Checking in November 14, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This is a no-book day. Not sure where the normal suggestion emails went to on this Monday.

I needed something to do so I spent some time browsing through Amazon. There were a few that looked interesting, at first anyway, but the interest didn’t last long enough to choose any of them.

On the bright side I did finish both books in the current series we talked about yesterday. I wasn’t sure about the second book but it did turn out well. Now I wish I had Book 3.

********

The other day I mentioned an experimental idea I had for maintaining interest in collections. Reading the 4 or 5 books of a collection all in a row can become boring. I was thinking if I read one book out of each (I have 5 on the go currently) and kept doing that until all five were done, maybe the experience would be more positive. So far it seems to be working. Sort of like taking a bit of salad in between bites of steak or potatoes helps keep the flavors from becoming boring.

Here are three I have been working on at the moment. Well the first two I have been, the third has been sadly neglected for months on end and needs to be moved on one way or the other.

I’ve moved up to Book 2 in the Prairie Brides collection and it’s good.

I may even just stay with these three, that may be enough of a change to get it done. Besides, I’m dragging my feet on two of them. I may decide to skip them altogether.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

That’s it for tonight.

Happy Reading.

A little of this, a little of that November 13, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

This is one of those days when I have nothing.

Although, it’s not strictly true in that while there is nothing structured, and filled with good content, there are still a few things on my mind.

Like how insanely frustrated I am with the recent changes to the stats page. I am sure someone loves the new feature but it’s not me. There are three little pieces of information that could fit in 1/2 inch horizontal space but no, it has to take up 3 inches, at least, meaning I have to scroll back and forth to see the information pertinent to me.

The irony in all of this is my recent decision to share only positive rather than negative thoughts and opinions. It didn’t take long for that good intention to fly out the window.

The whole negative-thoughts decision was related to my less than glowing assessment on several recently read books. My insecure mindset viewed the weak response to the post as a good indicator that I should stick to compliments. The old adage, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.

The thing is – not all books are created equal. In truth, there are probably fewer well written books than there are not-so-well written. Like anything else in life some of us find certain tasks easier than others do. There is nothing wrong with that. In the end though, talent is one thing but willingness to do the hard work is the magic key. So, while not all books are great, I don’t need to comment on them. I’ll just keep quietly removing them before sharing a recently read and enjoyed post. Besides it not like I have a large audience and my opinion matters to the masses.

I am envious of one blogger I follow, she can, and often does, declare loudly about hating a book. She says it and we smile. I don’t have that gift, wish I did (big smile.)

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

So, on to read and enjoyed.

Last night I finished Book 1 in a series and loved it. Kindle has a new feature that groups series together. It turns out, using this feature, I have Book 2 as well. I do remember starting it but having trouble making a solid connection. Now that I’ve read book one the beginning of book two is making more sense to me. Hopefully it will turn out to be as good as book one.

**********

Final thoughts on the rant we started out with.

Years ago we lived near a talented friend with an amazing voice. He loved to participate in community events singing solos of all kinds. We all thought he could have made it in the music industry if he wanted. He could have but he didn’t have the want to or the drive and dedication needed to make it happen. We’ve seen others with less talent who did make something special out of their gift.

We’ve seen it happen in other areas of life too, where the most talented weren’t the most successful.

It’s amazing how much of our success depends on the way we think and the way we act. A revolutionary thought.

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

Tomorrow is Monday. Up and at’em

In the meantime. . .

Happy Reading

A bargain book November 12, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

BookBub has a suggestion I would like to explore. I don’t think I have read this author.

Courting Misfortune (The Joplin Chronicles Book #1)

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children’s home. He’ll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm’s way.

Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can’t let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.  

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

Nothing else has presented itself today, I did spend time exploring too but it wasn’t helpful.

On another subject, I’ve come up with a possible solution

Recently, we’ve downloaded a number of collections. There is a problem arising out of consumption of that many similar books in a short space of time. Even with different authors there often is a sameness destroying the positive reading experience. I’ve decided to try something new to see if it helps. The new plan involves reading one book from each collection with a stand-alone book in there somewhere, then cycling through the group of collections until they are all complete. Lately I’ve been giving up half way through and I’m hoping this will keep me from doing that.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

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

Currently I’m reading a mystery/thriller after one cycle through 4 collections. A welcome change of pace.

One Little Lie (The Pelican Harbor Series Book 1) 

Bodies are showing up everywhere, mostly in strange but telling ways. The killer seems to be handing out retribution. Some of it is meant as distraction.

The killer is dropping hints. He (assuming it’s a he) has plans to keep the authorities insanely busy until the real target is revealed. It’s hard to say at this point what the end game is but it seems to be aimed at the newly appointed chief of police. Maybe.

This story will keep me going for a while, it has the page count of nearly three books in some collections. I’m not complaining. I’m not skipping through any pages either.

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

I’m happy reading. I hope you are too.

Bargain books November 11, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Exploring. That’s what it took to find treasures today. They are all historical fiction but other than that they are all different and interesting. At least the first few pages have me hooked and I’m expecting good things from there to the end. I’ve read one of these authors, the rest will be a new experience.

First up we have…

Carved in Stone (The Blackstone Legacy Book #1) 

Her gilded world holds a deeply hidden secret. 

After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family’s heartbreak and scandal behind her.

Patrick O’Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He’s proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones’ legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they’ve always held dear is worth the reward.

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

Next . . .

The Inheritance Tamara Alexander

Determined to tame her fourteen-year-old younger brother’s rebellious streak, twenty-three-year-old McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin’s invitation to move west and start over. McKenna arrives only to find that her cousin and her cousin’s husband have died, leaving their five-year-old daughter an orphan—and that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from what she expected.

McKenna struggles with her sudden new role as the guardian of two children. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs instead of the older sister he resents. But her “untimely inheritance” challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust—and perhaps even her heart.

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll, and he finds himself at a crossroads. He’s brought countless men to justice, but he questions what lasting good he has accomplished. When his path intersects that of young Robert Ashford, Wyatt glimpses himself, years ago, in the boy’s pride and arrogance. He also sees a boy without a firm hand in his life. His well-meant attempt to help Robert brings him face-to-face with the one situation he never wanted to encounter—and the one woman who holds the key to helping him find his future.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond imagination—but it will come at a price.

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

Last but not least . . .

The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers On The Moors Book 2)

In Regency England, the same time period as Bridgerton and Poldark, Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart—in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

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

We have good reading options for the weekend.

This and that November 10, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

A major snow storm rolled in this afternoon and we went from zero to lots in short order. It is beautiful enough to keep the blinds open and the porch light on. We have had snow already this season but this right here is the real start of winter.

The window has freckles.

I was watching the snow and reading a good book. A perfect night.

Happy reading on this cold winter night.

No books day November 09, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

There weren’t any in sight to even turn down. Most days we have 3-4 suggestion emails but today there was one. Strange for the middle of the week.

Maybe the book suggestors had a late night last night, listening to the US election results, and couldn’t get motivated today.

Things are bizarre in the US when it comes to election results. In Canada we may have to stay up pretty late but generally we know who won the majority of the races before the night is over. Unless it is tight and needs greater scrutiny to know for sure. It just seems weird that they haven’t figured out a good system for ballot counting by now. It’s not like elections are something new. I’m thinking most of us would be fired from our jobs if we moved that slowly at work. Truly mystifying. Frustrating too. Who has the patience or the interest to pay attention that long? Maybe if we lived there and cared. But maybe not.

All that to say I’ve moved on. Not that anyone cares haha

So I’ve been reading off and on through the day and I can’t say this book has been holding my attention any better than the US election coverage. In the end I skimmed, jumped chapters, and found the end as quickly as possible. It’s a collection and the second book was no better. I’ve moved on. Way too much thinking time.

Here are the books I’ve left behind. Maybe not forever, but for now anyway.

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

This is the replacement current read. So far so good. Hopefully it will be good right to the end.

Keatyn’s mother died in a house fire and she blames her dad for not rescuing her. In her mind he let her mother die and she will never forgive him.

Years have gone by, she’s worked hard to climb the corporate ladder and she is good at her job. The trouble is she has become a bitter woman. People who were her friends accuse her of being mean and selfish.

Now her dad is dying and she’s home for the first time since the fire. She would leave before even saying hello but her brother lifted her car keys and she has no way to run, except on foot. It’s not working out all that well for her, Marching away in three inch heels.

I’m assuming there will be eventually be a happy ending to this story but I suspect it may be rather painful getting there.

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

Can’t believe how quickly time is rushing by. It will be Christmas in a couple of days. Seriously!

At least the snow has not come to stay yet.

Happy Reading y’all

Bargain Book November 08, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Davis Bunn is a heavy hitter in the favorite author category.

He has a new co-author and book one in a new series coming out today according to this morning’s email. I wanted to see what it was about (the cover and sample) but sadly it is not on Amazon.ca yet. I haven’t checked any other countries, like the USA, to see if it’s is there.

There is a full description in the email but it’s too much to share here. There is an endorsement though that sheds a little light on what the book is about, it’s not very long. Here it is…

Charles Salzberg, well-known writing teacher and award winning crime author, had this to say: “Set in the rarified, dazzling circle of the super-rich, Guptara and Locke’s intricate, fast-paced international thriller consistently delivers the thrills and chills inherent in the high stakes, cut-throat world of high-finance in which murder is simply another business option.”

The name of the book is Fortune’s Favor and I’m looking forward to a glimpse of it. It appears to be taking off in a whole new direction, Mr. Bunn is known for doing that. Check out his book list and you will see for yourself.

*************************”
 Searching through his books, just because, I found one I don’t have yet and it is offered at a bargain price (my kind of book.)

The Emerald Tide (Miramar Bay Book 6) 

A breathtaking new novel about letting go, taking chances, and embracing the healing power of love—from the international bestselling author of Tranquility Falls.

Just when he thought he’d buried his past and was moving on . . .

Four years after his wife’s death, art history teacher Derek Gaines.has finally made a kind of peace with himself. He tries his best to stave off memories. His days are ones of familiar routine. Guarded against further pain, he keeps relationships at a safe distance. It’s all part of his necessary transition to surviving alone. If anything is truly responsible for Derek making it back from the brink it’s his edifying work as a consultant for auction houses—and indulging a consuming sideline job: tracking stolen art. But Derek’s latest hunt will lead him toward challenges both professional and personal—that he’s not prepared to
face . . .
 
He discovered the art of falling in love again . . .

Joining Derek on his quest is Kelly Reid, the new junior vice president of gallery operations at Christies Los Angeles. She is driven, ambitious, fiercely passionate about her work—and a fellow wounded kindred spirit. Bitterly immune to men’s promises, she’s never letting herself be vulnerable again. Yet even as trust and affection remain frightening territory, a tenuous start to her partnership with Derek slowly builds toward something more. And soon, both will be tested beyond anything they could have imagined–in the deepening mystery of a lost painting, and in matters of the heart, which can be the greatest mystery of all.
 
With love comes risk in The Emerald Tide, a powerful and emotional novel about daring to take a second chance.

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

See what I mean about genres and Davis Bunn? This series is nothing at all like the new one mentioned above.

Here is the link if you are interested in following them.

Davis Bunn & Jyoti Guptara authors@storyworlds.ink

Happy Reading.

Bargain books Part Two November 07, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

I couldn’t resist. Today’s post was full, it didn’t need anything more and then an irresistible collection showed up. It doesn’t look like most of the historical books we see and that really appeals to me. So here we are.

Romancing the Weavers Book Collection One: A Collection of Sweet Historical Romance

Everyone loves the Weavers!

Enjoy this collection of Weaver stories from Kit Morgan. Lucia, Arturo and Leonardo are Kit’s first contributions to her series Romancing the Weavers. A multi-author series written with Ray Anselmo. In this Book Collection you will find:

Lucia:

Lucia Cucinotta lived a sheltered life compared to most. She came to America from Italy and lived in New York City for a time, but the bulk of her years were spent on the Weaver farm, a full day’s wagon ride from the nearest town. If she was lucky, she got to Nowhere three or four times a year. Imagine her surprise when she visits Clear Creek, Oregon, and discovers there’s more to life than the family farm! A lot more.

Max Cooke fell head over heels with Lucy when he and his family spent one magical Christmas on the Weaver farm. But that was over two and a half years ago, and even though he and Lucy wrote to each other, they weren’t the same people now. It was only logical they’d have to get to know each other again. Problem was, they had only a little over a week to get reacquainted. Worse, Lucy was drawing the eye of every young gentleman in town! Downright disaster was the fact she was looking back! She’d never been around so many gentlemen her age before. What was Max to do?

Arturo:

Rayne O’Sullivan was no stranger to rejection and abandonment. She’d lost her mother during childbirth, her father to sickness when she was young. Then she lost her grandfather. She’d been living with her great uncle ever since, and he couldn’t wait for the day when he could be rid of her. Now here she was, a mail-order bride in a nothing of a town about to be married to a complete stranger. How much more can she endure?

Arturo Cucinotta just wanted someone to love. Yes, he had a big, boistrous family, but he was ready for more. A lot more, and the only way to get it was to find himself a wife. Problem was, there weren’t any eligable young women in the area. That left him with only one choice. A mail-order bride. And though he wouldn’t be the first in the family to get one, he was still nervous. How could he marry a woman he’d never met? Worse, his bride was refusing his kindness more and more. What was he supposed to do about that? Didn’t she want to be married to him?

Leonardo: 

Leonardo Cucinotta has a problem. Two actually. Parthena and Savannah Cooke.
When Colin and Belle Cooke accompany Max (their nephew) and his wife Lucy on a visit to the Weaver Farm, they brought along more than Leo bargained for.
Everyone thought he’d set his cap for Savannah, Max’s sister. What better time to let the two young people spend some time together? But when Parthena sees Leo, the sparks fly and in more ways than one. Will a man break up a life-long friendship between the Savannah and her cousin Parthena? Will Leo have to choose between the two? Will anything ever be the same after this visit? Find out in this installment of Romancing the Weavers! Sweet, clean fun for everyone!

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

Wouldn’t you know it, the next in the series just showed up as an irresistible bargain too. It was written by another author. This should prove interesting

Romancing the Weavers: Romans in Love: Box Set – 3 Novels 

In 1870, Antonio Cucinotta left Rome, Italy on the ship Gabriel, with his pregnant wife and seven children. His eighth child was born on the trip across the Atlantic. But in New York, his wife died, he tried to cover his grief with alcohol and gambling, and his oldest daughter Isabella, in a desperate move to save her siblings, went to Washington Territory as a mail-order bride to marry Calvin Weaver. Once she settled in, she brought all her brothers and sisters across the country to join her.

The Cucinotta children prospered in the Far Northwest. They grew strong, learned skills, and once they reached adulthood, they began looking for love. On the Weavers’ isolated farm, thirty miles from the nearest small town, husbands and wives could be hard to find. But the good Lord had a plan for each, and that plan included spouses that were perfect for them.

This box set includes three of their stories, with adventures ranging from the romantic to the ridiculous to the perilous:

  • ALFONSO – Alfonso Cucinotta is sick of life on a farm with more family than he knows what to do with. Philadelphia Howe is headed for California with her baseball-manager father, the only family she has. When the Howes and their driver get lost and stumble on the Weaver farm, it sets the stage for romance, conflict and danger!
  • MELANIA – After six years of correspondence, Melania Cucinotta is crazy about Clinton Cooke. Clinton Cooke, of the Clear Creek, Oregon Cookes, is crazy about Mel. But when Clinton leads a cattle drive to the Weaver farm and they finally get together, can they keep from going crazy?
  • GABRIELLA – Gabby Cucinotta was perfectly happy living on the farm, unmarried and unworried. But fate had other plans for her. And when an unwanted suitor tries to force her hand, fate lands her in jail on a charge of murder!

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

I’m gong to quit while I am ahead. No more books today.

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

I’m liking the current read. Half way through.

Line by Line (Love along the Wires Book #1)

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she’s recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s also determined to marry into high society–a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who’s intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

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

Happy Reading Y’all

Free and bargain books November 07, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is a big day in the US. Election day. Are you all getting out to vote? Awesome.

So, this is a good day, we have a couple of FREE books. BookBub and BookRunes have let us know about them. The first is an author we see regularly, the second is brand new to us.

Last Taste of Freedom (Chevalier Protection Specialists Book 1)

The fight is coming home.

For trophy daughter Nora Gladstone, life isn’t as perfect as it appears. When her only ally is suspiciously killed the truth of her father’s treachery leaks through the cracks of the facade that is her whole world.

Zander O’Connell and his team of former soldiers and spies accept a mission from the director of the Department of Clandestine Services. A quick search of the objective before they destroy it reveals a sinister picture.

Determined to bring her father down, Nora may be the key to the question at the core of Zander’s existence. But when a man thought dead resurfaces, the threat becomes far more dangerous than any of them expected.

Unless they survive, this will be their Last Taste of Freedom.

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

Keatyn’s Journey: Seeds of Faith

Journeys of Life
Tragic events caused Keatyn Rae Griffin to leave home and become bitter. Over the years, she’s managed to push everyone but her brother, Alvin, out of her life. Everyone, including God.

A turn of events causes Keatyn to travel home to Pensacola Beach. Home to the place where her life fell apart.

Gareth Davenport left his past behind and now lives a life obedient to God. When he crosses paths with Keatyn, he’s determined to help with her pilgrimage back to God.

Will Keatyn’s journey bring love and forgiveness back to her life? Most importantly, will her journey help her turn back to God?

Or will secrets from the past drive Keatyn further away and cause her to harden her heart forever?

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

One more interesting read showed up in my time spent browsing, it’s a bargain collection and I’ve read and enjoyed the first book in the series. Now I’m looking forward to the rest.

A total change of pace, historical fiction, cowboys and prairie brides.

Prairie Brides Box Collection One: Books 1-4

Prairie Brides Box Collection 1 introduces the town of Clear Creek and the Cooke brothers. Three English gents who tame the west with their fists and impeccable manners! Enjoy these sweet, clean and wholesome stories of family, friendships, and love set in the old west! Included in this boxed set are:

His Praire Princess: When Sadie Jones, the daughter of cattle baron Horatio Jones, set out on her own in search of her dying birth mother, she got more than she bargained for. She never dreamed the stage would be robbed and she herself taken along with the rest of the loot! After all, being kidnapped was the last thing on her mind that morning. Unfortunately, it was the foremost thing that afternoon.
Harrison Cooke, raised by his English mother to be the perfect gentleman, simply went to get the mail, not rescue a damsel in distress! But here he was, attempting to rescue the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and of course, not get them both killed in the process.

Her Prairie Knight: Belle Dunnigan hadn’t expected Clear Creek to be so remote. It was a far cry from Boston society and she soon learned how hard life out on the Oregon prairie could be. But it wasn’t prairie life that was hard. It was living with her Aunt Irene! The woman ruled with an iron fist and hated everyone. Especially the Cooke family. And unfortunately for Belle, the only decent men of the marrying kind within a hundred miles, WERE the Cookes! With spinsterhood starring her in the face, what was she to do? Even worse, she was terribly attracted to Colin Cooke, the one man her aunt hated most of all.

HIs Prairie Duchess: Duncan Cooke had a problem. A really BIG problem. As the next Duke of Stantham, he would have power and position, a wealthy estate and the means to take care of his family for years to come. His father and mother could only dream something like this would happen to their eldest son and now their dream was a reality. So what was the problem? He had to get married in the next thirty-eight days or lose it all. Unfortunately, Duncan lived in Clear Creek. A place where there wasn’t a single female around for hundreds of miles.
Except one.

Her Prairie Viking: Andel Berg came to Clear Creek under the guise of becoming the new blacksmith, but little did the townspeople of Clear Creek know that he was so much more! Madeline Van Zuyen came to Clear Creek for a new beginning and the chance to start a new life. Little did she know that SHE was so much more!
Mr. Berg had a duty to perform. Find the Princess Madelaina at any cost, retrieve her, and deliver her to Count Rudge, one of the most despicable men Andel had ever known. Not an appealing task for a Captain of the King’s Guard but unfortunately, Andel had no choice. If he didn’t deliver the princess Count Rudge would kill his father and Andel was prepared to do anything to keep that from happening. But Andel hadn’t counted on falling in love.

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

Another interesting Kit Morgan collection showed up and I want it too. I’ll use another post to share it with you.

Soon.

Happy Reading.

Free book November 06, 2022

/ For the Love of Books / Leave a comment

Sunday is a slow day for book suggestions but we do have one that could be interesting. The authors are new to me and they are still new to having books published it seems, the selection is still small. One thing they do have in their favorite is their impressive involvement in the publishing industry. Editing is in their resume and I know they will be making sure their books are well taken care of in that department. I wish I could say the same thing about my current read where the editing is hit and miss and leaves much to be desired. At least the story is well thought out.

So back to BookRunes free suggestion. This is a published series with three books and we have the first one.

Picture Imperfect (Roseville Romances Book 1) 

Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?

Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.

When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.

If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.

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

That’s all there is for now but I will keep my eyes open just in case.

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

I have two current reads. . . half way through each of them. I’m enjoying the stories but I’m not sure what happened here.

The problem with the first one is sloppy editing. Much of the book, so far, is well edited, it’s the sections with no discernible editing that are derailing the reader’s connection to the story. Could it be that the polished version was not the one published? Certainly seems possible.

The second story is a good read, as usual for this author, but there are some triggering sections that have me taking a break.

I will finish them both in time, never fear.

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

It’s a cloudy day with cool temperatures, a perfect day to curl up with a warm drink. a good book, and a cozy blanket

Happy Reading y’all