romance

Free books October 05, 2020

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LPC Books has FREE books for us this afternoon.

The Spindle Chair (The Barn Church Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

“At once beautiful and haunting … a story you won’t soon forget”. ~ Ann Tatlock, Award-winning author of Once Beyond A Time, a Christy Award winner

Laurie Crane is happily married, yet she aches to have a child. During her husband’s moments of quiet sadness she senses a void she believes only a child can fill. Pierce wants a child, too and has spent years praying alongside his wife. But he has no idea that a “yes” from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe. What happens when “happily-ever-after” becomes more than you can bear?

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Among the Poppies 

Amazon quote:

The ideal lady wears lace, speaks quietly, and never—under any circumstances—fixes an automobile. But Gwyn Ruthers has never cared two snaps about being the ideal lady. With the war to end all wars exploding across the English Channel, she leaves behind her restrictive life as a chauffer’s daughter to serve in an all-female ambulance unit in France. She’s not about to let her social status or gender prevent her from serving her country. Not even a handsome captain can distract her from her mission. Most of the time.

Captain William Crawford wouldn’t wish the ravages of war on any man, much less the captivating woman who insists on driving into battle instead of staying safely at home. He can’t deny that the troops need more medical help, but not when it puts innocent women in danger. How can he lead his men against the Jerries while worrying about Gwyn’s safety?

Bound together by circumstances, Gwyn and William can’t stop the love growing between them. Can their relationship survive, or will it become another casualty of war?

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Chasing the Butterfly

Amazon quote:

From a vineyard in the south of France to the sophisticated city of Paris, Ella Moreau searches for the hope and love she lost as a young girl when her mother abandoned the family. Through a series of secret paintings, her art becomes the substitute for lost love—the metaphor of her life. But when her paintings are discovered, the intentions of those she loves are revealed.

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Thankfully, I’ve read & enjoyed all three of these FREE books. My TBR list is already struggling without adding any more. The upside is, I have lots of choices so I’m not complaining too loudly.

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Currently I’m on book two of a three book collection. This is a continued story series, definitely not stand alone, but I’m enjoying it.

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

Book 2

If I’m Found

In this riveting sequel to the USA TODAY bestseller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows . . . but there is light shining in the darkness.

Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.

As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail cell.

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Happy Reading…

…from one happy lady. This day warmed up considerably after the cold snap we’ve been having the last while. It was a lovely day to get out and work on yard cleanup before the snow flies.

I haven’t heard any snow predicted yet for this year but we are remembering last year at this time. A gigantic winter storm blew through dumping huge piles of snow, taking out thousands of trees, and causing massive power outages.

The early frost we’ve been having this last week or so seems like a piece of cake compared to the weather we had this time last year.

Not knowing what the weather will do from one year to the next is actually a blessing sometimes.

A knee jerk reaction – do you ever have them?

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It keeps happening and I have no idea why. It happened again today.

Jerry Jenkins, author of dozens of books, loves to encourage writers to become the best they can be. He often puts out free mini courses and today I was gong to read the newest one. It’s called Breaking down the 7 main story elements. To write a story you have to be a writer.

That thought right there, being a writer, was the trigger to an intense, visceral, emotional, knee jerk, negative reaction. I know, it seems like that’s overkill on the descriptive words but that’s about how it is, Fight or flight. Just short of a melt down. This happens to me fairly often with this writer idea and I have no idea why. It makes no sense that I can see. I’m sure there must be a mental health professional out there somewhere, though, who could tell me why.

It’s funny because I have this denial thing going on and yet I’ve spent years working on my communication skills. More recently I’ve joined a writers group, started this blog, read whatever catches my eye teaching me how to be a better writer, and even started a little fiction story. Go figure.

So, after some settling down time, I read through the tutorial and took notes on Jerry’s material about 7 main story elements.

The presentation was encouraging to me in several ways.

First; I’m stalled out on the story I’m writing, have been for awhile now. As I read what Jerry had to say, some things began to come together in my mind. I know where I need to go next with my characters.

Second and more importantly; it helped in regard to Book Reviews. I love books, some more than others. I love in different ways, for different reasons. The challenge is to put words to emotional responses. The struggle to express myself has caused me to dislike and avoid book reviews.

I’m discovering that instructions on the how and why of writing is helping me understand both what makes a story relatable and what is happening in the writing of the story for it to draw me in so completely.

A discussion of the story elements and the words used to describe them has also helped tremendously. It’s getting easier to move past simply I love this book and on to compiling a list for the reasons why I love this book.

I’m still feeling inadequate to understand and express my thoughts about books, but it’s getting better. I’m excited about that. The attempt with this post is probably helping me more than you.

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The most enjoyable part in the learning to write process, for me anyway, is the reading of excellent books. They say to be a great writer we must read extensively. I am all over that.

My most recently read & enjoyed book is The Maid of Fairbourne Hall 

Jerry Jenkins talked about the importance of describing the setting in layers throughout the story as opposed to a full description prior to stepping into the story itself.

Layers is the operative word here and this book did that.

The other thing this book did was make the story real, transporting me to a different time and place.

It’s a good thing this was Saturday and I could stick with it to the end.

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Currently, I’ve selected a series that’s been on my TBR list since the middle of July. After a few pages I’m hooked and since Terri Blackstock is a long time favorite I’m looking forward to this.

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

If I Run … book 1

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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Writing this post has been helpful in working things out in my mind. I’m hoping it’s managed to make a little sense for you in reading it.

Check out JerryJenkins.com if you are interested in hearing more from him.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed … end of September

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A favorite read … I Choose You collection

My favorite thing about this collection was the way the authors and their writing faded into the background and I found myself living the story with the characters. It’s magical. Some of the authors did a better job than others but overall it happened for me in all of their stories.

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A 5 star favorite was … I Guess I Do

This was such a fun read, with all it’s twists and turns. It was a deep read too, with the major issues the characters were facing.

I don’t give five stars very often but in my mind this one was highly deserving.

It seems like desperate times deserve desperate measures and that’s what happened to take this couple down a road neither of them could have imagined in their wildest dreams.

They ended up in circumstances they could never have predicted.

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One more five star story … The Socialite

I liked everything about this book. Most of all I loved the fresh slant on a well worn topic. It seems WWII stories are very popular with publishers these days, and they should be, but I been reading them for so many years it’s easy for me to be a little tired of the subject. Finding a story focusing on a different aspect of the war had me eager to read one more.

It’s amazing the difference it can make, seeing the same story through yet another persons eyes.

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I’m going to lump the next bunch together or this will be a really long post. My apologies if I have any repeats in here. I try to always remove them from my device once they have been mentioned. For some reason there are times when I’m not allowed to remove without deleting. so I wait. And then enough time has gone by that I lose track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. I’m sure you will forgive me if you happen to notice any repeats.

Some of these books were more enjoyable than others, but they were all worth the read.

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I’m currently reading and thoroughly enjoying an awesome book that is still a bargain.

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.

But there’s something different about Nate that calls to her softer side, if only she’d let him in. If only she knew how to let anyone in… But Ginger is jaded for good reason, and she’s not going to risk losing Hope Eternal Ranch—or her heart—again.

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Happy Reading y’all

’til next time

Bargain book for September 30, 2020

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Here’s an interesting looking story suggestion from BookBub. It is a lonely-only but it appears to be worth the investment of time and money, and that makes up for everything. The first few pages have me hooked and I think it has pushed to the head of the line to be my next read.

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

Amazon quote:

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.

But there’s something different about Nate that calls to her softer side, if only she’d let him in. If only she knew how to let anyone in… But Ginger is jaded for good reason, and she’s not going to risk losing Hope Eternal Ranch—or her heart—again.

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Currently, I’m reading a seven book collection and I’m about to start book 5. So far, I’ve been impressed with the writing and the story lines. With a couple of the books I did some skimming but the others were excellent and all of the stories were worth reading.

‘I Choose You’ Contemporary Romance Collection

The one I’m about to read…

The Broken Trail by Christa MacDonald

Katherine takes a job in smalltown Maine to break away from the toll of secrets she’s buried. With evidence of shady dealings on her job, there’s nothing relaxing about it. Maybe it would be easier if she wasn’t so distracted by Captain MacAlister.

Mac has enough to deal with from poachers to drug crime. But when he meets Katherine, he’s drawn in by her intelligence and strength, despite getting burned by her quick temper. If only their scars didn’t threaten to tear them apart. Two wary hearts must soften to have any hope of making it down the broken trail to love.

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That’s it for tonight.

Happy Reading!

I can’t believe that in 15 minutes it will be October 1st.

Bargain books September 28, 2020

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A promised, here is the intriguing collection I came across in my searches yesterday. It seemed like a good idea at the time to save it and spread the wealth around a bit today instead. Why hog it all when it’s thoughtful and kind to share.

‘I Choose You’ Contemporary Christian Romance Collection

Amazon quote:

7 Full-Length Novels!

Come Next Winter by Deborah Dulworth and Linda Hanna

When tragedy hits, Carol struggles to forge a new life. She finds a friend in her cousin Millie as she puts the pieces of her shattered life back together.

Frank, a local pastor, is everything she would look for in a spouse. If she were looking. But she discovers that Millie has set her hopes on becoming the pastor’s wife. Aunt Penny’s outrageous attempts to ensure that Millie wins Frank’s heart might destroy any chance she has at a happy future. Can love find a way to break through?

Runaway Romance by Miralee Ferrell

Ann Stanway had it all—a reality show and a sparkling future. Until that life no longer existed. She flees L.A., lands in Kentucky at an Amish inn, and realizes what was missing–peace, friendship and a man who accepts her for who she is–or who he thinks she is.

Hunter is intrigued by the woman staying at the inn. Annie is secretive and won’t open up. He’s been burned by a woman before. His interest in Ann grows, and the attraction is mutual—Dare he risk his heart, when he’s sure Ann is keeping secrets? Or will Ann run again?

Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington by Annette M. Irby

Professor Mikaela Rhoads wants to help an old friend’s whale touring business stay afloat. The challenge? The tour captain is her first love and ex-fiancé, Hunter Cahill. Mikaela longs to help, but she’s keeping secrets. She’ll have to face her past to make it through the summer.

Hunter has taken over the family touring business. He’s drowning in debt and hoping the incoming professor will resurrect the business, but he’s not prepared when it turns out to be his former fiancée. How much will it cost him to spend the summer romancing Mikaela?

A Love to Treasure by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Nicole’s Grandmother’s final wish lands Nicole in a mysterious scavenger hunt. She finds a fellow sleuth in handsome police officer, Mark Stone. Mark is hoping for a quiet summer in Sunriver as he considers his future in law enforcement.
To complicate matters, Nicole is in danger, and Mark knows his growing feelings for her could cloud his judgment. Will their differing career goals be the end of their summer romance—or just the beginning of forever after?

An Anchor on Her Heart by Patricia Lee

McKenna, abandoned by her husband for his work, is left alone to raise their autistic child. When circumstances drive a wedge in their marriage and Dane chooses to escape, how long can she be strong? Can she remain faithful to her marriage vows when tempted by the friendship of an unlikely stranger?
Rudy Taylor, who senses McKenna’s loneliness, struggles to keep his concern for the young woman pure. Will McKenna’s faith in God and Rudy’s commitment to his Lord keep their relationship simple until McKenna’s husband one day returns?

The Broken Trail by Christa MacDonald

Katherine takes a job in smalltown Maine to break away from the toll of secrets she’s buried. With evidence of shady dealings on her job, there’s nothing relaxing about it. Maybe it would be easier if she wasn’t so distracted by Captain MacAlister.

Mac has enough to deal with from poachers to drug crime. But when he meets Katherine, he’s drawn in by her intelligence and strength, despite getting burned by her quick temper. If only their scars didn’t threaten to tear them apart. Two wary hearts must soften to have any hope of making it down the broken trail to love.

Finding Love in Eureka, California by Angela Ruth Strong

Raised in a family of adopted siblings, Genevieve works to keep her family together. If she isn’t good enough to keep her parents from giving her up then no way she’ll be enough to have a lasting relationship.

Matt’s life is easy until he starts hanging out with Genevieve more than his girlfriend. He tells himself he’s intrigued by Gen’s quirkiness, but nobody makes him smile the way she does. Can Matt give up his plan and Gen risk her heart?

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Many of these authors are new to me but not all. And, I’ve previously read one of the books. It’s still win/win though, to find a collection with six new-to-me books.

It turned out to be a good thing I waited with this collection. Nothing else has presented itself today.

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Currently, I’m between books again. I’m thinking about starting The Christmas Challenge. It’s still a bargain if you would like to read along.

The Christmas Challenge: (Serendipity Christmas Series Book 1)

Donovan Harper and Claire Morgan are more successful as co-owners of a thriving advertising agency in quaint Serendipity, Pennsylvania, than they were at navigating their romantic relationship.

When an eccentric client makes an unusual request, Donovan convinces Claire their agency should participate in Serendipity’s annual Christmas Challenge. With contests and activities ranging from The Snowflake Plunge, candy cane making, snowman building, wreath and tree decorating, and a snowmobile race, could this be the opportunity Donovan has prayed for to win back the love of his life?

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Happy Reading

Bargain books September 27, 2020

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The challenge today was finding bargain books for some of the new authors from yesterday. There was a pre-order bargain offer for a seven book Christmas Romance collection. Two of the authors were familiar to me – today I wanted to find what I could about the other five.

Finding more was not as easy as one might think. A search by name on Amazon may or may not give accurate results. And it’s not easy wading through all the unrelated material invariably coming up along with the information I do want. It’s frustrating, truth be told.

Maybe there is a way to narrow the search to the one name I’m looking for but I haven’t discovered what that is yet. I’ll have to dig a little on that. If there isn’t a way and Amazon is listening, (they could be, you never know. Big Brother and all that) it’s on my wish list.

It turns out, some of the five authors are more prolific than others and it was easier to find more for them. This book is one of the more. Awesome cover.

The Christmas Challenge: (Serendipity Christmas Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Donovan Harper and Claire Morgan are more successful as co-owners of a thriving advertising agency in quaint Serendipity, Pennsylvania, than they were at navigating their romantic relationship.

When an eccentric client makes an unusual request, Donovan convinces Claire their agency should participate in Serendipity’s annual Christmas Challenge. With contests and activities ranging from The Snowflake Plunge, candy cane making, snowman building, wreath and tree decorating, and a snowmobile race, could this be the opportunity Donovan has prayed for to win back the love of his life?

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While I was researching The Christmas Challenge I happened upon a Lyn Cote book I haven’t read. I’m not sure it’s wise to add it to my steadily growing TBR list but I want to, so I guess I will.

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

Amazon quote:

Vengeance can be dangerous~

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?

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An intriguing seven book collection popped up while I was researching JoAnn Durgin but I think I’m going to save it for tomorrow. Spread out the wealth a bit.

Today is story prompt day (Sunday Scribblings) and I have a small idea. It is not fiction and may involve a picture or two.

In the meantime …

Happy Reading!

Bargain books September 26, 2020

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There is a new Christmas Romance Collection available for pre-order, it will be out October 20th at the low price of $0.99. I’m excited because there are seven books and all but two are written by authors new to me.

Melodies of Christmas Love: A Boxed Set Collection of Contemporary Christmas Romance Novellas

Amazon quote:

The Heart of Christmas – Lynnette Bonner

When Wynn Mason sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate and is just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch Ryland Sage in the face. What is the star of her favorite TV show doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch up his face—and also maybe his heart—all while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.

Love on a Mission in Millcreek – JoAnn Durgin

Angelia Ford wonders if she’ll ever live down her unfortunate outburst at the end of the Millcreek Elementary Christmas program. Sixteen years later, she’s home to care for her grandfather and prays the town’s citizens have finally forgiven her youthful indiscretion.

Millcreek’s newest resident, Nicholas Sanders, recognizes the beautiful blonde server at the local diner, but it’s clear Angel doesn’t remember him. What better time than the festive holiday season for Nick to reintroduce himself to the girl he’s never forgotten?

The Bells of New Cheltenham – Chautona Havig

When Justine Driscoll decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.

A Christmas Duet – Annette M. Irby

A breakup steals a cellist’s inspiration. How will she create new compositions for her ensemble’s next album? Perhaps the church’s handsome music director could help. Join Kate Fleming and Zach Tillmon as Christmas music brings them together on Whidbey Island, Washington.

A Night Divine – Dawn Kinzer

One chilly December night, a tragedy connects successful model Camryn Tate and outreach minister Trace Gardner. As they share a common mission serving the homeless on the streets of Seattle, they provide more than food—they offer hope. But as Christmas Eve approaches, secrets have the potential to break Camryn’s heart.

To Hear the Angels Sing – Lesley Ann McDaniel

Being guardian of her niece isn’t as easy as Devlin Welsh might hope. When her niece is invited to be in a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when Devlin admits to knowing how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find the time?

One of Jonah Ryan’s favorite parts of his job as worship leader is working on the kids’ Christmas musical. There’s something about the woman who’s volunteering to design costumes this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?

Prairie Rose – Sylvia Stewart

For many years, Rose Morris has lived alone with her dog, Rusty. Mitch Foster, a handsome, un-married neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium, and insists on helping with chores. But who should drive into Rose’s farmyard? The scoundrel husband who had deserted her and her teenaged son years before. Later, a pre-teen runaway, found in her barn, adds his troubles to her own, so Rose decides to re-capture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

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While I was noticing this new Christmas pre-order collection I came across a Chautona Havig bargain I haven’t read yet. One thing about Chautona, her stories cover a broad range of styles. I have not read one of her’s similar to this one so I must check it out.

The Ghosts of New Cheltenham (New Cheltenham Shopkeepers Book 1)

Amazon quote:

What’s a guy to do when the ghosts of his past converge on his Christmas present?

Mitchell Bogaert hasn’t done much with his life in the four years since college, to which his negative-digits bank account and credit score will attest. So when news of an inheritance from a man he hasn’t seen in years arrives on the same day as his eviction notice, Mitchell considers the odd terms of the will to be a no-brainer.

Sure, he’ll move into a building in the tourist village of New Cheltenham. Of course, he’d be happy to live there for a year as a condition of inheritance. And yes, he’ll suffer the humiliation of creating, entering, and presenting at the annual Dickens Ghost Story Competition.

Free room and board for a year plus a rather substantial inheritance to boot? Who wouldn’t?

But someone either doesn’t want him in New Cheltenham or doesn’t want him to receive that inheritance, because the more he works on his story, the more convinced he is that a ghost resides in the narrow building he now calls home.

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I am going to download this next one because it’s a new-to-me author, I like the cover, and the first couple of pages have me wanting to check it out. I’m not going to recommend it to you though. The synopsis makes it sound a little preachy. I’m not a fan of preachy. I’m not saying don’t download it, I’m just saying you’ve been warned about what to expect.

I’ve searched by the author’s name to see what else this gal has written but nothing is showing up, not even this one book. I hoped to gain a sense of what she’s like. Guess I’ll just have to read the book.

I Guess I Do 

Amazon quote:

Sarah Miller is one year short of graduating college when she hits a financial snag. To continue her education, she must trust a handsome stranger–and trusting anyone is not something Sarah finds easy to do. As Sarah hurls headlong into a crazy and unexpected adventure, she realizes that her life is lacking a special dimension that can only be fulfilled by becoming part of the body of Christ. Will Sarah open her heart to her new friends, or will she continue living her life alone?

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I’m between books so it’s decision time on what comes next. I think I will make another attempt to get into The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2)

Widowed during the war, Natalie Ellis finds herself solely responsible for Rose Hill plantation. When Union troops arrive with a proclamation freeing the slaves, all seems lost. How can she run the plantation without slaves? In order to save her son’s inheritance she strikes a deal with the arrogant, albeit handsome, Colonel Maish. In exchange for use of her family’s property, the army will provide workers to bring in her cotton crop. But as her admiration for the colonel grows, a shocking secret is uncovered. Can she trust him with her heart and her young, fatherless son?

Natalie Ellis is everything Colonel Levi Maish loathes: a Southern slave owner. When he and his men arrived in Texas with the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves still in bondage despite the war having ended, he feels little concern for the trail of plantation owners left in its wake without workers. But the plight of the beautiful Widow Ellis stirs to life his compassion and the heart he’d thought cold as stone after witnessing the carnage of war. While the army camps on her land, Levi finds himself contemplating a future with Natalie and Samuel. But when he learns where her husband perished during the war, he knows a life with Natalie is impossible. How could she ever forgive him for what he’d done in battle on the banks of the Bull Run?

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Tomorrow is story prompt day hosted by a fellow blogger. At the moment I have no ideas. Maybe inspiration will hit me tomorrow. Hopefully.

In the meantime …

Happy Reading!

Bargain books September 25, 2020

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BookBub has a suggestion. I did say books but it has turned into book. Despite an honest attempt at discovering more nothing else of interest showed up. We are limited to one, again.

There is always tomorrow.

Without Proof: A Redemption’s Edge Novel

Amazon quote:

“Asking questions could cost your life.”

Two years after the plane crash that killed her fiancé, Amy Silver has fallen for his best friend, artist Michael Stratton. When a local reporter claims the small aircraft may have been sabotaged, it reopens Amy’s grief.

Anonymous warnings and threats are Amy’s only proof that the tragedy was deliberate, and she has nowhere to turn. The authorities don’t believe her, God is not an option, and Michael’s protection is starting to feel like a cage.

How will Amy find the truth?

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I finished last night’s book Lessons in Love (Secrets in Savannah Book 2) and enjoyed it every bit as much as I hoped I would.

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

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Now I’m reading and enjoying Every Secret Thing. I’ve only just begun and I’m hooked. I hope it keeps delivering to the very end. I expect it will but, disappointingly, sometimes a read doesn’t. Fingers crossed.

When Elizabeth Gunnar accepts a teaching position at the preparatory school she attended as a girl, she revisits ghosts of the past and old self-doubts. But she is returning to more than a place–to memories, mysteries, and an old love. Once there, she meets unexpected challenges—and challenging new people—and she is reminded of the faith that first captured her heart in what she called her “moments of being.” A rich, complex weave of character, mystery and divine epiphanies, “Every Secret Thing” will have you turning the pages late into the night.

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It’s Friday!!

Happy Reading y’all

It’s hard getting started sometimes

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

My head is not in the game today. Book suggestions were non-existent – not that we necessarily need more, I don’t anyway, that’s for sure. They give me something to talk about and I miss them.

Then I thought about sharing books read. I did that the other day though and since I’ve been reading such long books lately the numbers haven’t accumulated very quickly. It’s a short list hardly worth bothering with.

Currents reads are not a whole lot better as a topic. I’m up to the third attempt without any more success than with the first two. It could be the books or it could be me. The jury is still out on that.

I’ll share the three non starters.

I’ve barely looked at the outside two. I’ve read 13% of the middle one.

I’m sure it’s mainly me. There are other things going on today. Tasks requiring heavy concentration and now my brain is fried. I think I need to end the day with something taking little or no thought.

The trouble is, I download more heavy than light and the light has probably all been read. Mostly.

See, downloading mindless is not a bad thing sometimes.

So, I went on a little break and tried one more time. This one is looking a little more promising, it’s definitely on the lighter side compared to the other three.

Lessons in Love (Secrets in Savannah Book 2) 

Can the handsome man who holds the secret to the disappearance of Megan’s boyfriend hope to hold the key to her heart?

Megan Conley can’t believe her eyes. That handsome man who keeps popping up all over town looks a lot like her boyfriend, Michael. But Megan hasn’t seen him since he vanished unexpectedly, leaving her searching for answers. Turns out the stranger is Michael’s cousin, Noah, and he seems to have her best interests at heart. Could Noah help explain Michael’s absence?

Noah can’t deny his attraction to Megan. But he made a promise to his cousin, and he’s a man of his word. He’ll help her move on with her life—but he can go no further. Unless the key he holds to Michael’s disappearance is also the key to Megan’s heart…

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You had to know I’d try again. I can’t bear to be without a book in progress. I promise to double back and try the others again, just not tonight.

How is your reading going. Are you hooked on books? I’m hoping you are headed in that direction.

Happy Reading anyway!

Bargain books for September 23, 2020

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I can never pass up the chance for an Alana Terry book. Especially when it is a bargain. $0.99. Thanks to BookBub for the suggestion.

Save Me Once: A Safe Refuge Christian Thriller

Amazon quote:

It’s every mother’s worst nightmare. Except she isn’t dreaming.

If only she’d been more attentive, none of this would have happened.

Now her daughter’s missing, abducted by a man with a criminal past. A man who has been grooming her daughter for a life on the streets.

Is it any wonder Margot fears the worst?

Fueled by love, terror, and unwavering determination, Margot will stop at nothing to save her little girl. Enlisting the help of a police detective with a sordid past and a host of problems of his own, Margot is determined to blow this case wide open.

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My current read…

The Socialite

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

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Pickings are scarce this morning but at least there was a good one. And there is always hope for surprises tomorrow.

Happy Reading!