Free books May 25, 2020

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

BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us.

Love’s Healing Power (New Beginnings Book 1)

Love's Healing Power

Amazon quote:

Tess Morgan loves being a pediatric nurse and helping the children under her care. She’d always wanted a large family, but that dream was shattered when her fiancé was murdered while volunteering in South America.
Peter “Mac” MacPherson, a former football superstar, had dealt with his own tragedies—the deaths of his father followed by his wife while she was giving birth to their daughter. His faith sustained him through his grief, but can he help Tess believe again in God and finally find a family—with him?

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LPC Books has a few FREE suggestions for us

The Secret Heir: David has a secret…and a dangerous love.

The Secret Heir

Amazon quote:

Years before, he was anointed future king of Israel. Now if the sitting king learns of his secret, it will mean death for David and everyone in his family. David’s secret destiny becomes more complicated when he falls in love with King Saul’s daughter, Michal. He will do whatever it takes to secure her heart, provided she doesn’t find out that David is the rumored rival to her father’s throne.

Now that Michal is of age, the Queen determines her daughter must be married as soon as possible. Michal resigns herself to a pre-arranged marriage with a man she does not love. Then by fate or God’s providence she meets the handsome, young lyre player standing outside her father’s chambers.

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A Million Miles From Home also FREE

A Million Miles From Home

Amazon quote:

Ben and Annie Flurry have the perfect family, until an accident takes Annie’s life and leaves their daughter severely injured. Now Ben struggles to come to terms with his own grief and guilt.

As the past he tried to leave behind threatens all he holds dear, Ben makes the difficult decision to move back to his childhood home to seek the help of his mother — and the father he remembers as abusive and an alcoholic. His mother claims his father is a changed man, but Ben isn’t so sure. Can he find the strength to be the dad and man his father never was? Or will the wounds of the past ruin Ben’s chance to love again?

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Return to Walhalla FREE

Return to Walhalla

Amazon quote:

When financier Penny Ruskin returns to Walhalla, South Carolina, she has one purpose—to settle her grandmother’s estate and sell the Victorian house she grew up in. Not an easy task with the downturned economy. When she loses her job in the state capital, what other choice does she have but to stay in Walhalla until she finds work? She can only hope it won’t take long.

Walhalla is Tommy McAllister’s life. Between his family’s feed-and-seed store and the bank he’s vice president of, he’s stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn’t seen since high school breezes back into town, he’s ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home—and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories—one dark secret in particular.

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The Gathering Storm: (When Darkness Falls Book 1) FREE

The Gathering Storm

Amazon quote:

Stephanie Walker lives a peaceful life until her undependable and dishonest father, Marty Walker, suddenly arrives at her home pleading with Stephanie to come with him to his Harrington Lodge in the beautiful Ozarks. Stephanie, suspicious of her father’s motives, declines her father’s invitation.

After his departure, Stephanie discovers the diamond necklace she borrowed from her aunt is missing. Racing through a raging thunderstorm, Stephanie drives to the lodge to reclaim the stolen item.

But when she arrives, Stephanie finds her father dead, her aunt’s diamond necklace gone, and a pair of handcuffs fitted just for her. Stephanie’s claims of innocence fail to sway the local sheriff, who produces several pieces of evidence linking her to the murder. With a shaky alibi and a vindictive stepmother, Stephanie turns to a lodge employee for help. But will Brad Wilson’s assistance lead Stephanie to the real killer or prove to be her undoing? Like a gathering storm on a warm summer evening, Stephanie’s world darkens until she’s forced to turn to the one true source of knowledge. But what she learns about her father, family, and her own inner demons are more horrifying than the lies she’s come to believe.

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Enjoy!

I’m currently reading & enjoying this collection, it’s still a bargain at $1.39.

Baxter Family Bakery: The Complete Collection (Arcadia Valley Romance)

Baxter Family Bakery

Amazon quote:

Loaves & Wishes: Inheriting her friend’s Bed and Breakfast in Idaho is a second chance to succeed, but falling for the farmer next door wasn’t in the plan.

Muffins & Moonbeams: Past hurts and insecurity mean they both prefer the background, but a chance at love shines a light too bright to escape.

Cookies & Candlelight: Micah Baxter has enjoyed the year he’s worked in his family’s bakery in Arcadia Valley, even if his siblings are all finding love, leaving him the odd man out. When Micah delivers the cookies Serena ordered for an event at her pottery studio, the attraction between them is hard to deny. But so are their differences. What will it take for a former starlet to find love with an average Joe?

Donuts & Daydreams: Police officer Gloria Sinclair had her life in order until Jonah Baxter moved to Arcadia Valley. Now their friendship has sparked feelings that threaten her tightly-guarded secret. Can Jonah learn to see beyond her devastating revelation, or will they be stuck with a relationship made of donuts and daydreams?

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Happy Reading!

Chapter two Signal

May 24, 2020May 24, 2020 / For the Love of Books / 4 Comments

This is week two in the Sunday Scribblings prompt hosted by Peckapalooza: The Confusing Middle.

I figured it would be great if this whole exercise were to serve a dual purpose. With that in mind I turned this second story prompt into Chapter Two, to continue the story from last weeks prompt. Chapter One can be found here

Chapter 2

Signal

This crisis was not on their radar for today. John’s team pays close attention to the usual online chatter. That’s what US Marshalls do. There have been no whispers of threat. Nothing catching their attention in this high-profile case.

The surprise panicked phone call coming in from Carly this morning has John rushing to mobilize his support team. A new safe location is needed, asap. Heavy security measures for the journey will be needed as well. Grabbing his partner, and four others, he leads them to the situation room. They need to devise a foolproof rescue plan to extract her from the downtown office tower.

The complication in this situation is lack of knowledge. Without the who or why, they are going in blind. Judging by the photos received this morning someone is watching the house and the office. Any movement will be noticed. Unless they can come up with a way to sneak her out.

Maybe tech support can find a discrete exit from the building. Easy access to a waiting vehicle is critical. If it is possible for the SUV to enter the building for loading, even better.

Their team is too small to do this alone. The backup of local law enforcement will be necessary to pull this off. It could be a trap. They would be outnumbered and outgunned if they were to rush in unprotected. The SWAT team, if they are available, would be ideal to neutralize possible threats. John’s call to the Police Chief has his office on board. The chief knows the area and thinks his guys can strategically place themselves out of sight, ready to swoop in as needed. SWAT and plainclothes will find ways to blend in too. It will be a comfort knowing they are on the lookout for rooftop snipers.

The next hurdle will be extraction without alerting the whole office. He dreads the way added attention could jeopardize everything.

Carly say’s she will wait safely in her office and slip out to meet them. If they can signal when it’s time.

The wait is necessary. She knows it takes time to arrange for her safety. She’s can’t help but be worried though. What if the reason for her position in this office interferes? The company she’s working for has its own crisis to deal with. What if they figure out a strategy for their problem and have a task for her? Before she can make her escape. This could get messy. Besides that, how will her sudden disappearance be explained. Won’t that raise its own set of alarms?

It’s a good thing she didn’t personalized her office in the months she’s been here. No need for regret over things left behind. Her apartment is a different story. The lease will need termination. They will send a team to collect her things. At least that’s what she imagines will happen.

This morning’s delivery of pictures will need to come along. For possible evidence if nothing else. The sender will have been careful to avoid fingerprints or any other identification markers but the pictures themselves may offer some clues.

The mystery is how did they find her. John and his team were beyond careful in the creation of her new identity. There is no way discovery could have happened by chance. Just the very thought of that brings chills up and down her spine.

There is more than one possible person behind this, that’s the bad news. Each one is as dangerous as the next. If John and his team manage to get her out of here alive, it will surely be a chore to keep her that way.

What makes her significant enough for this to be happening? That’s the question. All morning she’s been wracking her brain looking for answers. They obviously think she is a threat to them somehow. She must know or have seen something. Or they assume she has.

The pictures are tucked safely in her pocket. She’s ready. Now she just needs to pray John gives the signal before her team lead comes in with an office task.

Free and bargain books May 23, 2020

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

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. This is an author new to me. The first chapter is intriguing and I look forward to experiencing the rest of the story.

Never Say Goodbye

Never say goodbye

Amazon quote:

Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.

Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. One from my 2015 read-and-enjoyed list. I can still remember this read but after checking out the enticing first bit, I think I need to read it again. $1.38 CDN

His Baby Bond : Sacred Bond Series Book 1

His Baby Bond

Amazon quote:

Poor-but-proud Kendra Forrester doesn’t need an arrogant billionaire to tell her how to raise her sister’s baby. But when handsome Zeke King arrives at her Colorado cabin demanding custody of his brother’s child, strategy dictates that she let him stick around.

Battling mountain snowstorms and the baby’s illness brings these two opposites together, but their own insecurities, their dead siblings’ secrets, and a jealous former boyfriend threaten their tentative bond.

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I’ve just started a good looking book which, unfortunately, has gone back to regular price. Another Dan Walsh book is still a bargain though. When Night Comes (Jack Turner Suspense Series Book 1)

I’m currently hooked on If These Walls Could Talk (Joe Boyd Suspense Series Book 1)

When Night Comes If these Walls Could Talk

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I see Dan Walsh has a No -Fiction bargain book, one that may offer us encouragement in the difficult days we are facing. I’ve not read it yet, but a little peace would be welcome.

Perfect Peace: in Imperfect Times ($1.39)

Perfect Peace

Amazon quote:

Dan Walsh, bestselling fiction author of novels like The Unfinished Gift and The Reunion, has penned his first non-fiction book. Perfect Peace is a 31-Day Devotional crafted from the pages of Dan’s personal journal, written over the last several years.

Here’s an excerpt from Day 2: “If you’re like me, you’ve known moments of real peace. Moments when you’ve trusted God fully for your life, for everything going on in your life. In those moments, you knew real peace. The problem is, the word ‘moments.’ The moments didn’t last. The promise of Isaiah 26:3 is not to have moments of peace in our lives. The promise is that God would keep us in Perfect Peace.”

In Perfect Peace, Dan shares the Scriptural life-lessons he’s learned during some of the more challenging times in his life, hoping to encourage other Christians wrestling with things like stress, worry or fear.

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We’ll finish off this list with something a little lighter. a bargain ($1.40)

Deadman’s Float (Crime à la Mode Mysteries Book 1)

Dead Man's Float

Amazon quote:

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.

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Happy reading! …

… on this cloudy but warm spring day.

They say we could get rain and possible thunder storms sometime today. We do get awesome thunder storms in this area. If it’s a good one maybe I will share a bit of it with you. Share the fun. It’s not quite hot enough today to produce spectacular but you never know. 🙂

Free and bargain books May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us from one of my favorite authors. We’ve seen this book offered a time or two and we’re happy to see it again.

The Demise (A Braxton Mystery Book 1)

The Demise

Amazon quote:

Tiny Braxton, Tennessee, is a quiet, tight-knit community wrapped around an old town square just a stone’s throw from Nashville. But when the town’s most prominent citizen is found dead at the base of its water tower, news of Peter Lanham’s apparent suicide roars through town like a massive tsunami.

Peter, the handsome, beloved CEO of Lanham’s Fine Foods, had taken a small, family-owned grocery store founded in 1927, and grew it into a successful national chain. With most of Braxton’s residents employed by Lanham’s corporate headquarters, word of Peter’s demise left them searching for answers. What could possibly have made him take a swan dive off that tower?

Julie Parker is convinced he didn’t. As receptionist at Lanham’s executive office suite, she’s determined to find out what really happened to her boss. An aspiring actor who also stars as “The Lanham Girl” in the company’s TV commercials, Julie prides herself on her perceptive observations and people-skills. Who better to find out what happened to Peter up on that water tower?

Matt Bryson, on assignment as a rookie Special Agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, isn’t about to let the attractive receptionist intrude on his first case. She may be a hometown insider, but he’s perfectly capable of solving the case without “Miss Marple” screwing up his investigation.

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BookBub has a bargain suggestion. $0.99. From the Life Begins at Forty series

Cherish Me: (Chapel Cove Romances Book 3)

Cherish Me

Amazon quote:

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.

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A FREE book in the series mentioned above, showing up in Amazon suggestions. Written by another author we see here often.

Love Me: (Chapel Cove Romances Book 2)

Love me

Amazon quote:

Growing up, Kristina Vela never imagined she’d meet her fortieth birthday divorced by her cheating, manipulative husband, without a house, degree, or career. Back in her hometown, Chapel Cove, to start anew, she’s given up on men. Then she meets grieving widower Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter.

Former snowboarder Greg Matthews is moving to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. After his wife died, his heart closed to romance. As caring and compassionate Kristina helps him repair his house and his life, he might be falling for her. But if she decides to leave, will he survive a second heartbreak?

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I’m currently reading and enjoying …

The Forgiving Hour: A Novel

The Forgiving Hour

Amazon quote:

Twelve years ago, Claire Porter thought her entire life was over when she learned that her husband, Dave, was having an affair with a young college student. Following their divorce, Claire started over, including changing back to her maiden name of Conway.

Claire now feels pretty good about her accomplishments. She has raised a wonderful son, Dakota; enjoys her work; and finally has a new love. When Dakota informs her that he is engaged, she looks forward to meeting his fiancée, even as she wonders if 31-year-old Sara Jennings is too old for her “little” six-foot-plus boy.

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My blogger friend peckapalooza, The Confusing Middle has issued another one word story challenge.

Signal.

It will be a challenge alright. I have a foggy idea but that’s about it so far. At least I haven’t given up quite yet. 🙂

In the meantime…

Happy Reading!

Free books May 21, 2020

May 21, 2020 / For the Love of Books / 2 Comments

Browsing shows us a FREE fun read, one previously read-and-enjoyed and shared here again recently. It’s worth another look.

In Between (A Katie Parker Production, Book 1)

In Between

Amazon quote:

When the case worker drops Katie Parker off at her new foster parents’ home, Katie knows she’s not staying. In the time it takes to unpack her suitcase, she’s launched a full-scale mission to get sent back to the girls’ home. Live with a pastor and his wife? No, thank you. When phase two of the plan backfires and gets Katie in big trouble, her punishment lands her in a local production of Romeo and Juliet. What does she know about acting? But when she steps into the spotlight, Katie will find more than applause waiting for her on that old, weathered stage.

While Katie slowly adjusts to life with her foster parents, she’ll realize she’s not the only one with a troubled past. Her new family is hiding something, and Katie will do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of it. Even if that means hanging out with her insane foster grandma, Mad Maxine. If this old lady’s shenanigans don’t get them both thrown in jail, surely Katie will live to uncover the Scott family secrets.

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us today.

Second Chance Ranch: (Three Rivers Ranch Romance Book 1)

Second Chance Ranch

Amazon quote:

After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, anxious to prove himself capable of running the cattle operation so his parents can retire. Things would be easier if the ranch wasn’t missing 1.6 million dollars, which forces Squire to hire Kelly, the girl who rejected his high school prom invitation, as his accountant.

She’s back in town with her four-year-old son, living in her parent’s basement until she can get her life back together. With fresh ink on her divorce papers and open gashes on her heart, she’s not ready for much beyond her new job on the ranch.

Squire wants to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, it will take patience and faith to make their second chance possible.

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I know this FREE one has been mentioned recently but it’s a slow day for new suggestions so we’ll go with it. I liked this book.

The Watchmaker’s Daughter (Glass and Steele Book 1)

The Watchmaker's daughter

Amazon quote:

India Steele is desperate. Her father is dead, her fiancé took her inheritance, and no one will employ her, despite years working for her watchmaker father. Indeed, the other London watchmakers seem frightened of her. Alone, poor, and at the end of her tether, India takes employment with the only person who’ll accept her – an enigmatic and mysterious man from America. A man who possesses a strange watch that rejuvenates him when he’s ill.

Matthew Glass must find a particular watchmaker, but he won’t tell India why any old one won’t do. Nor will he tell her what he does back home, and how he can afford to stay in a house in one of London’s best streets. So when she reads about an American outlaw known as the Dark Rider arriving in England, she suspects Mr. Glass is the fugitive. When danger comes to their door, she’s certain of it. But if she notifies the authorities, she’ll find herself unemployed and homeless again – and she will have betrayed the man who saved her life.

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There are two books in my currently reading queue. I’m bouncing back and forth between them, still trying to decide if I’m feeling attraction. Indecision is not necessarily a good sign. They are both still FREE. Try them out to see what you think.

Mac Mail Order Bride 4 boook Box Set

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Happy Reading …

..on this cloudy but warm spring day. The weather forecast promises a high of 26 c again this afternoon. With the nice days we’ve had this week the growth of new tree leaves is noticeable. Everything here sprouts at alarming rates in this kind of weather and I’m not sad to see it. Well, except for the weeds.

Warm feels good.

Free and bargain books May 19, 2020

May 19, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Today is a browsing kind of day. Bereft of suggestions. I’m left grieving.

But not for long. Browsing has been a little bit fruitful already. Maybe it will turn into something more than a little.

The Sasha McCandless Series: Volume 1 (Books 1-3) … it’s FREE

The Sasha McCandless Series

Amazon quote:

Irreparable Harm (Book 1)

After eight long years, Sasha McCandless is about to make partner at a prestigious law firm. When a plane operated by her client slams into the side of a mountain, killing everyone aboard, Sasha gears up to defend the inevitable civil lawsuits. She soon realizes the crash was no accident: a developer has created an application that can control a commercial plane’s onboard computer from a smartphone. Sasha joins forces with a federal air marshal, and they race to prevent another airline disaster. But when people close to the matter start turning up dead, Sasha must rely on both her legal skills and her Krav Maga training to stop the madman before he kills her.

Inadvertent Disclosure (Book 2)

Six months after an airplane crash altered the course of Sasha’s professional and personal life, she’s focused on building her solo law practice and tending her budding relationship with federal air marshal Leo Connelly, who helped her stop a madman. When she drives from Pittsburgh to rural Clear Brook County to argue a discovery motion, she finds a town bitterly divided over the issue of hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale. Outsiders from the oil and gas industry and environmental activists threaten to rip apart the community’s fabric. Then the town’s only judge is murdered, and Sasha can’t just walk away. As she works to find the killer, she must race to save the town before it fractures beyond repair.

Irretrievably Broken (Book 3)

The venerable law firm of Prescott & Talbott is reeling from the murder of partner Ellen Mortenson — purportedly at the hands of her estranged husband — when a photograph of the dead woman arrives, her face Xed out and “ONE DOWN” scrawled across the bottom. Within days, a second partner is murdered, her husband also accused. Sasha doesn’t practice criminal defense, so she’s suspicious when her former firm asks her to represent Ellen’s husband. Owing Prescott a favor, she takes the case and soon finds herself representing not one, but both, of the so-called Lady Lawyer Killers. The long hours jeopardize her relationship with Leo Connelly when he needs her most. That’s the least of Sasha’s troubles, though, because what she doesn’t know is that the real killer is waging a vendetta for a past case gone wrong. And there’s one more lawyer on his list.

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Another FREE collection. I don’t recall reading anything by this author. There are only 177 pages total so each story will be short. A quick read.

Mail Order Bride 4 Book Box Set:

Mail Order Bride 4 boook Box Set

Amazon quote:

Critics describe these books as a very sweet invigorating set of books which are heart-warming, full of love, mystery, hope, and the true meaning of friendship.
Includes 4 series starter books (Faith Creek Brides #1, Sun River Brides #1, Silver River Brides #1, Ruby Springs Brides #1)

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A FREE book from last fall. I don’t believe I’ve read this yet.

Convenient Lies

Amazon quote:

She married her enemy…

When investigative journalist Reagan McAdams discovers her new husband is part of an international crime family, she flees Paris with their newborn and returns to her childhood home in New Hampshire to gather enough money to disappear forever. She’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son from his criminal father.

He never quit loving her.

Rae’s first love, Brady Thomas, discovers she’s home and in trouble. She won’t tell him what’s going on, but he’s a detective. He’ll figure it out. He’s going to protect her and her son, whether she wants his help or not.

Her enemy nears.

Rae would love nothing more than to fall into Brady’s arms, to allow him to protect her and her son, but getting involved with him will only put Brady on harm’s way. When Rae’s husband closes in, she has to decide what—and whom—she’ll sacrifice to save her son.

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This next one is also FREE. I’ve read this author before but need a refresher.

Mac: inspirational women’s fiction (Sisters by Design Book 1)

Mac

Amazon quote:

After separating herself from the oppressive cult where she was raised, Mackenzie Soeurs has two dreams: to give her son Riley a better life than she had, and to live in peace, as far from the harsh God of her past as she can get. At least that was the plan until her son got hauled to jail for theft and she lost the mother she never truly understood. In the darkest moments of her life, Mac finds herself surrounded by a group of Christian women she can’t understand and a handsome man, willing to take her son under his wing.

Dane Cooper, Garfield’s former bad boy and groom left at the altar, can’t deny his initial attraction to Mackenzie. Neither can he resist the urge from God to mentor her delinquent son. How can he guard his battered heart and still give Riley the same second chance he was given?

When Jesse, Charley, Randy, and Alex signed up for Mac’s first fitness class, they were looking for someone to whip them into physical shape. What they found was a woman bound by a cruel history, suffering through a tragic present, and in desperate need of a friend…or four.

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Nine books today, if you count each book in the two collections. This should be enough to keep us occupied for a while.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books May 18, 2020

May 18, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a FREE suggestion

The Forgiving Hour: A Novel

The Forgiving Hour

Amazon quote:

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LPC Books has a FREE suggestion from an author I’ve not read before.

The Last Summer

The Last Summer

Amazon quote:

For twenty-something Sara Witherspoon and her group of friends, a perfect Southern summer includes lake-house getaways, wedding planning, outdoor concerts, and a dash of romance. But for these seven friends who love each other like family, this year, summer rolls in with changes for everyone.

Sara’s longtime crush, Luke, has been her best friend for as long as she has been a part of the group. When Luke begins seriously dating another of their friends, Sara’s forced to deal with her hurt and jealousy, while outwardly try to support them both.

While Sara comes to terms with her own heart and her friends’ relationships, an unexpected handsome pilot from North Carolina and an old flame are thrown into the mix. Knowing her heart suddenly becomes much more complicated.

But as time unfolds and friendships begin to unravel, Sara and the others are presented with the reality of what a season of change does to old friendships and new love interests.

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A second FREE suggestion from LPC Books showed up fro me a year ago.

Fatal Transaction

Fatal Attraction

Amazon quote:

Sara, an expert computer hacker, knows better than to trust anyone—certainly not the powerful and crooked business mogul for whom she works. But there is no future for the life of a thief. Determined to find a way out, Sara devises a scheme to double-cross her employer and steal millions through one final fatal transaction.

Desperate and on the run, she finds temporary sanctuary with the mysterious Derry Conway. As the FBI closes in and her former associates seek revenge, Sara tries to escape but finds all avenues blocked. Trapped, she sees only one road out—Derry must take the fall and pay for her crimes. But will it work? Is her freedom more important than the life of an innocent man? Or will Sara make the ultimate sacrifice to save those she cares about?

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Another FREE suggestion from last fall.

Lord of Her Heart

Lord of Her Heart

Amazon quote:

Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for. Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.

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The book I’m currently reading is still a bargain at $1.24

Lighten Up (Body and Soul Series Book 1)

Lighten up

Amazon quote:

Bethany Light is the daughter of a minister who can’t forgive her father for running off with the church secretary. She goes to her own pastor for counsel, never expecting to fall in love with him. To make matters worse, she’s personal training his fiancé in preparation for the big day and somehow ends up in their wedding.
Refusing to make the same mistake her dad made, Bethany tries to focus on fixing her family rather than face her own issues. How could a household that used to have it all together have fallen so far from grace? And how can she keep from following in her father’s footsteps when it feels so right?

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Happy Reading y’all!

Read and enjoyed Mid May Edition

May 17, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It’s a slow day for interesting book suggestions so we will go straight to read-and-enjoyed.

Usually I start things off with the book I loved most. I can’t really do that this time as I can’t think of one at the moment. This week nothing rose above OK and some didn’t even make it that far. Most of the less than okay stories will show up later on the unfinished list.

Nothing this week was terrible. I do have to acknowledge that. I also have to recognize part of the issue is personal preference. Most of these authors have multiple published books so they do have an appreciative audience out there.

So… The book that stands out most clearly for me at this point in time is not the most favored but the most disappointing.

There are a few reasons why.

I really liked the book, in the beginning, and wanted/expected it to be a favorite read.
But then, momentum fizzled out about half way through and never did recover.
There was a villain, the story needed one. It turned out he was not an integral part of the story but simply a planned element.
And then, content cuts did not go deep enough. Particularly in the last part of the book where I skimmed (touched down briefly here and there) quickly through the last dozen or so chapters.
Finally, the ending was weak and forgettable.

The villain is awkward and unbelievable but the rest of the characters are well developed and relatable. The story idea is good. If the opportunity is ever available, I think this book would definitely be worth a rewrite.

(Remember: I can’t be disappointed if I’m not invested to begin with.)

Just As I Am: (Unfailing Love Book 1)

Just as I Am

Amazon quote:

Adeline Rhodes has spent years locked away in a New Orleans apartment controlled by her criminal boyfriend. After a daring escape, she realizes just how far she has grown from the things in which she once believed.

Declan King has lived a life of solitude and duty for the U.S. Army. When the deaths of his grandparents bring him home to his family farm, he is forced into contact with people who know too much about his past to simply leave him alone.

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Beginning … answering a challenge

May 16, 2020May 17, 2020 / For the Love of Books / 4 Comments

Can I even do this?

A fellow blogger has issued a writing challenge . Check it out maybe you would like to join too. Anyway, he wanted to know who was in with the idea. Several weeks ago I produced my first small attempt at fiction writing (also part of a writing prompt suggestion). It turned out better than I expected and now I’m feeling somewhat encouraged to try again. The problem is, I have no stories rattling around in my head. How do I even come up with an idea never mind a whole story? To answer him, I said I might try.

My hope flew right out the window at the sight of his one word prompt. It seemed pretty impossible and I was ready to take a pass on this one. The thing is … as the days went by I figured I needed to at least put a little effort into it before giving up completely.

After rejecting a few ideas on where to go with a story there was one that seemed feasible. I had the germ of an idea, that’s all, no real details. With only this small bit to go on, I learned something about myself as I worked through this exercise. It’s giving me hope to think, maybe I’m not a lost cause after all.

It turns out I’m a pantser, not a plotter. I fly by the seat of my pants. I started writing with what I did have, and amazingly, I ended up with a little story. Albeit, one without a neat and tidy conclusion. It could be chapter one someday. Probably not, but it could be.

So here is my second small story, this one in answer to Peckapalooza: The Confusing Middle’s challenge. Beginning

Beginning

Carly opened her eyes to sunlight peaking through the slats of the window blinds. A promising start to the day. Nice weather always improves her outlook on life. The thought of a good cup of coffee and a bagel at her favorite breakfast stop doesn’t hurt either.

She couldn’t help but smile as she went about getting ready for the day. This job was working out well, much better than expected. It’s not easy taking on a new career with no prior training or experience. Who knew she could actually do it.

The prospect of a sunny day was disappearing quickly as she stepped off the elevator. Something was up. The tension in the office was palpable and she had no idea why. The first thought to cross her mind was to wonder if it had anything to do with her. She hadn’t been there very long and her entry into the company did not follow the usual advancement track. Some toes were stepped on to make it all possible. There had to be at least one, maybe two, holding a grudge for being passed over by a newbie.

It wasn’t like she had little education or experience. She did in fact hold several degrees and enjoyed success in a field unrelated to this one. It wasn’t the same but it did qualify her, in a backward kind of way, to be successful here. There had been much thought put into this placement and all expectations were that she would excel. If this morning’s stress couldn’t be related to her performance, what else was going on?

As she powered up her computer an email flashed on the screen. Her team was ordered to the board room in ten minutes. They were about to find out what was going on and it couldn’t be anything good. Not with the harsh tone of the summons.

It didn’t lessen the team’s sense of apprehension any to see the large management representation seated at the head of the table. At least her mind was eased on one aspect. This couldn’t be about her.

Opening remarks verified that thought. This was much bigger. Someone’s job could be on the line, maybe even more than one someone. Management was out for blood. The company stands to lose millions unless they can come up with a fast solution for a project that has gone terribly wrong. The client is screaming law suit and they intend to deliver unless this is made right and made-right now.

The meeting was short. It doesn’t take much time to deliver this heavy ultimatum. Finding an acceptable solution will not be accomplished as quickly.

Carly is not part of the lead on this project, so there’s not much she can do until someone gives her instructions. Heading back to the office while the rest brainstorm, her mind is on clearing her desk. She can do her best if she’s ready to run the minute they call.

The sight of newly delivered mail is distracting. There’s an envelope leaning against her keyboard where it can’t be missed. A big padded envelope with no return address. Who would be sending her something like this? Warning bells began sounding in her head. The room started spinning as she glanced at the contents.

Pictures. Pictures of her leaving the house. Pictures of her entering this office building. The nightmare is beginning all over again. How had they found her? With trembling hands she placed a call to her contact in the Marshall’s office, the company dilemma completely forgotten.

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I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it.

Today is a slow day for the usual offerings of Free and Bargain book suggestions. Tomorrow could be better but if it’s not I have a good list of read-and-enjoyed to share with you.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books May 15, 2020

May 15, 2020 / For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

It happened again. So I’m wondering. Why do most female lead characters wear scoop neck tops these days? More importantly – why is it necessary for me to know this?

Maybe it takes awhile for these often-used words to work their way through the system enough to be recognized as tired.

My eyes tend to glaze over when they encounter wardrobe descriptions, Terms like casual, classy, slovenly, paint pictures in my mind. Minute descriptions, not so much. Once in a while there is a reason why we need to know how a character is dressed, but mostly… it matters little to the story.

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A FREE book suggestion.

Two O’clock Slump (The Hartfield Mysteries Book 3)

two o'xlock slump

Amazon quote:

It’s time for Alexa’s bi-annual trip to her hometown. In the wake of her dear friend’s arrest and her recent engagement, the trip should have been a welcome diversion. However, her trips to California’s Mojave Desert only bring pain and reminders of why she moved halfway across the country in the first place.
Any hope for a quiet rest away from the drama of recent months disappears as an alarm clock in the hotel room next to hers awakens her at two o’clock in the morning.
To her astonishment, Alexa finds herself under suspicion for the murder. When the evidence piles up against her, Joe decides it’s time for her to leave. While Alexa stays “off the grid” and out of the hands of her hometown police, Joe works quickly to find who is really responsible.

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BookRunes has a FREE Fiction suggestion for us.

I AM My Beloved Caryl Mcadoo

I am My Beloved

Amazon quote:

The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.
How could the wisest man ever to live turn away from following God? The key is in Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs that King Solomon wrote after his return to the Lord. Who was the Shulamite? And why did he call her his sister spouse? Only God knows the answer, but the wisest man who ever lived left clues. You will never forget reading this anointed story and may find yourself setting it down to wipe tears away or simply worship the great I AM.

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I’m currently reading and enjoying Just as I Am and it’s still a bargain at $0.99

Just As I Am: (Unfailing Love Book 1)

Just as I Am

Quote:

Adeline Rhodes has spent years locked away in a New Orleans apartment controlled by her criminal boyfriend. After a daring escape, she realizes just how far she has grown from the things in which she once believed.

When Adeline’s past catches up to her, the two strangers find themselves thrust into a fake relationship to protect Adeline from her vengeful ex. As their chance meeting begins a journey that heals old wounds, they struggle to stay ahead of the danger and deny their growing attraction to each other.

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This is a holiday long weekend for us and the weather is promising to be nice and warm. I’m excited about attaching the weeds poking through in the flower beds. Of course, I’m looking forward to reading time too!

I hope life is looking a little better for you and your’s, like our’s is here. Restrictions have been relaxed somewhat and we can meet in small groups. Stay safe.

Happy Reading to you too.