romance

Read and enjoyed – middle of October 2020 edition

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It`s time once again to clear out my read & enjoyed folder.

This first one was an excellent read and it is still a bargain, grab it quick before it goes away.

Rescued by the Hero: (Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 1)

The hardest part about this fake relationship is hiding it from her brother. Especially when it doesn’t feel fake.

Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.

Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.
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Another one thoroughly enjoyed.

Blue Columbine: (Grace Revealed Book 1)

Best friends—maybe more—until addiction shatters everything.
Andrew Harris needs a fresh start. His alleged drinking problem cost him his job, sending him back to his childhood home in Colorado. Discovering his childhood sweetheart is still there—and still the girl he’d adored—Andrew gains new confidence that he’ll overcome the failings that had caused his downfall before.

Jamie Carson values her faith above all else. However, the loss of her mother has opened a nagging loneliness. After reuniting with Andrew—a boy she thought she’d once loved—the ache of solitude subsides, though his rejection of the faith she thought they’d shared is troubling.

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One more favorite. It is still a bargain too.

Behind the Lies (The Northern Lights Book 2)

With nowhere else to go but a house bequeathed to her from an old friend, Olivia Morgan finds herself back in Oak River. The small town holds memories of abuse, neglect, and sorrow, but also stirs up longings she’d thought were long buried.

She thinks she can live in seclusion, but resisting the kindness of an elderly neighbor, her tenacious younger sister, and the magnetic attraction of the most handsome man she’s ever seen, is undoing the best of intentions.

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I have a large handful still needing to be mentioned but for space reasons we need to move right along. I`m really sorry about that. Covers only for these ones.

I really liked the first two, that`s why they are at the top of this section.

(please excuse the apostrophe, it is doing something weird and I do not know how to fix it.)

I enjoyed the rest of them too. Some a little more than others but….

I decided not to mention the few I didn`t like. The rest are all worth mentioning.

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I`m currently reading and enjoying a ten book collection and it is still a bargain. Grab it quick. I think you will like it.

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Happy Reading everyone.

LPC Free books October 12, 2020 – part two

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LPCBooks has a nice selection of FREE books for us.

Fear Is Louder Than Words: Her stalker taught her fear. Her suspicions taught her terror

Amazon quote:

Her stalker taught her fear. Her suspicions taught her terror.

Rochelle Cassidy has the perfect life as a radio talk show host in the Detroit market, but her celebrity status doesn’t stop an angry listener from wanting her … dead. Ed McGrath’s ideal life as a pro-hockey player doesn’t include a damsel in distress until the night he discovers Rochelle being attacked in a deserted parking structure.

Circumstances throw them together in more ways than one when Rochelle’s producer plays matchmaker. A sick boy, a corrupt politician, and questionable medical practices put more than merely Rochelle in danger, and still, her attacker shadows her every step.

Will Ed be able to break through her trust issues in order to protect her, or will she continue to see him as Detroit’s bad boy athlete? Her life and his depend on it.

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When You Come Home 

Amazon quote:

War took Daphne Kelley’s young husband from her, but it couldn’t keep Raymond – and his abiding love – from being with her when she needed him most.

Taking its title from a poem Daphne sent her soldier-husband during World War II, When You Come Home tells of the couple’s young love in the heartland of America on the brink of war, and of the crushing uncertainty and fear they feel as they find themselves a ripped apart. Through pain and worry, the grieving young wife finds that her faith provides hope and healing amidst the uncertainty of war.

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The Yuletide Angel: A mysterious benefactor … a secret guardian … and a love sweeter than grace.

Amazon quote:

It’s the 1890s in Meadowmead and someone is venturing out at night to leave packages at the homes of the needy. Dubbed “The Yuletide Angel,” no one knows the identity of this mysterious benefactor.

No one, except Hugh Barnes, a confirmed bachelor who finds himself drawn to the outwardly shy but inwardly bold Violet Madison, a young woman who risks her safety to help others.

When Violet confesses her fear of eviction from her childhood home, Hugh longs to rescue her. His good intentions are thwarted, however, when Hugh’s estranged brother shows up in town … and in Violet’s company.

But Violet faces an even bigger threat. A phantom figure lurks in the shadows, prepared to clip the wings of her Yuletide Angel.

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Hummingbird  D. Stearman

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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A bargain book from the summer is still available and since it’s one of my favorites I think it’s worth mentioning again.

Saltwater Cowboy: An Edge of Your Seat Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with Wild Horses and an Isolated NC Island (Saltwater Cowboys Book 1)

Amazon quote:

He’s trying to forget. She’d give anything to remember.

Officer Levi Sutherland wants to protect the wild horses of Cape Corral and keep the island residents safe. But memories of his deceased wife haunt him at every turn and make him long for a fresh start. When a woman washes ashore with a bullet wound and no memories, Levi knows he can’t leave until he discovers what happened to her.

The woman—whose necklace reads Dani—captures Levi’s attention like no one has in a long time. But which side of the law is she on? Could Dani be mixed up with other mysterious incidents happening on the island?

Together, can the two find answers and create new memories? Or will secrets tear them apart and destroy a future as uncertain as Dani’s past?

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One of these books is new to me. Humingbird. I’m looking forward to checking it out.

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Happy Reading…

…on this Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.

Unlike the destructive snow storm of a year ago, today we are enjoying blue skies, green lawns, and moderate temperatures.

We are deeply thankful.

Free and bargain books October 12, 2020

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion.

Catching the Cowgirl: Wyoming Legacy (Wind River Hearts Book 12)

Amazon quote:

Breanna White is a cowgirl to the bone. As the youngest adopted sibling—and the only girl—her protective older brothers have always told her that she’ll have to change her ways to attract a man. No thanks.

Adam Cartwright is the wealthy son of a Philadelphia businessman. He’s expected to marry well and run the newspaper his father has spent years building. But Adam doesn’t want a society marriage. He wants Breanna, whose independent spirit captivated him from the first moment they met.

When the city boy comes calling, Breanna falls hard. But there are family secrets in Philadelphia that could change the way that Adam feels about her. A first kiss sends her emotions into a tailspin, so she does what she does best—races away.

Will Adam chase after her and capture the cowgirl’s heart?

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One of my favorite authors has a bargain popping up for us.

Beneath Northern Lights: A Holiday Story (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 4)

Amazon quote:

Two wounded souls, a sweet puppy, Christmas coming and someone who’s out to destroy a man’s dream~

After a life-altering event, Nick Reynolds has one goal, to participate in the Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race with his beloved Alaskan husky, Maddie. But someone is dead-set against Nick achieving this goal. Who and why?
Megan Blair knows she isn’t doing what’s expected of a new college grad. She’s not sending out resumes and looking for her dream job. But this spring, life hit her with a painful setback. And she can’t bring herself to do what her mother and everyone else expects. After spending the summer working at her sister’s coffee shop, she decides to stay in Winfield for the winter. Will she ever feel whole again?

When Megan volunteers at the local vet to foster dogs, she meets Nick. He’s come to give up one of Maddie’s six-month-old puppies. Unexpectedly holding the small, furry Alaskan husky brings Megan an unexpected measure of peace and joy. She begins to consider adoption. How can this man just give this wonderful pup away? And why does he act like such a grump?
She’d like to steer clear of him. But within days it’s clear the man needs help with feeding and caring for his team of huskies. And there’s the fact that she needs a job for the winter. Neither is too happy with the other but necessity brings them together. As they both care for the dogs, a bond begins to form. But Megan is still hurting. And nearly a decade older, Nick thinks she needs time to heal. He doesn’t want to be her rebound relationship.

And almost immediately the nasty pranks begin. Each one aimed at Nick and his dogs. And each one worse than the one before. Who is out to get him, stop him from his dream of conquering the past? And more importantly, rob him of the joy of seeing Maddie do what she was born to do–race? As for Megan, as she peels back the layers of Nick’s complex situation and personality, can she allow herself to love again? And will one prank go too far? With unforeseen consequences?

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My current read is …

Blue Columbine: (Grace Revealed Book 1)

Best friends—maybe more—until addiction shatters everything.


Andrew Harris needs a fresh start. His alleged drinking problem cost him his job, sending him back to his childhood home in Colorado. Discovering his childhood sweetheart is still there—and still the girl he’d adored—Andrew gains new confidence that he’ll overcome the failings that had caused his downfall before.

Jamie Carson values her faith above all else. However, the loss of her mother has opened a nagging loneliness. After reuniting with Andrew—a boy she thought she’d once loved—the ache of solitude subsides, though his rejection of the faith she thought they’d shared is troubling.

With Jamie by his side, Andrew believes he can become a better man. Jamie feels the pull of Andrew’s affection, which is dangerous as she also sees that he is captive to an addiction he chooses not to acknowledge. She is as determined to remain his friend as he is set on in his attempt at self-reformation to win her heart.

As Andrew continues to pursue an intimacy Jamie knows she must guard against, blurring line between loyalty and love, things get complicated—until a devastating blow shatters their relationship.

For Jamie, one thing becomes clear: Andy needs a miracle, and she can’t be it.

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

I’m a third of the way through and enjoying this although addiction and a life of struggles makes it a tough read.

Tough is realistic though. Most of us have hard places in our life. We need stories we can identify with and to be reminded there is always hope. Hope that we can survive the hard places.

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On the bright side, I’ve lived through a lot of hard places and survived. I feel grateful and blessed.

And … I feel blessed to find more good reads.

Happy Reading y’all

Behind the Lies – Joy Dekok- a Review

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Behind the Lies (The Northern Lights Book 2) 

Amazon Synopsis:

With nowhere else to go but a house bequeathed to her from an old friend, Olivia Morgan finds herself back in Oak River. The small town holds memories of abuse, neglect, and sorrow, but also stirs up longings she’d thought were long buried.

She thinks she can live in seclusion, but resisting the kindness of an elderly neighbor, her tenacious younger sister, and the magnetic attraction of the most handsome man she’s ever seen, is undoing the best of intentions.

Pulled into using her artistic talents to help the police in the disappearance of a young violin player, Olivia finds that reconnecting with the canvas and her camera might just be the lifeline she needs to survive coming home.

Will old enemies and new ones drive her over the edge, or can she finally make peace with the past and see beauty spring up from the ashes?

Things I liked about this book:

  • Originality. I’ve not read another story exactly like this one. A must-have quality for any book to be a favorite with me.
  • It moved along at a good pace and had tension in all the right places. It was able to hold my interest, no problem.
  • The characters were well developed and engaging, according to their importance in the story.
  • I read the story behind the story, and from that I think the author did an excellent job of pulling it all together. There were many moving parts with a large cast of characters. Definitely not an easy story to write and do it well.

Disappointing things:

  • The synopsis didn’t do justice to the story. It was so much better than I expected going in. I think a better synopsis would attract more readers.
  • It was a difficult chore keeping the characters straight. I had trouble remembering who they were and what part they played in the story. Partly because there were so many of them and partly because some of the names and functions were similar and easily confused.
  • The ending. It left me feeling like the book was about Isabella when the main character was Olivia. A small tweak could have solved the issue. It’s like the last bite leaves you with a right or wrong impression of the whole meal. You want to finish with the right taste in your mouth.
  • Although, when I go back and look at the cover … Isabella is the implied main character. Maybe the synopsis had it a bit wrong. Maybe Isabella is the intended, albeit absentee, main character.

In the end: I considered dropping this book to three stars due to the constant struggles with character identity. However, I settled on four because the story was that good.

This is one of my favorite stories this week. It definitely stands out above most of the books I’ve read lately.

I loved the characters and enjoyed being part of their lives for a brief space of time.

Check it out, I think you will enjoy it too.

It’s still at a bargain price and that’s always good incentive.

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Next up… my submission for the weekly Story Prompt.

Free and bargain books October 10, 2020

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10/10, 2020 I just had to say it, I like how it sounds.

So, moving right along to more important topics, BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us today. (After all, what could be more important than books.)

It’s a tiny bit early for Christmas but in my mind it’s never too early. A welcome suggestion anytime of year.

Silent Stars of Bethlehem (O Little Town of Christmas)

Amazon quote:

From the time she was a child, Carly Shepherd has gazed at the silent stars in the night sky of her home town of Bethlehem, North Carolina. With her childhood overshadowed by her father’s abandonment and mother’s alcoholism, she wonders how anyone can believe in an equally silent God. After all, she’s not felt his presence any more than her earthly father. Though she remembers Christmas pageants and attending church as a child, she no longer has any use for what she considers fairy tales.

Drew Middleton is seeking shelter from a rain storm when he walks into Carly’s vendor tent at a fall festival, but he’s quickly taken with the talented artist and her creations. Feeling an instant connection, Carly is confused by her feelings, especially when she realizes his spiritual commitment.

Dealing with a wayward brother and career opportunities that may require relocation, Drew knows now is not the best time to begin a relationship, especially with someone who doesn’t share his faith.

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An interesting bargain shows up unexpectedly.

By all appearances I thought this was going to be another one-book day. It’s not. Awesome.

Rescued by the Hero: (Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 1)

Amazon quote:

The hardest part about this fake relationship is hiding it from her brother. Especially when it doesn’t feel fake.

Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.

Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.

Between hiding their fake relationship from her brother and flaunting it in front of her pursuer, Aiden and Joanna find themselves wishing the relationship was as real as it seems under the mistletoe. When their ruse is exposed and Joanna is in danger, Aiden will have to put it all on the line to bring her home.

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I’m currently reading & enjoying the book that led me to the one above.

I had to go back to the Amazon site to find the description for the current read and low and behold, a visit to the suggestion strip paid off this time.

The current read is still a bargain if you hurry.

Not Until Someday: (Hope Springs Book 7)

Amazon quote:

After spending the past five years caring for her ill grandfather, Grace Calvano is eager to honor his memory by turning his stately old house in Hope Springs into a bed-and-breakfast. All she has to do is fend off her mama, who keeps pressuring her to come home to Tennessee, marry the new youth pastor, and start raising a passel of children. Sure, Grace wants to settle down and marry someday. But only when God sees fit to send Mr. Right her way. Until then, she’s content to wait.

After a career- and relationship-ending injury, former NFL quarterback Levi Donovan is sure his someday has already come and gone. Returning to Hope Springs for the summer to help out at his dad’s construction company is not his idea of a bright future. But maybe it will be a chance to make up for lost time with his brother—and to make his dad proud at last.

The day Levi shows up to help renovate her bed-and-breakfast, Grace is sure of one thing—she and God must have gotten their wires crossed when she asked him to send Mr. Right to her doorstep. Because the motorcycle-riding, football-playing bad boy is the very definition of Mr. Wrong.

But as they get to know one another, Grace is challenged to rethink everything she thought she wanted. Can she and Levi move past their own plans to let God give them the someday neither has dared to hope for?

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I’m off to the store for birthday cards, dinner rolls, and whatever else I can find while I’m at it.

Happy Reading…

on this cool but blue skied, sunshiny day.

Excellent bargain books October 09, 2020

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To start us off, 1531 Entertainment has some bargain suggestions.

One Royal Christmas: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance

Amazon quote:

His Majesty Jonah Harrison Archer Davies VI has just endured the worst year of his life . . . and he’s convinced he’s no longer fit to rule Concordia. Not now . . . but maybe someday. Taking advantage of an obscure law that allows him to temporarily abdicate his throne, he transfers short-term power to his younger brother and retreats to Tinsel, Vermont. Perhaps in this tucked-away town, with its enchanting Christmas decorations and unusual media ban, Jonah will discover the peace and privacy he needs to heal, find his vision for his country . . . and somehow believe himself worthy of the crown.

Eight years ago, Rowan Bell dropped out of college and sacrificed her dream of traveling the world to keep a promise to her dying grandmother–to care for Tinsel’s charming library. But the antiquated Cape Cod cottage that has housed the library for decades is falling apart around her, and Tinsel’s city leaders have arranged to relocate the library. Desperate to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive–and hopefully hush the longings of her restless heart in the process–Rowan hatches a plan to preserve the historic house. Help comes in the most unexpected form when a handsome bookworm–a king!–appears in Rowan’s life.

Drawn together under Tinsel’s Christmastime spell, Rowan and Jonah work to secure the library’s future, even as they grapple with all the uncertainty in their own futures. But when a national crisis calls Jonah home, it’s not only his claim to the throne that’s in danger, but their two hearts which had only begun to hope again.

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Behind the Lies (The Northern Lights Book 2)

Amazon quote:

With nowhere else to go but a house bequeathed to her from an old friend, Olivia Morgan finds herself back in Oak River. The small town holds memories of abuse, neglect, and sorrow, but also stirs up longings she’d thought were long buried.

She thinks she can live in seclusion, but resisting the kindness of an elderly neighbor, her tenacious younger sister, and the magnetic attraction of the most handsome man she’s ever seen, is undoing the best of intentions.

Pulled into using her artistic talents to help the police in the disappearance of a young violin player, Olivia finds that reconnecting with the canvas and her camera might just be the lifeline she needs to survive coming home.

Will old enemies and new ones drive her over the edge, or can she finally make peace with the past and see beauty spring up from the ashes?

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

Following the suggestion string on Amazon, a few more excellent bargain choices popped up. I don’t think they will last long so jump quickly before the good prices disappear.

Not Until Someday: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 7)

Amazon quote:

She’s waiting for her someday. He thinks his has already come and gone.

After spending the past five years caring for her ill grandfather, Grace Calvano is eager to honor his memory by turning his stately old house in Hope Springs into a bed-and-breakfast. All she has to do is fend off her mama, who keeps pressuring her to come home to Tennessee, marry the new youth pastor, and start raising a passel of children. Sure, Grace wants to settle down and marry someday. But only when God sees fit to send Mr. Right her way. Until then, she’s content to wait.

After a career- and relationship-ending injury, former NFL quarterback Levi Donovan is sure his someday has already come and gone. Returning to Hope Springs for the summer to help out at his dad’s construction company is not his idea of a bright future. But maybe it will be a chance to make up for lost time with his brother—and to make his dad proud at last.

The day Levi shows up to help renovate her bed-and-breakfast, Grace is sure of one thing—she and God must have gotten their wires crossed when she asked him to send Mr. Right to her doorstep. Because the motorcycle-riding, football-playing bad boy is the very definition of Mr. Wrong.

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Once a Thief: An International Christian Romantic Suspense (Protector Sweethearts Book 1)

Amazon quote:

She sets a thief to catch a thief. Will he also steal her heart?
Private investigator Helen Hu must team up with reformed art thief Reuben Costa to rescue her mother, who has vanished while trying to make amends for stealing some bejeweled eggs connected to the Amber Room.

Set in Greece and Italy, Once a Thief is Book 1 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Protector Sweethearts Christian romantic suspense series of books that showcase Private Investigator Helen Hu, her associates, and friends. This collection is a spinoff of Jan’s Savannah Sweethearts beach romance and Vacation Sweethearts travel romance collections.

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I’m so excited. Every book is new to me this time. I’ve not seen or read any of them before and I can hardly wait.

I’m hoping you will find some great choices here too.

It’s Friday….

Happy Reading

…for the weekend… and everyday, really.

Free book October 08, 2020

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us and the reviews are positive. That’s a good recommendation for a book centered around addictions and the struggles of complex relationships.

Blue Columbine: (Grace Revealed Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Andrew Harris needs a fresh start. His alleged drinking problem cost him his job, sending him back to his childhood home in Colorado. Discovering his childhood sweetheart is still there—and still the girl he’d adored—Andrew gains new confidence that he’ll overcome the failings that had caused his downfall before.

Jamie Carson values her faith above all else. However, the loss of her mother has opened a nagging loneliness. After reuniting with Andrew—a boy she thought she’d once loved—the ache of solitude subsides, though his rejection of the faith she thought they’d shared is troubling.

With Jamie by his side, Andrew believes he can become a better man. Jamie feels the pull of Andrew’s affection, which is dangerous as she also sees that he is captive to an addiction he chooses not to acknowledge. She is as determined to remain his friend as he is set on in his attempt at self-reformation to win her heart.

As Andrew continues to pursue an intimacy Jamie knows she must guard against, blurring line between loyalty and love, things get complicated—until a devastating blow shatters their relationship.

For Jamie, one thing becomes clear: Andy needs a miracle, and she can’t be it.

Will Andrew allow the hand of grace to redeem his legacy of addiction, or will he and Jamie both remain casualties of heartbreak?

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

I didn’t see anything I wanted and hadn’t read, so we have another one book night. I have a feeling today’s book won’t be a quick read, though, and will last like a full meal.

I see I’ve read other books by the same author and on the strength of that I’m looking forward to this one too.

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My current read is from a favorite author. The story line is fresh and different and I love that. This may be my favorite read this week.

Boy oh boy, some of these bargains disappear quickly. This one sure did. One needs to move quickly or miss out.

They say tension keeps the reader engaged. This novel definitely has tension and it’s not the frustrating kind. That right there makes it a winner in my estimation.

Bitter Autumn: Clean Romance Mystery (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 2)

Grey Lawson returns home after serving a seven-year sentence for vehicular homicide while under the influence. The only reason he’s coming home to Winfield is to care for his great-aunt Elsie who raised him. He can’t believe that he didn’t realize seven years ago that everything he did affected this good woman. But now will his return cause her more trouble in the small Lake Superior town?

Trish Franklin, the first female deputy in the county, walks a tightrope too. As a law officer, she should see Grey only as an ex-con. On the other hand, she is the niece of the man Grey’s reckless action killed. As unlikely as it is, Trish finds herself attracted to Grey. He always seems to appear when she needs him to help with her family which is in crisis.

As she finds herself drawn to this good, repentant man, she faces the challenge of dealing with her intractable, bitter father. And a rash of copycat accidents in the eerie fog-shrouded evenings mimic Grey’s original crime. People wonder is Grey acting out some sick compulsion of his own. How can Trish solve this series of near fatal accidents before someone is seriously injured or killed? And sort out her feelings for the man her father hates? Don’t miss this edge of your seat mystery!

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I’m going back to my book. Maybe finish I can it before lights out.

Happy Reading!

Bargain book October 07, 2020

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Went looking for some good bargains. Only found one that I wanted. That’s it.

One is still better than none.

That’s not to say there weren’t others. I didn’t see anything new I just had to have.

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Recently, I read book one in this series. Don’t remember much about it but it sounds like it was fun.

Pulled over for speeding by a handsome cop seems to be showing up rather often lately. I guess it shouldn’t stop this from being a fun read though. I’m game to give it a try.

Sandover Beach Christmas (Sandover Island Sweet Romance Book 4)

Amazon quote:

A cranky cop who’s sworn off relationships, an event planner who invented a fake boyfriend, and the over-the-top family that thinks it’s love.

When Ripley fabricates a boyfriend to put off her family’s overzealous matchmaking efforts, she never thought it would go so far. But when she gets pulled over for speeding, the police officer gets caught up in her fake boyfriend scheme.

Cash has good reasons for swearing off the holidays and relationships. But his plans to spend Christmas alone are thwarted when he’s mistaken for an event planner he secretly admired from afar. The time spent with Ripley and her family starts to thaw his frozen heart.

Sticking a control freak with a total Scrooge should be a recipe for a Christmas disaster. But somehow, their warring personalities light up the right kind of sparks.

What will happen when Christmas ends, and it’s time to stop pretending?

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One is still better than none and it’s been a few days since the last downloads so it’s definitely time.

Hopefully, better luck next time. Sort of like winning the lottery. Can’t win all the time but we can wish.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading

Books read & enjoyed October 07, 2020

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I have a few books to share but somehow I think they have all been mentioned recently in passing, so pardon me if I’ve said any of this before. Hopefully you don’t remember either if I did.

Sometimes I totally love a bunch of books in a row. (I know you can’t have a bunch in a row because bunches never stand it a row, they are always crowded together in a heap, but hey, that’s what’s in my head and I can’t help but go with it. I know you know what I mean anyway, you’re smart that way)

Then sometimes I read a bunch and only love a few of them. That’s how it was this time.

I also have to say, liking a book is usually very personal. Kind of like favorite colors. Not everyone loves pink.

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This first book was one I skimmed through rather quickly. Not really my cup of tea. But still, not a bad read at all. I gave it three stars.

Will of Steel

When the truth behind her husband’s death comes to light, Jordan will need strength as strong as steel to survive.
Jordan Regent finds herself a widow, running her husband’s steel business. One night while sorting through her husband’s things she discovers a secret that threatens her future. As her life unravels, Jordan must hold on to her faith and fight to survive.
Ryder Foster is a lawyer who offers to help with her husband’s business as well as personal affairs. As they search for the truth behind her husband’s death, their attraction to each other creates complications and the threat to Jordan increases. Will Ryder be able to help her face the threat and will Jordan be able to let go of the past?

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This next one I did enjoy, more than I thought I would. I tried once and abandoned it but my second attempt worked, well. I gave this one four stars.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt–and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an “invisible” servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

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I liked this book collection but I know I’ve mentioned it multiple times so I will leave it at that. I gave this one five stars. That alone will tell you tell this was my favorite.

The If I Run Series: If I Run, If I’m Found, If I Live

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

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This next one is still a bargain if you are interested. I liked this book but only gave it three stars and I can’t remember why. I know there was a reason because I don’t give three very often. Four stars is the norm. Probably details and thoughts repeated too many times.

Hopeful Cowboy: A Mulbury Boys Novel (Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Book 1) 

Nathaniel Mulbury is released early from his six-year term in prison to care for his brother’s four-year-old son. Dealing with grief over his brother’s death and continued guilt for his role in the embezzlement scheme that landed him in jail, Nate has one more problem. He’s never been a father and has no idea how to take care of Connor.

Make that two problems: He’s released, but only to the care of Hope Eternal Ranch, a work-parole ranch run by the beautiful and smart Ginger Talbot. He’s never been a cowboy, and he’s got no room in his life for a woman.

Ginger has dealt with plenty of men like Nate, even if the sparks between them don’t just come from his background. She’s not falling for a handsome face and a nice pair of biceps again. After all, most prisoners have plenty of time to work out.

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I’m going to look around a little for bargains, if I find any I’ll put them in a separate post.

Hope to see you soon!

Happy Reading

Bargain books October 06, 2020

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This is a one-thing-lead-to-another kind of day. It all started with BookRunes suggesting a bargain book and it was a run-away train from there on out.

BookRunes mentioned a brand new mystery collection just released.

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Amazon quote:

Silent Night, Deadly Night. Welcome to a Killer Christmas!

Danger and suspense await you this Christmas season in Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection featuring 10 individual novellas of suspense from some of today’s most talented Christian Suspense authors.

Come with us on a heart-racing journey through the holidays as USA Today, Christian Booksellers Association, and ECPA Bestselling authors Mary Alford, Adam Blumer, Liz Bradford, Vicki Hinze, Shaen Layle, Loree Lough, Nancy Mehl, Cara Putman, Lynn Shannon, and Virginia Vaughan, weave tales of suspense that will have you flipping pages well into the new year.

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Moving on from there, Christy Barritt has a new series about to be released and the first three books are offered at the bargain price of $1.30 CDN each.

Hide and Seek (Lantern Beach Guardians Book 1)

Amazon quote:

When Cassidy and Ty find a child on the beach, mute from some kind of unknown trauma, they begin a search for her family. Clues washing up from a shipwreck reveal few details about what might have happened to the child. But, as they uncover more, they discover something that has more far reaching implications than they ever imagined . . . and now it’s a fight to save everything they love.

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Shock and Awe (Lantern Beach Guardians Book 2) 

Amazon quote:

Just when things seem to be settling down, an explosive new secret rips Ty and Cassidy’s serenity apart.

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I found these three books while checking out the suggestion strip at the bottom of the 10 book collection

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Safe and Sound (Lantern Beach Guardians Book 3)

Amazon quote:

The thrilling conclusion to the Lantern Beach Guardian series!

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I’m still trying to figure out how to make things space the way I want. It’s hit and miss, most of the time. Maybe someday I’ll get it figured out. In the meantime… we make do however we can.

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I’m currently reading a book that looks like it will be fun. At least that’s what the first pages are suggesting.

The Whistle Blower: A Wing and a Prayer Mysteries Book 1

Bad guys beware: There’s a soccer mom on your trail.

With three kids, Sandra’s life is a whirlwind of activity. Yet, sometimes she’s a little bored. 

When a referee drops dead during her son’s soccer game, and a short man claiming to be an angel asks her to help investigate—suddenly, life’s not such a routine.

The angel (is he really an angel?) tells her to go undercover as a soccer referee, which, of course, is ridiculous. She hasn’t run anywhere since high school.

But Sandra will find out she is still capable of far more than she thought—with a little help from above.

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My current read is FREE, if that will entice you.

Check out Christy Barritt too if you not read her before. She’s written many great books.

I did pre-order the first bargain (the 10 book collection,) a little while ago. It arrived yesterday but I haven’t downloaded it yet. I am looking forward to reading it though.

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’til next time…

Happy Reading!