Suspense

Read and enjoyed August 17, 2021

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I loved this story. For a number of reasons.

I’ll admit I was uncertain at first as I tried to read the first chapter. Watching hulking men storm the beautiful house brandishing weapons in a uncivilized manner was disconcerting. Reading on was looking highly unlikely.

Fortunately, as I read on a little further and other characters were introduced, the story began looking more and more appealing.

There were so many interesting aspects added as the story unfolded. The nationality, culture, and customs of the “invading army” lent a flavor to the story different from what we are used to. The complex family, residents of the house, were definitely not the norm. Each family had deep secrets which added stress to the precarious legal situation.

And, just when I thought I had something figured out there was another twist to the story.

In the end my only complaint was the first chapter and the last page. For the same reason. They were both awkward and dissatisfying.

Aside from that though, it was a great read, one I would gladly do all over again.

The hulking warriors were definitely becoming more civilized as trust grew. A point in their favor. Really, they were just being as protective as an angry mama bear. It was beautiful to see… unless their anger was being directed at you.

The Rose of Winslow Street 

Romance and Drama to Capture the Heart in This Emotional Tale

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.

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I’m looking forward to my next read which will be the most recent Christy Barritt download. It is still a bargain.

Run Aground (Lantern Beach Mayday Book 1)

A dead captain on a luxury yacht leads to a tumultuous seafaring journey . . .

Med student Kenzie Anderson, tired of letting others chart her future, accepts a job as second steward aboard Almost Paradise. But when she finds the captain dead before the charter even begins, her plans seem to capsize.

Jimmy James Gamble senses something vulnerable and slightly naive about Kenzie when he finds her on the docks. Realizing danger may still be lingering close, he uses his hidden skills to earn a place on the charter. But being there causes him to risk everything—especially as more suspicious incidents occur.

As they set out to sea, Kenzie and Jimmy James both wonder if they’re in over their heads. They must figure out how to stop a killer before anyone onboard is hurt . . . otherwise, both their futures might just run aground.

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Happy Reading…

on this warm smoky day

Christy Barritt new releases Part Two Aug 15, 2021

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As promised here is Part 2, with a variety of bargain releases this time.

New series are always fun, I’ve read book one in this mystery series and I’m thrilled with the chance to read book 2.

The Inn on Hanging Hill (The Beach House Mystery Series Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Lindsey Waters never wanted to return to the seaside inn where she grew up. Too many traumatic memories surrounded the place. But with her career on the fritz, she has no choice but to return to her childhood home. Her plan: renovate the inn, sell it, and start fresh somewhere else.

Her strategy goes awry when mysterious incidents begin happening at the inn—dangerous incidents. Someone wants to scare her away. But why?

When she reconnects with childhood friend Benjamin Harris, Lindsey is reminded that not all her memories here were bad. But something is different about him, something she can’t quite put her finger on. She’s certain he’s harboring secrets. Can she really trust the man he has become?

With her past closing in, she’s tempted to run. Otherwise, the inn might be her final resting place.

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I’ve read and enjoyed books 1 -5 and after reading the synopsis for book 6, I can hardly wait to see it.

Unwavering Security (Saltwater Cowboys Book 6) 

Amazon quote:

Thaddeus Blackwell and Miranda Stewart have one common goal: make sure their best friends have their dream wedding. As best man and maid of honor, it’s their duty to make sure Grant Matthews and Abigail Ferguson’s big day goes off without a hitch.

Things don’t go as planned when the Texas ranger and city slicker reporter stumble—literally—into an old, abandoned motel now buried by sand dunes. What they uncover turns all their plans upside down. Now they’re not just helping with the wedding but they’re trying to stay alive.

Their opposing personalities complicate everything and perhaps could even get them killed. Their friends’ upcoming “for better or worse” vows are turning into “for worse”—a lot worse—especially as danger closes in.

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I’ve not seen all of this next series but I liked what I did read. I’ll have to check to see what’s going on with it, I’m not sure how I managed to miss a few. I’ll enjoy book 5 anyway.

Legacy of Lies (Fog Lake Suspense Book 5)

Amazon quote:

Madison Colson never wanted to come back to Fog Lake, Tennessee. Her family’s reputation was forever tarnished when her father was accused of a string of violent murders over a decade ago. She and her brothers were shunned from the area—by everyone except their aunt. At least, that’s how it felt.

Now her aunt is dying, and Madison is the only one who can help. But as soon as she arrives back in town, trouble starts—big trouble.

Another young woman is dead, and the method seems eerily similar to the murders her father was convicted of. Now the whole town is on edge—and pointing fingers.

When FBI Agent Ryan Michaels is sent to investigate, Ryan and Madison instantly clash. But unless they manage to work together, the killer will remain at large . . . and Madison might become his next victim.

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This last series is quite different from all the other ones. I’ve read book 1 and loved it and I’m looking forward to book 2 with great anticipation.

Crime Strikes a Chord (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries Book 2)

Amazon quote:

When Camryn Paine’s student assistant asks for her help, Camryn finds it hard to say no. The Gleason family, alumni of the music conservatory where Camryn works, hired a company to assist with a move across town. Now the company, along with a truck full of their possessions has vanished.

The family is desperate to find their belongings, especially a violin that goes back multiple generations. The request strikes a sentimental chord with Camryn.

Camryn attempts to use her refined audio abilities to pinpoint anyone who may be trying to pass the violin off as their own—and she suspects it’s someone at the music conservatory.

But the guilty party is determined to keep Camryn silent—permanently, if necessary.

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I’m feeling like all this excitement is a bit over the top. The problem is it’s all true. I follow this is author more closely than any other. I think it must be her characters and the jobs she gives them. Whatever it is she does with her stories, it works for me.

I really want to write another post today but I’m getting a little bored with what I’ve been doing and really need something different. I’d like to write a story but I have no ideas in mind. Zero.

If not today maybe tomorrow inspiration will strike.

In the meantime … we can be

Happy Reading!

Trouble is, if I’m reading I’m not thinking. What a dilemma! 🙂

Christy Barritt new releases Aug 13, 2021

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Her new releases are always offered at bargain prices and there are seven this time. How cool is that.

This first post is for a new three book series set on Lantern Beach, like a number of other series have been. I’m excited to see what she will do with this one. Two of them are pre-order which means there is no look-inside feature for me to snoop a little first.

Run Aground (Lantern Beach Mayday Book 1) 

Amazon quote:

A dead captain on a luxury yacht leads to a tumultuous seafaring journey . . .

Med student Kenzie Anderson, tired of letting others chart her future, accepts a job as second steward aboard Almost Paradise. But when she finds the captain dead before the charter even begins, her plans seem to capsize.

Jimmy James Gamble senses something vulnerable and slightly naive about Kenzie when he finds her on the docks. Realizing danger may still be lingering close, he uses his hidden skills to earn a place on the charter. But being there causes him to risk everything—especially as more suspicious incidents occur.

As they set out to sea, Kenzie and Jimmy James both wonder if they’re in over their heads. They must figure out how to stop a killer before anyone onboard is hurt . . . otherwise, both their futures might just run aground.

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Dead Reckoning (Lantern Beach Mayday Book 2)

Amazon quote:

Yachtie Kenzie Anderson knows what she saw at the harbor–a woman murdered and pushed into the water. But there’s not only no evidence of a crime, but there’s no dead body either.

Jimmy James Gamble believes Kenzie, even if no one else does. But he senses the danger in the air and wants to keep her away from any more trouble–especially after their last charter.

Someone is willing to murder again to get what he wants–which brings them all to a dead reckoning as they navigate unfamiliar waters.

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Tipping Point (Lantern Beach Mayday Book 3)

Amazon quote:

As the charter season continues, yachtie Kenzie Anderson suspects that beneath the tranquil surface aboard Almost Paradise are turbulent currents. Has the havoc of the past several charters simply put her on edge? Or is something dangerous hiding just out of sight?

Captain Jimmy James Gamble can’t believe it when items belonging to charter guests begin to disappear. His suspicions continue to grow deeper as secrets cause tension aboard the yacht. Just what is happening below deck on his boat?

As answers rise to the surface, neither Kenzie or Jimmy James are prepared for what they find. Have both of them reached their tipping point?

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That’s all three for this series. At least we get to see the first one right away. The next two will be released two weeks apart. That will be a comfortable pace. It gives us time to cleanse the reading palate with other authors so we are fresh and ready to go when the next one shows up.

Christy Barritt Part Two post will have four books, from a variety of series. Most of them I have been following all along and I’m looking forward to the new installments.

There is no danger of the price changing anytime soon so you may see part two on Saturday.

Spread things out a bit.

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In the meantime…

Happy Reading

Free book August 12, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion with an author I’ve not read and it looks interesting.

Missing on Main Street: Thrilling Christian Mysteries with an Uplifting Twist (Homeschoolers of Honey Pot Mystery Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Small towns aren’t always as safe as they seem.

One missing teen sends three homeschool moms on a thrilling search.

Lydia, Kat, and Flora put lesson plans aside as they hunt for Ivy Hooper. Little do they know they’re not the only ones looking for her. With a less than picture-perfect past, Ivy’s trail leads them to shocking revelations and an even more surprising resolution.

Will a trio of stay-at-home moms be able to thwart the dark side of their small town? Can they rescue Ivy before her pursuers find her?

Launch into book one of this binge-worthy Christian Mystery series that builds your faith as it gets your heart racing. 

Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and get ready to stay up late with the moms of Honey Pot.

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Currently I’m reading a collection by author Kit Morgan. The first book was such a good read that I have high hopes for the rest.

6 – Book Sampler: A Box Collection of Sweet Romances 

The Sailor and the Suffragette: Daisy Bennett loved a good cause. Her current? Women’s rights. But when Asa Davenport comes to town, Daisy’s future suffragette plans falter. A new cause has captured her heart. Question is, can she handle it?

The next one looks interesting.

Herding Her Heart: Jasmine Hammond wanted more in her life and thought marriage would do the trick. Problem was, there was no one in her home town to marry. So she did what anyone would do, she enlisted the help of a matchmaker. And she wasn’t the only one. Nine other brides from all over the country traveled with her to Bent, Colorado to entrust their marital endeavors to the famous matchmaker, Viola Redburn. Problem was, when they got there, Viola was dead.

This is still a bargain if you are interested.

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I found a gold mine of new Christy Barritt books releasing soon, and they are all at a bargain price.

They will have to be in a new post tomorrow, maybe even two new posts. we’ll see how it goes.

I can hardly wait to see them. There is a new series in the midst and I anxious to see what it’s like.

In the meantime

Happy Reading.

A bargain August 09, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / 1 Comment

Another bargain, belonging to the author I’ve been enjoying the last few days. This one is a new release set for early September.

A Dangerous Scheme (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

Is it possible for love to persist if it was built on a lie?

Mr. Guy Stewart, now an agent of the Crown, has been sent to determine if an illegal labor union has formed in the town of Anmore. It is a simple enough assignment, but nothing seems to go as planned when he arrives, and he quickly learns that one wrong move can lead to his death.

Miss Daphne Locke has just received the most extraordinary news—she has just been named her grandmother’s heir! When her meddlesome cousin shows up unannounced, she must do her best to ignore his constant criticism of her and focus on her new responsibilities.

When the two stranger’s cross paths, neither can deny the instant attraction between them. But Guy is under pressure to complete his assignment and doesn’t have time for pesky feelings, and Daphne is far above his station.

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This next one was read and enjoyed yesterday, it was awesome. I won’t spoil the story by telling you about the main character but if you enjoy a strong female spy most people underestimate you will love this. I hope to get a chance to read the next book in the series.

Saving Shadow: A Regency Spy Romance (The Beckett Files Book 1)

Born with a perfect memory, Lady Elizabeth Beckett has become one of the world’s most notorious spies, despite being the daughter of a duke. She is shielded only by her code name: Shadow.

When young ladies of High Society begin disappearing from London, Eliza has no doubt who is orchestrating these crimes; a heinous man she has been investigating for years. Vowing to save them before they are sold to the highest bidder, she must risk everything to stop him.

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I love it when interesting books show up unexpectedly. Even better when it’s an author on my favorites list.

6 – Book Sampler: A Box Collection of Sweet Romances

Amazon quote:

The Sailor and the Suffragette: Daisy Bennett loved a good cause. Her current? Women’s rights. But when Asa Davenport comes to town, Daisy’s future suffragette plans falter. A new cause has captured her heart. Question is, can she handle it?

Herding Her Heart: Jasmine Hammond wanted more in her life and thought marriage would do the trick. Problem was, there was no one in her home town to marry. So she did what anyone would do, she enlisted the help of a matchmaker. And she wasn’t the only one. Nine other brides from all over the country traveled with her to Bent, Colorado to entrust their marital endeavors to the famous matchmaker, Viola Redburn. Problem was, when they got there, Viola was dead.

Finding Love at Christmas: Wendy Preston had once been the love of his life. He was young and poor. She was young and rich. The gap between their two families was too big for the likes of Wendy’s father, and so, he made sure Wendy disappeared from Jack’s life. Until one day …

Mommy’s Kissing Santa: Billionaire Gordon Holliday has done the impossible. He’s matched each of his sons to a prospective bride and they’ve fallen in love! With a little help …

Overjoyed his plan worked, he’s now noticing the matchmaker! But Gordon has vowed never to marry again. Not after his ex-wife Mara made his life so miserable and makes it her full-time job to continue the effort! But his sons and their fiancés think otherwise and decide to help love along. After all, fair is fair. Since their father saw fit to match them up, then why not do the same with him? Of course, that might prove easier said than done …

Josephine: Josephine Stillwater was normally an upbeat, happy young woman. And why not? She had a wonderful father, a new husband, and things were looking up in the world. Until she lost it all because of a mining accident. Now with a villainous landlord pounding on her door almost daily, she’s losing hope. What else can go wrong? How about a half-dead man on her doorstep?

Claire: Widow Claire Reynolds puts up a feisty front and speaks her mind. But when a stranger comes to town her world is turned upside down. How can he see through her into what lies hidden in her heart? 
Quinn Bates was hired to rid Wildcat Ridge of undesirables. But when the first person on the list is a woman, he has second thoughts. What is it about this spitfire that has his employer so anxious to get rid of her? He’s determined to find out.

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I’d better hurry on out of here before the power goes out. We are on our third major downpour for today, with massive thunder and lightning. The lights are flickering and I can take a hint.

I don’t want to miss out on posting while it is still today.

Happy Reading!!

Free book August 08, 2021

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BookRunes has an interesting FREE suggestion for us today. It is Romance but will not be a light read. It deals with some weighty issues involving more young couples than we would wish. Despite the subject matter I think it will be a well written read.

Within Golden Bands 

Amazon quote:

Newly married Bonny MacDonell finds the transition from American college professor to Scottish sheep farmer’s wife more difficult than she expected. When her miracle pregnancy ends in a devastating miscarriage, she fears her husband’s reaction will hurt more than the loss of their child.

But Kieran never shows up at the hospital. When found, he is beaten and unconscious. The only memory of his attacker is the words, “Get off my land.” Reeling from the threat to her husband and the loss of their child, Bonny struggles to hold her marriage together. When faith in love is not enough, where do you turn?

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One new book was the best I could do. I did try to find more, honest. Some days that’s just how it goes.

Instead, I can tell you about a book finished yesterday. One I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

A Family’s Blessing: A Sweet Small Town Romance (Love in Millars Crossing Book 2)

Sharing with the enemy is almost as bad as falling for them…

Ethan Westerveld wasn’t about to give up half the family farm to a complete stranger no matter how beautiful she was. But the ink was dry, the damage done and nothing could change the fact that Hannah Kristofferson was now fifty percent owner in his family farm.

But only if she stuck around.

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To begin with I thought maybe I had read this book before. There are a number of books out there where two people share an inheritance and the Will declares that to claim it they have to live on the property for a specified period of time.

It didn’t take too long for me to recognize this story was not something I’d already seen. While the plot was similar the author made it uniquely hers and I loved the read.

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I’ll share another book. I’m almost finished and I’m loving this read too. I have another book by this same author and I’m excited to read it next.

A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1) 

An heiress. A spy. And a love worth fighting for.

Miss Madalene Dowding was devastated when her mother died, leaving her all alone. To honor her mother’s legacy, she decides to use part of her fortune to open an orphanage. When a teacher at the orphanage goes missing, Madalene takes it upon herself to start looking for her, even if it means taking her deep into the unsavory parts of London.

Baldwin Radcliff, the Marquess of Hawthorne, is working on his last case as an agent of the Crown since he is about to retire and take up his seat in the House of Lords. He is tasked with finding a French spy that is in league with a growing group of radicals. As he searches for the enemy, he discovers a meddling heiress that keeps stumbling in at the most inopportune times, making him wonder if she is perhaps the spy he has been sent to find.

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I highly recommend this book and author.

I just noticed something odd thing about the cover. Look at her hands. Strange.

Once you get into the book a little you will know what that is all about. This lady is no shrinking violet.

Well, I spent a little more time looking around the book shelves, just in case there was something more I could stumble across. Sadly this is it. Check out all three of these books if you haven’t already.

Until next time…

Happy Reading.

Free and bargain books August 07, 2021

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Today is a good day!

It has been a bookless week, mostly, and today things have changed. Four new books from three authors I’ve read and enjoyed, what could be better than that?

First up is a modern day handsome prince.

To Save a King (True Blue Royal Book 2) 

Amazon quote:

A modern-day fairy tale of hope and rescue from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck

After growing up in small-town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone set off to Hollywood to make her mark in the world. But her ambition turned into a journey of a “thousand” bad decisions and after twelve years of seeking fame and fortune, Gemma returns home with a limp and a dark secret.

Now she runs a rescue ranch and is raising her friends’ orphaned daughter. She’s keenly aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her. She just wants to stay hidden in the safe world she’s created.

HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. As heir to the revered House of Blue and married to the love of his life, he believed his future reign would strengthen the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland. Then tragedy changed everything. Can anything save him from his grief?

When he travels to Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he’s drawn into the local life and cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone during the 4th of July festivities.

While the event has a disastrous result, Prince John and Gemma form a quick friendship—one of two wounded souls finding comfort in one other. However, love is absolutely not an option. John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife, and Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.

Then Prince John is called home for an emergency. How can he leave the woman who lifted him from his sorrows? But can Gemma join him on a royal stage and risk her secret coming to light?

To Save a King is book two in the True Blue Royal series.

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The next two are first books in their series. I’m looking forward to this as I enjoyed two other first books by this author and would love to read more.

A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1)

Amazon quote:

An heiress. A spy. And a love worth fighting for.

Miss Madalene Dowding was devastated when her mother died, leaving her all alone. To honor her mother’s legacy, she decides to use part of her fortune to open an orphanage. When a teacher at the orphanage goes missing, Madalene takes it upon herself to start looking for her, even if it means taking her deep into the unsavory parts of London.

Baldwin Radcliff, the Marquess of Hawthorne, is working on his last case as an agent of the Crown since he is about to retire and take up his seat in the House of Lords. He is tasked with finding a French spy that is in league with a growing group of radicals. As he searches for the enemy, he discovers a meddling heiress that keeps stumbling in at the most inopportune times, making him wonder if she is perhaps the spy he has been sent to find.

Despite mutual dislike, Baldwin agrees to help Madalene, but only if she stays far away from the investigation. A promise that Madalene has no intention of keeping. Will headstrong Madalene and duty-driven Baldwin be able to work together, especially since so much is at stake?

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Saving Shadow: A Regency Spy Romance (The Beckett Files Book 1)

Amazon quote:

For England’s top spy, love is not an option

Born with a perfect memory, Lady Elizabeth Beckett has become one of the world’s most notorious spies, despite being the daughter of a duke. She is shielded only by her code name: Shadow. When young ladies of High Society begin disappearing from London, Eliza has no doubt who is orchestrating these crimes; a heinous man she has been investigating for years. Vowing to save them before they are sold to the highest bidder, she must risk everything to stop him.

Lord Sinclair was perfectly content being the second son of a marquess, but when his brother is murdered, he is thrust into a position he has not been prepared for and does not desire. As an agent for the Crown, he is expected to retire now that he is the heir, but he’s been granted special permission for one more mission… to obtain justice for his murdered brother.

Used to keeping secrets, Lady Eliza and Lord Sinclair must learn to open up to each other when they are assigned as partners to bring down the same ruthless man and his brutal empire of abduction and slavery. As Eliza’s tainted past becomes too much for her to bear alone, can she learn to trust her new partner with her secrets, her life, and possibly her heart?

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This next one is a complete change of pace. It is historical but it’s also time travel. I’ve read and enjoyed the first three books in this series.

Vestige of Courage: A Christian Time Travel Romance (Vestige in Time Book 4) 

Amazon quote:

She dreams of a future far out of reach. He’s stuck in limbo, looking for answers. Will a trip through time be a dream come true or their worst nightmare?

Finding herself in the future is Beatrice’s wildest dream come true, until it shatters her long-held illusions.

Beatrice Thomas lives a simple life on an isolated mountain homestead in 1879, Colorado, but she longs to experience the world past the rugged peaks and lonely months that her life has become. Unfortunately for her, that requires a miracle.

Chase’s life of adventure in the spotlight has taken an abrupt detour. Now he’s stuck, trapped in the unknown.

Chase Bennett’s life is on hold while he searches for his missing brother. When he stumbles upon a woman who’s looking for answers of her own, she provides a distraction he doesn’t need.

As their friendship grows, Beatrice is bewildered by the fast pace of the modern world. The adventure she longed for may be more than she can handle.

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I’m pretty sure the first three books will jump to the head of the reading queue. I’m looking forward to this.

Contemplating this list reminds me of a discussion earlier in the week about skipping through a book without reading every word. The consensus seemed to be offence at the thought of this practice. Sometimes when a to-be-read pile gets out of hand, like mine has been – forever it seems, there is no other choice.

At a time like this it’s easy to be happy when a book turns out to be less than wonderful. The read can be rushed through, guilt free.

I used to hold the belief that every word had to be read and every book started had to be finished. Somewhere along the line I gave up on that guilt trip. Not every book is worth the time and attention. There is no shame in abandoning a book, or quickly skimming through to see how it ended before tossing it.

I think skimming is better, in a time crunch, than not reading the book at all.

I love it when a book is worth savoring every moment. I take the time and then count my blessings that not all books are created equal. If they were…

I’d have to put a moratorium on looking for free and bargain books.

Happy Reading y’all

Free book August 05, 2021

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BookBub has a free suggestion for us. An author I have read once or twice.

Piercehaven: Welcome to the Island (Piercehaven Trilogy Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Should Emily try to fit in—or fight for what’s right?

Emily has finally found her dream job. She’s moving to a remote Maine island to teach high school English. The handsome lobsterman is an unexpected bonus.

But life on the island is very different. The eccentric islanders seem to be hiding something from her, but what is it? And does she even want to know? If she figures out the secret, she might have to do something about it.

Welcome to Piercehaven, an idyllic small town in the middle of the Atlantic, where things aren’t as simple as they seem and everyone is obsessed with basketball. You’ll love this faith-filled story because you’ll feel like you’re right there with Emily, tasting the fresh, salty air. Visit Piercehaven today!

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I’m not seeing anything else enticing at the moment so we will leave it at one.

I’m still reading A Life Renewed and it’s good. I’m not bored or feeling like I need to rush through it. And, it is definitely unpredictable. Very nice.

A Life Renewed: A Christian Mystery Romance (Secrets of the Queens Book 1) 

Everyone in this story has secrets and when they say trust no one, they mean it.

Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree with his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes.

Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart?

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I’ll let you know if I find anything else.

Read and enjoyed August 04, 2021

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Three books, enjoyed equally but they were all different. The only similarity between them, they were all Mysteries.

All of them displayed the characteristics I like best in a good mystery. They kept me guessing, clues were given out subtly, all through the story. The characters were interesting and well developed. The story moved along at a comfortable pace.

The third book was the one with a big difference and it was much appreciated in a last read. After the intensity of stress and intrigue in the first two mysteries it was a nice change of pace to have a bit of fun with a zany character or two. It did start off with the grizzly discovery of a dead body so it wasn’t all fun and games. The introduction of comic relief was a nice change of pace, though, sprinkled liberally through the story like it was.

All three authors are favorites too, guaranteeing these reads would be attractive.

Fatal Strike

There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.

As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.

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The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians Book #1)

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

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Deadman’s Float: A Cozy Culinary Mystery with an Adorable Dog, a Zany Ice Cream Lady, and an Unforgettable Ice Cream Truck (Crime à la Mode Mysteries Book 1)

USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt takes readers to the mysterious, quirky island of Lantern Beach, North Carolina, in this charming cozy series!

It all started with a runaway dog.

Meet Serena Lavinia: part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and full-time woman of mystery. She never expected to find a cute little terrier while on her morning ice cream route on the island of Lantern Beach. 

Nor did she expect the dog to be carrying a bloody shoe.

When a dead body is discovered floating in a nearby pool, Serena becomes fully immersed in her very own who-done-it. But her investigation hits a snag when a new foe arrives in town. Webster Newsome has been appointed the town’s new newspaper editor—a job Serena wanted—and the man is entirely too bossy.
As it becomes clear that Serena’s dog is somehow tied with the crime, Serena knows she must find the killer. She’ll take on whatever persona necessary to ensure answers are found, even if it means becoming Sherlock . . . Sherlock Cones.

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Currently, I’ve just started a speculative historical what if. What if history has it all wrong and she didn’t die after all? Wouldn’t that be a nice turn of events? I’ve barely started this story but the writing is interesting so far and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.

A Life Renewed: A Christian Mystery Romance (Secrets of the Queens Book 1) 

In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, “The Nine Days’ Queen” was executed for high treason.
But what if, instead of feeling the blade on her neck she secretly survived?

Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree with his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes.

Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart?

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Happy Reading!

Bargain books August 03, 2021

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has another bargain suggestion for us from a favored author. This lady knows how to crank them out.

Mountain Survival (K-9 Search and Rescue Book 3)

Amazon quote:

An injured victim has disappeared…

Can a park ranger and her K-9 find him?

When search-and-rescue park ranger Autumn Mercer and her K-9 partner, Sherlock, meet a stranger in the mountains whose brother is injured, they drop everything to help. But all they find where Derek Peterson last saw his sibling is a trail of blood—and men who want them dead.

With gunmen closing in, can Autumn and Derek survive long enough to save his brother?

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I like having multiple books to share with you but today I’m quitting after a brief and fruitless search for more bargains.

I’m feeling bogged down and overwhelmed by my backlog of unread books, currently sitting at 271. I’ve been trying to rush through to bring the numbers down but I’m not gaining nearly as much ground as I’d hoped. It’s summer, there are other things going on.

It’s quite possible that tomorrow I will have forgotten I’m overwhelmed and there will be multiple books again. You just never know how quickly moods can change. And if there were multiple attractive suggestions, well … no question, there would be more books.

Attractive books are impossible to resist!

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Currently I’m reading a thriller that is not easy to put down.

The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians Book #1)

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

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

Happy Reading, y’all