Second Chances

Free and bargain books March 09, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion by an author we see regularly.

Journey to Victory: Sweeping Historical Saga (The American Journey Book 1)

 

Amazon quote:

Can a young woman change the direction of her life, defy the role she has been prepared to play?

In the early 1770’s, Christiane Pelletier, an extraordinarily beautiful young woman, is next in a line of courtesans who have been favorites at the French court during the reigns of two monarchs. Yet she longs to be the beloved wife of one man, not a lovely piece of human art passed from one noble to another. And the winds of change are sweeping Europe.

Christiane flees France with her renegade father. In the Canadian wilderness, she survives the shock of leaving a life of wealth and privilege. To escape frontier violence, she moves southward only to become involved in the burgeoning American Revolution. Circumstances move Christiane into the very heart of the American rebel elite.

But one man in her life can never be forgotten. John Eastham, who’d also left Europe behind, had protected her as the captain at a Canadian frontier fort. Then he’d been a friend. Now when they meet again, he has become the enemy. Both of them must face the history they left behind. Both of them must face the vagaries of war and also of peace. How do enemies lay down arms and forge a future. a dynasty?

Three generations-a family saga, a young nation’s story~

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

LPC Books has a FREE suggestion for us. I’ve read and enjoyed this author too and I’m looking forward to this book.

Then Again, Maybe (Along Came Love Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Former beauty queen Belle Thornton knows what it is to think she has it all, only to discover she never valued what was truly important. Raising her daughter and building a thriving thrift shop that helps single mothers like herself has taught Belle what the word beautiful really means. Unfortunately, thanks to her shady landlord, Belle must toss those hard-earned dollars into the money-pit of a rental that houses both her tiny apartment and her business or risk the city closing her doors. When funds dwindle as quickly as her to-do list grows, she is forced to rely on the absolute last rescuer she’d choose: Micah Shaw.

Leaving Belle at the altar, pregnant, was the worst choice Micah ever made. He returns home, hoping to reconcile with Belle and their toddler. While balancing his medical residency with caring for his ailing mother, he strives to win Belle’s heart again and ensure her business remains open. Helping with that is the easy part. Chiseling through the rock encompassing Belle’s heart is more of a challenge, but one he’s determined to conquer.

If only he could get her to realize that a new lease on love may be their best collaboration of all.

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

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion. I have read one book from this author and need to read another for an opinion.

Saving Amy Jayden (The Cowboys of BlueSong Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

 A city girl returns to her roots on her father’s ranch. She wants to sell, but the foreman wants to stop her…

Amy Jayden rushes home after hearing of her father’s accident, only to be assaulted by long dead memories. Her plans for a short visit are crushed when her father doesn’t survive. Her painful past tells her to sell the ranch, but a heavy heart riddled with guilt makes it hard to let it go.

Nevada Logan, foreman of the Water Hole Ranch, is broken his boss and close friend is gone. He has no trust in the daughter who ignored her father, and now wants to sell her father’s legacy. The two bump heads at every turn.

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

Three isn’t a lot but it’s still plenty, and they all look interesting enough to find a place at the head of the TBR lineup. Attractive new downloads are always quickly snapped up. Unapologetically. First in line means nothing at my house. That’s why I love to read. I read what I love, and ignore the rest. I highly recommend this habit. You will never ever go back to obligatory reading.

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

Currently I’m reading this collection as promised yesterday. It’s too early to tell yet how I feel about it, except, it’s not hard to put down. That says something. On the other hand I’m pulled in a number of directions these days and it’s not easy to sit still for any length of time.

Anyway, I don’t hate it so I’ll carry on and see what happens.

Brothers of Miller Ranch Box Set: Contemporary Western Romance (Miller Family Saga Book 1) 

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

Happy Reading y’all

This resonates with me

/ For the Love of Books / 3 Comments

A short interview on a timely topic, for me anyway. It feels to me like this should be shared.

Coffee break is awesome today. This video is part of an interview series I’ve been following and this man is very wise. The series is based on a book he’s written, so there you go, we still have books to think about.

This resonates with me because past buried, horrendous, memories still plague me in the form of triggers. I’ve come a long way in the last decade but there is still more to be done and I appreciate any resource crossing my path.

I share because it touches me but also because someone else may need to hear this as well.

Wishing you the very best in your healing journey.

This guy makes a lot of sense

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

No book suggestions so far this morning but I need to post. I’m falling down on keeping my daily post promise. and that is tragic.

I don’t have a book to talk about but I did watch a podcast yesterday that made a lot of sense to me. I’ve lived through stuff he’s talking about and know he’s on the right track. Government can never make things better for us. We have to take our lives into our own hands and work to make things better. My dad didn’t do it for himself (or us) but my brothers and I did. It hasn’t always been easy but life has been good to our families.

Enjoy this man’s wisdom and maybe I will have book things to say later on.

Actually, this man has written books. Check him out.

Cheers

More bargain books February 26th

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A few more books to get us though the weekend. If you are still hunkering down like me we need good books to help get us through.

This first one has a cover I’ve seen before but I can’t remember with which author. I haven’t decided if I should download this (I’ve already got so many) but I don’t want to forget about it either.

Her Second Chance Cowboy: Contemporary Western Romance Novel (Brothers of Miller Ranch Book 1)

Amazon quote:

When Ben accompanies his mother to an old friend’s funeral…the last person he expects to see is her.

As the eldest son of the wealthy Miller family, Ben Miller is content with helping his brothers run their family’s ranch in Montana. Well… mostly content. There’s a certain something missing from his life, and he’s done a good job denying it for the past decade. Until she rolled back into town…

After ten years fighting to make it in the Big Apple, full-figured Chastity finds herself heading back to the one place she vowed she’d never return. But a tragedy in the family forced her home, and she finds herself facing an uncertain future.

Ben and Chastity were high school sweethearts whose three-year relationship ended dramatically. But they were once in the head-over-heels, can’t-breathe-without-you kind of love. And now, they suddenly find themselves pushed into each other’s lives again in the most surprising of circumstances.

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

Saving Her Cowboy: Contemporary Western Romance (Brothers of Miller Ranch Book 2)

Amazon quote:

He’s the man. He should be saving her. But instead, she’s the one saving him.

After surviving a few combat fights in the military, Bart Miller is suffering from a severe case of PTSD. No matter how hard he tries, life on the ranch just isn’t the same anymore. His family thinks he’s improving, but they don’t know about the night terrors that plague him almost every night.

Ever since Missy got laid off her beloved job as a veterinary technician, she’s struggling to make ends meet. No one wants to hire her in their small town since they associate her with her Dad, who was the town drunk. Then Mrs. Miller offers her a job at the wealthy Miller Ranch—making fifteen dollars an hour!

Strangers in the night both trying to find their way, Bart and Missy end up meeting in the most unlikely of circumstances. Missy may just be the only person who can help Bart begin his journey to healing. But will Mrs. Miller see it that way? Especially since Missy is somewhat off limits as an employee at the Miller Ranch…

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

This morning author Margaret Daley mentioned a Lyn Cote bargain I don`t have and am excited to see. (I have downloaded and enjoyed many of Lyn Cote books.)

Amy’s Forever Love: Heartwarming Faith-filled Romance (New Neighbor Lane Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Can a basset hound, two kittens and twin girls succeed as matchmakers?

Even though Amy Broussard is their aunt, her twin little girls call her “mom.” In the midst of a harsh winter, Amy is helping build her Habitat for Humanity home, just the security she’s always wanted for her girls. But one frigid evening on their way to the church potluck, she and her girls find two orphaned kittens.

And there she meets the local veterinarian and surprises him by volunteering to adopt the kittens on the spot, fulfilling another promise to her girls. The vet’s basset hound Bummer in turn surprises everyone by instantly “adopting” the two golden tabbies too!

From then on, like it or not, Amy and the vets’ lives intersect with the “help” of Bummer and the twins. Yet before love can bloom, both adults must work through a winter of heart-healing as family secrets and grudges are unraveled.

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

OK, so I caved and downloaded the first one too.

I wonder if there will be a third post today.

I hope not. I have a feeling I’ve gone way over budget on book downloads this month.

Happy Reading!!

Free and bargain books February 22, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a FREE suggestion. I remember reading and enjoying this one four years ago.

A Sweethaven Summer (The Sweethaven Circle Book 1)

Amazon quote:

A faded scrapbook reveals secrets that reconnect old friends in a place called Sweethaven.

Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends — Lila, Jane, and Meghan — haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers.

As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored — just as Suzanne intended.

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

I came across another book by the same author, it’s a bargain and I haven’t read it yet. Sweet.

Hometown Girl 

Amazon quote:

Beth Whitaker isn’t supposed to be a small-town girl. She’s always dreamed of leaving Willow Grove, Illinois, for the big city, but she feels trapped, struggling to make up for a mistake that’s haunted her for years. Just when Beth is finally ready to break free, her sister impulsively buys a beloved but run-down farm on the outskirts of town, and she begs Beth to help with the restoration. Reluctantly, Beth agrees to help—and puts her own dreams on hold once again.

Drew Barlow hasn’t been back to Fairwind Farm since he was a boy, and he’s spent all these years trying to outrun the pain of a past he thought he buried long ago. When he learns that the owner has passed away, his heart knows it’s finally time to do the right thing. Returning to Willow Grove, Drew revisits the old farm, where he attempts to piece together his memories and the puzzle of the crime he witnessed so long ago.

Both on a journey to find peace, Beth and Drew are surprised when they begin to experience a restoration of their own. But when long-buried secrets break through the soil and the truth unfurls, will it threaten their budding relationship—and the very future of the farm?

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

LPC Books has FREE suggestions for us today too. I’m excited.

Well, I was excited but I could only find one of them. Maybe I’ll try again tomorrow, there could be a glitch somewhere.

On Deadly Grounds 

Amazon quote:

On the eve of an international G7 Summit, event coordinator Mattie Maguire discovers that the venue, a century-old estate close to Asheville, NC, is more than simply a picturesque setting. It is also the center of political conspiracies involving a ruthless Russian spy ring that will stop at nothing to steal the massive fortune they believe to be hidden there. The search intensifies and a rogue Russian agent attacks Mattie’s grandmother, still living on the estate. She hovers in a coma, barely clinging to life. 

As Mattie struggles to protect her family and ensure a safe event for the most important leaders in the world, her discovery of a fraudulent heir to the estate puts her own life in danger as well. But when her eighty-five-year-old grandfather is kidnapped and held at gunpoint, her path becomes clear. Despite her fear, she must locate the only person who has the information the Russians seek—the estate’s rightful heir, hidden away for decades after the murder of his father. But will the true owner’s return to his childhood home put his life in danger, too.

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

Well, three is not bad. It’s always better than none.

So, if you are paying attention and like to know, I finished yesterday’s current read which was Shock and Awe by Christy Barritt and I’ve gone back to finish the abandoned one The Ingenue: Political Spy Thriller by Terry Toler

Part way through the book I discovered Ingenue means an innocent or unsophisticated young woman, a perfectly fitting description for the 13 year old supporting actress in this story.

I took a break initially because I sensed some dark moments coming and needed a breather. It turns out the dark moments are met with some humor and more than a little over the top bravery, on the part of both characters. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get themselves out of this little dilemma.

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

Happy Reading, y’all

Free and bargain books February 20, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Wow, do we have a bunch this time, lots of reading material for the weekend. First up is a BookBub suggested thriller and it sounds pretty intense. We will start out with heavy and quickly slide into lighter. A good way to finish for a change.

SAVING SARA: A JAMIE AUSTEN THRILLER (THE SPY STORIES Book 3)

Amazon quote:

Sara is missing in the Cayman Islands.

No one knows it. Except her abductors, of course.

Beloved CIA heroine, Jamie Austen, is sent to Tampico, Mexico, to rescue four girls, abducted on their senior class trips. 

Are the cases related?

All of Jamie’s skills are tested as she must overcome the powerful drug war lord, El Mata, his ruthless band of heavily armed killers, and a hurricane that’s bearing down on the Caribbean islands. 

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

Next up is a BookRunes FREE suggestion. More, intense with suspense.

FIRE: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series Book 3)

Amazon quote:

When a violent gang re-organizes, an undercover cop could lose everything…including the woman he loves.

Following a gang war, the undercover cop known as Patriot is forced to flee his hometown and assume a new identity. When the gang re-organizes and threatens a friend, Patriot—now a firefighter—returns to face them.

Chloe Swearingen confines herself to the fast pace of the ER and away from interpersonal relationships—for a reason she keeps to herself. But when she helps save a gangster’s life, she’s thrown into a cauldron of relationships from which she can’t escape.

Then a series of fires target Chloe, her church and her friends, and she and Patriot must risk their lives to bring an end to the forces of darkness arraigned against them.

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

A change of pace after intense suspense with the last author, Linda K Rodante. Romance will lighten things up a bit for us.

Second Chance Homecoming: A Sweet Christian Christmas Romance

Amazon quote:

After her divorce and all that led up to it, Sarah Emerson’s life consists of her son, her job, and the secret she carries. Maybe if she’d married the boy who proposed after Homecoming, things would be different now…

Philip Devereaux has had similar curveballs thrown his way, but he’s picked himself up and continued on. Occasionally, he remembers his first crush and the girl that made him laugh.

When a thrill ride at Disney World brings a surprise meeting, they both wonder about that special Homecoming. But with the distance between them and the hurt in both their lives, will a second chance be enough to awaken the dreams they once had? Or will it take the miracle of Christmas?

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

This looks good too.

A (kinda) Country Christmas: A Christian Holiday Romance (A Romance(ish) Novella Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Sadie Jenkins lives and breathes Christmas every, single day of the year. Owner of Bethlehem’s Boutique in the tourist mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN, she has no room for the bad boys of her past and devotes her whole life to the struggling boutique and her teenage daughter, Maribelle. She’s perfectly happy with her country-living life until he walks into her store.

Nate Myers travels the globe for his job and has the bank account to prove his success. The former “bad” boy is in town for a short visit with his sister and is determined to not get caught up in all the Christmas hype. But then he falls for the beautiful shopkeeper—quite literally.

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

Alaskan Refuge (Sweet Christian Romance Series)

Amazon quote:

Cassandra Stuart’s ministry is photography and she travels the world with journalists. Yet, God has her on a special assignment: find Kurt Halden. The elusive tycoon disappeared shortly after his fiancée died. Cassandra has information about his fiancée that will bring him vindication, and hopefully set him free from the past. When she meets him at his reclusive cabin in Alaska, she expects to encounter an aggressive, arrogant business genius. Instead, she finds a rugged, sincere man that could steal her heart. Somehow, she has to keep her feelings out of it. She’ll do what God sent her to do, then get back to her life. That’s the plan.

Kurt Halden despises reporters for the way they treated him when his fiancée died and he was accused of embezzling two billion dollars. To escape harassment, he moved to a beautiful yet desolate hideaway in Alaska where God has healed his heart and set him free from the corrupt man he’d become. In four years, he encountered only two people until he has to pull Cassandra Stuart from her crashed plane. He doesn’t trust her, yet he’s forced to house her until a rescue plane arrives. He tries to keep his guard up and hold tight to his secrets, but he finds it impossible not to fall in love with his uninvited guest. He knows God isn’t finished with him, and meeting Cassandra is only a diversion. So why is it that when she leaves, she’ll take his heart with her?

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

It’s funny how often it feels like I’ve added at least a dozen new downloads by the time I get through adding all of the possibles I have picked out. It’s a shock to realize there are no where near that many. Only five this time.

Mind you, five is still plenty, it’s just that I was excited to have more. My eyes are bigger than my stomach, obviously.

That’s OK, I’m excited about all of them this time and that’s a plus. I’m not sure if I can handle the first two, we’ll see, but the last three will go down well for sure.

I hope you are excited about some of these new picks too.

Happy Weekend Reading!

Read and enjoyed February 03, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s time to mention my favorites reads again. There were varying degrees of like to be sure but they were all enjoyed.

Trial by Fire (Second Chances Book 3) (most recently read)

Faith is often tested by fire…

After his criminal trial is set to convene, Ace Anderson manages a daring escape from Federal custody. Keeping one step ahead of FBI Agent Samson Sinclair, he plots vengeance on the two women who put him behind bars.

Two very different women connected by the plans of one very evil man…

Ivy Sinclair, finally comfortable in her new marriage and confident her children are healing from the psychological wounds of the past, finds herself once again running and hiding from a man who wants her dead. She longs to be as strong and fearless as her friend. Will this new trial serve to toughen her up, or bring her to her knees where God can show her His strength alone is sufficient?

Brenna Blackman, recently engaged and juggling a ready-made family while running an open-door art studio for homeless teenagers, is suddenly bombarded by circumstances out of her control. A private investigator is caught snooping around her life and an enemy from her past is suddenly threatening to destroy everything and everyone she now loves. Will the old Raven rear her head in retribution, or will God use this trial to strengthen her trust in Him?

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

Unexpected by Janice Cole Hopkins

(this was a good book)

Oliver Hartsell had no idea when he went to repair Mr. Austin’s windows that he’d end up proposing to the man’s daughter, but that’s exactly what happened.

He didn’t regret it because he’d been secretly in love with Marie for a long time. However, he doubts she feels the same way about him, but he’s determined that she will.

Yet, life has a way of throwing unexpected surprises.

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

All in Good Time 

This was a good read. Centered around a heavy but carefully crafted topic.

With three rambunctious, young children, Melanie Lombardi can’t see beyond the day-to-day struggle to maintain her home and her sanity since her husband’s sudden death. A second chance at romance isn’t on her radar.

Brian Perella is done with dating, resigned to being the fun uncle and never the dad. Until he meets Melanie and her brood of lively kids on the sidelines of a Little League game.

But when Brian uncovers a co-worker’s secret, it re-ignites a temptation that Melanie can’t know about. It’s his secret to keep until an unexpected diagnosis brings everything to the surface, jeopardizing his future with Melanie and her children, who, when threatened by an unknown stalker, may need him now more than ever.

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

A few more

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

I’m currently reading …

Cherish Me: A clean, sweet, faith-filled reunion romance, plain heroine, scarred hero, in a small town where life begins at 40! (Chapel Cove Romances Book 3) 

All she ever wanted for herself was to be loved.

When her beloved aunt’s sudden illness sends Nai back to Chapel Cove to manage the town’s bookstore, her successful, independent, organized life in Texas seems a million miles away. Between a book-hoarding aunt, a leaky roof, unruly pets, wobbly faith, and flaky bookstore staff, the last thing she wants is to have to rely on local cop Mateo Rodriguez for help. Not when he’s the guy who broke her heart, convincing her to focus on her career, not romance.

Mateo, returned to the Cove to help his aging grandfather, never forgot his first love Nai or the one sweet kiss at sixteen that sent her running. Normally confident and capable, being around each other shoots them both back into their teenage shyness and insecurity.

They’ll need to overcome soul-deep hurts, lies they believe about themselves, learn to trust in God, and risk being vulnerable enough to accept their second chance at love at forty. Will a crisis bring them together — or tear them apart?

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

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books February 02, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Browsing, an interesting book showed up.

Forget Paris: Sweet and clean Valentine’s Day Christian romance in Paris and London with an anti-romance heroine! (Love In Store Book 5)

Amazon quote:

American graduate student Zoe Gallagher is in Paris. On Valentine’s Day. And she doesn’t believe in romance… yet!

Zoe’s determined to prove that romance is an illusion and love based on it doesn’t last. Though when she meets Gabe Ross, there to fulfil his mother’s dying wish by placing a lovelock on a bridge for her and his father, even she finds it hard to resist the most romantic city in the world on the most romantic day of the year.

An impulsive challenge to try a psychological experiment isn’t part of her research plan. Especially when it feels like more, much more, for both of them.

Zoe tells herself their one wonderful day together proves nothing, only gives more evidence her theory is right. But on her return to London, she discovers she needs Gabe’s help to learn the biggest lesson of all, that love does last.

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

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

Trial by Fire (Second Chances Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

After his criminal trial is set to convene, Ace Anderson manages a daring escape from Federal custody. Keeping one step ahead of FBI Agent Samson Sinclair, he plots vengeance on the two women who put him behind bars.

Two very different women connected by the plans of one very evil man…

Ivy Sinclair, finally comfortable in her new marriage and confident her children are healing from the psychological wounds of the past, finds herself once again running and hiding from a man who wants her dead. She longs to be as strong and fearless as her friend. Will this new trial serve to toughen her up, or bring her to her knees where God can show her His strength alone is sufficient?

Brenna Blackman, recently engaged and juggling a ready-made family while running an open-door art studio for homeless teenagers, is suddenly bombarded by circumstances out of her control. A private investigator is caught snooping around her life and an enemy from her past is suddenly threatening to destroy everything and everyone she now loves. Will the old Raven rear her head in retribution, or will God use this trial to strengthen her trust in Him?

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

I’m sad I didn’t find more new books but one is definitely better than none.

Maybe tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

Bargain books January 26, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has several bargain suggestions for us. This first one is book 3 and it seems I’ve read books 1 and 2 in this series. It’s been awhile and I don’t remember much, this will be a refresher.

Trial by Fire (Second Chances Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

Faith is often tested by fire…

After his criminal trial is set to convene, Ace Anderson manages a daring escape from Federal custody. Keeping one step ahead of FBI Agent Samson Sinclair, he plots vengeance on the two women who put him behind bars.

Two very different women connected by the plans of one very evil man…

Ivy Sinclair, finally comfortable in her new marriage and confident her children are healing from the psychological wounds of the past, finds herself once again running and hiding from a man who wants her dead. She longs to be as strong and fearless as her friend. Will this new trial serve to toughen her up, or bring her to her knees where God can show her His strength alone is sufficient?

Brenna Blackman, recently engaged and juggling a ready-made family while running an open-door art studio for homeless teenagers, is suddenly bombarded by circumstances out of her control. A private investigator is caught snooping around her life and an enemy from her past is suddenly threatening to destroy everything and everyone she now loves. Will the old Raven rear her head in retribution, or will God use this trial to strengthen her trust in Him?

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

This next one looks like it deals with heavy topics. That’s not a bad thing even if it is tough reading.

All in Good Time 

Amazon quote:

With three rambunctious, young children, Melanie Lombardi can’t see beyond the day-to-day struggle to maintain her home and her sanity since her husband’s sudden death. A second chance at romance isn’t on her radar.

Brian Perella is done with dating, resigned to being the fun uncle and never the dad. Until he meets Melanie and her brood of lively kids on the sidelines of a Little League game.

But when Brian uncovers a co-worker’s secret, it re-ignites a temptation that Melanie can’t know about. It’s his secret to keep until an unexpected diagnosis brings everything to the surface, jeopardizing his future with Melanie and her children, who, when threatened by an unknown stalker, may need him now more than ever.

Catholic Christian contemporary romance.

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

Currently it’s a lighter but still serious read. A change of pace after some of the recent books and I’m enjoying it.

Rugged Cowboy: A Mulbury Boys Novel (Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Book 3) 

He’s a cowboy mechanic with two kids and an ex-wife on the run. She connects better to horses than humans. Can Dallas and Jess find their way to each other at Hope Eternal Ranch?

Dallas Dreyer was once a decorated surgeon. After getting involved in insurance fraud and then spending thirty months in a low-security facility, he gets released only to learn his wife of fifteen years has left their two children at her sister’s and fled the state. He’s determined to figure out how to be a single dad and do right by his kids, and he goes to Hope Eternal Ranch to attend the wedding of one of his best friends.

He meets Jessica Morales, the stable master at the ranch, and he’s instantly attracted to her. She has a big heart, a wide smile, and she’s great with his kids. Jess likes him too, but she’s wary of the rugged cowboy mechanic who doesn’t seem to know when it’s okay to take calls from his ex-wife and how to juggle all of his new responsibilities. Her horses, though, she gets, and since she’s never had a relationship that’s lasted longer than two months, she’s not sure she wants to take a chance with her heart.

When Dallas finds himself dealing with thugs who want him to pay off his ex-wife’s debt, he has to make difficult decisions to keep himself, his children, and Jess safe. That means dealing with his ex-wife and paying whatever price necessary to get dangerous men away from Hope Eternal Ranch.

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

Happy Reading…

…on this bright sunny chilly day.

-26c, feels like -35c with the windchill.

It’s lovely sitting in the puddle of sunshine streaming in the window. It’s beautiful to look at. Cold, crisp and sparkly.

So happy to look and feel warmth, not the burn on every little patch of exposed skin.

I do know how to kill a mood. lol

It is beautiful, I love days like this.

Bargain books January 01, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Happy New Year! I wonder how long it will take to shift over and get the date right. Muscle memory retrain time.

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us, a three book collection. It appears I’ve downloaded books (including book one of this collection) from this author, Melissa Storm, and I’ve read the others but not this book one. It’s called The Loneliest Cottage, maybe I was shying away from lonely. I’m going for the collection and maybe it will be the push needed to get through and past book one.

Cottage, Light & Home: 3 Feel-Good Novels from the Sled Dog Series

Amazon quote:

These women are ready to take on the last great race… But they may be surprised where it leads them!

This USA Today bestselling series is now available in a special boxed collection for the first time ever. In Alaskan Hearts: Sled Dogs, three friends explore the world of dog-sledding and find themselves falling in love with the last men they ever expected to win their hearts.

Don’t miss the chance to lose your heart to a courageous team of sled dogs and the humans that love them in these three novels—The Loneliest Cottage, The Brightest Light, and The Truest Home—set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.

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

Several other Melissa Storm books showed up as bargains that I can’t resist.

The Sweetest Memory: (Alaskan Hearts Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

Ellie was lucky to survive what should have been a fatal accident. Unfortunately, she woke up with no memories of her past or what her life was before.

Recovery is slow, but each night she dreams of the same nameless, faceless man. It’s clear she loved him once, but she has no idea who he was or why he abandoned her in her hour of need. And as Ellie’s memories slowly continue resurface, she is horrified by the type of person she was before and questions how anyone could have ever loved her as she was.

Will she treat the accident as a second chance to right the mistakes of her past while forging a new future? Or will she risk everything that’s left in an attempt to reunite with the man that only her heart remembers?

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

Saving Sarah: (The Gold Coast Retrievers Book 1)

Amazon quote:

A shy girl, a social guy, a second chance to get their stories right…

Sarah Campbell loves living vicariously through the residents at the Redwood Cove Rest Home. But when a surly patient insists she can’t die before “setting things right,” Sarah finds she may end up taking on far more than she ever bargained for… especially since all signs point to murder. Have she and her therapy dog Lucky stumbled upon the key to solving the most famous cold case in Gold Coast history?

Despite creating the world’s most popular social network, Finch Jameson lives a life of ashamed solitude. The last thing he wants is to draw attention to himself, but that’s exactly what happens when a distant relative delivers an earth-shattering confession in her dying days. Soon he finds himself more intrigued by the shy and beautiful nurse who’s committed to helping him solve his great-aunt Eleanor’s mystery than in the mystery itself. But will she ever let her guard down long enough to let him in?

Can Finch and Sarah work together to solve Eleanor’s big mystery before time runs out? And might redeeming Eleanor’s legacy somehow save them both in the process?

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

I’ve read book 2 in this series.

The Long Walk Home: (The Church Dogs of Charleston Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Some say that whenever it snows in Charleston, God is giving a miracle to his most favorite of places. So, I reckon, the blizzard that bleached the entire sky that December must have been a blessing of epic proportions. It was certainly a miracle that I’d forgotten my cell phone after giving my Christmas Eve sermon and had to race back to the sanctuary in order to retrieve it.

Otherwise, how would anyone have ever known that right there in our famous nativity scene, a trembling, little Chihuahua had given birth to a litter of puppies? Yes, right there in the manger. O Holy Night for sure!

This is a story about how those special pups came to change our church—and all the people in it—for the better. Most especially my poor daughter, Abigail. Being the preacher’s kid is never easy. I know, because I grew up as one, too. But losing your spouse right while expecting to become a parent for the first time?

Well, that’s enough to make even the strongest of believers question God’s plans. I know I did. But then our Mama Mary Chihuahua and her Mini Miracles found us… And, well, I’ll let you read the story to find out what happened next!

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

One more Melissa Storm and this one is FREE

The Second-Chance Waitress: (First Street Church Romances Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Small-town waitress Kristina Rose Maher wants to know why fairytales never happen for fat girls. When the doctor tells her she needs weight loss surgery to treat her diabetes, she sees this as a second chance to embrace life to the fullest and maybe even find a happily ever after all her own… Could the best friend who’s always been there for her be the prince she’s been hoping to find all along?

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

One last one (a suggestion from BookRunes) and it’s also FREE. A total change of pace, it sounds intriguing enough to take a chance. I’ve not read this author so have no idea if it will be good or bad. As always, I’m anticipating and hoping for good.

Love Covers (Leaving Lennhurst Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

Two strangers hiding their own life-long secrets. Can pretending to be married…be that hard?

The town of Greenlock shuns the daughter of the mortician. Day after day, Lauren begrudgingly has to take over her father’s duties creating despondence in her tender heart.

Then a voice speaks from the morgue basement. A rough and tumble outlaw who’s supposed to be dead is still alive! For some unfathomable reason, Lauren agrees to help him stay dead.

Elias was raised at Lennhurst Asylum. Since he had no family or future, he jumped a half-served prison sentence and enlisted in the recent Civil War to wield explosives. From running and surviving all his life, all Elias promised anyone was loyalty. Love was out of the question. When Lauren mentions her longing to see her mother and sister in Colorado, for loyalty’s sake, he offers to take her on the arduous wagon train journey. Of course, it wouldn’t be proper not to be married while traveling together. Lauren and Elias, so vastly opposite; their charade should be easy and yet they never expected it to threaten their very lives.

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

Eight new books. It seems like it’s always either feast of famine. Today is feast.

I’m excited about the appearance of diversity. I couldn’t make it through eight books with out it.

Happy New Year and happy reading