strong women

Free and bargain books February 09, 2021

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. Melissa Storm is one of the enjoyable authors we’ve been following lately.

The Lonesome Librarian: A Heartwarming Journey of Faith, Hope & Love (First Street Church Romances Book 5)

Amazon quote:

Small-town librarian Sally Scott’s life is made up of a series of tremendous heartbreaks.

Her parents died when she was young, the love of her life just married somebody else, and looking after her agoraphobic aunt means she can’t leave town despite having no true friends to confide in.

Only her beloved books provide any true escape, until a town outsider returns and causes her to question everything she once thought she knew about herself.

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BookBub had another suggestion, books 1 – 3 in a series by Jessie Newton. I didn’t recognize the name but the picture looked familiar. I had no idea how prolific this lady is. In checking things out I discovered she writes as three people and I have read two of them.

Jessie Newton writes as herself and is also published under Elana Johnson and Liz Isaacson.

Jessie is all about feel-good, heart warming women’s fiction, Elana specializes in clean romance, and Liz writes Christian romance. So far Elana Johnson is my favorite but then I haven’t experienced Jessie. I plan to remedy this. A number of her books are offered at bargain prices today, this is a perfect time to do a little research.

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The Lighthouse (Five Island Cove Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

After the death of a childhood loved one, 5 best friends reunite in the small coastal town of Five Island Cove. One doesn’t expect to find love with a high school crush. Another isn’t prepared to find the strength she needs to take control of her life. And none of them are ready for the secrets they’ll uncover at the lighthouse…

As the truth comes to light, these five best friends will learn what really matters: friendship, family, and faith.

Now a USA Today bestseller!

When Joel Shields dies, Robin Grover’s only goal is to get her four best friends back to Five Island Cove to celebrate the life of Kristen’s husband. She alone has stayed in the cove while everyone else couldn’t wait to get away. 

Alice Keller comes instantly, because her mansion in the Hamptons and her husband’s infidelity is smothering her. Not only that, but Kristen has always been like a mother to her, and she wants to support her.

Eloise Hall comes quickly too, because she’s not teaching at the university this summer, and she might as well visit her mother—and the house she secretly bought years ago. Her first night on the island, she runs into an old high school crush, and a flame ignites that hasn’t been there before.

But Kelli Thompson and AJ Proctor are more resistant, and as Robin, Alice, and Eloise uncover secret after secret in the books, journals, and files in Joel’s office, Robin becomes more determined to reunite them all. 

When Kelli and AJ finally arrive in the cove, the women are embroiled in secrets the lighthouse has hidden for decades. Robin tries to hold them all together, but she too breaks down and admits that her perfect-on-the-outside life isn’t so perfect.

As these 5 best friends work together to find the truth, they must learn to let go of what doesn’t matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and most of all, friendship.

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The Summer Sand Pact: Women’s Fiction with Heart (Five Island Cove Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Alice Kelton’s marriage is in shambles, and while she’s always thought she’d stay with her husband, after her last visit to the cove, she went back to the Hamptons and filed for divorce. She and her twins are moving to Rocky Ridge in Five Island Cove permanently, but she’s not telling anyone.

Robin’s husband is in Alaska for the summer, and she’s pretending she’s okay. Eloise comes back to the cove every couple of weeks so she can see her new boyfriend, though she’s growing tired of the distance between them. AJ broke up with her non-committal boyfriend, and she’s happier, freer, and open to another relationship, even though she lives in Atlanta.

Kelli brings her son to the cove this time, knowing her relationship with her husband is on the rocks and desperate to fix it. She plans to get some help from her sisterhood during the two weeks in the cove. When she’s followed to the beach house where the other women and their children have gathered, Kelli learns a dangerous secret thirty years in the making that could completely undo all the progress she’s made…

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The Cliffside Inn (Five Island Cove Book 3) 

Amazon quote:

With their different personalities and in their different states of mind, none of these best friends are prepared for the secret contained within the walls of The Cliffside Inn. They’ve survived tough situations before, but this might be the thing that tears them apart for good…

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This should keep us busy for awhile.

Happy Reading …

… on this, another chilly but very beautiful day.

What to say…

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I’m at a loss for words. After missing several days in my daily blog I need to find something to say. I’m feeling emotionally wrung out, maybe that’s why my mind is empty. I’ll just have to start and see what happens. It will surprise me as much as it will you, guaranteed. It’s funny how one thing leads to another and rabbit holes appear out of nowhere…

Today was the day for our monthly writers group Zoom call. Since I’m part of the executive there is always a feeling of self inflicted pressure to be a good participant not just a passive observer. As an introvert, fly-on-the-wall is where I would rather be. I was trying to be rested and relaxed ready for the camera but it wasn’t working out all that well for me. I started out stressed, like it or not.

Going into the week, I didn’t have an active part in the meeting. That all changed when the agenda came out and I found I was down for a book review. In the end we had more than enough readers (to share stories that would be critiqued) and there was no time for the my contribution. It didn’t get used but it was good writing practice, working on the review was not a total waste.

It’s funny how things happen sometimes. I had been thinking several days ago about my style of writing and the type of critique I would like to have. The thing is, I’m often not sure if what I have to say makes sense. Feedback would be helpful. I think I assume people know certain things already and tend to write in note form with little detail. My first clue I do this is when, days later, I read what I’ve written. Sometimes I have no idea what exactly I was getting at. So, going back to the most recent review I’d posted I found myself with a chance to work on making sense.

The review definitely needed to be reworked and expanded. It was a good exercise in figuring out how much extra detail needed to be included. I’ll try to do better the next time I write something like a review or thoughts (like now maybe.)

So, getting back to today’s Zoom meeting. It did the heart good to see everyone again even though we couldn’t be in the same room together. Five members read their stories, each one personal and unique.

They were all good but the one I appreciated most tore us all apart. It was a very raw and real sharing of a lengthy journey with parkinsons. What she has been through, and will continue to go through, is heartbreaking. Yet she has such a positive outlook on life. We could see it cost her dearly to be honest with us. We felt honored to be trusted enough for the privilege of hearing her story.

Today was a day we will not soon forget.

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I’m going to pick up a fast food hamburger and then the mail (it’s been several weeks and I need to get out.) When I come back I’ll see if this still makes sense to me.

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Well, I’ve made changes. I’m not sure it’s enough but time’s getting away on me. At least I’ve finished supper, washed the pile of dishes waiting for me and played a few games on the computer while I was thinking.

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Tomorrow is story prompt day. The word is Resolution. Guess I’m not done thinking for the night quite yet.

Read and enjoyed mid November 2020 edition

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It’s that time again. After another slow book day it’s time to share some favorite reads. Well, every read actually but we’ll start with favorites. Hope I can remember which ones they were. Time always seems to make the memories hazy despite my good intentions to remember them all.

This first one I do remember and was happy to see it come up because of the way I enjoyed earlier book in this series of series.

They are about three sisters who, for reasons we haven’t yet learned, were raised in remote high and craggy mountains. Their grandparents taught them the lowlands were evil and dangerous and they believed it all, enough to never venture off the mountain. Left on their own they managed life with well honed survival skills, always looking out for each other.

It was shocking when someone from the lowlands suddenly appeared on their mountain.

I enjoyed all of the previously read books in this series but I think this one was my favorite.

A string of unfortunate events leads to an unexpected marriage and an unplanned extended visit to a number of progressively larger cites.

It was fun to view life as we know it through her uninitiated eyes.

Woman of Sunlight (Brides of Hope Mountain Book #2)

After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. And it may cost them everything.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when he follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten to a black-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood.

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This next one is another favorite. The tale of creating new life out of brokenness and accepting second chances. I’ll let the synopsis speak for the story this time. I did give up five stars to it though, something which happens sparingly at my house.

A Long Way to Run

Sometimes the path to love is a long way to run…

Olympic-caliber running hopeful Riley Dalton lost his left leg from the knee down in the noblest of ways: saving a trapped woman whose car was engulfed by fire. Years removed from that life-changing moment, he returns home to Dunberry, Michigan, searching for the pathway to a new life.

Riley’s high school sweetheart, Jennifer Bailey, understands the process of reinvention. Heartbreak and corporate theft sent her scampering from New York straight back to her small-town roots. In Dunberry, she’s established a clothing boutique that allows creativity to flow while she regroups.

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Here are the covers for the rest. I did enjoy some more than others but they were all well worth the read.

These last two were favorites as well.

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I’m currently reading and loving another excellent Christy Barritt book. It’s still a bargain if you are interested.

Lifeline (The Security Experts)

Only a former navy SEAL can help a woman who is convinced her deceased former fiancé is alive—and out for revenge in this exciting suspense, part of The Security Experts series from USA TODAY bestselling author Christy Barritt.

“I did it for you.” The chilling words in the text message have Julianne Grace fearing for her life. She’s sure that her abusive ex-fiancé has killed two people—and that she’s the next target. But will anyone believe that her presumed dead ex is really alive? The only man who can help Julianne is cool, aloof security specialist Bradley Stone. Not only does she need his protection, but he’s also the link to finding answers about her ex-fiancé’s death. And the closer Bradley and Julianne get to the truth—and to each other, the angrier the madman after Julianne becomes. One wrong move and they could both fall prey to the killer’s deadly scheme.

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Well, it’s Saturday, a good day for house work. I think the floor is dry and I can get back to work.

I’m planning to put up my Christmas tree. Two of my three kids have their family trees up already and I’m feeling inspired. The first time in three years. Something must be working right this year.

Hopefully I can tear myself away from my book long enough to get it done.

I’ll let you know how that goes.

In the meantime, I hope this selection of books is working to inspire you too.

Happy Reading y’all.

Free books October 27, 2020

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LPC Books has FREE suggestions for us.

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

Amazon quote:

Sharon cannot face her future until she has dealt with her past. 

When an accident takes everyone in her family except Sharon Martin’s grandson, she is forced to face the secrets of her past. For decades she has protected herself and “his family” from the damage this secret could cause. But when Bobby’s well-being depends on her honesty, will she have the courage to speak the truth? When tragedy strikes, can love and honesty save a life?

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Starving Hearts (Triangular Trade Trilogy Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

“The author did a great job, maybe too great a job, describing the slave scenes. Spine tingling and suspenseful. I was biting my nails throughout much of this book.” ~ Amazon review

Plagued by nightmares, Annette yearns to find her anonymous rescuer — the man who saved her life from a near deadly assault. Deep inside she is starving for companionship and a mutually respectful relationship. When Mr. Peter Adsley, an abolitionist pastor dealing with his own emotional baggage, agrees to a clandestine meeting, the event appears providential. But self-doubt, deception, and the schemes of a mutual enemy threaten to keep the pair apart. A phantom adversary will stop at nothing to win Annette’s dowry for himself, even if it means killing Peter.

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Chapel Springs Revival (Chapel Springs Series Book 1)

Amazon quote:

With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire Bennett and Patsy Kowalski. It’s impossible not to, what with Claire’s zany antics and Patsy’s self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds.

During an early morning discussion at Dees ‘n’ Doughs bakery with their ladies group, all Chapel Springs entrepreneurs, attention is drawn to the slackened tourist trade. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to address the town’s revitalization in hopes of drawing back the tourists. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

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My current read is the conclusion to a 5 book family series. Strong characters, every one of them, each one as different as can be.

Ruby Jane: The Montana Marshalls – An Inspirational Romantic Suspense Family Series

Amazon quote:

She loved…and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she’d meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he’d steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price…a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears…

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past…just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he’s built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he’s hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn’t remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshalls series.

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Happy Reading …

… on this chilly morning in southern Manitoba. -7C with the possibility of a little snow.

It’s crazy … this weather.

The grass is green and needs another cut but some of it is under snow. The petunias are green and alive but the soil around them is stiff with frost making it hard to clean them up for the winter. The weeds are still growing for heaven sakes, and it’s too cold to go out and get rid of them.

I’m sure you know how sad I’m feeling about all this. Really …. deeply sad.

Where’s my book??

Free and bargain books October 15, 2020

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I’m back. With a FREE book suggestion courtesy of BookBub and it’s one I’ve not read. Even better.

Ever Caring (Family Promises Book 1)

Amazon quote:

He lost his wife.

She gave up her baby.

Can these troubled souls find true love beneath their secrets?

Attorney Tate Truscott is ready for a fresh start with his grief-stricken daughter. After the widower and his eight-year-old move to a new town, he hopes creating a commemorative photo album will help ease the girl’s suffering. But when she makes fast friends with the scrapbook shop owner who is helping her with the album, Tate is stunned to find himself attracted to the kind woman.

Renee Albertson is guilt-ridden over the accident that crippled her mother and forced her to give up her newborn for adoption. Desperate to sell everything to finance her mom’s experimental treatment, Renee’s torn when a handsome dad and his melancholy daughter come to her store for help. And as the grieving pair find their way into her heart, she wonders if she’ll ever have the family of her dreams.

As the attraction between them deepens, Tate is wary of revealing his less-than-perfect marriage that lies behind the idyllic photos. And Renee fears that divulging her tragic secret will destroy any hope for a future with Tate.

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I stumbled on a good looking mystery/thriller I want to read. It’s a limited time bargain so be sure to be quick if you are interested.

Flight Risk

Amazon quote:

Savannah Daniels has worked hard to build her law practice, to surround herself with good friends, and to be the loyal aunt her troubled niece can always count on. But since her ex-husband’s betrayal, she has trouble trusting anyone.

Jett Glover’s father committed suicide over a false newspaper report that ruined his reputation. Now a fierce champion of truth, Jett is writing the story of his journalism career—an international sex-trafficking exposé that will bring down a celebrity baseball player and the men closest to him, including Savannah’s ex-husband.

When Jett’s story breaks, tragedy ensues. Then a commercial airline crashes, and one of Savannah’s clients is implicated in the crash. Men connected to the scandal, including her ex, begin to die amid mysterious circumstances, and Savannah’s niece becomes an unwitting target.

Against their better instincts, Jett and Savannah join ranks to sort the facts from fiction. But can Savannah trust the reporter who threw her life into chaos? And can Jett face the possibility that he’s made the biggest mistake of his life?

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One more awesome bargain I need. It’s book 5 in the series. I’ve read book 1 and now I can’t pass up #5. This is the conclusion to the family saga and it’s about the only girl in a house full of boys.

I’m good with reading the end before the middle.

The middle three books are at a reduced price too and it is very tempting… but… I have to realistic. Which is painful at a time like this.

Ruby Jane: The Montana Marshalls 

Amazon quote:

She loved…and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she’d meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he’d steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price…a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears…

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past…just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he’s built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he’s hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn’t remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshalls series.

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I’m currently reading a mystery/romance collection (still a bargain) and it’s been the inspiration for today’s search. I’ve been checking out some of the authors and I did find treasure.

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection 

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

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

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I hope you find some treasures here too. This is a 5 star line-up of books today, I’m very excited.

Happy Reading y’all

Story prompt – Carnival

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Sunday Scribblings  initiator of these story prompts is hosted by peckapalooza – the Confusing Middle

Today’s prompt … Carnival

This is one more installment in the ongoing saga of Bella, as she settles into a new witness protection situation.

Carnival

Exhausted, that’s what she was. It’s Saturday, no need to get up. Bella sank back into her welcoming blankets. Later… she would think about getting up later. For now sleep was easy and she let herself go.

Several hours later she still couldn’t bring herself to get out of bed. Maybe she’d just lie there for awhile thinking about the week behind and the week ahead, that would be a good thing. She wasn’t even aware when she’d drifted back to sleep.

By the time she woke for real and forced herself to get up, the temptation to give in to more sleep was still strong. That would be an unhealthy choice on so many levels. Sleep wouldn’t happen tonight, that’s for sure.

What was with her anyway? It wasn’t like her to be sleepy like this.

Things seemed to be going pretty well at work. In the last few months her new business was growing as word of mouth brought new clients. Financially it looked like she had little reason to be worried for the future.

Personally, people were friendly and she’d met a few women she already could tell would be an important part of her new life.

As she polished off her late afternoon brunch the phone rang. Oh, No.

There’s a carnival in town and she’d promised to meet her new friends there.

It’s a good thing she rolled out of bed when she did.

Bargain books September 22, 2020

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First up we have an interesting bargain ($1.31 CDN) from an author I’ve discovered recently and enjoyed immensely.

Fatal Illusions: A Novel (North Woods Chronicles Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Who Will Escape Alive?

An Amateur Magician, an Unassuming Family . . . a Fatal Illusion

Haydon Owens wants to be the next Houdini. He has been practicing his craft and has already made four women disappear. All it took was a bit of rope and his two bare hands.

The Thayer family has come to the north woods of Newberry, Michigan, looking for refuge, a peaceful sanctuary from a shattered past. But they are not alone. Little do they know that they are about to become part of Haydon’s next act.

Time is running out and already the killer has spotted his next victim. Who will escape alive?

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Then, this interesting box set was recommended by the author above and is on pre-order at a bargain price for a release date of October 6th. $1.34 CDN. I’ve ordered my copy. A few months back actually and I’m looking forward to it.

Mistletoe and Murder: A Christmas Suspense Collection

Amazon quote:

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

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My current enjoyable read is still a $1.99 bargain and I would highly recommend it. This is not your average run of the mill story. It has a freshness about it… my favorite thing.

A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

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Happy Reading! …

… on this sunny day that promises to reach 27C. I’m not so sure it will be able to deliver on that promise but I’m hoping. After the cold spell we’ve had, with frost at night, I’m looking forward to relaxing with coffee on the deck in shirtsleeves. Maybe for the last time this year.

Winter is arriving much too quickly. Plants are shutting down and leaves are falling many weeks ahead of last year. On the bright side, yard work has slowed down and I’m not complaining about that.

Bargain books September 18, 2020

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1531 Entertainment has an intriguing bargain suggestion written by an author I’ve enjoyed three times in the last year. In keeping with the books we’ve seen in the last couple of days this will not a light read.

There are many books on my read & enjoyed list related to World War II and yet this one is still able to catch my interest.

The Socialite

Amazon quote:

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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This next one was mentioned on Facebook. Everyone commenting there is raving about it as one of the best romances of the year. Reading the first few pages I can see why. One more to add to the TBR list. I need to take up speed reading. Seriously.

A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

Amazon quote:

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

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y’all… it is taking some heavy duty self control to keep from switching current reads with each new book I find this week.

I hope you are having the same problem!

Happy Reading!