as no one else can. Torn between doing what he knows to be right and what his heart tells him surely can’t be wrong, John soon discovers that the heart cannot be trusted where true love is concerned.

A Vow to Cherish has impacted three generations of readers—first with the book from Bethany House Publishers and then through the World Wide Pictures film inspired by Deborah Raney’s novel. This newest edition of the novel brings home the profound message of the sacredness of marriage and the importance of the commitments we make in marriage.

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A Deborah Raney story that I have not read but want to. A Christmas novella.

Circle of Blessings 

Amazon quote:

Young Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection seems to hide a dark secret from his past, and even if Stella could capture his attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James, nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both.

Inspired by a Raney family Christmas tradition, Circle of Blessings was first published in the novella collection A Currier & Ives Christmas in 2002 and then in A Prairie Christmas Collection in 2010.

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Angela Hunt has been a favorite author for many years and while this bargain book is not on the same level as what I would normally consider a bargain, I’m going to splurge – I really want to read this book. 350 pages means it will last long enough to make it worth while. It will definitely not be over before I’m ready.

The Elevator 

Amazon quote:

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.

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One more Angela Hunt book I want to read. It’s a bargain too and a different genre altogether.

Afton of Margate Castle (The Knights’ Chronicles Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Beautiful, headstrong Afton is taken from her parents at an early age and raised in the castle, a companion to the earl’s daughter. Schooled in the ways of kings and surrounded by splendor, Afton falls in love with the earl’s son, brave, Calhoun, her childhood protector.

But Calhoun’s mother, the Lady Endeline, has much different plans for him than marriage to a villein’s daughter. Suddenly Afton’s world is torn viciously apart. She is cast out of the castle, given to a man she fears and despises as a reward for his loyalty—an all too clear reminder that, for all her dreams, she is nothing but a villein.

Now all she has left is a burning desire for vengeance . . .

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It has been a good book day. I know already what will be next up on the reading schedule. The Elevator.

I’m still reading this book mentioned yesterday and it has turned out better than expected, That is a plus.

Happy Reading y’all

Check out these authors if you’ve never read them. I predict you will love them. Everyone I know does.

Bargain books December 09, 2020

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1531 Entertainment has a great suggestion for us. At least I think it’s great. I seem to remember reading another book recently from this series.

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

Amazon quote:

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.

Will he ever be able to free himself from her? Or will her gentle sweetness bring him closer to her than ever before?

This is the fourth book in the Landon House series, where Lady Hayward and the Duke of Landon form an alliance to assist each other with difficulties of their family life.

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Browsing trying to fill this up a little more … this will be my second book from this author

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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Currently, I’m exploring the first few pages trying to decide if I’m in the mood for a book that isn’t speaking to me loudly. I think I’ll give it a shot anyway to see if it goes anywhere.

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

Amazon quote:

SAVING ONE LIFE IS LIKE SAVING THE WHOLE WORLD

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.

Join the adventure as these two young women commit themselves to live up to the quote from the Jerusalem Talmud: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

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Happy Reading

Bargain books December 08, 2020

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. This author has shown up multiple times on my TBR list although I don’t remember much about her. I’ll try to pay attention this time.

A Mountain Christmas Romance (Wyoming Mountain Tales Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

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.

When he shares the magical experience of his family’s traditional Viking Yule celebration, she can’t help but fall a little more in love with him each one of the twelve days of Christmas. But when Matthias’ search for his sister takes an unexpected twist, Opal is forced to make a choice that will alter the course of her life—no matter which answer she chooses. When Matthias’ decisions land Opal in danger, what must he sacrifice to rescue her?

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This next one is a bargain pre-release that will be out December 22nd. This is another author showing up often on my TBR list.

Ride with Me: A clean, sweet, faith-filled, small-town romance, where life begins at forty. (Chapel Cove Romances Book 10)

Amazon quote:

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 on staying 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.

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Then there is one more bargain book in the same series (different author but one I like). It’s been around for a while and I’ve passed it by each time because it’s described as slow paced. Not my favorite. This time I’m saying why not? I’m going for it. The first few page have me hooked, once again.

Adore Me: A small-town later-life second chances romance – clean, sweet, emotional, and faith-filled! (Chapel Cove Romances Book 9) 

Amazon quote:

Widowed sixty-something Paula Montana isn’t looking for a new love. Between her pancake restaurant, her volunteer work, and her adorable-but-ill granddaughter, she’s far too busy. Besides, when you’ve lost the man you shared fifty years of your life with, anyone new has a lot of memories to compete with.

Divorced seventy-something doctor Richard Stewart isn’t looking for love, or for family. His disastrous first marriage and a son who hasn’t spoken to him for fifteen years taught him it’s wiser to focus on work. He wasn’t cut out for relationships or for faith, and being an antisocial recluse suits him fine.

But when his son invites Richard to Chapel Cove for Christmas and he meets Mark’s new wife and stepdaughter, as well as Mark’s mother-in-law, Paula, things might change for both of them!

A slow-paced, gentle, heartwarming, and uplifting Christian older-couple second chances romance, with faith, love, and plenty of cooking. Includes a bonus recipe!

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I’m currently reading and enjoying a recent purchase. It has definitely been worth the read. It is a novella, pretty short, but at least it makes my read list grow more quickly these days.

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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This has been a good book day.

I’m glad because I’m in need of some happy moments on this not-so-great covid related day. Further restrictions are here, as expected, lasting until after Christmas. I can see the wisdom in their decisions but it’s just tough to hear how it needs to be. Some good books will help make my day(s) better

I’m hoping you liked these book selections too.

Happy Reading y’all

I’m glad I did a major grocery run yesterday. At least the basics will be good ’til after Christmas.

I know you will find this hard to believe but about the only things I spend money on these days are groceries and books. Shocking isn’t it? lol

Bargain books December 06, 2020

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I needed a distraction after an emotional morning so I went book browsing. It paid off this time. I found a bargain pre-order on a new release for an enjoyed author and I’m excited. It will be out in February. Here I was hoping for sooner.

Tides of Duplicity (Coventry Saga)

Amazon quote:

A jewelry heist, a kidnapping, and a choice. When Fitz’s sister disappears, he’ll do anything to get her back, even if it means betraying the woman he’s come to love. 

Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey went to Belize on a case, bringing his teenage sister Shelby along with him. They have no good reason to leave the resort and hurry back to the harsh New England winter. They lost their parents, he lost his job as a cop, and they both need time to heal. Besides, when Fitz meets and spends time with the beautiful and charming Tabitha Eaton, he falls hard.  

But minutes after Tabby’s flight leaves, Fitz is summoned by a mobster who believes Tabby broke into the hotel safe the night before and made off with half a million dollars’ worth of jewels—and he has the video evidence to prove it. As Shelby’s guardian, Fitz has to focus on caring for his sister, whether Tabby is innocent or guilty. He refuses to help the man—until he learns the mobster has abducted his sister.  

The clock is ticking as Fitz scrambles to recover the jewels. If he succeeds, it’ll cost the woman he’s come to care for. If he fails, it’ll cost his sister’s life. 

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Next, I found a couple of bargain novellas by another favorite author. One is Historical while the other isn’t.

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

Amazon quote:

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

Amazon quote:

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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Usually, I prefer regular length books but the attractive thing about shorter right now is I can plow through them so much faster. It will help clear up some backlog… maybe. One can hope.

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Currently I’m reading a story fraught with misery. Sort of like my story prompt post today. There is enough hope in it to keep me reading, though. I can relate to this story.

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

Amazon quote:

The Fragrance of Geraniums (A Time of Grace Trilogy, 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…

A multi-generational Christian women’s novel set during the U.S. Great Depression of the 1930s. (Also appropriate for older teens.)

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Happy Reading …

… on the tail end of this cheerful sunny day.

I can tell it’s chilly out there by the way people are dressed but that hasn’t seemed to stopped them any. Many are still walking past my window as I sit here typing this up for you. My window on the world.

Bargain books December 04, 2020

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Suggestions from the usual sources seem to have dried up so I’m browsing to see what I can find. One, so far, looks interesting and its author has not shown up in my reading list until now. That means I need to check it out.

I’m hoping this won’t be the only one today. Fingers crossed.

Snowflakes and Sapphires: Four Seasons Series Book 1 – Winter 

Amazon quote:

After a demanding career of living out of her suitcase, Sophia lands a dream job in New York City that will keep her in one place for six months. Being alone in a big city is nothing new for her but not during the holidays. When an irresistible jeweler appears in her life more than once, Christmas surprises pop up on every corner.

Drew loses his creativity and holiday spirit just when he needs it the most. Then a snowstorm blows Sophia into his jewelry store, and a surge of inspiration follows. He is used to handling precious gems but nothing as priceless as she is.

Even though they just met, their instant attraction turns into something more. But one event leads to betrayal, leaving Sophia once again alone and brokenhearted.

Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together, or will one of them be left in the cold?

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Here’s another bargain book by the same author. This could be interesting too.

Lives Collide: Collide Series Book 1 

Amazon quote:

You can plan your life, but sometimes life has a mind of its own…

Following Lisa’s near-death experience as a teenager, she is haunted by the emerald-green eyes of the stranger who saved her life. Her only connection to him is the leather jacket he left behind. Years later, she’s still reeling from the aftereffects of her injuries, convinced that no man will love her once he uncovers her secret. She lives a life of solitude and hides behind her days of monotony. And then James storms into her life. 

After James helps a young girl in a car accident, he sets his life course—determined that nothing will stand in his way. Once he accomplishes his dreams, one unforeseen event changes his orderly existence into one of chaos. He spirals downward and can’t summon the strength to pull himself from the edge of despair. Until Lisa becomes a beautiful distraction.

Familiarity and a sense of peace draw them to one another. They soon discover they lived parallel lives that intertwined at the most crucial points. Can their revelations help them face their fears and move forward, or will history repeat itself?

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Historical novel is next.

Storm Clouds Rolling In (#1 in the Bregdan Chronicles Historical Fiction Series)

Amazon quote:

Book Description: Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the devastating truth she has discovered.

The activities of the Underground Railroad and her close friendships with the Cromwell Plantation slaves create agonizing choices. But when her decisions put her at odds with her heritage, and challenge her dreams, will she be able to give up all that is precious to her? What price will she be willing to pay as America crumbles into war?

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I’m just getting started with my current read and it’s too early to tell if I’m loving it, so far so good though. It’s still FREE too.

Love Will Find A Way: A Summerfield Village Sweet Romance 

Jenna Warren is an Idaho ranch girl who loves her Appaloosa horse, Blue, and the freedom she has to run her life the way she wants to. But she’s aware that she’s never really seen the world, let alone experienced real love.

Daniel Martin is a British schoolteacher, bound by duty to a desperate family situation, and struggling to find his own path as a musician.

When Jenna and Dan meet at a family wedding, they are instantly attracted to each other, but Dan has to leave for Britain the next day. As Jenna follows him to Summerfield, a family conflict ignites, tearing their new love apart.

In this sweet romance, set between the Idaho ranch, the English countryside and tropical Australia, can Jenna and Dan’s love find a way to make it through?

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Happy Reading

A little of this and a little of that

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This is one of those days. There’s a need to say something, anything at all, to fill the space. I’ve no idea where this is going but hopefully it’s somewhere good.

It crosses my mind that it helps that this isn’t live. I can keep going with the rewrites until I’m happy, sort of.

On second thought though, live could possibly be more fun.

So anyway, several weeks ago I put up my Christmas tree and I’ve been dying to talk about it. After at least two years of no tree, this year I had the urge to change all that. It felt a little weird to decide November was a good time to do this but everyone else in the neighborhood has lights up so I thought why not.

I’ve always loved sitting in a dim room with just the tree lights on. They are soft and pretty and make me feel happy somehow. This seemed like a good year to have pretty lights, with all the covid issues our country is experiencing right now. It turns out I’m onto something. They were talking about tree lights having a positive effect on our emotions. Endorphins or something like that.

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I like keeping it close in this new spot for a few reasons.

With all the leaves off the trees I feel rather exposed sitting in front of the windows like I do. When I was moaning about this to my daughter she suggested putting the tree here beside me and it’s turned out to be a great idea. After a few more tweaks, (not shown here) it’s perfect to hide behind and it looks good to the neighbors across the fence.

(The tree looks short in this picture but it’s actually taller than I am.) (My brothers’ comment would be – that’s not saying much. They are soooo mean while they are looking down on the top of my head)

I used to put the tree in the front room for the neighbors on that side but I spend more time at this table. This way I see the lights more often. Especially if I get my nose out of a book long enough to notice my surroundings.

I’m not sure why I can spend hours sitting at this table to read. Maybe it’s because my feet touch the floor and the seat is padded.

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Having mood lifting lights this year has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Last Saturday, someone close to our family passed away very suddenly.

He stopped in at a friends before heading to the grocery store that morning. Once there he began to feel unwell. Some trouble breathing, some chest pain. He drove back to the friend who took him to the hospital. His vitals all looked good but they kept him for observation and the friend went home. An hour later the hospital called. He was gone, just like that.

No one knows why. He was seemingly a healthy man. I guess they will investigate because of the circumstances. We would all like to know what happened.

One thing out of it all is amazing to me, and a touching blessing.

He lived alone. I don’t think anyone ever went to his house, not very often anyway.

The awesome thing is – he didn’t die alone in his house or on the floor in the middle of a store. He died lying on a bed in the best and most appropriate place he could possibly be. His family knew where he was and were there quickly. If it had to happen it couldn’t had been planned any better than that.

Maybe this means a lot to me because I worry about such things. Probably more than I realize.

Somehow, the gentleness of the circumstances has made it easier to think of him as gone. Especially so close to Christmas. His family will miss him. We all will.

The shock is fading a little for me and that helps. I pray it is for his family too.

In the meantime, I buried my nose in a book most of the weekend and have more read books to share soon.

My current read is enjoyable and I’m looking forward to getting a few more pages in before lights out. (I’d best quit with the edits if I want that to happen)

Walk with Me: A Christian Faith Clean Romance (Faith and Love Book 1)

Amazon quote:

He just wants to help.
She is determined to do it all herself—and not fall in love.

Three years ago, Paige Kelly had to leave college to take care of her five younger siblings after their parents’ death. She has no time for romance and even less interest in her new boss and his curiosity about her life. Getting attached would only mean getting hurt.

Russell Pierce just returned to his hometown to become manager of the country club. He never planned on an office romance, but he can’t stop thinking about his alluring restaurant manager with the weight of the world on her shoulders. He wants to help, but she wants nothing to do with him. 

Paige can’t imagine starting a relationship with anyone, and Russell needs to focus on work. Despite their reluctance, their genuine connection and undeniable attraction grow harder to avoid when they collaborate on a new project, leaving them both to re-evaluate what they thought they wanted.

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Today was a slow day for new and interesting book suggestions, hopefully tomorrow will be better.

In the meantime ….

Happy Reading

and enjoy some Christmas lights.

Bargain books December 01, 2020

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us.

Triple J Ranch Boxed Set #1: Clean & Wholesome Cowboy Romance

Amazon quote:

Second Chance Ranch

Cowboy Ranch

Runaway Cowgirl Bride

When Elizabeth met her high school sweetheart 10 years later, she had no idea she’d be getting a second chance at love. Not to mention a lesson in faith that only helped her family grow closer.

Luke Manning’s Cowboy Ranch served up plenty of action when he met a kindred spirit in Callie Houston. Then got shot protecting her from cattle rustlers! But will love and Faith in God prevail? And will they get their happy ending?

Matthew Manning had no clue he’d find a bride on the side of a dusty road with no memory of who she is or why she’s in a tattered wedding dress. With a little help from God, and his parents, Matthew and Chloe will discover who she is and what God’s plan for her truly is.

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Love Will Find A Way: A Summerfield Village Sweet Romance

Amazon quote:

Jenna Warren is an Idaho ranch girl who loves her Appaloosa horse, Blue, and the freedom she has to run her life the way she wants to. But she’s aware that she’s never really seen the world, let alone experienced real love.

Daniel Martin is a British schoolteacher, bound by duty to a desperate family situation, and struggling to find his own path as a musician.

When Jenna and Dan meet at a family wedding, they are instantly attracted to each other, but Dan has to leave for Britain the next day. As Jenna follows him to Summerfield, a family conflict ignites, tearing their new love apart.

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I’ve just finished reading & enjoying immensely, another story by Yvonne Lehman one of my favorite authors.

After the Storm (Finding Love in the Low Country Book 1)

Sharon cannot face her future until she has dealt with her past. When an accident takes everyone in her family except Sharon Martin’s grandson, she is forced to face the secrets of her past. For decades she has protected herself and “his family” from the damage this secret could cause. But when Bobby’s well-being depends on her honesty, will she have the courage to speak the truth? When tragedy strikes, can love and honesty save a life?

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Next I think I will try a book that has been on my list for awhile now.

Hidden Secrets: A Green Dory Inn Mystery (Green Dory Inn Mystery Series Book 2) 

The secrets of Captain Hiltz may not have died with him.

When Landon Smith returns to the Green Dory Inn, she finds innkeeper Anna Young still shaken by the recent vandalism and unable to cope when the inn is targeted in an online vendetta. Prickly neighbour Bobby Hawke can help with Anna’s cyber woes, but when the attacks escalate to physical threats, Landon and Bobby must work together to unmask the culprit.

A cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. Contraband, treasure, evidence of things better left buried…

How far will Anna’s enemy go to claim the tunnel and its contents? Protecting Anna will require courage and faith as Landon battles the locals’ attitudes and the scars of her past. Even then, she and Bobby are tracing the faintest of clues. With Anna on the brink of emotional collapse—and danger rising like the tide—time is running out.

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Happy Reading ….

on this beautiful sunny December 1st with temps above freezing. How awesome is that, after the chilly weather we have been having lately.