Free and bargain books August 03,2020

August 3, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us.

The Doctor’s Bond : Sacred Bond Series Book 4

The Doctor's Bond

Amazon quote:

This romance novel features Bad Boone McDermitt, who’s back in Pleasant Haven, Florida to help his troubled nephews … not to romance the preacher’s daughter! But the handsome doctor sees a kindred spirit in restless, talented Abby Smith, and he’s drawn to her spirituality as much as to her beauty.

The problem is, Boone doesn’t think he’s good enough for Abby, and a few small-minded church people agree. As for Abby, she must choose between a dutiful life with the clean-cut minister dear old dad’s chosen for her and the dangerous, passionate freedom Boone represents. It’ll take a lot of prayer and an assist from the Sacred Bond brothers to teach Boone and Abby that sometimes, the biggest risk is in not following your heart.

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There is a 5 book collection in the same series. a bargain at $1.34

Bonds of a Lifetime: The John Moretti Stories (Sacred Bond)

Bonds of a Lifetime

Amazon quote:

John Moretti is a decorated war hero with a heart for troubled youth. He’s also handsome, protective, and charming, and he could have his pick of women… but a romantic heartbreak in his twenties left him unwilling to commit.

Follow John throughout his lifetime, in a series of inspirational romance novellas, as he falls in love again, raises a family, reconnects with a child he didn’t know he had, and finally gets his second chance at love in his golden years.

From the author:
Welcome to a very different kind of romance collection! Romance novels usually start at the beginning and end with “happily ever after.” But in real life, love doesn’t always proceed so smoothly. Whether through misunderstandings, separations, or loss, many of us end up having more than one important relationship in our lives.
That’s what happens to my favorite romance hero, John Moretti. In this collection, you’ll see John go from youthful love and mistakes, to true love, to loss, and back to love again as an older man.

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LPC Books has a couple of FREE suggestions for us.

Midnight Is My Time

Midnight is my time

Amazon quote:

Loner Andy Mayer is on the run from a past he cannot escape and headed into a future he cannot foresee. But along the way he meets Missy, a mysteriously gifted and blind woman, whose senses point him in the right direction. Andy and Missy need to get to Maine but it seems every force in the universe is against them. Navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, the two fight their way north where they eventually come face to face with an enemy so powerful it will take their collective efforts to defeat it. And only then will they both realize the true purpose of their journey.

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Hidden Danger (When Darkness Falls Book 3)

Hidden Danger

Amazon quote:

When Carley Sutherland receives a frantic call for help, she races to a desolate park to meet her best friend. On a dimly-lit park bench, Carley’s friend fumbles in her handbag for her phone. She has a picture of a couple arguing, a picture of a woman who was later found dead in a ditch. Before Carley can examine the picture her friend took of the secretive encounter, a dark SUV stops near the bench. The window rolls down. A gunshot rips the silence. Carley’s friend tumbles from the bench, dead.

No need to wait for the second shot. Carley’s on the run, now, with a target on her back.

Wounded Army vet, Blake Richards, recuperates stateside while awaiting new orders. He doesn’t want to jeopardize his recovery or risk further injury, but at the sound of gunshots, his training kicks in. Blake ducks behind a tree and drops to one knee, scanning the area around him. A shadowy figure darts down a path. A woman nervously looks back over her shoulder. Hunkered down, he waits until the last second and then grabs her by the waist. With his hand clasped over her mouth, he pulls her to safety.

Blake doesn’t need to get involved with any woman, particularly one as beautiful and intriguing as Carley Sutherland. But he may be Carley’s only hope of staying alive. And she may his only hope of finding peace and healing amidst hidden dangers.

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Happy Reading…

on the warm Monday afternoon

Bargain books for August 01, 2020

August 1, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Author Amanda Tru is popular and prolific. She is part of an awesome group of collaborating friends, producing a number of successful collections. These collections make it easy for us to get to know these ladies and their work.

I’ve downloaded and read all of the suggestions I’m about to share with you.

Baggage Claim (Tru Exceptions – Romantic Suspense, Book 1)

Baggae Claim

Montana native, Rachel Saunders, is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent named Dawson Tate, events take a dangerous turn. Now, she and Dawson must elude their enemies and prevent a terrorist attack before the bomb in their possession is detonated in the center of Manhattan–all while keeping their obvious attraction to one another in check.

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When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection)

When Snowflakes Never Cease

Blizzard in the Bluegrass by Hallee Bridgeman
A once in a century winter storm hits Charula, Kentucky taking the small town completely by surprise. Gloria has just started to make room in her life for Doctor Jeff, but feels very protective of her eight year old autistic son, Noah. When the blizzard shuts everything down, they cannot imagine how events will unfold will change their lives forever.

Buried Secrets by Alana Terry
Cosette travels to a remote Alaskan wilderness to finally meet the love of her life, only to discover the man she fell in love with may be a murderer. Is she his next target?

Wrong About Mr. Wright by Chautona Havig
Ronni is convinced that her early retirement plan just got buried under the snowdrifts of Juniper Springs. Stranded, she teams up with local resident, Hank, and helps “make Christmas” for the rest of her fellow passengers. Now, if he’d just stop messing with her idea of the perfect man.

More Than Enough by Jaycee Weaver
For single mom Ada, there’s never enough: time, money, patience, joy. She’s not enough, though compassionate Kent disagrees. When a freak snowstorm traps the couple and her three kids in a theater on Christmas, she’ll either discover her worth in Christ or crumble under the pressure.

When Snowflakes Never Cease by Amanda Tru
When her young patient needs the best care to save her life, Dr. Geneva Hutchins turns to top cancer specialist and the man who broke her heart, Dr. Carter Solomon. Together, they embark on a journey to save Allie and grant her wish to see her daddy by Christmas.

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The Wedding Dress Yes (Crossroads Collection)

The Wedding Dress Yes

Season of Surprises by Alexa Verde
The maid-of-honor and best-man embark on a journey to recover an heirloom wedding dress that was mistakenly sold. Along the way, the former high school sweethearts unexpectedly encounter danger, surprises, and a second chance at love.

Something Borrowed, Someone Blue by Chautona Havig
A borrowed dress, half-completed marriage counseling, and a last-minute theft lead up to the big day. Face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so everyone thinks.

Black Belt, White Dress by Hallee Bridgeman
Deputy Sheriff and full time tomboy Traci Winston agrees to marry Taekwondo Master Travis Seaver, provided they exchange vows at 2000 feet while skydiving over the Grand Canyon. However, Traci’s mother has more conventional plans, and she finds herself trying on dresses and planning an elaborate ceremony in their hometown church complete with butterflies and cummerbunds. Can Traci manage to smile while walking down the aisle? Or will she collapse under the weight of girly ribbons and bows?

Sewn Together by Alana Terry
A family torn apart. A pregnancy that’s expected to end in heartache instead of joy. Despite hardship and trial, hope abounds in this heartwarming and inspirational novella full of love, faith, and miracles.

The Wedding Dress Yes by Amanda Tru
For top fashion designer London Hutchins, life so far sums up in her closet full of wedding dresses—one for each guy she’s ever dated. Moving back home to Crossroads seems so right, especially when she finds her high school sweetheart waiting there. London soon discovers that local bridal shop owner, Rhonda Snow, isn’t as nice as everyone says. A little harmless meddling to help a few of Rhonda’s clients couldn’t possibly hurt anything, right?

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Yesterday’s Mail (Crossroads Collection)

Yesterday's Mail

Sleepless in Seoul by Alana Terry
When Derek leads his church on a short-term mission trip to South Korea, he’s definitely not expecting to find out the woman working with him is the same woman who broke his heart over twenty years ago.

Like Ships Passing by Cynthia Hickey
One transposed number threatens to sink love before it gets started.

Chasing Pearl by Hallee Bridgeman
A package lost in the mail since 1940 brings a modern couple together in a miraculous way.

Operation Posthaste by Chautona Havig
A nine-year-old boy finds a bag of mail from WWII in the attic of their new house and makes it his personal mission to deliver every piece before his mom finds out.

Yesterday’s Mail by Amanda Tru
A Christian post office clerk uses her police officer background to investigate lost mail and solve a mystery that has plagued her small town for years.

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Betwixt Two Hearts (Crossroads Collection)

Betwixt Two Hearts by Amanda Tru
With control of their dating website the prize, Bailey and Camden embark on a matchmaking competition that snags on unexpected results. All is fair in a contest of love. May the best matchmaker win.

The Swedehearts Glory Quilt by Cathe Swanson
Eleanor ran away to find herself. David knew exactly where he wanted to go. Could a matchmaking agency put them on the same map?

Whole Latte Love by Kari Trumbo
Misguided Drew thinks all quiet women hide harmful secrets. While pretty, new best friend Addi’s soft-spoken nature reminds him too much of past hurts to move their relationship forward. Can a matchmaking agency change his heart?

Seoul Refuge by Alana Terry
Caroline is a new believer, excited and passionate about her faith. Calvin is a Boston police detective, an atheist who can hardly believe Christians have brainwashed his wife. Caroline just wants to follow God. Calvin just wants his wife back.

Guardian of Her Heart by Carol Moncado
Signed up for a dating service by friends and brought together by a stowaway cat, Mark and Casey must decide if they want to overcome their apparent incompatibilities or go their separate ways.

Random Acts of Shyness by Chautona Havig
Heath’s sister, Selby, has laid down the law. It’s time to let her take over his love life. After a series of first and only dates, Heath embarks on her new scheme to help him overcome the debilitating nervous habit that has plagued him all his life. However, between dates, each worse than the last, he tries one more time to do things his way… sort of.

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A change of pace with another popular author.

Meant for Me (The Carlyle Women Book 1)

Meant for Me

Meant for Me, Book 1, 1920’s
Born at Carlyle Place, the plantation her family has held for over two hundred years, Chloe Kimball was raised to be the perfect Southern lady. Still, she resists being the prize that her parents—an ambitious society maven and an equally ambitious politician—war to control. Surprising even herself, she breaks free. America has just entered the First World War and Chloe learns how to make her own way in 1917 New York City–a place nothing like home.

Soon Chloe is swept up in the heady tides of change in the young 20th century. The NAACP moves forward in the midst of race riots, women’s fight to gain the vote is at its peak. Chloe becomes the independent woman she never thought possible. But then the unexpected forces her to return home. Yet even in the South, the 1920’s are roaring with flappers, speak-easies and the Charleston, and for a time Chloe loses her way–a reluctant member of the “Lost Generation” in postwar America.

She loved one man and lost him and now is pursued by another but will she ever be able to connect with the one she hopes could help her make sense of her life? As she recalls the woman she once was, she strives to become the woman she wants to be. Will she succeed?

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Happy Reading!

I’m off to the back yard on this partially cloudy, warm but not hot Saturday. A great day to get more work done. I can’t help but be excited to see some things come together at last.

Read and enjoyed July 30, 2020

July 31, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A slow, slow day for book suggestions. Not that that’s a bad thing. We did have quite a few new suggestions already this week.

Here are a couple of Read & Enjoyed to talk about, they were better than most for holding my attention this week, my favorite thing.

In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story (2) still a bargain at $0.99

In Spite of Ourselves

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

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Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1) also still a bargain at $1.34

Hope for Christmas

Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?
Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.
Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

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One more read. I liked the first two books best but this story was good too.

When the Heart Calls Kristen M Fraser also still a bargain $0.99

When the Heart Calls

How much can one heart endure?

Claire Sallaway has lived with an unpredictable heart condition for most of her life. With a plan in place to manage her symptoms, she has been able to avoid any major health problems and live a relatively normal life. With work, church and friends, her life is indeed full. Or so she thought. Settled in her job as a forensic scientist, Claire is content with her comfortable suburban life – until the day her heart betrays her and a man with the most intriguing ocean-blue eyes steps in, turning her world upside down.

Aaron Thurnham is the answer to Claire’s prayers. With the handsome, fun and God-fearing man by her side, life is blissfully perfect and full of adventure.

Until it isn’t.

When tragedy strikes and dreams are shattered, Claire clings desperately to the fragmented remains of her life. Heartbroken, and with every good thing stripped away, she is faced with a choice. Will she become paralyzed by fear? Or will she listen to the still small whisper of God and place her heart in His hands?

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Also finished this week was a great book collection. I’ll admit there were two I liked very well, one was mostly good, and the last one was my least favorite. Overall it was a good read though.

The Way to the Heart: The Vintner, The Baker, The Barista, The Chef still a bargain at $1.34

The Way to the Heart

FROM THE VINEYARDS OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE AUSTRALIAN COFFEE SCENE (A LITTLE IRISH BAKING AND SOME ENGLISH FINE-DINING IN-BETWEEN)

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I’m currently reading this collection. It’s been an on-again-off-again read that’s taking awhile but we’re in the homeward stretch. Nearly finished book four with one more to go after that and I’ll be done.

The Newpointe 911 Collection

The Newpointe 911 collection

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Until tomorrow…

Happy Reading!

Bargain books July 28, 2020

July 28, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a new bargain suggestion for us.

Deep Focus (The Dumont Chronicles Book 2) $0.99

Deep Focus

Amazon quote:

A scheming woman.
A man she can’t fathom.
A mystery that endangers her career.
Is this how God answers Lindsey’s prayers?

Lindsey Dumont, photographer, travels to the rugged coast of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to finish her photo essay on a rare breed of Makah dogs.But disaster looms for her project, and she decides to fight back. Now she must confront the man who deceived her and unravel a threatening mystery.

THE DUMONT CHRONICLES
The Dumont family, French Huguenots, settled in New Jersey during Colonial days. Since then, certain Dumont women have led lives marked by adventure. Although they differed in personality and circumstances, these women held in common the gifts of artistry, courage, and a growing faith in God.

In this book, Lindsey Dumont faces a test of courage far from her home in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and the Dumont family history, yet undiscovered, awaits her return.

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Browsing turned up a new Christy Barritt book due out soon. Pre-order price is $1.34.

Salt Water Cowboy

Amazon quote:

When a mysterious woman washes up in Cape Corral, a wild horse sanctuary off North Carolina’s coast, law enforcement officer Levi Sutherland is determined to figure out if she’s connected with the crimes recently plaguing the island. The problem is, she can’t remember anything . . .

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Another Pre-order bargain $1.34

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Mistletoe and murder

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 tales 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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This is the season for new books, another Pre-order. $1.34 I’m looking forward to this one.

Once Upon a Christmas: Inspirational Romance (The Christmas Card Series Book 3)

Once Upon a Christmas

Amazon quote:

If I only see you once…

When her flight home is canceled a few days before Christmas, Moe Scott spontaneously agrees to spend a few hours sight-seeing with a fellow passenger. At the time, she doesn’t know the moments with James will change her life, nor does she know that before her plane takes off the next morning, she will turn around to find James gone.

With no way to contact him, Moe returns home only to lose everything before the new year dawns. Completely alone, jobless, and faced with the news that she is going blind, Moe remembers her time with James and clings to the idea of embracing the moments of vision she has left.

When opportunities for love and friendship come in the most unexpected places, Moe faces the choice of whether to continue to wait for the man who changed her life.

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and last but not least, one more Pre-order bargain $1.34

Certain Threat (Protection Inc. Book 3)

Certain Threat

Amazon quote:

Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.

Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.

The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.

When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.

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Finished earlier … read & enjoyed. about to be read, a new book, a new author

In Spite of Ourselves Devyn's Dilemma

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Happy reading

Free and bargain books July 27, 2020

July 27, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

LPC Books has some suggestions for us today. This first one is FREE

Above the Fold

Above the Fold

Amazon quote:

After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.

Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failures of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.

The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she’s a serious journalist. But there’s a catch—she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

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Another one FREE

Lessons in Love (Secrets in Savannah Book 2)

Lessons in Love

Amazon quote:

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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Also FREE

Cassia (Women of the American Revolution Series Book 3)

Cassia

Amazon quote:

Her family’s voyage from South Carolina turns ugly when the ship’s captain maroons Lilyan and her family on an island along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. There, the family is captured by pirates and taken to a secret island hideout where they witness a mock trial and a hanging.

Forced to rebuff the advances of the murderous pirate, Captain Galeo (The Shark), and fearful that her children will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Lilyan forges an escape plan. Meanwhile, her husband, Nicholas, calls upon his skills as a captain in Brigadier General Francis Marion’s militia to devise a battle plan to save his family.

Will the young couple’s faith be enough to see them through? Or will their declaration to rescue Cassia from the pirates prove too high a price?

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A bargain collection $1.34 while browsing

The Way to the Heart: The Vintner, The Baker, The Barista, The Chef

The Way to the Heart

Amazon quote:

THE VINTNER: THE OTHER YOU

An American photojournalist seeking her identity is sent on assignment to South Africa to discover the inspiration behind the DeBois estate’s flagship wine. Mystery has enshrouded the story of the woman for whom the wine is named.

South African winegrower Armand DeBois’s world is shattered after a car accident leaves him widowed.

When Armand and Taylor meet, the country and winegrower hold a strange attraction for Taylor while Armand struggles with whether he’s falling in love with his past or his future.

THE BAKER: GINGER & BRAD’S HOUSE

While Ginger Murphy completes her music studies, childhood sweetheart and neighbor, Brad O’Sullivan betrays her with the new girl next door. Heartbroken, Ginger escapes as far away as she can go—to Australia—for five long years. During this time, Brad’s shotgun marriage fails. Besides his little boy, Jamie, one other thing in his life has turned out sweet and successful—his pastry business.

When her mother’s diagnosed with heart failure, Ginger has no choice but to return to the green grass of Ireland.

A gingerbread house contest at church to raise funds for the homeless has Ginger competing with Brad. Both are determined to win—Ginger the contest, Brad her heart.

THE BARISTA: MELBOURNE MEMORIES

Escaping his dangerous past, former British rock star Justin “The Phoenix” Taylor flees England. A marked man with nothing left but his guitar and his talent, Justin is desperate to start over yet still live off the grid. Loneliness and the need to feel a connection to the London pastor who’d saved his life draws Justin to Ella’s Barista Art Coffee Shop—the famous and trendy Melbourne establishment belonging to Pastor Jim Anderson’s niece.

Intrigued by the bearded stranger who looks vaguely familiar, Ella Anderson tries to discover his secrets by coaxing him with her elaborate latte art creations. And muffins.

When Justin’s past collides with their future, Ella must decide whether they have a future at all.

THE CHEF: A COURTSHIP FOR CLOVER

Top London chef Clover Blume has one chance to become better acquainted with Jonathan Spalding away from the mayhem of her busy restaurant where he frequently dines—the groomsman’s supposed to escort her at her sister’s New Year’s Eve wedding. But when business delays him, Clover begins to wonder whether she really wants to waste time with someone who’d rather make money than keep his word.

There’s one thing London Investment Banker Jonathan Spalding’s money hasn’t managed to buy: a woman to love—one worthy of his mother’s approval. But the auburn-haired beauty who was to partner with him at his best friend’s wedding—a wedding he stood to miss thanks to a glitch in a deal worth millions—might be finding a way into his heart.

What will it cost Jonathan to realize it profits him nothing to gain the world, yet lose his soul?

And the girl.

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A Pre-order bargain $0.99 (while browsing)

In Spite of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story (2) (The Potter’s House Books (Two) Book 13)

In Spite of Ourselves

Amazon quote:

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

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It always seems to be feast or famine with good book suggestions. Today looks like an excellent feast day.

Happy Reading!

Charles Martin bargain books July 26, 2020

July 26, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It looks like this is Charles Martin night.

I stumbled across a bargain book by one of my favorite authors. Charles Martin is a awesome story teller and in this book he tells his own story. I’ve not read it but wanted to. It’s a bargain today at $1.99

What If It’s True?: A Storyteller’s Journey with Jesus

What if it's True

Amazon quote:

Years ago, Charles Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions. He asked, “What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How?” This book is the result of that exploration.

In What If It’s True? he brings key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus to life through his descriptive, novelistic words. In addition, Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is an exploration of truth that helps us not just think differently, but live differently. Today.

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More of Charles Martin at bargain prices $2.99, and $4.99 for a collection. All of these I have read,

Maggie: The Sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance (Awakening)

Maggie

Amazon quote:

“When Maggie opened her eyes that New Year’s Day some seventeen months ago, I felt like I could see again. The fog lifted off my soul, and for the first time since our son had died and she had gone to sleep—some four months, sixteen days, eighteen hours, and nineteen minutes earlier—I took a breath deep enough to fill both my lungs.”

Life began again for Dylan Styles when his beloved wife Maggie awoke from a coma. A coma brought on by the intense two-day labor that resulted in heartbreaking loss. In this poignant love story that is redolent with Southern atmosphere, Dylan and Maggie must come to terms with their past before they can embrace their future.

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The Dead Don’t Dance (Awakening Book 1)

The Dead Don't Dance

Amazon quote:

A sleepy rural town in South Carolina. The end of summer and a baby about to be born. But in the midst of hope and celebration comes unexpected tragedy, and Dylan Styles must come to terms with how much he’s lost. Will the music of his heart be stilled forever—or will he choose to dance with life once more, in spite of sorrow and heartbreak?

The Dead Don’t Dance is a bittersweet yet triumphant love story—a tale of one man’s journey through the darkness of despair and into the light of hope.

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Or you can get them both in one book for $2.99 (The Dead Don’t Dance and Maggie )

Down Where My Love Lives

Down Where My Love Lives

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And another collection at a bargain price.

A Charles Martin Collection: When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, and Wrapped in Rain $4.99

Charles Martin Collection

Amazon quote:

When Crickets Cry

A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.

It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. But the little girl’s pretty yellow dress can’t quite hide the ugly scar on her chest.

Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he’s restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives.

Before it’s over, they’ll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners.

Chasing Fireflies

They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.

“Never settle for less than the truth,” she told him. But when you don’t even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it’s hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive—and as magical—as chasing fireflies on a summer night.

A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death.

Wrapped in Rain

An internationally famous photographer, Tucker Mason, has traveled the world, capturing things other people don’t see. But what Tucker himself can’t see is how to let go of the past and forgive his father.

On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.

When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.

Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.

, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.

When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.

Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.

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This author is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. While many have read his books, many more haven’t and they need to discover this gem.

I hope you will be making the discovery. His stories touch the heart and reading one of his books is an experience.

Happy Reading

Read and enjoyed, and a bargain, July 25, 2020

July 25, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Special interest would be the best way to describe the two latest books read and enjoyed.

I appreciate the sensitive and thoughtful subject treatment in both books. The special interest aspect out weighed the story itself in some places but they were both good reads despite that.

Above All Things

Above all Things

They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.

Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage, and the very notion of the woman she’s believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.

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Spring Splash

Spring Splash

The heart of a champion may surprise you.

When an injury sidelines college swimmer Anna Callaway, her dreams are crushed. She pours herself into her sports marketing practicum, helping a local special needs organization promote their athletic event. What she doesn’t expect is a swim team ripe for the Special Olympics—and their handsome but stubborn coach.

Craig Holt has dealt with eager and ignorant volunteers before. No matter how determined or persuasive uptight Anna might be about coaching his team to the Special Olympics, he has no intention of allowing her to raise the hopes of his swimmers, his sister, or his guarded heart.

Then Anna herself gets a second chance at becoming a champion. Will she pursue her lifelong goals or make room for a new dream?

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Then there are two box sets to add to the list of recently finished reads.

Grant Us Grace Box Set: Books 1 – 5 (Elizabeth Maddrey Box Sets)

Grant us Grace

WISDOM TO KNOW (Book 1)

COURAGE TO CHANGE (Book 2)

SERENITY TO ACCEPT (Book 3)

JOINT VENTURE (Book 4)

PATHWAY TO PEACE (Book 5)

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The Spark Brothers Romance Collection

The Spark Brothers

A Single Spark (Book One):

A Sudden Spark (Book Two):

The Sweetest Spark (Book Three):

At First Spark (Book Four):

An Extra Spark (Book Five):

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I haven’t gone too far yet in my current read but I’ve always enjoyed Terri Blackstock. I think I’m close to half way in the first book and I expect to finish most of the collection. I say most because it is 1673 pages long.

The Newpointe 911 Collection: Private Justice, Shadow of Doubt, Word of Honor, Trial by Fire, Line of Duty

The Newpointe 911 collection

Private Justice

The firemen of Newpointe, LA, face a personal and terrifying trial: someone is murdering their wives, one by one.

Shadow of Doubt

A poisoned past. A bitter present. Is Celia a murderer … or a victim?

Word of Honor

What will it cost to keep a promise? Jill Clark learns the meaning of covenant when she is taken hostage by a suspect in a deadly bombing . . . but isn’t convinced he’s guilty.

Trial by Fire

A church building burns to the ground, and a young man is found dead of a gunshot wound. The mystery is just being ignited as God uses disaster to bring about his will.

Line of Duty

When a building collapses on several firemen, one is unaccounted for—was he really buried, or did he take the opportunity to flee from the problems in his life?

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I found another bargain collection by a long time favorite author. Five books for $4.99.

The Rock Harbor Mystery Collection: Without a Trace, Beyond a Doubt, Into the Deep, Cry in the Night, and Silent Night (Rock Harbor Series)

Rock Harbor collection

Without a Trace

Bree thinks a plane crash took the lives of her husband and young son, but her son Davy survived the accident. Can she find him before it’s too late?

Beyond a Doubt

Evidence of a violent crime in Bree’s basement causes police to re-open a cold case. Can she and her K-9 search dog, Samson, stop the killer before he strikes again?

Into the Deep

When Bree’s dog Samson goes missing, it’s just the beginning of her life turning upside down.

Cry in the Night

Bree and Samson discover a crying infant in the snowy Rock Harbor forest. But where are the baby’s parents? And how did she get there?

Silent Night

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.

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Happy Reading y’all

It’s not you it’s me. The tale of unfinished books.

July 24, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I’m pretty sure it’s me not you (the authors). That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

It’s funny how interest, or lack of it, seems to go in waves. Sadly, the tidal wave of engagement is still out these days. I’m having trouble finding a book with a story that grips me. A highly disappointing state of affairs.

I’m pretty sure, though, the fault lies with me and whatever place I’m at emotionally. At least that’s what I’m guessing. I’m not necessarily finding anything disappointing with the writing style or the story premise.

Bottom line though… my reading list needs to be shorter. Let’s make that happen.

I'll Watch the Moon Once Beyond a Time

The Birhday Portrait Faith House

The Runaway The Christmas Bliss collection

The Secret of Pembrook Park When You Come Home

Fatal Attraction Coming Home

The Queen's Daughters Grace & Lavender

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There were a few more slated for removal but they seemed to demand another chance. They have been moved to the top of the list again and we’ll see how it goes.

Twelve makes a good difference even though there are many more in the started but not read category.

Refreshing my memory before removal (in case I could be drawn in after all) I noticed a common response on my part to many of the unfinished books.

Triggers.

My childhood was difficult, to put it mildly, Acknowledging there is such a thing as triggers is a recent consideration for me. They explain so much and learning to recognize how specific childhood trauma could be behind the trigger (reaction) has been a freeing experience. I haven’t gotten very far in this learning exercise and it’s still a mystery to me what aspect of these books is causing the shut down reaction. Maybe some things just hit a little too close to home.

Anyway, it’s nice to know the books deserve to be read. It is just me.

I’m currently reading… a whole bunch. Hopefully I can settle on at least one of the four at the top!

It could be this one.

Above all Things

Happy Reading …

…on this warmish day. The promised heat has arrived, 31 C – feels like 43 C (109.4 F) with the humidity.

I’m grateful for air conditioning.

Free and bargain books July 23, 2020

July 23, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a couple of interesting suggestions for us today. The first one is a historical novel with a point of view I’ve not seen much of. It’s refreshing to learn something new. A bargain at $0.99

Patrick’s Journey: 18th Century Irish Convict finds life and love (The Rourke Saga Book 1)

Patrick's Journey

Amazon quote:

Dublin Harbour, Ireland, 1793:

When the convict ship Boddington left Ireland’s shores Patrick Rourke felt as though he was sailing away from his soul as well as from his home land.

Not so very long before he had everything to live for – he was young, strong and healthy, had a loving family and had won the affection of his sweetheart Catherine.

Then, a relatively minor confrontation with the occupying British Redcoats escalated beyond all foreseeable consequences. Patrick became a pawn in the political aspirations of the United Irishmen and suffered the wrath of the British dominated Irish penal system.

With everything he held dear seemingly lost, Patrick found himself thrust into an emotional and physical journey that saw him plummet into the depths of rage and despair as he was transported to the penal colony of New South Wales.

Would he ever see his family or his beloved Ireland again ? And Catherine – all his future revolved around Catherine – what could he hope to offer her now ?

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This next BookBub suggestion is FREE. It’s written by an author new to me.

Angels of Humility: A Novel

Angels of Humility

Amazon quote:

Pastor Paul is a young seminary graduate called as interim pastor to a small rural church. He is full of zeal, but mostly for self-promotion. He sincerely loves the Lord but his past emotional wounds leave him vulnerable and in need of attention and affirmation. He constantly frustrates his angel, Saldu, who tries to steer him toward a more humble attitude.

Sarah Edwards is a new church member, a recent widow who gets saved at age 71. Unknown to her, Sarah has two angels to help disciple her and she is maturing rapidly in the faith. She is confused by her prophetic gifting, which leads her to offend some church members. She also prayer walks in front of Pastor Paul’s house. When his wife sees her pacing back and forth “talking to no one,” Paul quickly writes her off as a “wacko.”

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us.

Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1)

Hope for Christmas

Amazon quote:

An independent single mom who doesn’t believe in love at first sight collides with a man who does.
Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?
Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.

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Currently I’m reading a book with an unusual twist. I’m not exactly sure where it’s going but that’s not a bad thing. Doling out information a little at a time adds intrigue to the story.

I’ll Watch the Moon

I'll Watch the Moon

Amazon quote:

“Tatlock continues to weave 20th-century history into absorbing, finely crafted literary tales.” – Library Journal
A single mother embittered by an abusive marriage. An adventurous 14-year old son and the 10-year old daughter who adores him. A boarder in the house, a war refugee with a murky past. It’s the summer of 1948, hot, and Polio stalks the children, taking them one by one. When it strikes the son, she wonders if he will be in an iron lung the rest of life? And when redemption comes, it arrives from a most unexpected source.

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Happy Reading …

from a happy camper. That’s me. The prediction for today was HOT and I was scurrying around getting things done before it hit.

It’s a win/win. The tasks are done and the heat hasn’t materialized.

It’s grey and windy and looks like a storm could hit anyway.

I was worried about my newly planted flowering tree. The wind is often wild around here, whipping things around like crazy. The young tree didn’t stand much chance in the last storm and was leaning over before the protective staking could be installed.

I was on a mission this morning, looking for information and a source of supplies to take care of my tree. Information was great but finding the needed stake was a little bit of chaos. It was the blind leading the blind. I don’t think the young guy serving me knew anymore than I did when it came time to find the stake in the back lot of the lumber yard.

I was expecting wood but ended up with metal. It turned out alright. It’s green and fits with the tree just fine. The next challenge was pounding the two of them into the ground. The stake is 6 ft high and I’m not. My neighbor bailed me out and did the honors. Piece of cake for him.

Now I can watch and worry it’s tied too tight. Maybe it will break off if gale force winds come whipping through.

This is like being a new mom full of insecurities. I worry too much.

I’m going back to my original thought. It’s been a good day. And my tree looks good standing straighter.

Read and enjoyed, mid July Edition

July 21, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

There were a lot of box sets downloaded lately and I managed to make my through to the end on one of them. It makes me happy when that happens. It means they were a good read.

There are some singles to mention before we get to the set. This first one was one of my favorites. It is a serious story with a quirky sense of humor and a main character with the habit of standing up for herself where others would tip-toe around the moody man.

Henry by Sydney Paige McCutcheon

Henry

Book Synopsis: Sent to a small town outside Astoria, Oregon, Prue Collins is under the protection of the most unlikely guardian—rude and sarcastic, Ex-Officer Henry Clay wants nothing to do with his new roommate and doesn’t mask any hard feelings, only secrets. His wheelchair gives Prue a glimpse of his tragic past and she can’t fight curiosity as more clues come her way, opening her eyes to the true stranger she’s been sent to live with—and possibly, meant to help save. But the truth is like a loose string on an old shirt—pull at it, and the entire fabric could come undone. Will Prue leave well enough alone, or risk everything, even her own heart, to know the truth?

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Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor Book #1)

Cold Shot

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

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Dance Over Me Special delivery

A January Bride Lost Down Deep

Sandover Beach Week Healing her heart

Hope Rising

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I’m currently reading (just started actually) one of Terri Blackstock’s series from the other day.

The Moonlighters Collection: Truth Stained Lies, Distortion, Twisted Innocence (Moonlighters Series)

The Moonlighters collection

Truth Stained Lies

When truth doesn’t make sense, will lies prevail?

Distortion

A husband’s lies can have deadly consequences.

Twisted Innocence

Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

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Happy Reading!